Abstract: A method for highlighting an expected movement path of a vehicle, the method including a step of determining a traffic situation using an item of information concerning a surrounding environment of the vehicle. In addition, the method includes a step of determining the expected movement path based on the traffic situation. In addition, the method includes a step of providing a control signal for controlling a roadway marking device using the movement path in order to highlight the expected movement path.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp has a light source portion that provides a low beam lighting mode, a high beam lighting mode, and a dimming lighting mode, a light source power supply portion that supplies to the light source portion a lighting current having a current value according to lighting mode, a light distribution mechanism portion that switches light distribution of illumination light by the light source portion according to the lighting mode, and a control portion that, at least in the dimming lighting mode, causes the light source power supply portion to supply lighting current having a second current value lower than a first current value for the low beam lighting mode.

Abstract: A lamp unit, comprises a substrate on which a luminous element is mounted, a housing having an opening in which the luminous element is arranged, and a lens arranged at a light emitting side of the luminous element, wherein the housing is sandwiched and fixed between the substrate and the lens; and wherein the lens is provided with a first wall portion protruding from a side of the lens facing the housing and surrounding the opening of the housing, and the housing is provided with a second wall portion protruding from a side of the housing facing the substrate and surrounding the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for a customized ambient lighting environment for individuals in vehicles travelling rapidly across multiple time zones, that can be automated and/or based on user input and which allows each user to be exposed to light in accordance to selected preferences and circumstances, in order to begin acclimating the user to a new time zone, or avoid acclimating to a new time zone, and/or otherwise mitigate circadian desynchrony.

Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a storage compartment forming an interior cavity disposed in a cargo area and a cover. The cover comprises a handle configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment from a closed position to an open position. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one photoluminescent portion disposed proximate the storage compartment configured to illuminate at least a portion of the handle in the closed position.

Abstract: A warning device for a vehicle to start a warning at an optimum timing depending on a position at which an object passes near the vehicle. The warning device has a warning part for warning a driver of a presence of the object that will pass near the vehicle. The warning device has a timing changing part for changing a timing of starting the warning via the warning part according to a size of an allowance space from the vehicle to an expected passing position at which the object is expected to pass near the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring powered assets for fueling. For example, in one embodiment, a fuel server can monitor the location of powered assets and fueling units. In response to determining, for example, that a powered asset that needs fuel is within a predetermined geofence defined around a fueling unit, the powered asset can emit a perceivable indication. The powered asset can then be authenticated for receiving fuel from the fueling unit.

Abstract: A method of alerting a driver of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: receiving alert settings configured by a user through a user interface; and selectively generating an alert pattern for at least one of a haptic alert device, an auditory alert device, and a visual alert device based on the alert settings.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a vehicle blind spot detection system, method, and module for adjusting parameters of a vehicle blind spot detection algorithm based on a trailer being attached to the back of the vehicle. More specifically, based on a determination that a trailer is attached to the vehicle and the reception of trailer information corresponding to the attached trailer, an adjust to the parameters of a blind spot detection area is disclosed for ensuring the continued operation of the blind spot detection feature will take into account the attached trailer.

Abstract: A cognitive-driver-assist system includes an object-detection device, an operator-detection device, and a controller. The object-detection device is operable to detect when an object is proximate to a host-vehicle. The operator-detection device is operable to determine when an operator of the host-vehicle is aware of the object. The controller is configured to output a warning-signal for the operator of the host-vehicle when the object-detection device detects the object. The warning-signal is characterized by a warning-intensity that is variable. The controller is configured to increase the warning-intensity when the operator is not aware of the object.

Abstract: To provide a semiconductor device in which a layer to be peeled is attached to a base having a curved surface, and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a display having a curved surface, and more specifically a light-emitting device having a light emitting element attached to a base with a curved surface. A layer to be peeled, which contains a light emitting element furnished to a substrate using a laminate of a first material layer which is a metallic layer or nitride layer, and a second material layer which is an oxide layer, is transferred onto a film, and then the film and the layer to be peeled are curved, to thereby produce a display having a curved surface.

Abstract: An image acquisition part acquires a plurality of shot images captured by a plurality of cameras disposed on a vehicle, each of the plurality of shot images showing a periphery of the vehicle. An image composer projects data of the plurality of shot images onto a virtual projection surface corresponding to the periphery of the vehicle, and generates a composite image showing the periphery of the vehicle viewed from a virtual viewpoint, using the data projected onto the virtual projection surface. The image composer uses, as the virtual projection surface, a special virtual projection surface that includes a curved area having an upward convex curve. The curved area includes an area where a distance from a location of the vehicle is relatively short and a slope is relatively high, and another area where the distance from the location of the vehicle is relatively long and the slope is relatively low.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle includes a windshield and a mirror. The mirror is positioned to view objects toward a rear of the passenger vehicle reflected off of the mirror. The mirror blocks a field of view of a user through the windshield.

Abstract: A rear-view mirror arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a mirror assembly held on a carrier plate. The mirror assembly includes a liquid-crystal cell to view following traffic, and which has a variable reflectance controllable via a control device. The mirror assembly has a transparent plate arranged on a front side thereof and a rear-side reflective coating adjacent to and pointing toward the carrier plate. The rear-view mirror arrangement is automatically dimmable and heatable, and includes an optical liquid-crystal cell to produce a permanently clear optical image for the vehicle occupant as a user. In order to provide a heatable effect, an areal heating element is arranged on the carrier plate to generate thermal radiation, and a housing gap is disposed between the carrier plate and the mirror assembly such that the thermal radiation is to transmitted to a radiation-absorbing coating arranged on a reflective coating of the mirror assembly.

Abstract: The present teaching are related to an article and method comprising: a.) a horizontal rail capable of bearing loads; b.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more vertical support rails wherein the distance between the vertical support rails may be varied; c.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more carrying rails wherein the carrying rails are capable of carrying a load wherein the carrying rails may be moved to multiple positions; wherein the horizontal rail may be affixed to the vertical support rails and the carrying rails are affixed to the horizontal rail directly or through a clamping mechanism, and the vertical support rails are adapted to be affixed to a side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The system may be adapted with add-on accessories for carrying articles for transport.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for manufacturing an interior trim component that features a special injection molding process and a selective back-foaming process.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes: a communication module configured to perform wireless communication between a wearable device and at least one vehicle device provided in the vehicle; and a control module configured to control the at least one vehicle device based on an operation of the wearable device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic control apparatus comprises: a PCB configured to electrically control each part of the vehicle and have at least one through-hole in a side; a connector cover includes a connector part electrically connected and coupled with the PCB and a coupling part; a housing configured of a one-piece slot type to receive the PCB inserted in a slide form and provided with at least one housing-hole penetrating through the through-hole of the inserted PCB; and a hollow rivet configured to penetratively fix the PCB to the housing through the through-hole of the PCB and the housing-hole of the housing, wherein the hollow rivet is penetratively inserted into the housing-hole through which the PCB is inserted into the housing and then one end surface of the hollow rivet is physically deformed, such that the PCB adheres to an inside of the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor device including a power compensation circuit in an apparatus in order to notify of a power supply disconnection failure that a user of the apparatus may not recognize. The power compensation circuit includes a rectifier circuit and a detection circuit. The rectifier circuit is coupled between a first power supply line and a second power supply line. If the voltage of the second power supply line is lower than the voltage of the first power supply line by a predetermined value or more, the rectifier circuit supplies power from the first power supply line to the second power supply line. The detection circuit outputs a detection signal when the current flows through the rectifier circuit.

Abstract: A method for operating an onboard power supply system of a motor vehicle, wherein the onboard power supply system includes at least two electric networks with different supply voltages. A network component, in particular an electrical load, is connected to each network, and a high-voltage battery is connected to the high-voltage network. A specified amount of power is supplied from the high-voltage network to a low-voltage network, wherein the supply voltage of the low-voltage network is lower than the supply voltage of the high-voltage network. Power of at least one network component connected in the low-voltage network is reduced when a power shortfall occurs in the high-voltage network while the high-voltage battery is being charged. The amount of power supplied by the high-voltage network to the network component in the low-voltage network is also reduced.

Abstract: An arrangement which prevents excessive engine speed, satisfies a driver's requested torque and protects a battery from overvoltage. A control apparatus provides a torque control to a hybrid electric vehicle, and calculates an engine speed final target so that an engine speed temporary target does not exceed an upper limit. In addition, the control recalculates an engine operating point target based on the calculated engine speed final target, and calculates an engine power final target based on the recalculated engine operating point target. An electrical power target is calculated and may not exceed an upper limit for battery charging and an upper limit for battery discharging. Engine torque is controlled based on the calculated engine operating point target (especially the engine torque final target). Motor generators are controlled to operate based on the calculated engine operating point target and electrical power target.

Abstract: Methods, systems and cloud processing are provided for coordinating and processing user input provided to vehicles during use. One example is for processing voice inputs at a vehicle to identify a mood of a user and then modifying or customizing the vehicle response based on the detected mood, physical characteristic and/or physiological characteristic of the user. One example includes sending, to a cloud processing server, data from the vehicle. The vehicle includes an on-board computer for processing instructions for the vehicle and processing wireless communication to exchange data with the cloud processing server. The method then receives, at the vehicle, data for a user account to use the vehicle. The cloud processing server uses the user account to identify a user profile of a user. Then, receiving, from the cloud processing server, voice profiles for the user profile. Each voice profile is associated with a tone identifier or audio signature.

Abstract: A structure for the front of a vehicle body includes left and right front-side frames extending in the longitudinal direction thereof, a front bulkhead provided between the front ends of said left and right front-side frames; and a bumper laid out in front of said front bulkhead. Left and right side bulkhead members include left and right front walls and left and right rear walls located behind said left and right front walls at a distance therefrom. The bumper overlaps the front surfaces of the left and right front walls. Left and right stays extend between the left and right front walls and the left and right rear walls. The front ends of said left and right stays, the left and right front walls, and the bumper are joined together. The rear ends of the left and right stays are joined to the left and right rear walls.

Abstract: A communication system performs emergency communication for a vehicle in accordance with a communication scheme in which multiple antennas are used for receiving on the vehicle side data that is wirelessly transmitted through multiple channels of a same frequency band from a base station to the vehicle and one antenna on the vehicle is used for wireless data transmission from the vehicle to the base station. The vehicle is provided a first transmitting and receiving antenna that performs transmission and reception at normal times, and a second transmitting and receiving antenna that performs reception at normal times. The first transmitting and receiving antenna is disposed at the rear of the roof on the vehicle exterior, and the second transmitting and receiving antenna is disposed in the front position in the vehicle interior.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body having a fastening portion and a pressure sensor coupled to the body apart from the fastening portion. The pressure sensor has a chamber therein. The body includes a first channel extending therethrough from an outside surface thereof. The first channel is in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A rollover protection device and method for use in work vehicles of the pickup and light truck types, in which a linking structure is applied to the roof of the vehicle cabin, the structure linking all the pillars of the original vehicle roof, thereby forming with the roof and the pillars an integral resistant structure for containing and regulating the deformation of the roof and the pillars upon a rollover event.

Abstract: A roof airbag device includes a roof airbag housed in a part that includes a front end side in a vehicle longitudinal direction in a center part in a vehicle width direction of a roof. The roof airbag includes: a front deployed part that is deployed in front in a vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to an occupant such that a lower end side in a vehicle up-and-down direction overlaps with an instrument panel in an up-and-down direction in a rear view; a rear deployed part that is at least partially deployed between right and left seats; and a thin deployed part that is deployed in a state connected with the front deployed part and the rear deployed part and surrounded by these deployed part, and in non-inflation or in inflation at a thickness thinner than an inflation width of the inflated and deployed part in a vehicle width direction.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) for being inflated between an instrument panel (36) and a seat (22) of the vehicle (12) is provided. The protection device (14) includes a front portion (70) that has a panel (72) presented towards the vehicle seat (22), a rear portion (76) adjacent the instrument panel (36), and top and bottom portions (90, 92) interconnecting the front portion (70) and the rear portion (76) to define an inflatable volume (54). A pocket (100) defines an uninflated volume (102) outside of the inflatable volume (54). The pocket (100) is defined by a single panel (180) of the protection device (14). The panel (100) extends along a centerline (162) and includes an extension (180) of material on each side of the centerline (162). The extensions (180) overly one another and are interconnected along a seam (106) to form the pocket (100).

Abstract: A gas generator for an airbag includes a storage container and at least one chamber defined by the storage container. The at least one chamber infludes a metal wall and contains at least gaseous hydrogen. A coating layer of iron oxide is disposed on at least a surface portion of the metal wall to prevent diffusion of hydrogen atoms through the metal wall.

Abstract: A metal obturating element is capable of being resistance-welded to the outer side of an edge of a hole of a metal wall of a pressurized gas reservoir of a gas generator, including on a first side, a portion dimensioned for covering the hole and having an end intended to be inserted into the hole, and a portion for connecting the portion to the peripheral edge, having a surface tilted rearwards relatively to the end and around the portion, this surface intended to be welded to the outer side of the edge of the hole. The element is formed with a deep-drawn part. The tilted surface forms around the central portion an angle greater than or equal to 50° and less than or equal to 80° relatively to the axis. The part includes in a second side located opposite to the first side another surface tilted rearwards relatively to the end and this by at least one angle greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 80° relatively to the axis.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus is provided with: a wiper arm (14) which is swung about a rotation shaft (18); and a wiper motor (13) for generating drive power to be transmitted to the rotation shaft (18), the wiper apparatus is provided with a power transmission mechanism (19) for transmitting the drive power from the rotation shaft (18) to the wiper arm (14), the power transmission mechanism (19) is provided with: a link member (19a) fixed to the rotation shaft (18); and a support shaft (19b) fixed at a position on the link member (19a), which deviates from the rotation shaft (18), and configured to support the wiper arm (14), a coupling section between the support shaft (19b) and the wiper arm (14) is positioned in front of the front end of the front glass (11), and at least one part of the wiper motor (13) is located within the projection region of the front glass (11), thereby suppressing the increase in the number of parts.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a wiper assembly includes a coupler adapted to be attached to at least one support member of the wiper assembly and a retention clip cooperating with the coupler and adapted to engage the at least one support member to retain the at least one support member and the coupler together and prevent longitudinal movement therebetween.

Abstract: A wiper blade arrangement having an attachment element that holds a wiper blade, which can be secured on a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper system of a vehicle. The wiper blade is coupleable via the attachment element to at least one channel for washer fluid, which can be introduced from the wiper arm into the attachment element. The attachment element allows a relative movement of the wiper blade with respect to the wiper arm. For this, the attachment element has a rider designed for holding a spring strip of the wiper blade, which includes a wiper-arm-side upper part and a wiper-blade-side lower part, which are connected to each other via a central part of the rider, which encloses at least one line for the washer fluid, wherein the central part has greater elasticity than the upper part and the lower part of the rider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lid which is pivotably attached by a link at a filling spout (1) of a windshield washing water container. The invention proposes to provide the link with pinions which are received in support eyelets with an intermediary space there between. During injection molding the intermediary space is filled by slides of an injection molding tool so that the lid is injection moldable in one step together with the filling spout.

Abstract: A control system includes an onboard controller, a location determination system, and a speed sensor. The controller identifies a designated area along a route that includes a downhill section, an airflow restricted area, a banked section, a section to be cleaned, an adverse environmental area, an adverse vehicular condition area, and/or a section where travel is restricted. The designated area is associated with an operating rule that requires the vehicle to travel at least as fast as a lower speed limit. The location determination system monitors actual locations of the vehicle as the vehicle travels along the route. The speed sensor obtains speed data representative of an actual velocity of the vehicle. The controller restricts control of the vehicle such that the actual velocity of the vehicle is at least as fast as the lower speed limit of the designated area when the vehicle is in the designated area.

Abstract: A vehicle braking apparatus varies a relationship of a pressure increase characteristic of rear-wheel brake oil pressure with respect to a pressure increase characteristic of front-wheel brake oil pressure according to a determination result of a likelihood of a collision with an obstacle. Preferably, when the likelihood of a collision with an obstacle is lower than a predetermined level, the relationship of the pressure increase characteristic of the rear-wheel brake oil pressure with respect to the pressure increase characteristic of the front-wheel brake oil pressure is caused to be a relationship in which a wheel cylinder pressure of the rear wheel increases not earlier than wheel cylinder pressure of the front wheel.

Abstract: A method of automatically preventing or reducing aquaplaning during the driving operation of a motor vehicle on a route provides that: a) a camera-based road sign recognition of a road sign on a section of the route determines whether the road sign indicates a risk of aquaplaning on the section of the route, b) at least one sensor device detects whether there is a wet road condition on the section of the route, and c) a driving assistance function for preventing or reducing aquaplaning is carried out if the road sign recognition determines that the road sign indicates the risk of aquaplaning and the sensor device detects the wet road condition on the section of the route.

Abstract: A brake-aiding device includes a casing and a drive mechanism installed in the casing. The drive mechanism has a revolving axle, and first revolver, a second revolver and a driven revolver that rotate against the revolving axle. The driven revolver has at least one propping portion for providing unidirectional stop to the first revolver and the second revolver. When brake lever cables of a two-wheeled vehicle are connected to the first and second revolver, and front- and rear-wheel brake cables of the vehicle are connected to the driven revolver, by operating either of the vehicle's left and right brake levers, both of the vehicle's front and rear wheels are braked. During the braking, the rear wheel is brakes before the front wheel is brakes, and a braking force at the rear wheel keeps greater than a braking force at the front wheel braking force.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.

Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging module in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.

Abstract: An ECU includes a running mode control unit, a Wout control unit, and an engine start/stop determination unit. The running mode control unit controls switching of a running mode including a CD mode in which an engine is stopped and running using a motor generator alone is given priority, and a CS mode in which the engine is operated and the SOC of a power storage device is maintained at a predetermined target. The engine start/stop determination unit carries out a start determination of the engine based on a discharge allowable power indicating electric power that can be discharged by the power storage device. The Wout control unit modifies the discharge allowable power based on the running mode and operation/stop of the engine.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a torque determining device for determining respective divided torques outputted from a first electric motor and a second electric motor on the basis of total torque required for driving of a hybrid vehicle; a torque correcting device for correcting the respective divided torques of the first electric motor and the second electric motor such that pulsation torque of an internal combustion engine on a drive shaft is canceled by the respective divided torques outputted from the first electric motor and the second electric motor and such that the respective divided torques of the first electric motor and the second electric motor are directed opposite to each other with respect to the drive shaft; and a controlling device for controlling each of the first electric motor and the second electric motor so as to output respective one of the corrected divided torques.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electrically heated catalyst configured to purify exhaust gas of the engine, and a controller configured to control energizing power to the electrically heated catalyst. The controller is configured to determine the energizing power based on a vehicle speed of the vehicle and an acceleration of the vehicle, when energizing the electrically heated catalyst before the engine is started.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a power transmission system is provided and includes an input shaft through which torque from an engine is input and first and second motor/generators. A planetary gear set is disposed on a line from the input shaft and an output shaft transmits torque from the planetary gear set and the second motor/generator to driving wheels. A battery supplies electricity to the first and second motor/generators and charges electricity generated therefrom. An HEV mode 1 in which an operation of a first brake and a second brake is released or an HEV mode 2 in which an operation of the second brake is operated is converted based on a mechanical maximum efficiency range, a required power of the engine, a speed ratio of a transmission, and an SOC of the battery.

Abstract: A method for controlling a driving of a hybrid vehicle in which a motor may be selectively connected to a transmission side, may include measuring a rotating speed of the motor in an electric vehicle (EV) mode, increasing the rotating speed of the motor by performing a slip control on a clutch connected to the transmission side when the rotating speed of the motor may be less than a reference speed, at a time of switching the EV mode into a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) mode, starting an engine, and joining an engine clutch disposed between the motor and the engine when the rotating speed of the motor may be increased to reach a rotating speed of the engine.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for stabilizing a vehicle combination made up of a tractor vehicle and a trailer in case of fishtailing motions, in which—the presence of a fishtailing motion of the tractor vehicle is detected,—after the exceeding of a first threshold value by the amplitude of an oscillating fishtailing variable characterizing the fishtailing motion, a driver-independent steering intervention in the steering actuator system of the tractor vehicle takes place and—after the exceeding of a second threshold value by the amplitude of the fishtailing variable, a driver-independent braking intervention in the brake actuator system of the tractor vehicle takes place,—the second threshold value being selected to be greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: Arrangements related to mitigating risk for autonomous vehicles in occupant view and vehicle sensor obstructed environments are presented. An information critical area in an external environment can be identified relative to a future planned driving maneuver of the autonomous vehicle. If at least a portion of the information critical area is outside of a determined occupant viewable area and a determined sensor detection area due to the presence of an obstructing object, it can be determined whether the obstructing object is moving favorably relative to the future planned driving maneuver. If the obstructing object is moving favorably relative to the future planned driving maneuver, the autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the future planned driving maneuver while moving relative to the obstructing object so as to be shielded by the detected obstructing object from any potential objects located in the at least a portion of the information critical area.

Abstract: A miniature autonomous vehicle for operation on the public roads is disclosed. The small size allows efficiency for small payloads, but produces a danger of being overlooked by other vehicles. The size of the vehicle is less than driver operated vehicles and may be restricted to less than 200 pounds. Sensors determine the vehicles speed and the presence of environmental vehicles and use a processor to calculate the need for additional visibility. A visibility structure and support structure with lights or markers is controlled by the processor. The markers are controlled in their operation or position by the processor on the basis of the sensor data. Extending or raising and retracting or lowering the structure affects the air resistance and stability of the vehicle. The structure can be raised when the vehicle stops or is in traffic and lowered at road speeds in light or absent traffic.