Abstract: An apparatus for use in a car includes: an input configured to receive data from a sensor; a processor configured to perform a statistical analysis using the data to determine a control parameter for controlling an automatic control of the car; and an output for providing the control parameter for controlling the automatic control of the car.

Abstract: A mobile warning device on a vehicle includes a detecting module, a driving module, a monitoring module, and a communication module. The detecting module determines whether the vehicle is unexpectedly immobile. The driving module is detachably set on the vehicle to detach and move the warning device to a specified position when the vehicle is immobile. The monitoring module is used to collect information around the vehicle. The communication module is used to transmit signals between the vehicle, the warning device, and a cloud network.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions using the sensing capabilities of wearable mobile technology. In one aspect, a method for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions includes the steps of: collecting real-time data from a driver of a vehicle, wherein the data is collected via a mobile device worn by the driver; determining whether the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists; providing feedback to the driver if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists, and continuing to collect data from the driver in real-time if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition does not exist. The real-time data may also be collected and used to learn characteristics of the driver. These characteristics can be compared with the data being collected to help determine, in real-time, whether the driving behavior is normal and whether a hazardous driving condition exists.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to the field of safety devices, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to systems and methods for providing advanced warning and risk evasion when hazardous conditions exist. In one embodiment, a vicinity monitoring unit is provided for monitoring, for example, oncoming traffic near a construction zone. In some embodiments, the vicinity monitoring unit may be mounted onto a construction vehicle to monitor nearby traffic and send a warning signal if hazardous conditions exist. In some embodiments, personnel tracking units may be worn by construction workers and the personnel tracking units may be in communication with the vicinity monitoring unit. In some embodiments, a base station is provided for monitoring activities taking place in or near a construction site including monitoring the locations of various personnel and vehicles within the construction site.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a distance information acquisition unit and an image combination unit. Based on positions of a common subject on a plurality of images captured by a plurality of cameras for capturing surrounding images of a vehicle, the distance information acquisition unit calculates a first subject distance from a vehicle reference position to the common subject, and calculates, based on the first subject distance, a second subject distance to a subject captured by one of the plurality of cameras. Based on the first subject distance and the second subject distance, the image combination unit converts the captured images in which the plurality of cameras are employed as viewpoints to images in which the reference position is employed as a viewpoint, and combines the converted images on a single plane of projection.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring device includes a location information acquisition unit configured to acquire a current location of the vehicle; a vehicle-mounted camera configured to capture an image of the exterior of the vehicle; a display device configured to display the image; a caution point information storage unit configured to store information relating to a caution point, which is a location where use of the vehicle-mounted camera is recommended; and a control unit configured to carry out vehicle exterior image display to output the image acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera to the display device, wherein the control unit carries out the vehicle exterior image display when it is determined that the caution point is present near the acquired current location.

Abstract: A vehicular control system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a data processor module for receiving and processing image data provided by a plurality of video sensors, which include at least five cameras, and sensor data provided by a plurality of non-video sensors, which include a radar sensor. The data processor module receives image data captured by the cameras and radar data captured by the radar sensor. The data processor module communicates with other vehicle systems via a vehicle bus of the equipped vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of image data and sensor data at the data processor module, other vehicles present exterior of the equipped vehicle are detected. Responsive at least in part to processing of image data and sensor data at the data processor module, a speed control system of the equipped vehicle is controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed a viewing system coupled to a motor vehicle having a frame having a roof, at least one support, and a body with the at least one support supporting the roof over the body. The system can comprise at least one camera, at least one screen coupled to the support. In addition each camera is coupled to the at least one support and wherein said at least one screen is in communication with the first set of cameras, wherein said at least one screen displays images presented by the first set of cameras. This device can provide additional view in the blind spot of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fold rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a base member, a mirror head, and a motor component for rotating, through a drive means comprising a gear wheel assembly, the mirror housing relative to the base member between a mirror operative condition and a mirror folded condition, and vice versa. The gear wheel assembly comprises a first and second gear wheels coupled to each other through first coupling means. The first gear wheel engages a motor component through a second coupling means and the second gear wheel in turn engages the base member through a third coupling means. The first coupling means allow the first and second gear wheels to be rotated together in one direction, and allow the first gear wheel to be rotated relative to the second gear wheel in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Provided is a blind spot assist device capable of more easily showing the image of a blind-spot zone continuously with the image directly viewed by a viewer. The blind spot assist device shows the image of the blind-spot zone blocked by an obstacle, and is provided with a pair of parallel plane mirrors to which light representing the image is incident, the pair of parallel plane mirrors comprising a semitransparent plane mirror and a plane mirror opposed to each other. The semitransparent plane mirror is provided on the viewer side for reflecting part of the light and transmitting part of the light. The plane mirror reflects the light to the semitransparent plane mirror. The pair of plane parallel mirrors is provided in such a manner that the width in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction of the light decreases gradually toward the travel direction of the light.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having a mirror reflective element, and a video display device behind the mirror reflective element and viewable through the mirror reflective element when activated. The video display device includes a display screen that occupies at least 75 percent of a reflective region of the mirror reflective element. The video display device includes a backlighting array of light emitting diodes for backlighting the display screen, and the backlighting array of light emitting diodes includes a plurality of zones of light emitting diodes, with each zone having at least two light emitting diodes. The zones of light emitting diodes are independently controlled based on the video images being displayed by the video display device.

Abstract: A door blocker for a vehicle includes a rotation platform positioned between first and second lateral drive members. The rotation platform is operably coupled to the first and second lateral drive members. An actuator has a first end operably coupled to the rotation platform. A reaction block has a slot that receives a second end of the actuator. The door blocker may be transformable to a power running board.

Abstract: A system to vary the angle of rotation between two surfaces is presented herein. One general aspect of this system includes a horizontally-oriented fixed surface. The system also includes a planar surface rotatably connected to one side of the fixed surface and configured to substantially cover the fixed surface. The system also includes a raising apparatus affixed to the fixed surface, the raising apparatus operatively connected to the planar surface, the raising apparatus operatively connected to the planar surface, where, based on the amount of downward force being applied to the planar surface, the raising apparatus lowers a portion of the planar surface in relation to the fixed surface so as to reduce the angle of rotation between the planar surface and fixed surface.

Abstract: A storage container for a vehicular seat includes a cushion pan for supporting a cushion. A lateral support bar extends between opposing side members and is positioned below the cushion pan. A container housing is disposed between the opposing side members and is fixedly attached to an underside of the cushion pan. A rear clamp of the container housing defines a containment region within which the lateral support bar is disposed. The rear clamp defines a surface engagement with the lateral support bar and is slidably engaged with the lateral support bar. Generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar biases the lateral support bar against the rear clamp to define an absorbing state of the rear clamp that receives at least a portion of the generally vertical displacement of the container housing relative to the lateral support bar.

Abstract: An article retainer assembly is provided. That article retainer assembly includes a housing. First and second retainers are carried on the housing. The first retainer includes a first set of opposed, flexible retaining flaps defining a first slit therebetween. The second retainer includes a second set of opposed, flexible retaining flaps defining a second slit therebetween.

Abstract: An arrangement of five supporting elements together with appropriate T-connectors and a four-way connector are employed to provide a device for loading one or more watercraft onto the top of a vehicle. The device is employable with conventional roof rack and kayak cradling structures. The arrangement includes a rotatable mast and boom which may be swung from one side of the vehicle to the other so that hoisting capabilities are available on either side of the vehicle so that multiple watercraft may be easily loaded onto the vehicle with minimal effort by one person.

Abstract: A vehicle bicycle rack is provided including a telescopic, height-adjustable support, attachable to a vehicle, and an arm assembly carried by the support for holding one or more bicycles. The arm assembly is pivotably mounted to the support and is height-adjustable by adjusting the height of the support. The arm assembly can adopt various rotational positions, including a stowed position in which the arm assembly is pivoted downward, and a deployed position in which the arm assembly is pivoted rearward and one or more bicycles can be carried by the arm assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle roof mount includes at least one datum feature. The datum feature is provided according to at least one datum. The at least one datum is determined according to a specified orientation of a sensor included in a sensor frame. The sensor frame is mateable to the roof mount.

Abstract: An accessory mounting system includes a plurality of individual fixing elements configured to be adhesively attached at a surface of a vehicle windshield. With the fixing elements adhesively attached at the windshield, the fixing elements are spaced apart from one another. Each of the fixing elements includes a base portion that is configured to be directly adhesively attached at the windshield and an elongated portion that extends from the base portion in a direction away from the windshield when the base portion is attached at the windshield. A frame has a plurality of individual receiving portions. The elongated portions of the fixing elements are at least partially received in respective and corresponding ones of the receiving portions of the frame to attach the frame at the windshield when the fixing elements are attached at the surface of the windshield. The frame comprises structure for receiving an accessory thereat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting objects from a moving platform are provided. The method includes receiving, from a camera coupled to the moving platform, first and second image frames, wherein the second image frame is subsequent in time to the first image frame. Within the first image frame, a first target is defined characterizing the location of an object detected in the first image frame. A first score associated with the first target and a second score associated with the second target are determined, and a first predicted target is determined based on a tracking process applied to the first target. A third score associated with the first predicted target is determined. The method determines a merged target corresponding to the second target when the second score is greater than the third score and a proximity measure between the second target and the first predicted target is above a threshold.

Abstract: An in-vehicle camera is provide which has a case and a lens, and which is attached in a vehicle interior so that the lens is exposed at a top face of the case and the top face is opposed to a windshield or another window. The top face has an angular shape bent at a ridge line passing through the top face. The lens is positioned in the vicinity of the ridge line. The in-vehicle camera includes a hood attached to a front portion of the case, the front portion being positioned at a front side of the case with respect to the lens.

Abstract: A modular video assembly is mounted on an exterior surface of a vehicle and includes an elongated housing and a camera. The housing presents spaced apart housing ends and a chamber between the housing ends. The camera is removably mounted at least partly within the chamber. The housing presents an inboard mounting surface that extends longitudinally between the housing ends, with the mounting surface operable to be opposed to the exterior surface when the assembly is mounted to the vehicle. The housing presents an outboard exposed surface that extends longitudinally to at least partly cover the chamber and is located outboard of the mounting surface. At least part of the exposed surface projects outboard of the camera to protect the camera when the assembly is mounted to the vehicle.

Abstract: This transparent shield device has a windshield that is disposed in the sensing direction of an onboard camera. The windshield has an outer surface that is exposed to the outside. The outer surface has an extended imaging area, which includes the imaging area of the onboard camera, and a surrounding area. Furthermore, the transparent shield device has a water-repellent sticker that is positioned within the extended imaging area and/or a water-attracting coating layer that is positioned within the surrounding area. Liquid droplets deposited on the outer surface can be moved out of the imaging area or prevented from entering the imaging area from the surrounding area.

Abstract: A modular shelving assembly for use in a vehicle, including a cargo space at least partially defined by a floor and a side wall of the vehicle, includes at least two interconnected upright assemblies. Each of the upright assemblies includes a first panel, a second panel, and a coupler member separate from and unitizing the first and second panels. The modular shelving assembly further includes a rail secured to one of the floor and the side wall to which at least one of the interconnected upright assemblies is anchored.

Abstract: A vehicle includes trim panel walls defining a cargo compartment. At least one trim panel wall has an indented portion defining a recess. A reaching aid is disposed within the recess in a stored configuration, and is selectively removable from the recess.

Abstract: A sport bar for a motor vehicle has front and rear mounting tubes inclined relative to each other. A removable side panel fits between the mounting tubes. The panel is fastened to a mounting frame having a periphery from which extend a plurality of mounting plates inclined to one side of the mounting panel flange. A periphery of the mounting plates are connected to the mounting tubes on an inner side of a plane through the mounting tubes, with the inclined mounting plates positioning the side panel adjacent a plane along the outer periphery of the mounting tubes. Threaded fasteners allow replacement of the side panel while the bracket remains.

Abstract: A disc drive includes: a disc driver that plays a safely seated optical disc; and a disc mover that moves the disc driver. The disc driver and the disc mover are configured to share information of their respective states with each other.

Abstract: A passive energy absorber to be supported by a bumper of a vehicle is disclosed. The passive energy absorber may include a base extending laterally, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers. Each fin may extend longitudinally from the base and be spaced laterally from adjacent fins to form lateral gaps therebetween. Each stopper may form, with a corresponding portion of the base, a triangular prism in a different lateral gap. The base, multiple fins, and multiple stoppers may be formed of polymeric material.

Abstract: A push-bar assembly including a push-bar and a pair of push-bar supports. The push-bar supports are attached by a pair of upper brackets and a pair of lower brackets. The lower brackets include about which a mounting block attached to the push-bar supports pivot when the push-bar assembly is assembled to a vehicle. A clevis bracket and clevis pin are provided on lower bracket assemblies that secure a lower mounting block on the push-bar supports to a pair of lower bracket assemblies.

Abstract: An ignition lock for a motor vehicle includes a locking cylinder, which in the presence of a suitable key can be shifted along a path including a punctual directional change between a driving position and a stationary position. In the driving position the ignition lock allows operation of an engine of the motor vehicle. In the stationary position operation of the engine is blocked. An indicating device is controlled by a switch operable by the locking cylinder at the point of directional change.

Abstract: An airbag safety system is provided with two or more safety airbags which can be adjoined to protect the rider when a crash occurs. A stabilizing mechanism is used to cause the inflated airbags to adjoin each other so as to form a stable protection space between the vehicle and the adjoined airbags. The adjoined airbags are shaped to meet a rider's ergonomics, making sure the rider can be caped for head protection and can be protected within the space surrounded by the airbags from being thrown away off the vehicle and subject to serious injuries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including a cylindrical housing in which an ignition device is attached at a first end portion thereof and a diffuser portion provided with a gas discharge port is attached at a second end portion thereof, an annular end surface being formed on the side of the second end portion, a cylindrical flow path forming member being disposed in the cylindrical housing, an inner space of the cylindrical flow path forming member being partitioned by a partition wall into a first chamber on the side of the first end portion and a second chamber on the side of the second end portion, a space, which includes the first chamber, being a combustion chamber filled with a gas generating agent, and the second chamber forming part of a gas discharge path, in the cylindrical flow path forming member, a first cylindrical space, which is formed between a first wall surface of the cylindrical flow path forming member on the side of the first chamber and the inner wall surface of the cyli

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflator (10), especially for a vehicle safety system, comprising a combustion chamber (20) containing a pyrotechnical solid propellant bed (21). In accordance with the invention, an igniting mixture (25) is located in the combustion chamber (20), wherein a filler element (30, 30?) is arranged to be movable between the igniting mixture (25) and the solid propellant bed (21) in the idle state of the inflator (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides for an advantageous external side airbag system (1), comprising at least one airbag (3, 3a-3c) with at least one dedicated inflator (5a-5c). The external airbag system is characterized in that at least one airbag has in a folded state an elongated shape that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and is configured to be integrated in a side structure (19) of a vehicle, and in particular between a rocker panel (21) and a sill cover (31) of a vehicle.

Abstract: A support structure for absorbing forces in a vehicle includes a support element, which encloses a hollow space and includes a number of openings, which is delimited by one or more boundary faces. A receiving body for an assembly unit is inserted in one of the openings so that the receiving body at least partially projects into the hollow space. The receiving body includes a wall which at least in portions runs corresponding to the boundary faces and with which the receiving body makes contact with the boundary faces of the support element.

Abstract: To provide an energy absorption apparatus, a seatbelt retractor, and a seatbelt apparatus that are capable of changing the energy absorption amount according to increases and decreases in the rotation speed between objects that rotate relative to each other and capable of improving endurance. The energy absorption apparatus includes a first plate connected to one of the objects and having a wave-shaped groove formed in an annular shape, a second plate connected to another one of the objects, disposed so as to be adjacent to the first plate, and having a plurality of radial grooves formed at locations that face the wave-shaped groove, a plurality of driving pins that are inserted, at one end, in the wave-shaped groove and inserted, at another end, in the radial grooves, and a plurality of follower bodies that are housed in the wave-shaped groove or the radial grooves and that slide along the wave-shaped groove as the driving pins move.

Abstract: A smart belt system to be worn by a person comprising an elongated belt, a microprocessor coupled to the belt, a bus disposed within the belt configured to conduct electricity configured for providing electricity to the microprocessor and any device coupled to the bus, and a rechargeable power supply coupled to the belt and configured for providing electrical power to the microprocessor and any device electrically coupled to the bus.

Abstract: A belt retractor for a safety belt, having a belt reel for winding or unwinding the safety belt, and a belt force limiting installation which comprises a first and second torsion bar for limiting belt force. The belt retractor has a free-wheeling transmission which operates depending on the rotation angle and which after activation of the belt force limiting installation initially leaves the second torsion bar so as to be inactive, while the first torsion bar for limiting belt force is already being twisted, and the free-wheeling transmission activates the second torsion bar as soon as the free-wheeling transmission has been rotated about a predefined maximum free-wheeling rotation angle.

Abstract: A reversible seat belt tensioner including a rotationally operable plastic driven gear (1), and a drive moved with a belt shaft of the belt tensioner. At least one coupling pawl (4) is provided on the drive gear, engaging a gearing of the drive gear upon activation of the reversible belt tensioner, and in a load-transmitting position produces a linkage between the driven gear (1) and the drive gear. A support ring (3) made of a material having a greater strength than the driven gear (1) is provided and is connected to the driven gear (1) for with a projection (21, 22) which into a recess (15, 16) of the driven gear (1). The recess (15, 16) positioned such that the coupling pawl (4) is braced against the driven gear (1) via the projection (21, 22) which engages in the recess (15, 16).

Abstract: Methods and systems detect motion of a motor vehicle and detect whether the driver, and/or other occupants, are wearing their safety belts. A third party can be notified, in real-time, that the vehicle is being driven without the safety belts engaged. The user can then deliver an audio message to the user, either pre-recorded or live, to remind the user to fasten their safety belts. The third party also has an option of delivering a consequence to the user as a result of the detection of the safety belt not being engaged. Such consequence can include automatically limiting access to certain applications of the driver's smart phone for a certain period of time. The system can include a seat belt application detector, a vehicle motion detector, and wireless communication means to send a signal of safety belt application to the third party.

Abstract: An anti-theft device of an operational vehicle, in which an operation of cancelling an anti-theft mode is simply and easily performed, is provided. The anti-theft device includes: a travel regulation unit (70) which maintains, when the anti-theft mode is set, the operational vehicle (1) in a state where the operational vehicle (1) cannot travel; and a wireless operation terminal (80) which wirelessly operates an operational device (20). When the wireless operation terminal (80) communicates with a controller (70), the wireless operation terminal (80) performs identification authentication, and when the identification authentication between the wireless operation terminal (80) and the controller (70) is successfully performed, the travel regulation unit (70) cancels the anti-theft mode. Since the wireless operation terminal (80) is only made to communicate with the controller (70), and thus the anti-theft mode is cancelled, the operation of cancelling the anti-theft mode is simply and easily performed.

Abstract: A wiper arm for supporting a wiper blade includes a wiper arm head comprises a recessed splined cup portion having a plurality of angularly adjacent teeth about the internal circumference of the cup portion wherein the cup portion includes a slot. A complementary drive shaft includes a splined head having teeth for mating engagement with the teeth in the wiper arm head. In order to facilitate the alignment therebetween, an integral alignment key is received in the axially aligned slots. The alignment key further includes a lower notched end which abuts against a bottom radial lip of the splined head to prevent the key from moving axially in the slots. As such, the key and the splined head include complementary formations preventing the key from accidentally falling out of the slots.

Abstract: A heated wiper blade for motor vehicles includes an elongated flexible beam and a heating element extending along the beam. The heating element may be configured to provide increased heat at the central portion of the blade and at the opposite ends of the blade. The flexible beam may include curved end portions and a flat or reduced curvature central portion. The heating element is preferably covered and sealed off to prevent loss of heat energy.

Abstract: An adapter for attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm having an attachment member including an end with a bent tab extending outwardly therefrom, and walls having fins. The adapter includes a body having first and second ends. A retention member is disposed at the first end for abutting the fin. A brace is connected to the retention member for substantially preventing lateral movement with respect to the body. A stop is disposed closer to the second end than the first. A guard is spaced longitudinally from the stop and has a cam surface and an engagement surface. A bridge connects the guard to the body and is adapted to flex when the guard pivots from the stop in response to force translated to the cam surface from the bent tab until the engagement surface abuts at least a portion of the bent tab.

Abstract: A wiper control system includes: a multifunction switch detecting and transmitting an operation of a wiper provided on a vehicle; a body control module controlling a wiper relay through a data signal of the multifunction switch; and a wiper motor connected to the multifunction switch and the body control module and connected to the wiper to rotate the wiper according to rotation of a cam plate of the multifunction switch and detect a parking end of the body control module, thereby preventing the wiper from being positioned in a middle of a windshield glass.

Abstract: A support device for a vehicle includes a support foot configured to place on a base and a support unit connected to the support foot. The support unit includes a tubular support element. The support foot includes a plate-shaped bearing element. The plate-shaped bearing element includes an engagement contour on at least one outer face, a support unit of another support device being attachable to said engagement contour in order to secure against a lateral displacement.

Abstract: A method of preventing a sensitive brake for preventing an excessive brake of a vehicle may include measuring conditions for determining a sensitive brake environment of a vehicle, terminating a brake when the conditions measured do not correspond to a preset sensitive brake environment, and when the conditions correspond to the sensitive brake environment, controlling a brake apparatus of the vehicle to be operated in a sensitive brake preventing mode, executing a first brake in a sensitive brake mode, comparing whether a value of an index of deceleration to a pedal effort at the first brake executed in the sensitive mode is larger than a predetermined value, and terminating the brake when the value of the index is smaller than the predetermined value, and repeatedly performing the brake in the sensitive brake mode when the value of the index is larger than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle, a method, a secondary steering system unit and a secondary steering system are provided. The secondary steering system unit comprises: a fault determination arrangement arranged to determine the presence of a fault in the main steering system and a path controller arranged to generate an upcoming path for the host vehicle. The secondary steering system unit is arranged to steer the host vehicle along the path by differential braking upon determination that a fault is present in the main steering system. Furthermore, the secondary steering system is arranged to control the differential braking in dependence of both a yaw torque acting on the host vehicle as a result of the differential braking and a steering angle resulting from a generated alignment torque on a braked steerable wheel caused by the associated wheel suspension scrub radius.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a brake apparatus capable of acquiring a stable brake performance. A brake apparatus includes a master cylinder configured to be activated according to a brake operation performed by a driver, a reservoir tank divided into at least a first chamber connected to a wheel cylinder via the master cylinder and a second chamber connected to a hydraulic source configured to increase a pressure of brake fluid and transmit the brake fluid to the wheel cylinder, a brake control unit configured to perform brake control of transmitting the brake fluid to the wheel cylinder, and a fluid level detection unit configured to detect a fluid level of the brake fluid in the reservoir tank.

Abstract: A trolley for traversing a zip line includes a first load-bearing sheave rotatably mounted to one or more side plates, and a second load-bearing sheave rotatably mounted to the one or more side plates and rearward of the first sheave. The trolley also includes an anchor point on the trolley for attaching a payload. When the trolley decelerates, forces acting on the payload create a downward load on the first sheave and the second sheave.