Abstract: An operating device includes a lock mechanism unit that regulates relative movement of an operating unit with respect to a supporting member, and a controller that releases locking of the lock mechanism unit when input of an operator is detected by an operation detector. When contact of a finger with a surface panel is detected by a first detection member, locking of the operating unit by the lock mechanism unit is released. In addition, when a pressing operation to the operating unit is detected by a second detection member, control is performed so that a response force providing mechanism operates.

Abstract: Driver assistance systems and autonomous driving systems have been attractive to researchers in the automotive industry to reduce the number of accidents and to increase driving efficiency. One of the most challenging tasks to safely and effectively automate is changing between traffic lanes. The systems and methods of the present application include applications of the Dynamic Windows Approach algorithm to guide a vehicle through an automated lane change procedure with improved safety and efficiency.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to obtain an image of a first camera disposed on a vehicle such that an imaging range of the first camera includes a portion of a vehicle body and images of a second and third cameras that image an area of a blind spot caused by the portion of the vehicle body, combine a blind spot image corresponding to the area of the blind spot in the image of the second camera with the image of the first camera, obtain three-dimensional information of a rear vehicle with stereo vision of the second and third cameras, and store rear vehicle shape information, wherein the processor determines three-dimensional information corresponding to a portion of the rear vehicle, and combines the blind spot image with the image of the first camera using the determined three-dimensional information.

Abstract: A method and system of route guidance for a vehicle alerts traffic restriction considering its towing status. The vehicle's towing status may be obtained either by automatically detecting a towed vehicle or manually setting such status by a user. When it is determined that the vehicle is towing another vehicle, traffic restriction information such as a speed limit and a dimension limit associated with each link in a route is obtained by accessing to a map database including such traffic restriction information. Based on the traffic restriction information, it is possible to provide the best route with a more correctly estimated time of arrival, while avoiding links which have dimension limits not suitable for the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing geo-tagged vehicle-to-vehicle communication to a follower vehicle during off-road caravanning. In some embodiments, verbal instructions spoken by a leader driver are captured by the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, tagged with geospatial location information, and broadcast to follower vehicles. Follower vehicles can receive the broadcast verbal instructions, and the system can cause the verbal instructions to be reproduced when the follower vehicle is determined to be within a threshold distance of the geospatial location where the leader driver gave the verbal instructions. The verbal instructions can be accompanied by visual data, such as images and videos. The system can add navigation and landmark markers in the visual data to enhance a leader driver's geo-tagged instructions. A message path can formed from several verbal instructions spoken by the leader driver.

Abstract: A rear-view camera and light system for a vehicle having a rear-view camera, a back light, and a brake light and an attachment structure that attaches the system to a center hub of a spare tire at the back of the vehicle. The rear-view camera and light system includes a mounting base having a plate like shape and configured to attach to a mounting bracket provided on about a center of a back of a vehicle for mounting a spare tire, a mounting post having a cylindrical shape with a hollow therethrough and configured to attach to the mounting base at one end, and a camera/light unit having circular shape and configured to attach to another end of the mounting post.

Abstract: In an on-vehicle display device, projection light output from a projecting unit is reflected on an intermediate mirror and is further reflected on a directional mirror. The reflected light is directed to a windshield glass as directed reflected light. In an adjustment operation, the directional mirror is rotated around tilting fulcrum parts by a driving unit to adjust the height of a virtual image formed in front of the windshield glass. In a retracting operation, the lower end of the directional mirror is largely moved forward by the driving unit, rotating the directional mirror with an abutting point between the directional mirror and the upper support acting as a fulcrum. This prevents external light (sunlight) from adversely affecting the projecting unit.

Abstract: A navigation screen generator displays only icons of objects of an object category set as “DISPLAY” in an icon presentation control table on a map image. If a touch occurs at a position on the map image of the navigation screen where no icon is displayed, a controller sets the object category of the object corresponding to the touch position as “DISPLAY” in an icon presentation control table. Then, icons of the objects having the same object category as that of the object corresponding to touch position are displayed on the map image of the navigation screen.

Abstract: There is provided an information providing apparatus including: an accumulating section sequentially accumulating profile information of a user, which is generated by newly collecting user-relevant information including an action history of the user; an acquiring section acquiring a search result in a case where information search according to a request of the user is performed by using current profile information in the accumulated profile information; and a control section determining an output mode on the basis of the accumulated profile information to perform control such that the acquired search result is output in the determined output mode.

Abstract: A loudspeaker can include first and second drivers. The first driver can include a cone that has a center region, a peripheral region surrounding the center region, and a boundary connecting the center region and the peripheral region. A bridge can position the second driver coaxial with and proximal to the first driver. The center region of the cone can be recessed to allow a lower profile of the loudspeaker.

Abstract: An inclination angle of a display unit having a display is detected, the inclination angle being around an axis of the display unit in the fore-aft direction of a vehicle. The left and right of an image representing a scene behind the vehicle, the image being obtained by photography with a camera, is reversed. The reversed image is inclined through an angle that has the same absolute value as the detected inclination angle in a direction opposite to the direction of the inclination of the inclination angle. A display image range is set on the inclined image. An image in the display image range is extracted and displayed on the display.

Abstract: A magnetic circuit assembly may be used in a loudspeaker. The magnetic circuit may include a magnet that has a central axis. The magnet can have a first surface and a second surface that is opposite the first surface. The magnet may produce magnetic field axially through the first and second surfaces of the magnet. The second surface of the magnet may have an inner radial region and an outer radial region. The magnetic circuit assembly can further include a yoke that is disposed adjacent the first surface of the magnet. The yoke can be shaped to form a first gap radially between the yoke and the magnet. The magnetic circuit assembly may further include first and second plates disposed adjacent the second surface of the magnet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for correcting position error in a navigation system by utilizing user input received via a human-machine interface, where the user input indicates the location of a user as perceived by the user. The navigation system includes a positioning module, navigation sensors, a map database and a human-machine interface that are employed to calculate and display the current position to the user. The method and apparatus are advantageously used in situations with intermittent or unavailable GPS signal, cumulative navigational sensor errors, and cases where map database information is incorrect. The positioning module receives and processes user input from the human-machine interface and analyzes the user input against the result of a map-matching algorithm to correct positioning errors.