Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a telematics device, a GPS tracking device, and a multi-position driver's seat including a seat position actuator that is operatively connected to a seat controller and disposed to control a position setting thereof. A control system and method for the vehicle is described and includes receiving an alert of an impending traffic event, and determining a desired activation command for the seat position actuator based upon the impending traffic event. The seat controller controls the seat position actuator responsive to the desired activation command.

Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a telematics device, a GPS tracking device, and a multi-position driver's seat including a seat position actuator that is operatively connected to a seat controller and disposed to control a position setting thereof. A control system and method for the vehicle is described and includes receiving an alert of an impending traffic event, and determining a desired activation command for the seat position actuator based upon the impending traffic event. The seat controller controls the seat position actuator responsive to the desired activation command.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicle braking using a steering wheel mounted brake activation mechanism are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for braking a vehicle includes providing the vehicle with a steering system including a steering wheel having a brake activation mechanism, a braking system, and a controller in electronic communication with the braking system and the brake activation mechanism, receiving a user input from the brake activation mechanism, calculating an amount of vehicle braking to apply based on the user input, and automatically controlling the vehicle braking system based on the calculated amount of vehicle braking.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator includes: two dielectric resonant cylinders and a metal cavity, wherein the dielectric resonant cylinders are located within the metal cavity; and it also includes: a fastener and a connector, wherein bottoms of the dielectric resonant cylinders are connected via the connector to form a U-shaped structure, and the connector is fixed on the metal cavity via the fastener. With the dielectric resonator of the embodiments of the present invention, a good close contact between the dielectric resonant cylinders and the metal cavity can be guaranteed, thereby improving the resonant performance of the dielectric resonator.

Abstract: A method for implementing a TM dielectric resonator is provided, which includes: a dielectric resonant column component with a metal connecting plate is machined; a metal cavity with an opening at one end is machined; the metal connection plate of the dielectric resonant column component is fastened to the inner wall of the metal cavity by a screw; the opening of the metal cavity is covered with a prefabricated cover plate; and a prefabricated tuning screw is screwed from the cover plate into the metal cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze inputs (110,120) from one or more sources, internal or external to a vehicle, to allocate responsibility of a vehicle during a traffic incident. The system (100) includes a controller (200) for implementing a computer-readable storage device comprising a set of predetermined fault rules that cause a processor (260) of the storage device to perform operations. The system (100) analyzes the inputs (110,120), using the processor (260), according to the predetermined fault rules. In one embodiment, the system (100) includes a processor (260) and a computer-readable storage device comprising instructions that cause the processor (260) to perform operations for providing context-based assistance to a vehicle user. The operations include, in part, the system (100) parsing information received from the inputs (110,120) that can be processed to allocate responsibility among individuals operating vehicles (10,20) involved in the incident.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for making secure, mobile financial transactions, for example, for the purchase of and payment for travel-centric goods/services. The mobile transaction is initiated by placing an on-the-go order for an item with a merchant at a location remote from the purchaser. A payment from a registered payor account is authorized by entering the payment password on a purchaser interface for validating the payment. A purchaser identifier is presented to the merchant for verifying the transaction, and delivery of the item from the merchant is accepted by the purchaser.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for dispatching and delivering a purchased item to a dynamic delivery address for an mobile purchaser. Once a delivery mode and a dynamic delivery address for delivery of a purchased item from an mobile purchaser interface is acquired, a time for delivery is estimated based on the delivery mode, the dynamic delivery address and an initial location of the mobile purchaser interface. A dispatch schedule is determined based on the delivery mode, the initial location and the estimated time for delivery. A delivery schedule including a delivery route is determined based on the dynamic delivery address, the updated location and the estimated time for delivery and the delivery schedule is issued to a delivery interface.

Abstract: The dielectric resonator includes a sealing cover, a dielectric resonant column, a metal cavity, and an electrically-conductive elastic structure body. The dielectric resonant column is located within the metal cavity, wherein the sealing cover is connected to an upper surface of the dielectric resonant column. The sealing cover is located at the upper end face of the metal cavity and is configured to seal the metal cavity. The metal cavity is provided with a groove at the bottom. The electrically-conductive elastic structure body is located within the groove and is configured to support the dielectric resonant column. The depth of the groove causes a lower surface of the dielectric resonant column to be lower than an inner bottom surface of the metal cavity after the sealing cover seals the metal cavity. A lower end face of the dielectric resonant column is in contact with the electrically-conductive elastic structure body.

Abstract: A filter cover plate, a filter and a machining method for the filter cover plate are described. A flanged threaded through-hole used for installing a tuning screw is provided on the filter cover plate. The flanged threaded through-hole has has a certain depth, and the thickness of other places on the cover plate is relatively thinner than the depth of the flanged threaded through-hole.

Abstract: A method for communicating parking space availability for a parking facility. A vehicle-based communication link is established between a remote infrastructure and a user interface device. A parking facility is selected utilizing the user interface device. The selected parking facility is communicated to the remote infrastructure from the user interface device via the vehicle-based communication link. Parking space availability within the selected parking facility is determined by the remote infrastructure. The parking space availability of the selected parking facility is communicated from the remote infrastructure to the user interface device.

Abstract: A dielectric resonator includes: two dielectric resonant cylinders and a metal cavity, wherein the dielectric resonant cylinders are located within the metal cavity; and it also includes: a fastener and a connector, wherein bottoms of the dielectric resonant cylinders are connected via the connector to form a U-shaped structure, and the connector is fixed on the metal cavity via the fastener. With the dielectric resonator of the embodiments of the present invention, a good close contact between the dielectric resonant cylinders and the metal cavity can be guaranteed, thereby improving the resonant performance of the dielectric resonator.

Abstract: A method for implementing a TM dielectric resonator is provided, which includes: a dielectric resonant column component with a metal connecting plate is machined; a metal cavity with an opening at one end is machined; the metal connection plate of the dielectric resonant column component is fastened to the inner wall of the metal cavity by a screw; the opening of the metal cavity is covered with a prefabricated cover plate; and a prefabricated tuning screw is screwed from the cover plate into the metal cavity.

Abstract: The dielectric resonator includes a sealing cover, a dielectric resonant column, a metal cavity, and an electrically-conductive elastic structure body. The dielectric resonant column is located within the metal cavity, wherein the sealing cover is connected to an upper surface of the dielectric resonant column. The sealing cover is located at the upper end face of the metal cavity and is configured to seal the metal cavity. The metal cavity is provided with a groove at the bottom. The electrically-conductive elastic structure body is located within the groove and is configured to support the dielectric resonant column. The depth of the groove causes a lower surface of the dielectric resonant column to be lower than an inner bottom surface of the metal cavity after the sealing cover seals the metal cavity. A lower end face of the dielectric resonant column is in contact with the electrically-conductive elastic structure body.

Abstract: A driver-to-driver communication system includes a server accessible over a communications network, a first vehicle, and a second vehicle. The first vehicle and the second vehicle each have a license plate with a license plate number. The license plate numbers are stored on the server. The first vehicle may be substantially behind the second vehicle, and may be configured to send the second license plate number to the server. This may be accomplished by a computer device, which includes a camera to detect and read the second license plate number. A processor recognizes the second license plate number and sends it to the server over the communications network via a wireless module. The server matches the second license plate number with the second vehicle, and subsequently establishes communication, either direct or indirect, between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.

Abstract: A method for communicating parking space availability for a parking facility. A vehicle-based communication link is established between a remote infrastructure and a user interface device. A parking facility is selected utilizing the user interface device. The selected parking facility is communicated to the remote infrastructure from the user interface device via the vehicle-based communication link. Parking space availability within the selected parking facility is determined by the remote infrastructure. The parking space availability of the selected parking facility is communicated from the remote infrastructure to the user interface device.

Abstract: A system and method for combining sequential map segments to aggregate, analyze, and display traffic data collected from one or more probe vehicles located on one or more of the map segments.

Abstract: An on-vehicle system for identifying and reporting external conditions is presented. The system has an operator-selectable user interface to identify occurrence of an external condition, a global positioning system receiver; and, a wireless communications system. The unit may be used to assist in discovering localized roadway conditions that adversely affect safety and travel. The unit is placeable into a vehicle of a volunteer, is manually operated whenever a hazard is detected. Reportable hazards include potholes, obstacles or debris in the highway, snow or ice patches, fog, unusual traffic or pedestrian activity, and localized incidences, such as presence of disabled or emergency vehicles. Nature of the hazard is indicatable by manual activation of additional push buttons or other suitable devices. A GPS receiver is incorporated to estimate position, speed, and heading of the hazard. The information is encoded as a message sent to a central server.

Abstract: A vehicle traffic monitoring apparatus includes an imaging device; an image processing device; a global positioning device; and, a wireless communications system. The image processing device includes a computer program to process a data stream from the imaging device, to recognize individual vehicles substantially in view of the vehicle; and, quantify motion of the recognized individual vehicles. A second data stream is a signal output from the image processing device and includes code representing the recognized individual vehicles in view of the vehicle, quantified motion of the recognized vehicles; and vehicle position data from the global positioning system receiver. The wireless communications device receives the second data stream and communicates it a remote device. Localized traffic is monitored in metrics of traffic density, congestion, and, turbulence.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and communicating a traffic anomaly at a point to at least one receiving vehicle includes a traffic information center and at least one probe device. Each probe device is configured to determine and store within an on-board database a current value of a condition at the point during each of a plurality of trips, so as to build a history of condition values. The probe device is further configured to compare the current value to the historic values during each trip, and selectively transmit notification of an anomalous value to the center.