Abstract: A touch panel device for navigation of a vehicle for example an automobile. There is a display unit with a screen, and information display for visually representing desired information on the screen. A switch superimposes a switch pattern over the information on the screen and executing a predetermined control action when an operator's finger approaches the switch pattern. To remove the switch pattern after the lapse of a preset time form the visual representation of the switch pattern, erasing is used. The erasing can be accomplished for example by the actuation of a timer to remove the switch pattern. With the switch pattern removed, the entire information on the screen can be seen wholly without being concealed by the switch pattern.

Abstract: A channel display device for a receiver which receives television or radio broadcast waves and detects field intensity levels of individual channels to thereby detect receivable stations. A switch pattern for selection of the receivable stations is visually represented on a display screen. A touch switch overlay is provided for outputting a desired-channel switching signal in response to an operator's actuating touch on the switch pattern. Due to such visual representation of the switch pattern and the provision of the touch switch function, switchover to a desired channel can be performed with facility to ensure high operational efficiency.

Abstract: In a multiplex transmission apparatus and a multiplex transmission method when a control unit reads reception data while a status flag is set, it determines that the reception data is obtained before data in a transmission buffer is transmitted. When the control unit reads the reception data while the status flag is reset, it determines that the read data is response data to transmission data. Thus, the control unit precisely recognizes the time series of data on communication control.

Abstract: A display device for visually representing selected characters in dot patterns includes a circuit for determining the number of characters to be visually represented and a circuit for outputting, in response to the result of the determination, a dot pattern signal of a size rendered relatively greater in accordance with a reduction in the number of such characters. Since the displayed character size is enlarged as the number of the characters is reduced, the visual representation can be easily seen on the display screen.

Abstract: A system allowing both map data and service-related data to be displayed on request for users' reference. Locations of candidate service-offering establishments are displayed in the map covering a specific geographical region. When one of these establishments is selected, detailed service-related information on that establishment is provided on the display screen. This allows the users to quickly obtain and process necessary service-related information wherever they are and to take action accordingly.

Abstract: A multiplex transmission system for automotive vehicles includes a plurality of communication nodes interconnected via a common multiplex transmission line.

Abstract: A navigation system for a movable body wherein a moving locus of the movable body displayed on a screen of display means can be identified readily and clearly from a map displayed on the screen to prevent misunderstanding of the map. The system comprises a map storage device in which a map is stored, a current position detecting device for detecting a current position of the movable body, a locus storage memory for storing therein a locus of the movable body provided by successively detected ones of the current position, a display unit having a screen, and a switching device for the switching between a mode in which the map from the map storage device, a current position and a locus of the movable body from the current position detecting device and the locus storage device are displayed on the screen and a second mode in which the map and the current position are displayed on the screen but the locus is not displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A transmission failure diagnosis apparatus for use in a multiplex transmission system which sends and receives data by time division communication among a plurality of nodes connected by a common transmission path. This transmission failure diagnosis apparatus comprises a reception circuit, connected in the transmission path, for receiving a transmission signal on the transmission path, an amplitude detection circuit for detecting the signal amplitude of a transmission signal received by this reception circuit, and a judgment circuit for judging failures in the system on the basis of the amplitude of the transmission signal detected by the amplitude detection circuit.

Abstract: A navigation system for a movable body wherein a map to be displayed on a screen can be selected freely in accordance with a request of an operator and, when an initial map displayed is restored, the operator can find out a current position of the movable body readily. The navigation system comprises a memory in which map data are stored, a position detector for detecting a current position of the movable body, and a display unit having a screen on which a map based on part of the map data and a current position mark based on a current position from the position detector are normally displayed on the screen. When an operator wants to see an adjacent portion contiguous to the map displayed, one of four scroll key patterns displayed on the screen is selectively touched to cause the map and current position mark on the screen to be scrolled. If a map returning pattern displayed on the screen is touched, the initial map is restored and the current position mark is displayed in position on the map.

Abstract: A multiple transmission system for use in a vehicle, in which a second node having a control function sends an command to first nodes of an ordinary type when an transmission error higher than a certain level takes place or at certain time intervals to effect system refreshment which resides in the following operation. Each of the first nodes, which has received the command, sends its status information (e.g., the status of an input device element such as a sensor or switch) to the other nodes. The other nodes which receive this information initialize their status (e.g., the status of an output device element such as an actuator or a motor) according to the received status information.

Abstract: When an unusual condition of a wheeled vehicle such as nose-diving caused by braking, squatting caused by an abrupt start or rolling caused by a turn is sensed, the damping force or the spring constant of each suspension unit, which serves as a shock absorbing unit, is temporarily increased to correct the position of the vehicle. The increased damping force or spring constant is maintained a predetermined period of time even after the unusual vehicle condition is settled, thereby preventing the vehicle body from tossing back due to the force of inertia.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system having suspension mechanisms including damping struts of variable damping rates and air springs of variable spring coefficients so that the suspension characteristics are changed between the "hard" and "soft" modes. A control circuit is provided for producing a control signal when the engine power output is substantially greater than the engine load to change the suspension characteristics into the "hard" mode. The arrangement is effective to prevent a rearward pitching of the vehicle in start or rapid acceleration.

Abstract: Suspension mechanisms for motor vehicles include dampers of variable damping powers and air springs of variable spring coefficients so that the suspension characteristics are changed between soft and hard modes. The suspension mechanisms are provided with a controller for producing a control signal only when the differential value between the value of a last steering angle and an average value of steering angles is larger than a predetermined value to change the suspension characteristics to the hard mode. In accordance with this arrangement, the suspension characteristics are changed to the hard mode only when the rolling angle of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An improved vehicle suspension system capable of providing at all times a desirable maneuvering characteristic variable in response to changes in the angle of steering. The suspension system includes front wheel suspension assemblies for resiliently suspending the front wheels of the vehicle and rear wheel suspension assemblies for resiliently suspending the rear wheels of the vehicle. The front wheel suspension assemblies and/or the rear wheel suspension assemblies have a variable suspension characteristic which is controlled to vary in response to a steering angle exceeding a predetermined level in a manner such that the steering characteristic of the vehicle during steering operation is changed in a direction toward an oversteer characteristic as compared with the steering characteristic during non-steering operation.