With Particular Display Means Patents (Class 340/461)
  • Publication number: 20100052888
    Abstract: Information display systems capable of iconically representing the components of a hybrid powertrain and method thereof. In operation, the information display systems indicate the specific powertrain components in the hybrid system that are active in various hybrid operational modes (e.g., electric launch, blended torque, etc.). In particular, active components are highlighted (i.e., increased intensity) by the display and non-active components are faded (i.e., decreased intensity). In one embodiment, the vehicle wheels are depicted with a static intensity in-between that of the active components and the non-active components. This allows the vehicle operator to clearly see which components are active during each hybrid system mode, and to gain a simplified picture of hybrid system behavior during normal operation at a glance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Paul S. Crowe, Myra Ma, Shawn Brewer, John W. Espinosa, Tak Lee, Derek S. Sancer
  • Patent number: 7669543
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle, e.g., an instrument cluster, includes at least one first display device emitting image-forming light, and at least one illuminated and/or self-luminous electromechanical second display device. The first display device is arranged in a visual field of an observer. The second electromechanical display device is arranged at an angle to the first display device, and a combination element is provided between the first display device and the electromechanical display device, the combination device being transparent to the image-forming light in the first display device and reflective to the image-forming light of the electromechanical second display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Soltendieck, Robert Hofmann, Gustav Hofmann, Andreas Medler, Mathias Kuhn, Michael Bauer
  • Patent number: 7649503
    Abstract: A combination Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) terminal and rear view mirror for vehicles is disclosed. The rear view mirror includes a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna, and an ETC module. The RF antenna is fastened to the upper end of a stay in order to transmit and receive RF signals to and from an RF module, which is provided in a tollgate gantry. The ETC module is connected with the RF antenna using a wire, and is mounted in a housing. Thus, the uninterrupted transmission and reception of RF signals between the ECT terminal and the RF module can be stably performed even when a vehicle passes through a tollgate at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sung Wook Heo
  • Patent number: 7642901
    Abstract: When an ignition switch is turned on to display an image on a display apparatus, the display apparatus first displays a needle image of meter images and a warning indicator image. Out of the meter images, the display apparatus displays the needle image for a specified time period (e.g., 0.2 seconds), and then displays a dial image. After displaying the dial image for a specified time period, the display apparatus displays a navigation image. The specified time period may be set to 0.5 through 1.0 second, for example, long enough to visually check or recognize display of the meter image and the warning indicator image. Accordingly, it is possible to visually check the meter image and the warning indicator image while the navigation image is not displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Miki Kato, Tsuneo Uchida, Kiyotaka Taguchi, Yoshinori Watanabe, Hidehiko Kawakami
  • Patent number: 7642899
    Abstract: The present invention is a vehicle observation apparatus for reducing the risk of injury to law enforcement persons during vehicle stops. The invention is also a vehicle equipped with the vehicle observation apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include a mast being mountable to and deployable from a law enforcement vehicle, means for two-way communication and observation secured about one end of the mast, means for operating the mast, and means for operating the means for two-way communication and observation. The mast may be telescopic and adapted to be placed in at least a first position and a second position, or may be non-telescopic and in an extended position when in use. In another embodiment, the invention may be a similar apparatus wherein the mast is mountable to and deployable from a check point structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Julio Alvarado, Douglas Masztak
  • Patent number: 7636040
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus for displaying and setting operating conditions of a peripheral device, includes: a display unit; an operating condition selection unit; a first comparison unit; and a first display control unit. The operating condition selection unit selects two or more operating conditions from a plurality of operating conditions. The first comparison unit comparing the selected two or more operating conditions for each of a plurality of operating condition items that constitute each operating condition. The first display control unit controls the display unit to display the selected two or more operating conditions by displaying, in a first display mode, an operating condition item whose value is different between the two or more operating conditions and by displaying, in a second display mode different from the first display mode, another operating condition item whose value is identical between the two or more operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7629878
    Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Quigley, Michael D. Blackard
  • Patent number: 7626491
    Abstract: An indicator control system for switching from a measurement value display mode to a camera display mode and vice versa in order to display a selected mode on a monitor section of an indicator and for generating an alarm from an alarm section. The measurement value display mode shows the measurement data of an object to be monitored such as a construction machine. The camera display mode being for a camera section that is mounted on the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yamada, Isao Murota, Tomoaki Ono, Satoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7623960
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for computing a vehicle's motion in four dimensions (e.g., three spatial dimensions and time) and reliably predicting the vehicle's arrival time at a predetermined location, by providing a graphical display to an operator of the vehicle's progress that enables the operator to adjust the vehicle's movement and achieve the desired arrival time. Specifically, a system and method are disclosed for computing the movement of an aircraft in four dimensions, predicting its arrival time at a predetermined waypoint, and displaying (in a highly intuitive format) the aircraft's progress in achieving that desired arrival time. The pilot can then adjust the movement (e.g., speed) of the aircraft in accordance with the parameter(s) displayed, in order to achieve the desired arrival time. Thus, for example, numerous aircraft could be scheduled to arrive at a specific final approach waypoint at a predetermined rate (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Wise, Blake W. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090284364
    Abstract: A display-image switching apparatus that switches the image shown in a display includes: an antilock brake system operation determination portion that determines whether an antilock brake system of the vehicle is operating; a provisional vehicle speed calculation portion that calculates a provisional vehicle speed that represents a speed at which the vehicle would travel if the antilock brake system were not operating; and a display-image switching portion that switches the displayed image based on the provisional vehicle speed if the antilock brake system is operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhisa SAWADA
  • Publication number: 20090284363
    Abstract: The present invention is an informational display that utilizes cognitive science in the appearance and geographical location of a plurality of gauges and indicators located within the display. Through the use of color, size, depth, location and appearance, information transmitted to an operator through the present invention is rapidly perceived and interpreted. Such rapid interpretation of information by the present invention allows an operator to use a vehicle or the like in a more safe and lawful manner than that of traditional dashboard displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: William H. Havins
  • Publication number: 20090278677
    Abstract: A first meter cluster panel and a second meter cluster panel are disposed on an instrument panel of a vehicle such that the first meter cluster panel and the second meter cluster panel have respective centers of display disposed substantially coaxially with each other. The first meter cluster panel is disposed near a boundary line at a position deeper than that of the second meter cluster panel as viewed by a driver who is directing his or her line of sight from an eye range in the forward direction of the vehicle. The first meter cluster panel displays information that is visually recognized outside of a steering wheel. The second meter cluster panel displays information that is visually recognized inside the steering wheel when the driver directs his or her line of sight from the eye range in the forward direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kenichi Arie, Kazuhiro Hasunuma, Naoki Wada, Masahide Kobayashi, Hidetoshi Kabayama, Makoto Koike
  • Publication number: 20090278676
    Abstract: A built-in instrument cluster for a motor vehicle includes at least one display device, which emits image-forming light and is arranged in the direct field of view of an observer, and at least one illuminated and/or self-illuminating electromechanical indicator device, which is arranged in the observer's field of view, at an angle to the display device, and is moved into the observer's field of view together with the display device via an optical combiner, which is arranged to reflect the image-forming light of the electromechanical indicator device. In order to be able to integrate such an instrument cluster into the tight spatial conditions in the instrument panel in the steering-column region, it is provided that the electromechanical indicator device is at least partially provided by light guides and/or light projectors to save depth at abutting vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Kiesewetter, Paolo Vaz, Niclas Meyer, Gustav Hofmann, Helge Neuner, Robert Hofmann, Ralf Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7616105
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing hours of service management. A method is provided that operates to provide advisements to a vehicle operator. The method includes receiving a status message in a transmission from a vehicle, wherein the status message comprises a status parameter, and determining a compliance indicator associated with the status parameter, wherein the compliance indicator is selected from confirmation, violation, and threshold indicators. The method also includes generating an advisement message based on the compliance indicator, and transmitting the advisement message to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Damien Macielinski, Chris Robison, Kristin W. Peri, Tim Bishopric
  • Patent number: 7612660
    Abstract: 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 vehicl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: John Timothy Sullivan, Steve Parks
  • Publication number: 20090267752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle instrument panel. As described above, the vehicle instrument panel includes a text panel indicating a graduation and a character; a pointer having a multi-fraction shape, while an end portion moves over the surface of the text panel; and a display unit which is formed in the same height as the text panel and indicates an information of vehicles. The present invention has the effect that the convenience of user is increased by minimizing the blind area of the vehicle instrument panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Choong Seob Park
  • Patent number: 7609152
    Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Paul S. Crowe, Chris del Rio, John W. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7605692
    Abstract: An indicator control system with a camera section provided with a switch for switching from a measurement value display mode to a camera display mode and vice versa to display a selected mode on a monitor section of an indicator. The measurement value display mode shows the measurement data of an object to be monitored on a construction machine, and the camera display mode is for the camera section mounted on the construction machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yamada, Isao Murota, Tomoaki Ono, Satoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7595722
    Abstract: In a multifunction operating device, e.g., for a vehicle, for selecting function groups and functions in a menu structure that may be represented on a display device, the operating device includes at least one two-directional rotating element. The two-directional rotating element may be arranged so that it may select function groups and/or functions in a menu plane. A second operating element may be provided for selecting the menu planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Heimermann, Heino Wengelnik, Carsten Schnier
  • Publication number: 20090231116
    Abstract: An in-vehicle display device includes (a) a display unit provided on a surface of an instrument panel of a vehicle, opposed to a windshield of the vehicle, and configured to indicate a plurality of information dots V in a row or in a rectangular array on the windshield such that the necessary information dots are selectably displayed from among the plurality of the information dots and superposed upon a real image viewed through the windshield, (b) a target information acquisition unit that obtains target information of which a driver of the vehicle is to be notified, and (c) a display control unit that controls the display unit and makes the display unit indicate the predetermined information dots V that correspond to the target information that has been obtained by the target information acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Takahashi, Kunimitsu Aoki, Masahiro Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 7586404
    Abstract: Providing a display apparatus with a structure suitable to support a ring-shaped member for three-dimensional effect to express information for recognition of a partial area of a display area of a display unit by surrounding the partial area with the ring-shaped member arranged in front of the display area so as to be movable linearly along the display area, the ring-shaped member is supported at the top side and the bottom side of the rear edge in a top-bottom direction along the display area and perpendicular to a direction of the linear motion, by each mount piece of the supporting member. Front portions of the mount pieces located in front of the display area are completely covered by the facing plate located between the front portions and the front large diameter portion of the ring-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Kageyama, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hiroyuki Yokota, Satoshi Saotome
  • Patent number: 7580795
    Abstract: A vehicular navigation system includes a vehicle having a global-positioning system receiver operable to receive signals from satellites external to the vehicle in order to establish its geographic position. A transceiver is operable to engage in a wireless communication with a remote service provider. The transceiver is operable to receive a wireless data transmission from the remote service provider of data derived from a database accessible to a remote operator associated with the remote service provider. A voice input device is used by the driver to talk with the remote operator to input to the remote operator a destination. Responsive to input of the destination, driving instructions from the then present geographical location of the vehicle to the destination are wirelessly downloaded to the vehicle, A display viewable to the driver displays turn-by-turn instructions to the destination during the road journey that are based on the downloaded directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin C. McCarthy, Eugenie V. Uhlmann, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20090201315
    Abstract: A diagnostic support device supports a diagnosis of a display state of a composite image displayed on a display device that is arranged to display a composite image obtained by combining a plurality of composite target images corresponding to pieces of information supplied from respective devices mounted on a vehicle, the plurality of composite target images being combined with reference to layout information, the diagnostic support device including a layout information obtaining section arranged to obtain the layout information, a layout information output section arranged to output to an image combining apparatus, the layout information, per composite target image, the image combining apparatus combining the plurality of composite target images, and the layout information being obtained by the layout information obtaining section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu Nishida
  • Patent number: 7573377
    Abstract: When a CPU judges that a vehicle is stopped, a display image surrounded by a separator is displayed in such a first quality that a driver can watch while the display image is moving from a first display area to a second display area, and the motor is driven in a relatively low first speed to move the separator. When the CPU judges that the vehicle is running, the separator is rapidly moved and data about the vehicle such as warning is rapidly displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Kageyama, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Masahiko Mio
  • Publication number: 20090195377
    Abstract: A driving module with bidirectional lenses and screen for displaying images includes a body, an image capturing unit and an image displaying unit, wherein the image capturing unit is disposed in the body and has a first lens and a second lens disposed and exposed on the body, wherein the first lens is adopted for capturing the images from a first direction and the second lens is adopted for catching the images from a second direction. In addition, the image displaying unit is disposed in the body and has a display for playing back the images captured by the first lens and/or images captured by the second lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ching-Shan Chang
  • Patent number: 7571038
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear seat multimedia system within a motor vehicle. A display is movable between a position in which the display extends downwardly from the headliner so as to be viewable by a rear seat passenger, and a retracted position against the headliner. A motor is provided for moving the display, at least from the extended position to the retracted position. The vehicle has a sensor for sensing when the vehicle is to be driven in reverse, and the display unit is operatively linked to this sensor. When the display is extended and the reversing condition is sensed, the display is automatically moved to the retracted position to improve rearward visibility for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Butler, Jean-Noel Batour, Dax Tucker, Michael John Fey
  • Patent number: 7561966
    Abstract: A vehicle information display system includes a head-up display for reflecting an image on a windshield of a vehicle and displaying the image so that a driver recognizes the image as a virtual image. Information is collected for being displayed by the head-up display. A circumstance of the vehicle, a circumstance of surrounding of the vehicle, or a circumstance of the driver is detected. The collected information is classified in accordance with a detection result. Then, display contents of the head-up display are controlled in accordance with a classification result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Nakamura, Hiroshi Ando, Akira Kamiya, Nobuaki Kawahara, Kazuya Yasuda, Masaru Kakizaki, Nozomi Kitagawa, Tomoo Aoki, Yoshio Shinoda, Naoyuki Aoki, Shinji Kashiwada, Junya Inada, Akira Takahashi, Takayuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7538662
    Abstract: A programmable vehicle gauge generates and presents display information in accordance with a user modifiable gauge processing configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, data from one or more digital sensor systems is extracted from a digital sensor signal in accordance with a user modifiable data extraction configuration, the extracted data is processed in accordance with a user modifiable display information generation configuration to generate the display information and a user modifiable presentation configuration defines how the display information is presented through an output device. In accordance with the user modifiable presentation configuration, a controller generates control signals to activate visual display devices in a particular format to present the display information generated from the extracted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Innovate! Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus K. Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 7535344
    Abstract: A control system is employed in a vehicle to assist a user to operate the vehicle effectively and safely. In accordance with the invention, the system provides driving assistance to the user by taking into account the user's physical condition, the vehicle condition and the surrounding conditions. The surrounding conditions include, e.g., road, weather and traffic conditions, external to the vehicle. The vehicle condition concerns the conditions of the brakes, steering, tires, radiator, etc. of the vehicle. Signs of fatigue, stress and illness of the user are monitored by the control system to assess the user's physical condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Obradovich
  • Patent number: 7525448
    Abstract: An aircraft optical display system for implementing an enhanced vision system based on weather conditions is described. The display system includes a plurality of imaging sensors configured to receive imaging input data and generate image data, where each imaging sensor is associated with one or more weather conditions. The system further includes a weather conditions input device configured to receive current weather condition information and a weather dependent imaging system configured to receive the current weather conditions information and to select one or more of the plurality of imaging sensors to provide imaging input data in accordance with the current weather conditions information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Wilson, Kenneth A. Zimmerman, Dean A. Schwab, Michael J. Oldham, Robert E. Stockwell
  • Patent number: 7522034
    Abstract: A gear availability indicator for multi-gear transmissions of motor vehicles capable of generating output signals for operation of a display, including a display having at least: a first section displaying a range of acceptable engine speeds; and a second section displaying at least one gear symbol representative of at least one gear ratio value, the displayed range of acceptable engine speeds and the at least one displayed gear symbol being moveable relative to one another; and means for selectively masking at least one of the first section and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Kent H. Price
  • Publication number: 20090096600
    Abstract: An on-vehicle instrument panel display system preferably is mounted on an automobile and operative such that a plurality of pieces of information including information relating to an automobile are converted into images and the images are displayed all on a liquid crystal panel. The on-vehicle instrument panel display system has a vehicle system, an amenity system, and a safety system, each of which creates data for displaying the images. Further, the on-vehicle instrument panel display system has an instrument panel image composition/output section which combines data created by the systems and outputs the result as composed image data to the liquid crystal panel. The instrument panel image composition/output section includes an image composition LSI. Composed image data outputted from the image composition LSI is an RBG signal or a YUV signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoshi Tsubooka, Toshiya Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7518498
    Abstract: The meter has a back light illuminating with a predetermined color, a display portion disposed in font of the back light and being changeable between a positive mode and a negative mode at a predetermined state, and a reverse control device determining whether an engine of a vehicle is in an initial starting step or the vehicle is in a running state. The control device reverses the display portion in response to a result of the determination. The control device changes the display portion from one of the positive and negative modes to the other at a lower speed when the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step than when the control device determines that the vehicle is in a running state. When the control device determines that the vehicle engine is in an initial starting step, the control device changes the display portion in one of the positive and negative modes from a neutral contrast state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Harada, Yoshiyuki Furuya, Hirokazu Yabe
  • Patent number: 7519471
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and programs display a virtual escort vehicle that appears to be driving ahead of a user's vehicle on at least one of a windshield of the user's vehicle and a display disposed in front of a driving seat of the user's vehicle and display a driving instruction for the user's vehicle based on actual driving condition information and standard driving condition information for a predetermined reference point located ahead of the current position of the user's vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yumi Shibata, Yukio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7515038
    Abstract: A system for warning against forgetting to pull out an information recording medium can improve working efficiency upon mounting a navigation unit and an on-board radio unit onto a vehicle, and notify a user of an alarm that causes no uncomfortable feeling, and is still inexpensive to manufacture. A drive unit switch detects when a control part is turned off, also detects, through a communication line, a residual state of an IC card with respect to an on-board device, and notifies the result of the detection to a the voice generation part. When the IC card is “absent” in the on-board device, the control part interrupts the supply of power to the on-board device through the on-board device power supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Norihiko Mouri
  • Patent number: 7500756
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus includes plural imaging units; a viewpoint conversion unit making viewpoint conversion of each imaged picture of the plural imaging units into an overhead picture with the same depression angle, respectively; and a picture composite unit joining each overhead picture obtained from the viewpoint conversion unit to superimpose the same scene portion of each overhead picture, and generating a wide overhead picture. The picture composite unit adopts a picture of a superimposed portion in the overhead picture with the highest picture quality of the superimposed portion among each overhead picture related to the superimposed portion as a picture of the superimposed portion of the wide overhead picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takanori Ito
  • Publication number: 20090051521
    Abstract: A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Paul S. Crowe, Chris Del Rio, John W. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7495548
    Abstract: A vehicle cabin lighting apparatus includes a monitor 1 mounted to a ceiling of a vehicle cabin, a monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means 2 for detecting whether the monitor is placed in a folded or unfolded state, and a monitor control means 3 for determining whether the monitor is placed in a video display mode or lighting mode based on a detection output of the monitor folding-or-unfolding detecting means, for controlling the operation of the monitor according to a result of the determination, and for applying, as illumination light, light emitted out of the monitor to the vehicle cabin when the monitor is placed in the lighting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yabashi, Yasuhiro Miyamoto, Norimitsu Hasegawa, Shigeru Ichida
  • Patent number: 7482915
    Abstract: A center panel is closer to a viewer in the viewing direction than a speedometer A is and overlapped with the speedometer. The center panel includes an attachment portion extending from a rear side of the center panel towards a dial plate of the speedometer. The center panel is fixed to a printed circuit board of the speedometer via the attachment portion. Accordingly, when a combination meter is viewed, the attachment portion is concealed rearward of the center panel to be invisible. The center panel looks floating separately from the speedometer towards a viewer, which provides a combination meter having excellent visibility and aesthetic cosmetic appearance. Thus, a vehicular display device having excellent visibility and aesthetic cosmetic appearance can be provided by improving a method for supporting a displaying unit on a pointer instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Minoru Sumiya, Shoji Kurikawa, Yoshinori Araki, Yutaka Imai, Yoshiyuki Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 7482914
    Abstract: A steering angle of steered wheels and a vehicle speed of a fork-lift truck are respectively detected by sensors (4, 5). A CPU (1) compares the vehicle speed with a predetermined speed (S2), and causes a meter (6) to display the steering angle when the vehicle speed is lower than the predetermined speed (S4, S14), and causes the meter (6) to display the vehicle speed when the vehicle speed not lower than the predetermined speed (S3, S13). As a result, the space for the display device can be reduced without affecting the operation efficiency of the fork-lift truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Inoue, Takayuki Kishimoto, Makoto Wagatsuma, Toru Takamura
  • Publication number: 20090015395
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes a display control for generating a first image signal, an image multiplexer for combining the first image signal with a second image signal and for outputting a mixed image signal, and a screen for representing an image depending on the mixed image signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Christian Rahe, Herve Serges Fotso Fotso, Stefan Lux, Stefan Goss
  • Publication number: 20090009314
    Abstract: A display system and a program for displaying a portion of a range that is obstructed due to the body of a vehicle when viewed from a driver seat is provided. The portion of the range is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through a windshield. The display system includes an imaging means acquiring an image of an outside of a vehicle including the obstructed portion of the range, a first display means disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, and a control means that processes an image acquired by the imaging means. The image displayed on the first display means is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through the windshield and the processed image is displayed on the first display means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Taniguchi, Takao Kawai, Shigeru Kajioka
  • Patent number: 7474204
    Abstract: An instrument panel, for use with a vehicle including a body, wheels, a driver seat, and an engine, is configured to be disposed at least partially in front of the seat and includes a steering wheel disposed in front of the seat, a display configured to provide information to a person seated in the seat, and a modular housing configured to hold the display and the steering wheel, the steering wheel being rotatably connected to the housing, the display connected to the housing, the housing extending substantially an entire width of a passenger area of the vehicle, the modular housing including independent sections that can be removed and replaced independently of any other section of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Joneso Design & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Jr Neville Songwe
  • Patent number: 7468651
    Abstract: An interior mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle comprises an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror support assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly further comprises an imaging sensor. An electrochromic reflective mirror element is disposed in a housing with its the rearward field of view pivotally adjustable about the mirror support assembly via a pivot element when the interior rearview mirror assembly is attached by the mirror support assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle. Electronic circuitry that includes a compass sensor is disposed within the housing to the rear of the reflective mirror element and the electronic circuitry includes a microprocessor that at least partially controls automatic dimming of the reflectivity of the reflective mirror element in response to glare conditions detected by at least one photo sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E DeLine, Niall R Lynam
  • Publication number: 20080306636
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at an enhanced display for presenting tachometer information. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes an electronic control unit associated with a dashboard display to present the current engine speed (e.g. RPM) relative to an optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. More specifically, the method includes obtaining a set of tachometer data at the electronic control unit that defines the lower and upper limits of the optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. Periodically, the current engine speed may be obtained by the electronic control unit associated with the dashboard display. Then, the method causes the current engine speed to be presented on the graphical display relative to the lower and upper limits of the optimal range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Martin Jay Caspe-Detzer, Andrew Joseph Ressa, Phu Vi Tran, Ian David O'Connor, John William Espinosa, Paul Stephen Crowe
  • Patent number: 7460007
    Abstract: An improved console system is provided that is suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin having a roof and a windshield having an upper portion. The improved console system comprises a console assembly that includes a headliner portion disposed at the roof of the interior cabin of the vehicle and that further includes a windshield portion disposed at the upper portion of the windshield that extends downwardly from the headliner portion. The downwardly extending windshield portion includes an image capturing device having a field of view through the windshield in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle that preferably captures images at least one chosen from (a) a forward park-aid system, (b) a collision avoidance system, and (c) an automatic headlamp control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7447581
    Abstract: In a method for traffic dependent light width adjustment of light width for headlights in a motor vehicle, at least two image capturing units are provided whose pictures are forwarded to a control unit for evaluation. A control unit for controlling the light width of the headlights is provided, and on the basis of the captured pictures of both image capturing units a classification of the light sources outside of the vehicle is conducted. A distinction is made between oncoming, standing, and distancing light sources. With this classification the light width of the headlights is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Eberhardt
  • Publication number: 20080266075
    Abstract: A display unit includes: a display panel for displaying an information image; a memory for storing a compressed image data element corresponding to the information image; an image memory for storing the compressed image data element transferred from the memory; and a controller for decompressing the compressed image data element stored in the image memory and for controlling the display panel to display the information image based on a decompressed image data element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Okumura, Ryouichi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080258897
    Abstract: An automotive display device, which allows the user to easily recognize the sameness of an information image even if the shape of the image is changed, is realized. An automotive display device (1) includes a display section (13) for displaying a vehicle information image including information regarding a vehicle. The vehicle information image is a 3-D image. The automotive display device (1) further includes an image processing section (113) for generating a vehicle information image seen from a fixed viewpoint, an image display processing section (114) for displaying the vehicle information image on the display section (13), and an ETC information detection section (21) that detects a driving condition of the vehicle. The image processing section (113) rotates the vehicle information image around a predetermined axis and for a predetermined angle, in accordance with ETC information obtained by the ETC information detecting section (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Megumi Itoh, Toshiya Takahashi, Shinichirou Ota, Aki Miake, Takeshi Yamamoto, Masayuki Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20080252439
    Abstract: An onboard display device in accordance with the present invention includes a display section (11) attached to an instrument panel of a vehicle. The section (11) has a second display area (11b) and a first display area (11a). The second display area (11b) shows at least the speed as vehicle condition images indicating the conditions of the vehicle. The first display area (11a) shows a navigation image and other secondary images. The display section (11) measures greater in width than in height with an aspect ratio of 7:3 or greater. The aspect ratio is the width/height ratio of a display area. The onboard display device allows for a visibility-improved simultaneous display of the secondary image, such as a navigation image, and the vehicle condition image, such as a speed display, which presents information on the conditions of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamamoto, Aki Miake, Toshiya Takahashi, Megumi Itoh, Mitsukazu Okuda, Takeshi Doi, Takeo Abe