Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: an on-vehicle-user-number recognizing unit that performs recognition of an on-vehicle-user-number, and stores the on-vehicle-user-number in a storage unit, the on-vehicle-user-number being a number of users who have got on a vehicle; an off-vehicle-user-number recognizing unit that recognizes an off-vehicle-user-number, the off-vehicle-user-number being a number of the users who have got off the vehicle after the recognition of the on-vehicle-user-number by the on-vehicle-user-number recognizing unit; and a power door control unit that causes at least one power door to perform closing operation when the on-vehicle-user-number stored in the storage unit equals the off-vehicle-user-number recognized by the off-vehicle-user-number recognizing unit, the at least one power door being a power door that the user has used at a time of getting off the vehicle.

Abstract: A processor-implemented vehicle controlling method includes: determining whether an object in a vehicle is a living object based on radio detection and ranging (radar) information received from a radar sensor; in response to a determination that the object is a living object, determining bioinformation of the object based on the radar information; and adjusting a temperature in the vehicle based on the bioinformation and temperature information received from a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a switch assembly operably connected to the tailgate. The switch assembly includes a switch structured to be actuatable by application of a load exceeding a predetermined threshold to the tailgate. The switch assembly is operably connected to a tailgate automatic opening/closing mechanism such that actuation of the switch controls operation of the mechanism to prevent execution of a command to automatically open the tailgate when the tailgate is in a fully closed condition.

Abstract: An improved restraint system is provided. More particularly, the improved restraint system can include a harness and a booster seat. The harness can be attached to a seat belt of a vehicle. The harness can include a shoulder seat belt guide member for attaching a shoulder seat belt and also a lap seat belt guide member for attaching a lap seat belt. The improved restraint system can allow a child who is otherwise unsuitable for using a booster seat alone to use the booster seat in combination with the harness.

Abstract: A system and method captures various gestures or movements made by a driver of a vehicle while driving. Based on the captured gestures or movements, the system and method determines driver gesture behaviors which relate to the driver's driving behaviors. The system and method then performs risk assessment by correlating the driver gesture behaviors with potential recognizable losses involving the driver and/or vehicle. Based on the risk assessment, the system and method assigns ratings for the driver which may be used for insurance rating purposes.

Abstract: A car seat alarm system including a weight-sensor plate assembly, a power source, a dashboard sensor, and a portable device including a speaker. The weight-sensor plate assembly is positioned and configured to detect a weight of a child in a car seat. The weight-sensor plate assembly is in communication with the dashboard sensor including a transceiver. The dashboard or visor sensor is configured to communicate that a child is present within the car seat. The dashboard sensor is in wireless communication with the portable device such as a key fob or smartphone. The dashboard sensor is configured to activate an alarm through the speaker when the portable device extends past a pre-determined proximity range from the dashboard sensor is reached and if the weight of the child is present within the car seat.

Abstract: A travel controller performs driving control of a vehicle at an autonomous driving level that is a first autonomous driving level in which a driver of the vehicle is not obligated to watch or a second autonomous driving level in which the driver is obligated to watch; notifies, for a predetermined period, the driver of a request for driving the vehicle or taking a driving posture allowing for the driving, when the autonomous driving level of the driving control changes from the first autonomous driving level to the second autonomous driving level; and determines an attention level of the driver, based on an output of a sensor provided for the vehicle. The attention level is a level of attention to driving. The travel controller further modifies the predetermined period so as to be shorter when the determined attention level is high than when the attention level is low.

Abstract: A child safety seat is provided and includes a base, a seat body and a notifying system. The seat body is movable relative to the base between a first position and a second position. The notifying system includes at least one actuated device disposed on one of the base and the seat body, an actuating component disposed on another one of the base and the seat body, and a notifying device electrically connected to the at least one actuated device. When the seat body reaches at least one of the first position and the second position, the actuating component actuates the at least one actuated device, so that the at least one actuated device is actuated to generate different types of actuating signals. The notifying device generates different types of notifying signals when the at least one actuated device generates the different types of actuating signals.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for transitioning vehicle control between autonomous operation and manual operation. The system includes sensors configured to generate output signals conveying information related to the vehicle and its operation. During autonomous vehicle operation, the system gauges the level of responsiveness of a vehicle operator through challenges and corresponding responses. The system determines when to present a challenge to the vehicle operator based on internal and external factors. If necessary, the system will transition from an autonomous operation mode to a manual operation mode.

Abstract: A travel controller performs driving control of a vehicle at an autonomous driving level that is a first autonomous driving level in which a driver of the vehicle is not obligated to watch or a second autonomous driving level in which the driver is obligated to watch; notifies, for a predetermined period, the driver of a request for driving the vehicle or taking a driving posture allowing for the driving, when the autonomous driving level of the driving control changes from the first autonomous driving level to the second autonomous driving level; and determines an attention level of the driver, based on an output of a sensor provided for the vehicle. The attention level is a level of attention to driving. The travel controller further modifies the predetermined period so as to be shorter when the determined attention level is high than when the attention level is low.

Abstract: Disclosed is a child safety system for a vehicle that can alert a driver of the vehicle about the presence of a child in the vehicle when the door of the vehicle is opened. The disclosed child safety system includes a plurality of weight sensor pads that can connect with different seats of the vehicle. The plurality of sensor pads can connect to a central unit through a splitter. The central unit includes an audio alarm, a light source, and a battery. The disclosed system further includes a magnetic door switch that can be installed on the driver's side door for detecting the opening of the door. The magnetic door switch can also be electrically connected to the central unit.

Abstract: A detector includes a first flexible sheet, a second flexible sheet placed opposite to the first flexible sheet, and an insulation sheet intervening between them. The first flexible sheet includes a second antenna unit and first contact portions formed on a first opposing surface. The second flexible sheet includes a detection unit and second contact portions formed on a second opposing surface. The first contact portions and the second contact portions become a state of contact by an external force based on the seating of an occupant, cause the second antenna unit to output a transmission signal to the detection unit, and cause the detection unit to output a detection signal to the second antenna unit.

Abstract: A notification can be generated to notify a user of a value of a first parameter of a vehicle. Generating the notification includes identifying a second parameter based on an association of the second parameter with the first parameter; comparing the value of the first parameter to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and generating the notification notifying the user of the value of the first parameter based on a value of the second parameter if the value of the first parameter is between the first and second thresholds.

Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system including a cabin air filter, a sensor for providing a sensor reading, and a controller for determining a feedback signal from the sensor reading, wherein the controller determines a cabin air filter expected blockage level from the feedback signal. The feedback signal relates to a usage modifier of the cabin air filter, wherein the controller at east partially adjusts the estimated usage the cabin air filter from the usage modifier.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive seat including at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure on the pressure-sensitive seat, a processor, a memory device, a network adapter, and a system bus configured to enable communication between the at least one pressure sensor, the processor, the memory device, and the network adapter. The memory device includes instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to compare the pressure to a threshold pressure, determine a proximity of a mobile electronic device to the pressure-sensitive seat, and transmit, by the network adapter, a command comprising executable instructions to a device in response to the pressure on the pressure-sensitive seat exceeding the threshold pressure and the proximity exceeding a threshold proximity.

Abstract: A system for controlling vehicle sensors includes one or more processors and a memory coupled to the one or more processors and storing a sensor control module including instructions that control processor(s) to, if the vehicle is not moving, and responsive to occurrence of an event, control operation of at least one radar sensor to scan the vehicle occupant compartment at a first scanning rate. Responsive to an occurrence of another event following commencement of scanning at the first scanning rate, the processor(s) control operation of the at least one radar sensor to scan the occupant compartment at a second scanning rate different from the first scanning rate. After passage of a predetermined time period after commencement of scanning at the second scanning rate, it is determined whether a living object resides in the occupant compartment. If no living object resides in the occupant compartment, radar scanning of the occupant compartment is discontinued.

Abstract: A computer in a vehicle that includes a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The instruction may include: receive an indication that the vehicle door is ajar; receive sensor data from a rotational-rate sensor in a vehicle; and based on the indication and sensor data, determine a traversal event.

Abstract: The vehicle occupancy reminder is configured for use with a vehicle that is further defined with a vehicle engine control unit (VECU) that generates an ignition off signal and a door open signal. The vehicle occupancy reminder monitors the vehicle for a passenger in a child safety seat. The vehicle occupancy reminder generates a plurality of alarms when: a) a passenger is detected in the child safety seat after the VECU has transmitted an ignition off signal to the vehicle occupancy reminder; or, b) a passenger is detected in the child safety seat after the VECU has transmitted a door open signal to the vehicle occupancy reminder. When the vehicle occupancy reminder detects a selected alarm condition alarm condition, the vehicle occupancy reminder generates a plurality of visual, audible, and tactile alarms that alert an appropriate authority that a selected alarm condition has occured.

Abstract: A vehicle activity monitoring system includes a front door sensor configured to detect movement of the front door between closed and open positions. A vehicle component sensor is configured to detect movement of a vehicle component between closed and open positions. An alerting device is configured to provide an indication that an object has potentially been left in the area of the vehicle interior. A controller is configured to operate the alerting device to provide the indication based on the controller detecting a sequence of events in which the front door is detected to be moved to the open position prior to the vehicle component being moved to the open position. The operation of the alerting device by the controller is not based on a physical detection of a presence of the object.

Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a main body, a guide, and a flexible display. The flexible display is configured to be inserted between a pair of guide plates of the guide. The pair of guide plates are transparent, and an area of the flexible display positioned between the pair of guide plates is configured to vary. The display device allows a front area of the vehicle to be viewed through the transparent guide plates, and allows a rear area of the vehicle to be disposed on the flexible display. The flexible display is configured to be protected by the pair of guide plates and deformed along the pair of guide plates.

Abstract: A system, vehicle and method for checking a rear seat belt status in a vehicle having a passenger cabin with at least one rear seat including an ambient light source configured to be arranged in the passenger cabin, an electronic control device configured to check whether the following conditions are fulfilled: (1) at least one rear seat is occupied, (2) the rear seat belt of the least one occupied rear seat is not buckled, in case each of the conditions is fulfilled, output a seat belt warning by activating the ambient light source using a predetermined lighting pattern.

Abstract: The vehicle notification apparatus comprises: an operation element operated by a driver to activate a turn signal indicator; an information obtaining device that obtains information on an object around the vehicle; an auditory notification device configured to give an auditory notification; a visual notification device configured to give a visual notification; and a control unit.

Abstract: A system for operating an autonomous vehicle includes a passenger-detector and a controller-circuit. The passenger-detector is operable to determine a passenger-count of passengers present in a host-vehicle. The controller-circuit is in communication with the passenger-detector and vehicle-controls of the host-vehicle. The controller-circuit is configured to operate the host-vehicle in an autonomous-mode and in accordance with a parameter. The parameter is set to an empty-value when passenger-count is equal to zero, and the parameter is set to an occupied-value different from the empty-value when the passenger count is greater than zero.

Abstract: A seat occupancy indicator device and method; the seat occupancy indicator device includes a housing made of a rigid material (the housing has a housing-exterior and a housing-interior-volume); a plurality of indicator lights, the plurality of indicator lights disposed on the housing-exterior, the plurality of indicator lights viewable from a location outside of the housing; a control-circuit, the control-circuit located within the housing-interior-volume, the control-circuit communicatively coupled to the plurality of indicator lights. The seat occupancy indicator is useful for indicating occupancy of a seat.

Abstract: A system for documenting product usage of a product is disclosed. The system can include a memory device configured to store an acoustic signature model. The acoustic signature model can be representative of an acoustic profile of the product emitted during use of the product. The system can also include an auditory capture mechanism and a processor. The auditory capture mechanism can be configured to monitor a product use environment for a potential use sound profile and capture the potential use sound profile. The processor can be configured to analyze the captured potential use sound profile in relation to the acoustic signature model and to signal a qualifying match when the captured potential use sound profile meets the acoustic signature model. The system can be configured to document a product usage when the processor signals the qualifying match.

Abstract: A vehicle notification apparatus includes an output unit, a riding detector, a driver detector, and a controller. The output unit is configured to output a leaving notification that provides notification of leaving behind of a passenger, etc. The riding detector is configured to detect passenger vehicle entering, passenger vehicle exiting, etc. The driver detector is configured to detect vehicle traveling stop operation, vehicle traveling start operation, driver vehicle entering operation, and driver vehicle exiting operation. The controller is configured to cause output of the leaving notification on a condition that the passenger vehicle entering, etc. has been detected when the vehicle traveling stop operation, the driver vehicle exiting operation, or both are detected, and also to cause the output of the leaving notification each time the vehicle traveling stop operation, the driver vehicle exiting operation, or both are detected, until the passenger vehicle exiting, etc. is detected.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror for a vehicle includes a body part, a mirror part, a display part, and an input member configured to control at least one of the body part or the display part, the input member configured to be selectively arranged in first, second, and third states. Based on the input member being in the first state, the body part is configured to be placed in a first position, and the display part is configured to turn on, based on the input member being in the second state, the body part is configured to be placed in a second position, and the display part is configured to turn on, and based on the input member being in the third state, the body part is configured to be placed in the second position, and the display part is configured to turn off.

Abstract: A safety control system and method to be used with a starter system having a battery, ignition switch, starter, starter relay, and starter solenoid, the safety control system including an interrupt relay configured to be connected between a battery and the starter, and a controller configured to control the interrupt relay to selectively allow power from the battery to be supplied to the starter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a wireless transceiver, configured to communicate with a mobile device; a vehicle sensor, configured provide vehicle motion data; and one or more processors, configured to responsive to receiving an authentication request from the mobile device, send a request for a device motion fingerprint for a first timeframe to the mobile device, receive the device motion fingerprint from the mobile device, generate a vehicle motion fingerprint for the first timeframe using the vehicle motion data, responsive to a driving maneuver input intensity being greater than an input threshold, compare the vehicle motion fingerprint with the device motion fingerprint to generate a similarity score, and responsive to the similarity score being indicative of at least a predefined threshold level of similarity between the vehicle motion fingerprint and the device motion fingerprint, authenticate a wireless connection between the mobile device and the vehicle via the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A vehicle tracker (102) and a method for monitoring vehicle's activity are described. The vehicle tracker (102) has a connection port (216) which provides plug and play functionality. The vehicle tracker (102) further has a plurality of sensors (504) for sensing various parameters associated with the vehicle. The sensing results in generation of current parameter values (518) which are processed in relative to plurality of parameter threshold values (520). The parameter threshold values (520) define minimum and maximum range of the parameters. Based on the processing, the vehicle tracker (102) determines anomalies in the operation of the vehicle. Once the anomaly is detected, the vehicle tracker (102) generates an alert and sends it to the concerned person or user.

Abstract: A device receives, at a first time, first sensor data from a sensor associated with a vehicle, wherein a passenger and an item are located within the vehicle after the first time, and determines a first weight based on the first sensor data. The device receives, at a second time, second sensor data from the sensor, wherein the passenger is not located within the vehicle at the second time, and determines a second weight based on the second sensor data. The determines whether the item is located in the vehicle at the second time based on the first weight and the second weight, and selectively performs actions based on determining whether the item is located in the vehicle. The actions are performed after the item is determined to be located in the vehicle, and are not performed after the item is not determined to be located in the vehicle.

Abstract: Processing circuitry provided in a mobile device of a user requiring mobility assistance is programmed to: request multimodal personal transportation assistance from a pool of candidate companions, receive a location of a selected companion and a proposed route between the user to the selected companion, and determine an estimated time of arrival of the selected companion at a current location of the user. The proposed route includes pedestrian travel and the request for multimodal personal transportation identifies any specific needs of the user.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a first communication unit configured to communicate with a first terminal device, a second communication unit configured to communicate with a second terminal device, and a controller configured to generate an abnormality detection signal when an abnormality is detected based on vehicle information on a vehicle, and determine a position of a user based on a communication state of the first terminal device and the second terminal device possessed by the user. The controller is configured to cause the first communication unit to transmit the abnormality detection signal to the first terminal device when the controller determines that the position of the user is included in a first region, and cause the second communication unit to transmit the abnormality detection signal to the second terminal device when the controller determines that the position of the user is included in a second region.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is disclosed for automatically opening and closing a garage door without user intervention. A vehicle-mounted mobile transmitter autonomously and continuously transmits a repeating signal pattern when power is applied to the transmitter as a vehicle is started by a user. A movable barrier gateway device receives the signals from the mobile transmitter and compares an identification code contained in each of the signals to an identification code stored in memory. When a match is found, the movable barrier gateway device sends a signal to a movable barrier controller to open the garage door, and keep the door open as long as the movable barrier gateway continues to receive the signals from the mobile transmitter.

Abstract: A misplacing prevention device capable of preventing leaving items inside and outside a predetermined area is provided. A microprocessor, when a user enters a vehicle interior, determines that the slave device having the ID stored in the memory is not in the vehicle interior based on a communication between a master device and a slave device, detects carrying-in leaving, and notifies the fact. The microprocessor, when the user enters an outside of the vehicle, also notifies a position of the slave device in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: The automobile child safety alert system is an alarm system that comprises an automobile, a vehicle circuit, a fob circuit, and a dongle. The vehicle circuit mounts in the automobile. The fob circuit and the dongle are handheld devices. The dongle plugs into the vehicle circuit. The automobile further comprises a VECU. The automobile child safety alert system monitors the VECU to determine the operational status of the automobile. When the engine of the automobile is turned off, the vehicle circuit transmits a first message to the fob circuit. If fob circuit fails to acknowledge the first message after a previously determined amount of time, the vehicle circuit signals the VECU to: a) open the windows of the automobile; and, b) initiate the sounding of the horn and the flashing of the lights of the automobile. The dongle physically disables the operation of the vehicle circuit.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, computer readable storage medium, and method for determining whether to download a full instance of an email. The mobile communication device determines a change in quality of service of wireless communication, and sends a request to completely download from an email server a full instance of an email, based on the mobile communication device determining that the change in quality of service of wireless communication indicates the mobile communication device is entering a poor wireless coverage area.

Abstract: A system and method for providing rear seat monitoring within a vehicle that include activating a vehicle camera system to capture images of at least one rear seat of the vehicle. The system and method also include determining if at least one rear seat passenger is located within the at least one rear seat of the vehicle. The system and method additionally include determining that an ignition of the vehicle is disabled. The system and method further include providing at least one type of alert upon determining that the ignition of the vehicle is disabled.

Abstract: An automotive electronic control system configured to detect and signal the presence of a passenger left unattended in a motor vehicle based on signals from an automotive sensory system comprising: one or more radar sensors arranged in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to allow the presence of one or more passengers sitting on one or more seats of the motor vehicle to be determined, one or more door sensors associated with one or more doors of the motor vehicle to allow locking and unlocking, and opening and closing, of one or more doors of the motor vehicle to be determined; one or more seat sensors associated with one or more seats of the motor vehicle to allow the presence of one or more passengers sitting on one or more seats of the motor vehicle to be determined; one or more safety belt sensors associated with one or more safety belts of the motor vehicle to allow fastening and unfastening of one or more safety belts to be determined; the automotive electronic control system is configured

Abstract: A method to provide traveler content service. The method includes receiving, from the traveler and prior to the trip, a request to access traveler content during the trip, wherein the request comprises travel ticket information associated with the trip and access information to a source of the traveler content, wherein the trip crosses a region with no access to the source of the traveler content, retrieving, prior to the trip, the traveler content from the source using the access information, transmitting, in response to detecting a first vehicle assigned to the trip at a departure port of the trip, the traveler content to a first traveler content repository onboard the first vehicle to generate a traveler content first onboard copy, and providing, during the trip and by an onboard computer processor of the first vehicle, the traveler content first onboard copy from the first traveler content repository to the traveler.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device, methods, and systems for a specialized circuit and alert system for use with any motorized vehicle with an integrated electrical system. The circuit may connect to the vehicle electrical system through any available port. When the voltage in the electrical system is high the signal is deactivated, as is the case when the vehicle motor is running and charging the battery and electrical system. When it is low the signal is actuated. The system is further controlled by a switch connected to a sensor or other detection means, which activates the system based upon the presence or absence of an item. The whole of the system therefore operates to activate the system when an item is present and the engine is running, an alert signal is triggered when the vehicle engine is turned off. In the preferred embodiment a sensor is incorporated into a baby seat, and the circuit plugs into the cigarette lighter port.

Abstract: Method and device for monitoring stress of an individual in a moving structure by estimating and monitoring a mental component of a total heart rate of the individual, wherein the total heart rate comprises the mental component, a mechanical component, a component relating to heat balance and a component relating to basic metabolic functions, wherein the total heart rate and movements of the individual and the moving structure are measured in real-time, wherein the mechanical component is estimated in real-time based on the real-time movement of the individual and the moving structure, wherein the mental component is obtained by subtracting the mechanical component, the component relating to the heat balance and the component relating to basic metabolic functions from the total heart rate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a video processing circuit, an audio generating circuit, and an analysis circuit. The video processing circuit may be configured to analyze a video signal to detect lane markings and to detect departure of a vehicle from a lane bounded by the lane markings. The audio generating circuit may be configured to present a lane departure warning to a driver. The analysis circuit may be configured to determine whether a lane departure detected by the video processing circuit is intentional and generate the lane departure warning in response to an unintended lane departure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using image analysis techniques to assess abnormal vehicle operating conditions are disclosed. According to aspects, a computing device may access and analyze image data depicting an individual(s) within a vehicle. Based on the depicted individuals(s) and optionally on other data, the computing device may determine that an abnormal condition exists. In response, the computing device may generate a notification and transmit the notification to an electronic device of an individual associated with the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle detection system includes an RFID reader, a detection device, and an ECU. The RFID reader transmits a transmission signal including at least a signal that supplies power. The detection device includes a second antenna unit that mutually transmits and receives a signal to and from the RFID reader, an RFID detection circuit that is activated using the signal that supplies power included in the transmission signal received by the second antenna unit as driving power and that outputs a detection signal to the second antenna unit, and a switch circuit that switches an electrical connection portion between the second antenna unit and the RFID detection circuit to a contact state or to a non-contact state according to a state inside the vehicle. The ECU determines the state inside the vehicle on the basis of the detection signal received by the RFID reader.

Abstract: A vehicle window system may include a switching mechanism having a plurality of window selector buttons each corresponding to one of a plurality of windows, and a single drive button for receiving input to move one or more of the windows according to statuses of the selector buttons. The window system may also include a controller configured to lock one of the windows in response to an indication that the window selector button corresponding to the one of the windows has been depressed for at least a predefined amount of time.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using sequential logic and vehicle sensors to produce a notification.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for a driver interactive system for semi-autonomous modes of a vehicle. An example disclosed vehicle with semiautonomous features includes memory and a processor. The example processor causes the vehicle to determine, with a driver identification sensor, the identity of a driver. The example processor also causes the vehicle to determine which semiautonomous features are flagged for training based on a driver profile of the identified driver. Additionally, the example processor causes the vehicle to, in response to the driver activating one of the flagged semiautonomous features, provide an audiovisual description of the semiautonomous feature.

Abstract: A screen rack for two screens, comprising a case for electric components, whereby power supply adapters for a PC and two screens that can be installed on the screen rack are arranged in the case.

Abstract: Provided is a security device, comprising: a sensor that senses a presence in a vehicle and generates a presence signal; an ignition state detection device that detects a state of the vehicle, and generates a status signal; and a rules processor that determines from the presence signal and the status signal whether an alarm or message is to be generated.