Abstract: In a car navigation system (1), a position information detection means (11) detects position information on a vehicle using, for example, a GPS. A travel information history of the vehicle obtained based on the detected position information is accumulated in a travel information history means (15). When detecting an event such as start of an engine, an action prediction means (17) predicts a destination of the vehicle by referring to a route to the current time and to the accumulated travel information history. Commercial or traffic information regarding the predicted destination is acquired by an information acquisition means (18) from a server (2), and then is displayed on a screen, for example, by an information provision means (19).

Abstract: A multi-function, portable, electronic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing and a memory in communication with the processor. The electronic device includes a display in communication with the processor and positioned on a surface of the housing. The electronic device includes an apparatus for performing a first function, and an apparatus for performing a second function. One of the functions includes a navigational component. The navigational component includes an antenna attached to the housing and movable between a stowed position and a signal acquisition position. A deployment indicator indicates the antenna is in the signal acquisition position. An operational component of the navigational component is activated in response to the deployment indicator indicating the antenna is in the signal acquisition position.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting load of traffic of vehicles that are travelling according to non reference route plan, provided with Dynamic Route Guidance capability of their PMMS, in a Forward Time Interval related Route Segment and according to a predetermined protocol between mobile systems and a non mobile system platform of a SODMS. Using mobile units, a traffic prediction query is receiving according to a predetermined differential traffic load match process.

Abstract: A vehicle speed memory unit stores a vehicle speed at a prior predetermined time, the vehicle speed being calculated from an interval of the vehicle speed pulse. A first rapid deceleration detecting section compares an elapsed time from a time the vehicle speed pulse signal is inputted, measured by an elapsed time measuring unit, with a pulse interval corresponding to a predetermined deceleration relative to a vehicle speed stored by the vehicle speed memory unit, or a second rapid deceleration detecting section calculates an undetermined vehicle speed from the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measuring unit, and calculates a deceleration from the undetermined vehicle speed and the vehicle speed at the prior predetermined time, and compares the calculated deceleration with a predetermined deceleration threshold value. Thus, rapid vehicle deceleration can immediately be determined at the present time without waiting for the determination of the vehicle speed after input of the next pulse signal.

Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having an engine and multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions among the friction elements as the gear ratio changes, the engine speed being controlled by an electronic throttle control. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine speed control and uses fuel and air as an energy source to increase engine speed during a power-off downshift. The engine speed is boosted to a level close to the synchronous speed in conjunction with release of the off-going friction element. The on-coming friction element is then applied as the engine speed approaches a desired speed. The engine speed increase is timed to lead an increase in torque converter speed.

Abstract: In the case of connecting a line for making connection between communication unit 12 mounted in a vehicle-mounted terminal 10 and center communication unit 21 of an information center 20 and acquiring information accumulated in storage unit 23 of the information center 20, control unit 13 of the vehicle-mounted terminal 10 predicts the necessity for connection between the communication unit 12 and the information center 20 and when it is decided that there is a possibility of the connection and there is the necessity, start processing of line connection to the information center is previously started and information can be immediately sent via a line in which the connection is completed at a point in time of actually sending information from the side of the vehicle-mounted terminal 10 to the side of the information center 20.

Abstract: A method for identifying damaged parts of a vehicle, including those inside the body, in a prompt and accurate manner. The method measures the position of a transmitter attached at a predetermined point of a vehicle under test, by processing a transmitter signal received by a plurality of receivers (step S1). The displacement of the transmitter is then calculated by comparing the measured position of the transmitter with its corresponding reference position (step S2). Here, the reference position refers to the ideal position at which the transmitter is supposed to be when it is assumed that the vehicle is in normal state. The method then identifies damaged parts around the transmitter, based on the displacement (step S3).

Abstract: An operation management system includes a sensor section for detecting behavior of a vehicle, a recorder section for recording the behavior detected by the sensor section on a memory card, and a behavior analyzer for setting a condition pattern for determining the behavior of vehicle as dangerous behavior. The recorder section compares a condition pattern for recognizing the behavior of a vehicle as dangerous behavior with the behavior actually detected by the sensor section, and records only information relating to behavior compatible with the condition pattern on the memory card by dangerous behavior, and statistically analyzes it using the behavior analyzer.

Abstract: A parking assist system for a driver to confirm a relationship between relative positions to obstacles and one's own vehicle. A top plane creating image 7B in which a circumstance situation of one's own vehicle is indicated from a point of upward view is created based on a backward image of one's own vehicle taken by a CCD camera and displayed on a screen of a display. A mobile locus including a marker G of one's own vehicle, a marker, a parking path, and a current position is displayed on the top plane creating image in a duplicate way.

Abstract: A road map display device including a road map information memory for memorizing road map data on a two-dimensional coordinate and a detection device for detecting a present position and a travel direction of an automotive vehicle, wherein the two-dimensional coordinate of the road map data is read out from the information memory in accordance with the present position and travel direction of the vehicle detected by the detection device and displayed in the form of a plane view on a screen of a display unit.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the climate of a vehicle includes a control element, a temperature sensor, a motor and a microprocessor. The microprocessor may receive a temperature signal indicative of the temperature at the control element and may receive at least one further input. The at least one further input may comprise an input signal indicative of a high side voltage of the motor, a low side voltage of the motor, and/or an electrical current applied to the motor. The control system controls the motor via an output of the microprocessor. The control system may control the motor in response to the temperature signal and the at least one further input. The control system may reduce occurrence of high-power dissipative modes in response to a detection of a temperature above a threshold level via intelligent power management.

Abstract: A navigation system, which can determine a place suitable for meeting as a meeting place, is disclosed. This navigation system obtains positional information of mobile units, and extracts candidates for a meeting place from adequate meeting places registered in advance. The navigation system automatically selects or a user manually selects one place from the extracted candidates, and determines the selected one as the meeting place. The navigation system transmits the information about the meeting place to the other mobile units, so that the mobile units can meet each other at the right meeting place free from any place-caused inconvenience.

Abstract: A vehicle testing apparatus for subjecting a vehicle to a compound force includes a support disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle, and a mechanism coupled to the support for moving the support along at least one of three perpendicular axes. The mechanism subjects the vehicle to the compound force resulting from simultaneous movements along any combination of the axes. The mechanism includes a first platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis, and a second platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis, with the support preferably also being movable along a third axis. The support preferably also includes actively or passively controlled contact surfaces in all three axes with an optional trip mechanism. In addition, a first actuating device is preferably coupled to the first platform and a second actuating device is preferably coupled to the second platform.

Abstract: Method for determining geometric data for parking processes of vehicles, wherein the lateral distance between the vehicle and a curb is measured several times successively by means of a distance sensor attached to the vehicle as the vehicle is driven by the parking space. The angle of the longitudinal axis of a vehicle and the curb is ascertained by determining a sideways movement angle between the present longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a preset longitudinal direction, which angle results from the sideways movement of the vehicle as it is driven along, by determining a curb angle between the preset longitudinal direction and the curb, which angle results from the course of the curb contour, and by determining the angle between the present longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the curb by adding the angle of sideways movement and the curb angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using GPS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path. The apparatus includes a global positioning system (GPS) antenna disposed on the farm implement, a GPS receiver coupled to the GPS antenna for determining a location of the GPS antenna, and a dual guidance computer for comparing the location to stored geographical coordinates of a desired path or providing a guide signal for offsetting the lateral position of an adjustable hitch or angling a wheel or ground rudder in a steerable implement for guiding the implement along the path; and a range extent signal for maintaining the offset of the hitch or steering angle of the implement within its dynamic range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling the current in loads by modulation of the pulse width, comprising at least two driver stages (10) provided for the actuation of the loads, and one or more current measuring devices (3), and at least one multiplexer (4) conducting current measurement signals by way of the load current in the driver stages to one or more current measuring devices in dependence on one or more control signals (30, 31) for the multiplexer, said control signals being produced by a checking device (5). The invention further describes a method wherein the moment of the current measurements is controlled by an organized chronological order.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution modules, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively store therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution modules respectively execute the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module. The second execution module executes the second computer program by using transferred data which are transferred from the second recording device to the first recording device.

Abstract: A system of vehicle tracking assists the driver of the subject vehicle (especially if it is a wide vehicle such as a motorhome or large truck) to determine the exact position of the subject vehicle and the width and location of the safe clearance path of the vehicle as it moves forward. This system incorporates hardware, setup instruction and means to train the driver to change and improve the accuracy of his or her perception of the path the vehicle will travel and warn the driver of what may lie within that path. This system takes into account that the driver generally has two eyes and enables the driver to keep them both focused on the road ahead of the vehicle while enabling him or her to continuously identify the limits of the safe clearance path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system is composed of first and second recording devices, first and second execution module, and an install module. The first and second recording devices respectively stores therein first and second computer programs used for vehicle navigation. The first and second execution module respectively executes the first and second computer programs. The install module transfers data stored in the second recording device, including the second computer program, to the first recording device. The install module is allowed to operate during operation of the second execution module, while the first execution module is prohibited from operating during operation of the second execution module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automobile electrical installation configuration system for automatically configuring the electrical installations in automobiles, comprising hardware components connected at least partially to a data bus network and software components installed in at least part of said hardware components for executing corresponding functions. According to the invention, a central actual configuration data storage is provided, which is mounted on the vehicle side, for retrievable storage of an actual configuration data set characterizing the actual configuration of the corresponding electrical installations of the vehicle, whereby the storage directly or indirectly communicates with all hardware components. The system additionally or alternatively includes a topology configuration system part, a hardware component configuration system part and a vehicle configuration system part, in addition to a graphic user interface for menu-controlled user guidance.