Abstract: Information is stored relating to zones in which there are a plurality of POIs including at least one parking lot, a parking lot in a zone which has been selected from among these zones which are stored in memory is set as a destination point, a route is searched out to that parking lot based upon a road map, and the driver is guided to that parking lot based upon the route which has been found.

Abstract: In an information providing system which intermittently provides information which varies along with the passage of time, a plurality of comments which respectively correspond to a plurality of patterns of information change are prepared, and changes of the information which is provided are detected. A comment which corresponds to a change of information which has been detected is searched for among the plurality of comments which are prepared, and the comment which is found is added to the information which is being provided, and the edited information is provided.

Abstract: Information is stored relating to zones in which there are a plurality of POIs including at least one parking lot, a parking lot in a zone which has been selected from among these zones which are stored in memory is set as a destination point, a route is searched out to that parking lot based upon a road map, and the driver is guided to that parking lot based upon the route which has been found.

Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a discharge lamp without auxiliary lamp(s) are disclosed. The discharge lamp is controlled in a warmed-up arc discharge state when, e.g., power generation of a vehicular alternator is detected. The discharge lamp is transferred from the warmed-up discharge state to an illumination arc discharge state when, e.g., an inner temperature of the discharge lamp has arrived at a predetermined value. The control of warmed-up discharge state is abruptly carried out when, e.g., the internal temperature of the discharge lamp is below the predetermined temperature. A time at which the discharge lamp is to be turned off is controlled according to the internal temperature of the other discharge lamp to be turned on.

Abstract: A system and method applicable to a vehicle for communicating between data processing stations are disclosed in which successive initializing commands (INIT) are transmitted by a master station performed by a diagnostic device to all subordinate electronic control units, which are data processing stations, at a predetermined time interval. The number of INIT commands transmitted corresponds to the number of information signals transmitted to a selected control unit after a control command to the selected control unit is executed. For example, in a case where two information signals are transmitted, the two successive initializing commands are transmitted to each control unit. In this case, the command code transmitted from the master station prior to the information signals is different from a system call command code even if both of the information signals have the same information as the initializing commands. Therefore, no erroneous response to the information signals by a non-selected control unit occurs.

Abstract: A headlamp for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit including an inverter, a starting circuit connected to the inverter, an electric discharge lamp bulb connected to the starting circuit, and a shell for holding the starting circuit and the electric discharge lamp bulb. A lens and a cap are fixedly mounted to the shell at the front and rear open ends thereof, respectively. The shell and the cap are coated with a metal film to provide shielding from radio noise due to high frequency pulses.

Abstract: This specification discloses an electric power supply system for an automobile having a load which needs a higher voltage than the normal battery voltage.

Abstract: A lighting device for an electric discharge lamp comprises an LC series resonant circuit, and control means for controlling an inverter circuit. Immediately after the occurrence of a dielectric breakdown in the electric discharge lamp. AC voltage with a relatively low frequency is applied to the lamp so as to pass a heavy current therethrough. Subsequently, the frequency is increased stepwise by a relatively small variation until a terminal voltage of the electric discharge lamp reaches a predetermined value. Thereafter, the frequency is increased stepwise by a relatiely large variation until the electric discharge lamp assumes a discharge stable state.

Abstract: An off-board diagnostic device (master station) communicates with a plurality of electronic control units (subordinate stations) applicable to a vehicle. An initializing command (INIT) is transmitted by the diagnostic device to all electronic control units via a communication circuit. The master station (diagnostic device), then, transmits a system call command to the communication circuit to select a particular electronic control unit to be communicated with the master station. The selected electronic control unit returns a first echoback signal to the master station to inform the master station of the receipt of the system call command. Then, the master station transmits a control command (parameter set command) to the selected control unit to perform a predetermined control operation for a controlled obejct (e.g., vehicular engine). The selected control unit returns a second echoback signal to the master station in response to the control command.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a posture of a steering wheel for a vehicle are disclosed in which a steering wheel is so structured that a posture of the steering wheel can be changed between a driving position at which the vehicle driver (occupant) can appropriately handle the steering wheel to drive the vehicle and an escape position at which the steering wheel is jumped up to facilitate getting on and off the vehicle according to situations in which an ignition key is inserted or removed into or from a corresponding key switch hole, an uppermost stage position taken for the driving position is set at an angle of the steering wheel between the escape position and a lowest limit of the driving position, the steering wheel is automatically returned to the uppermost stage position when the ignition key is inserted into the key switch hole, and the steering wheel is manually adjustable only when the steering wheel is placed between the uppermost stage position and the lowest limit of the driving position.

Abstract: A keyless entry system comprises a locking key holder having a key lock pin, an actuator for operating the key lock pin, and a controller which detects a unique identification code of the authorized user and a preset identification code and outputs an activating signal for operating vehicular devices, such as a door lock and/or the actuator. The key may be safely kept in the locking key holder and cannot be removed therefrom unless the unique code has been received. Thus, the necessity for the user to carry a mechanical key is eliminated.