Abstract: A method to provide emergency lighting, the method comprising: detecting absence of current in the emergency lighting system; determining state of a main power switch connecting the emergency lighting system with a main power supply; and switching to backup power to provide emergency lighting based on the determination of the state of the main power switch. A system, the system comprising: a signal generator to generate a control signal; a switching unit to connect and disconnect a light emitting element; a control signal sensor to detect the control signal in the emergency lighting system; and a switching controller linked to the switching unit to: detect absence of current in the emergency lighting system; determine state of a main power switch not tied to the emergency lighting system; and switch to backup-up power to provide the emergency lighting based on the determination of the state of the main power switch.

Abstract: In a magnetic position detection system designed to detect a target object in a detection space using an array of magnetic sensors, the position of the target object can be determined by fitting a model of the target object's magnetic field to the sensor measurements. A robust determination of whether a target object is present can be obtained by fitting the model to the sensor measurements and determining the remaining differences between the fitted model and the sensor measurements. If the differences are high then the model is not fitting well, suggesting that the target object is not present. If the differences are low, the model is fitting well and the target object can be determined as being present. Measurements made when the target object is determined as not being present can be regarded as background field measurements including any stray fields.

Abstract: A drive mode selection system for a vehicle is provided that includes a drive mode selector that can facilitate selection of a current drive mode from among a plurality of drive modes of the vehicle based at least in part on input from a driver of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of drive modes can be associated with a distinct visual indicator. Additionally, the system can include a mode indication component that can display the current drive mode of the plurality of drive modes by providing the distinct visual indicator associated with the current drive mode. The system can further include a mode recommendation component that can recommend a drive mode of the plurality of drive modes based at least in part on the current drive mode and data received from one or more sensors.

Abstract: A method and a terminal for acquiring road condition information are provided, wherein, the method includes: forming an Ad Hoc network with other terminals; acquiring own position information through positioning; exchanging position information with other terminals in a network through the Ad Hoc network; and acquiring the road condition information according to the exchanged position information. The present method realizes a technical effect of acquiring the road condition information without an operator.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for performing a wireless location of a mobile communication device for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more interactive mobile services capable of being activated by a user of the mobile device. When the mobile device is operated by the user, a wireless location is performed for determining whether such an interactive service, requested by the user, can be provided to the user. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the mobile device resides in a container, e.g., a vehicle, for determining whether the interactive mobile service can be accessed by the user.

Abstract: Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems.

Abstract: A process of providing driver fuel economy feedback is disclosed in which vehicle sensors provide for haptic feedback on fuel usage. Such sensors may include one or more of a speed sensors, global position satellite units, vehicle pitch/roll angle sensors, suspension displacement sensors, longitudinal accelerometer sensors, throttle position in sensors, steering angle sensors, break pressure sensors, and lateral accelerometer sensors. Sensors used singlely or collectively can provide enhanced feedback as to various environmental conditions and operating conditions such that a more accurate assessment of fuel economy information can be provided to the driver.

Abstract: Emitted light from first light sources cause a pair of first guide lights to be displayed on a combiner side by side at positions adjacent to a HUD display area. Emitted light from second light sources cause a pair of second guide lights to be displayed such that the pair of first guide lights are interposed between the pair of second guide lights. At least one of number of light sources to be lit, lighting cycle, and lighting order of the first and the second light sources is changed in accordance with a current vehicle speed and a change in shift position of a transmission of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for exiting the vehicle transport mode including placing the vehicle ignition in a predetermined position, monitoring the fuel level and exiting the vehicle transport mode when the fuel level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method may also include the step of monitoring the inclination angle of the vehicle and maintaining the vehicle in the vehicle transport mode when the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A display control device includes a controller that, if an obtainer obtains first-segment speed limit information, controls a displayer so that it creates a first predetermined image, indicating a first-segment speed limit, and displays the first predetermined image on a display medium, and includes a determiner that, if second-segment length information is obtained after the first-segment speed limit information has been obtained, determines whether the second-segment length is shorter than a threshold. The controller makes a switchover from control under which the displayer creates the first predetermined image and displays it on the display medium to control under which the displayer creates a second predetermined image, indicating a second-segment speed limit, and displays the second predetermined image on the display medium in different control ways depending on whether the second-segment length is shorter than the threshold.

Abstract: Delivery of a wrap package “on the fly” in reply to a vehicle onboard diagnostic (OBD) system triggered event. When a notice of the event is received, a wrap package, including custom content presented within a plurality of cards arranged in one or more linear sequences, is automatically authored. The custom content encompasses, but is not limited to, one or more media types, application functionality and/or e-commerce related services. In one embodiment, the custom content pertains to a specific code generated by the OBD system that corresponds to the event. In another embodiment, the triggered event is an accident.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine employs a starting system. A method for evaluating the starting system includes determining a cranking resistance ratio between a starter and a battery of the starting system during engine cranking. The cranking resistance ratio is normalized based upon an operating temperature of the starting system, and the starting system is evaluated based upon the normalized cranking resistance ratio.

Abstract: Vehicle profiles allow drivers of vehicles to select any vehicle they desire to simulate. A graphical dashboard may be reconfigured to assume a graphical interface of any vehicle. A prospective buyer of an electric vehicle may configure the dashboard of a conventional, internal combustion vehicle to visually simulate an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method for localizing tire sensors includes determining a wake up field power, transmitting an LF wake up field having the wake up field power from an LF antenna on the vehicle, receiving an identification signal from each tire sensor awakened by the transmitted LF wake up field, and determining whether a desired number of tire sensors have woken up in response to the transmitted LF wake up field based on the received identification signals. When the desired number of tire sensors have woken up, the method can further include recording the identification signals received from the awakened tire sensors and the respective antennas that awoke the respective tire sensors. The method further includes determining whether a desired number of antennas have transmitted a respective LF wake up field.

Abstract: A mirror pane, a mirror pane carrying element, a cover, and a supporting device associated with the carrying element and the cover includes supporting elements formed on an inner surface of the cover extending perpendicular to an inner surface of the mirror pane. It may also include reinforcing ribs in portions of the mirror pane to be received into slots of the carrying element. A clipping device is provided for coupling the mirror pane to the carrying element which includes a number of flanges and a number of corresponding openings whose plane is mutually perpendicular.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle is provided. A first image sequence of a first rear environmental region of the motor vehicle is provided by a first camera system of an electronic rearview mirror and the first image sequence is displayed on a display device of the electronic rearview mirror disposed in an interior of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, a second image sequence of a second environmental region of the motor vehicle, which overlaps with the first environmental region at least in certain areas, is provided by a second camera system of an environmental capturing device. The electronic rearview mirror is then checked for presence of a malfunction by a computing device of the driver assistance system and the second image sequence is displayed on the display device of the electronic rearview mirror when the malfunction is present.

Abstract: Vehicle collisions may be automatically detected and reported based to a call center. The collisions may be automatically detected based on a collision detection model that receives sensor data, or other data, as input, and outputs an indication of whether there is a collision. The collision detection model may be trained on historical sensor data associated with potential vehicle collisions, where the historical sensor data is labeled to indicate whether the data corresponds to an actual collision.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for a device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings, which actuating device is functionally connected to the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings. A calibration of the device for monitoring the vehicle surroundings is able to be initiated by means of the actuating device, the initiation of the calibration being correlated with a weather parameter detected by the actuating device.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of tires and a suspension system as subcomponents. The suspension system includes at least one suspension sensor configured to provide suspension data (S). A controller is operatively connected to the suspension sensor. The controller has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for determining respective tire normal forces (Fzi(t), i=1 . . . 4) for one or more of the plurality of tires, based at least partially on the suspension data (S). The tire normal force (Fz) is the net force acting on each tire (or wheel) in the vertical direction. The tire normal force acting on each tire may be determined without using the specific model of the tire, road information, wheel or tire sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring apps in a vehicle or in a smartphone to reduce driver distraction is disclosed. A controller operating inside or in combination with the head unit of the vehicle or operating inside or in combination with the smartphone may monitor operation of the vehicle, and generate alerts indicative of operation of the vehicle (such as an alert indicative that the vehicle is operating at a predetermined speed). In response to the alert, the operation of the app in the vehicle or in the smartphone may be modified.

Abstract: A road information providing apparatus includes a position detection unit, a matching unit, a reference point ranking unit, a calculation unit, a weighting unit, and a transmit unit. The position detection unit detects a present position of a vehicle. The matching unit specifies reference points based on the present position and map data. The reference point ranking unit defines a ranking of each reference point. The calculation unit calculates a priority value of each forward road link corresponding to one of the reference points. The weighting unit recalculates a weighted priority value of each forward road link based on the priority value of corresponding forward road link and the ranking of corresponding reference point. The transmit unit transmits the weighted priority value of each forward road link in order of increasing weighted priority value to an in-vehicle device.

Abstract: In a chain drive, the wear of a chain having a plurality of links, each of which is provided with a pair of pivot pins parallel to each other and transversally spaced apart from each other and at least three strips parallel to one another and arranged side by side is controlled by means of a detection device adapted to detect the breakage of at least one of the strips and to emit a signal indicating to replace the chain itself.

Abstract: A base unit installed in a vehicle including a vehicle communication module for communicating with a controller, the controller monitoring at least one operating parameter of the vehicle. The base unit also includes a transceiver and a processor configured to receive the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle from the vehicle communication module. The processor is further configured to receive identifying information for a driver associated with the vehicle from at least one external device and process the at least one operating parameter and a set of thresholds associated with the driver to detect a driving event. The transceiver is configured to transmit the driving event to at least one external device.

Abstract: A battery management unit includes a plurality of monitoring units. Each monitoring unit is configured to acquire at least one operating variable of at least one battery cell or of a battery module having a number of battery cells. Each monitoring unit is connected to a first bus. The battery management unit further includes a control device connected to the first bus and configured to communicate with at least one of the monitoring units of the plurality of monitoring unit via the first bus.

Abstract: A marine probe with no moving parts for use in one or more tanks on a floating vessel. The marine probe has pressure transducers, temperature sensors, an inclinometer, and a probe processor electrically connected to the pressure transducers, temperature sensors, inclinometer and a probe data storage. The marine probe controls the temperature sensors and pressure transducers to produce bidirectional signals and calculate at least one physical property, performs adaptive measurement for dynamic and static synchronized and non-synchronized measurement, identifies temperature sensors and pressure transducers not covered by the fluid, measures multiple parameters of the fluid in the tank, calibrates pressure transducers in a vapor space of the tank when the pressure transducers are no longer in the fluid, and creates bidirectional signals using values from the inclinometer transferring the bidirectional signals to a client device via a network.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device is provided. The device includes a substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The substrate includes a plurality of driver circuits at the first side of the substrate. Each of the plurality of driver circuits is configured to drive a current from the first side of the substrate to the second side of the substrate. The device further includes at least one load interface at the second side of the substrate. The at least one load interface is configured to couple the current from the plurality of the driver circuits to a plurality of loads at the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a memory system is provided. The memory system can include one or more memory elements, a quantity associated with each of the one or more memory elements can take a value in a continuous range of values; an encoder configured to determine a value for a quantity of a first memory element of the one or more memory elements based on data to be stored; and a memory controller configured to control the first memory element such that the quantity of the first memory element is set to the determined value.

Abstract: The SOC of a power storage device provided in an electrically powered vehicle is controlled not to fall out of a SOC control range. When a SOC estimate value reaches a control lower limit value during vehicle traveling, a power generating structure provided in the vehicle starts to charge the power storage device. In the case of low temperature and/or deterioration of the power storage device, i.e., in the case where decrease of performance of the power storage device is concerned, the control lower limit value is increased as compared with that in a normal state. As a result, decrease of driveability and decrease of startability of an engine in the hybrid vehicle, both otherwise caused by insufficient output electric power from the power storage device, can be avoided.

Abstract: A separation controller for motor vehicles, having a localization device for measuring separations from preceding vehicles, an actuator system for intervention in the longitudinal guidance of the own vehicle, and an electronic control device for applying control to the actuator system and for regulating to a target separation the separation from a preceding vehicle in the own lane, wherein the control device has an adjacent-lane mode in which the target separation is modified as a function of a measured separation from a vehicle driving in an adjacent lane.

Abstract: First support control for determining lane deviation on the basis of a predicted lane deviation time is selected when a vehicle lateral position is within a region on the outer side of a dead zone and on a lane center side further inward than a predetermined position. Second support control for determining the lane deviation on the basis of the vehicle lateral position and a yaw angle to lane is selected when the vehicle lateral position is within a region on the lane end side on the outer side of the predetermined position.

Abstract: A system and method are described to track and warn a person suspected of texting while driving a moving vehicle. The position and speed of a user's cell phone are compared with those of other cell phone users in the vicinity. If the position and speed of a phone track that of one or more neighboring phones, it is assumed that a user may under certain conditions be texting while driving. For circumstances where persons suspected to be in the same vehicle utilize different service providers, parameters such as for instance cell phone position, velocity, and direction of travel are time stamped and then compared. Cell phone users who are determined likely to be texting while driving based on the disclosed methods may be warned without disabling their texting capability.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (100) comprising: a fuel powered engine (121) and electric motor means (123) operable to provide torque to drive the vehicle (100); energy storage means (150) operable to store electrical energy generated by generator means (123) for driving the electric motor means (123); and energy management means (140) for controlling the engine (121) and electric motor means (123) to provide torque to drive the vehicle and for controlling the generator means to generate electrical energy for storage in the energy storage means, wherein the vehicle comprises control means operable to monitor a value of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle, the control means being arranged automatically to identify a current driving style of a driver ranging from an economy-oriented driving style to a performance-oriented driving style responsive to the value of the one or more parameters, the energy management means being operable to control the engine, electric motor means and generator means respo

Abstract: A rear-view mirror and modular monitor system and method includes an interior mirror that embeds a modular monitor behind see-through mirror glass. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple cameras, some in the vehicle, bus and/or truck, as well as some cameras outside the vehicle, bus and/or truck, advantageously providing the driver an opportunity to view what is happening, for example, in the back rows of the bus and/or cabin, while also using the mirror to look at objects in the bus and/or cabin that are visible using the mirror. The rear-view mirror and modular monitor system is configured to be easily assembled and/or disassembled when necessary for maintenance and/or to replace parts.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.

Abstract: A method for vehicle data management according to embodiments of the present invention includes receiving an accelerometer signal from an accelerometer mounted in a vehicle, determining an accelerometer specific force based on the accelerometer signal, receiving a speed signal from a speed sensor or GPS or other source on the vehicle, wherein the speed signal indicates a speed of the vehicle, determining an instantaneous acceleration of the vehicle by calculating a rate of change of the speed based on the speed signal, selecting a current observed acceleration as a lower value of the accelerometer specific force and the instantaneous acceleration, capturing video footage with a camera mounted on the vehicle, and flagging the video footage corresponding to a time when the current observed acceleration exceeds a preset safe force value.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface, wherein a real subset of a set having several objects can be displayed by a control device of a display unit, a graphic element is displayed by way of the position of a first graphic sub-element relative to a second graphic sub-element, and the displayed subset is changed by an operating process. Objects are divided into n disjoint subsets, wherein n is a natural number greater than 2 and n positions are defined relative to the second graphic sub-element, and the first graphic sub-element is displayed only for one of these n positions if no operating process for changing the subset is carried out, wherein the positioning of the first graphic sub-element on one of the n positions shows which of the n subsets is currently being displayed.

Abstract: An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background.

Abstract: A processor of a server may receive, from a plurality of vehicles, fleet alerts indicative of vehicle locations and status of aftermarket equipment installed to the vehicles, identify fleet alerts associated with vehicles of a fleet, and generate, based on the fleet alerts, fleet data providing the vehicle locations and status of the aftermarket equipment of the vehicles of the fleet. A processor of a vehicle may receive vehicle data including vehicle location and aftermarket data including a status of aftermarket equipment installed to the vehicle, determine a condition of an alert rule indicative of a status of aftermarket equipment installed to the vehicles is satisfied, and send an fleet alert to a remote service indicative of the status of the aftermarket equipment.

Abstract: A base unit installed in a vehicle including a vehicle communication module for communicating with a controller, the controller monitoring at least one operating parameter of the vehicle. The base unit also includes a transceiver and a processor configured to receive the at least one operating parameter of the vehicle from the vehicle communication module and process the at least one operating parameter to detect an event, wherein the event is used for driver compliance logging. The transceiver is configured to transmit the event to at least one external device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic identification of entities moved together by a transport vehicle comprising a first element, constrained to the transport vehicle which moves the entities together, and configured to acquire in digital form a trend within a first time interval of the acceleration, or first acceleration profile, to which the transport vehicle is subjected. A second element is constrained to each of the entities in motion, and configured to acquire in digital form a trend within a second time interval of the acceleration, or second acceleration profile, to which the entity is subjected. A wireless radio network may be used for the communication between the first element, and each second element.

Abstract: Handheld electronic devices including motion sensing and processing. In one aspect, a handheld electronic device includes a set of motion sensors provided on a single sensor wafer, including at least one gyroscope sensing rotational rate of the device around at least three axes and at least one accelerometer sensing gravity and linear acceleration of the device along the at least three axes. Memory stores sensor data derived from the at least one gyroscope and accelerometer, where the sensor data describes movement of the device including a rotation of the device around at least one of the three axes of the device, the rotation causing interaction with the device. The memory is provided on an electronics wafer positioned vertically with respect to the sensor wafer and substantially parallel to the sensor wafer. The electronics wafer is vertically bonded to and electrically connected to the sensor wafer.

Abstract: A reception system for a control unit in a vehicle having a voltage generator for generating a synchronization pulse which generates the synchronization pulse within predefined specification limits and having a predefined shape and a predefined time behavior, the reception system outputting the synchronization pulse for synchronizing a signal transmission via a data bus to at least one sensor, and a method for generating such a synchronization pulse. The voltage generator includes a voltage amplifier which generates the synchronization pulse generally as a sinusoidal oscillation based on a reference voltage.

Abstract: A haptic alert system for use in a vehicle includes a sensor system operable to identify a condition associated with the vehicle; a control system in communication with the sensor system; and a remote haptic device in communication with the sensor system.

Abstract: A rollover prevention apparatus includes a primary hydraulic cylinder attached to a frame bracket, a secondary hydraulic cylinder attached to the primary hydraulic cylinder and a wheel bracket. The rollover prevention apparatus includes a stabilizing wheel affixed to the wheel bracket. The stabilizing wheel is substantially in line with a plurality of wheels affixed to the frame while the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the line being substantially perpendicular to the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders. The stabilizing wheel has a negative camber angle with respect to the plurality of wheels while the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders are retracted. A rollover event may be averted by extending the primary and secondary hydraulic cylinders such that the stabilizing wheel makes contact with a road without substantially leaving a lane, and using the secondary hydraulic cylinder to push against the road until the rollover event has been averted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining at least one eco-driving indicator wherein at least a first indicator (IND) is determined as an optimal speed (Vopt) that minimizes the energy consumption. Calculation of optimal speed Vopt is constrained by measured instant speeds Vmes at breakpoints of the travel where the driver has to adapt his driving according to conditions external to the travel. Once the eco-driving indicator is determined, it can be displayed (AFF) and/or the vehicle can be controlled (COM) in accordance with the indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for controlling autonomous vehicles utilizing maps that include visibility information. A map is stored at a computing device associated with a vehicle. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode that supports a plurality of driving behaviors. The map includes information about a plurality of roads, a plurality of features, and visibility information for at least a first feature in the plurality of features. The computing device queries the map for visibility information for the first feature at a first position. The computing device, in response to querying the map, receives the visibility information for the first feature at the first position. The computing device selects a driving behavior for the vehicle based on the visibility information. The computing device controls the vehicle in accordance with the selected driving behavior.

Abstract: A tire wear state estimation system includes a tire pressure measuring device affixed to a vehicle tire for measuring tire inflation pressure and generating tire inflation pressure data; tire torsional mode measuring means for measuring tire torsional mode frequency and generating tire torsional mode frequency data; and tire identification means for generating tire-specific torsional mode coefficients using tire-specific identification data. A tire wear estimation is made based upon the tire inflation pressure data, the torsional mode frequency data, and the tire identification derived torsional mode coefficients.

Abstract: Methods and systems for predictive reasoning for controlling speed of a vehicle are described. A computing device may be configured to identify a first and second vehicle travelling ahead of an autonomous vehicle and in a same lane as the autonomous vehicle. The computing device may also be configured to determine a first buffer distance behind the first vehicle at which the autonomous vehicle will substantially reach a speed of the first vehicle and a second buffer distance behind the second vehicle at which the first vehicle will substantially reach a speed of the second vehicle. The computing device may further be configured to determine a distance at which to adjust a speed of the autonomous vehicle based on the first and second buffer distances and the speed of the autonomous vehicle, and then provide instructions to adjust the speed of the autonomous vehicle based on the distance.

Abstract: A system for reducing driving risk comprises an event capture device and a processor. The event capture device is to capture a driving event of a vehicle during a driving trip. A processor configured to assign a risk identifier to the driving event, to generate an event score based at least in part on the risk identifier, and to generate a driver score based at least in part on the event score and one or more driver challenge factors.