Abstract: An air terminal for a heating or air conditioning system including a housing, a fresh air inlet in the housing to supply a fresh airflow to the air terminal, an outlet diffuser at the housing to allow airflow from the air terminal into a conditioned space, an inlet diffuser located at the housing to allow return airflow from the conditioned space into the air terminal, a coil located in the housing to condition the fresh airflow and/or the return airflow prior to the fresh airflow and/or the return airflow flowing into the conditioned space. A fan is located in the housing to urge return airflow through the inlet diffuser and across the coil. The fan and the inlet diffuser are located at a first side of the coil and the outlet diffuser and the fresh air inlet are located at a second side of the coil opposite the first side.

Abstract: A plate-type heat exchanger, in particular for motor vehicles, is provided that includes a plurality of plate groups in order to form first and second and/or third flow paths, a spatial region for fourth flow paths being formed between adjacent plate groups, the plate groups having at least one plate pair having a first and second plate in order to form the first flow paths and the second flow paths, wherein a third plate can be arranged in interaction with one of the first or one of the second plates in order to form the third flow path.

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooler includes tubes to convey an exhaust gas through the cooler, a header plate to receive ends of the tubes, and a diffuser. The diffuser and the header plate together define an inlet plenum for the exhaust gas. The diffuser includes a connection flange to join the diffuser to the header plate, and the connection flange is substantially shielded from the flow of exhaust gas passing through the inlet plenum.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material; placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling batteries in hybrid or electric vehicles includes a plurality of spaced apart, discrete heat exchanger panels, each having a coolant inlet manifold section, a coolant outlet manifold section, and a plurality of coolant flow passages extending between the inlet and outlet manifold sections. The inlet and outlet manifold sections of the discrete panels are connected by tubes to define continuous coolant inlet and outlet manifolds, each having a coolant opening. The flow of coolant through discrete panels may be balanced by providing the fluid flow passages of the panels with various cross-sectional areas and/or hydraulic diameters, depending partly on the proximity of each panel to the coolant opening. In an embodiment, where the panels are formed from pairs of stamped plates, variation of the cross-sectional area and/or hydraulic diameter of the coolant flow passages may be achieved by deliberately offsetting the plates during assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a header (10) for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, configured to receive heat exchange tubes (12). The header comprises: a metal plate (18) through which the tubes (12) pass and which has two longitudinal edges (26) for crimping of the header (10) to a header box (16), and a plate (22) comprising a polymer material placed above the metal plate (18) and provided with openings (42) for receiving the tubes (12).

Abstract: A charge-air cooler for a fresh-air system of an internal combustion engine may include a cooler box and an upper shell such as a flange plate. The cooler box may include a cooler box passage opening, and the flange plate may include a flange plate passage opening arranged complementary with the cooler box passage opening. An adapter element may have a first end section and a second end section. The adapter element may be connected to a rim of the cooler box that borders the cooler box passage opening. A pipe element may be detachably secured to the adapter element and have a first end section and a second end section. The first end section of the adapter element and the first end section of the pipe element may define a clip-type connection when the adapter element and the pipe element are secured to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a permanently joined plate heat exchanger comprising a plurality of metal heat exchanger plates having a solidus temperature above 1000° C., provided beside each other and forming a plate package with first plate interspaces for a first medium and second plate interspaces for a second medium, wherein the first and second plate interspaces are provided in an alternating order in the plate package, wherein each heat exchanger plate comprises a heat transfer area and an edge area comprising bent edges which extend around the heat transfer area, wherein a first surface of the plates forms a convex shape and a second surface of the plates forms a concave shape, wherein the heat transfer area comprises a corrugation of elevations and depressions, wherein said corrugation of the plates and the bent edges are provided by pressing the plates. The invention also relates to a plate heat exchanger produced by the method.

Abstract: A method for producing a heat radiating plate, the method containing the steps of: finish cold-rolling an annealed material to obtain a strip; causing the strip to wind in the shape of a coil to prepare a coil stock; unwinding the coil stock by means of an uncoiler to obtain a strip; causing the strip to pass through a gap between the rolls of a leveler to correct the shape thereof; progressively feeding the corrected strip to a progressive die via a feeder to progressively press-working the strip to produce a heat radiating plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing one or more jets of cryogenic fluid comprising a fluid supply pipe supplying one or more fluid-dispensing nozzles arranged downstream of said pipe, in which the fluid flow section of the fluid supply pipe has a first diameter. According to the invention, the device for dispensing one or more jets of cryogenic fluid also comprises at least one plenum chamber which is arranged between the fluid supply pipe and the fluid-dispensing nozzle(s) and which is fluidly connected to both the pipe and the nozzle(s). The fluid flow section of each plenum chamber has a second diameter greater than the first diameter of the fluid flow section of the fluid supply pipe.

Abstract: A structure of a wheel-type positioning device includes a gun body, a wheel and a grip portion. A bullet is placed into a receiving slot of the wheel through a lead trajectory on the gun body. The receiving slots of the wheel can sequentially correspond to a barrel to complete loading actions through frontward and rearward reciprocating displacement actions of the grip portion, and through a linking rod of the grip portion driving a limiter thereon to rotate the wheel.

Abstract: A firearm is adapted to use linked ammunition, either as a stand-alone firearm or a kit for the firearm. A belt feed lever is actuated by a drive roller in communication with the firearm recoil assembly. The belt feed lever turns a vertical drive shaft. The drive shaft operates a lower pawl, the manipulation of which advances the next round of linked ammunition to a position above the feed ramp. The firearm feeds linked ammunition “upside down,” that is, with the links facing downward. A box mount is fitted in place of the standard box magazine when the firearm is used to fire linked ammunition, thereby providing a feed tray and feed follower. To convert back to the use of ammunition fed from magazines, the user need only remove the box mount and replace it with a traditional box magazine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a firearm monitoring and notification apparatus to allow users to monitor a firearm without interfering with the accessibility to the firearm. The firearm monitoring and notification apparatus mitigates common risks surrounding unauthorized access and tampering through deterrence and notification strategies.

Abstract: A bolt hold open mechanism assembly is disclosed. The bolt hold open mechanism assembly contains a connector rod, a follower lever associated with the connector rod, a bolt stop associated with the connector rod, and a lifter lever comprising at least one protrusion configured to interact with a magazine follower.

Abstract: A flash suppressor assembly that captures, burns, and cools the combustion gases produced when a projectile, such as a bullet, is fired by a weapon. The flash suppressor assembly includes a housing with an internal space containing a tubular burn chamber disposed about a burn tube that define at least one set of an accelerated gas flow chamber, an expanded burn chamber, and an elongated cooling chamber. The outer surface profile of the burn tube includes grooves that facilitate the intermixing of oxygen with the combustion gases to enhance burning thereof.

Abstract: The subject matter described in this specification relates generally to a firearm recoil compensation system and a process for manufacturing a firearm recoil compensation system. The recoil compensation system includes a barrel, a compensator, and a slide. The compensator is attached to a muzzle end of the barrel. The compensator includes a projection extending along an upper surface of the barrel in a direction away from gas ports in the compensator. The slide is configured to house the barrel, and a slot is defined in an upper surface of the slide, where the slot is shaped to allow the slide to, at least partially, wrap around the projection of the compensator with the slide in a battery position.

Abstract: A firearm beavertail grip sleeve has a tubular body having a front wall, a left side wall, and a rear wall, the body being of an elastomeric material, the body having a lower end associated with the lower free end of the pistol grip, and an opposed upper end, the upper end of the body having a front edge portion at the front surface at a limited first vertical distance above the lower end, the upper end of the body having a rear edge portion at the rear surface at a second vertical distance above the lower end greater than the first vertical distance, and at least a upper guard element at the upper end of the rear edge portion curving back in an upward and rearward direction. The upper guard element may have a guard surface facing in a direction angularly rearward and downward.

Abstract: A handgun brace for stabilizing a handgun on a user's forearm includes a body adapted to detachably engage a support structure such as a receiver extension extending rearwardly out of the rear end of a handgun, a first arm extending generally downwardly from the body, and a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm. The second arm is selectively moveable between a stowed position wherein and end of the second arm is received against a side of the body, and a deployed position wherein the first arm and the second arm form a downwardly rigid forearm support structure under the body. The forearm support structure includes a continuous support surface upon which a user's forearm is removably receivable to stabilize the handgun when the body is engaged with the support structure of the handgun.

Abstract: A locking gun storage container with a main box, a biased lid mounted on one end of the main box, and a lock mechanism that selectively locks the lid in a closed position. Inside the interior cavity of the main box is a holster with an interior pocket configured to hold a handgun. The holster includes an upper edge attached to a first hinge assembly mounted to the inside surface of the lid and a lower edge attached to a second hinge assembly attached to the inside surface of the main box. The two hinge assemblies are configured to hold and support the holster when holding a handgun upright over the interior cavity of the main box when the lid is opened and then repositioned the holster inside the interior cavity when the lid is closed. Mounted on the main box a coupler that selectively attaches to an external mount.

Abstract: A system and method for a secure weapon concealment compartment situated in a personal carrying item such as a purse, handbag, briefcase, backpack or luggage that allows a person to safely and efficiently carry, store and make available for use a weapon. The concealment compartment includes weapon securing having tapered holders or orifices formed to receive a weapon and provide safety against unintentional discharge of the weapon and resistive forces applied to a protective carrier of the weapon once stored to enable quick and effective withdrawal of the weapon from the concealment compartment.

Abstract: A holographic sporting/combat optic may be mounted to weapon. The holographic sporting/combat optic includes a laser diode, a holographic recording element and one or more optical components arranged in a housing. In response to a light beam incident thereon, the holographic recording element projects a composite, multidimensional reticle image into the optical viewing window. Of note, the holographic recording element has two or more reticle elements recorded thereon which form the composite reticle image. Each of the two or more reticle elements is captured at a different distance from the weapon during different exposures of the holographic recording element.

Abstract: A sighting system for use with firearms having a barrel for releasing a projectile toward a target, including an LED light, a power source for powering the LED light, a circuit that receives power from the power source and provides it to the LED light and controls the LED light, a housing for encasing the LED light, power source and circuit to act as an independent unit, wherein the housing is designed to be retrofit entirely on top of the barrel of the firearm, so that in dim light a user is guided by light from the LED light to align the barrel toward the target.

Abstract: A ballistic effect compensating reticle (e.g., 200 or 300) and ammunition adaptive aim compensation method for rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems includes a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150 or 350) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158 or 358) indicating a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and a plurality of secondary aiming points arrayed beneath the primary aiming mark. The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to express the field expedient firing solution in units of distance, (e.g., yards or meters, when describing or estimating range and nominal air density ballistic characteristics), and velocity (e.g., mph or kph, for windage hold points). The adaptive method allows a shooter in the field to adapt to changes in available ammunition (e.g.

Abstract: A ballistic shield has a strike face and a body side and includes a ballistic panel and a viewport. Plies of ballistic material are formed together as the ballistic panel. A pocket in the ballistic panel is recessed into the strike face of the panel, and is at least partially defined by a pocket wall that is offset from a main body portion of the ballistic panel in a direction away from the strike face. The pocket wall has an opening forming a viewing area that is circumscribed by a frame section of the pocket wall. A viewport is secured in the pocket with a first section of the viewport overlying the frame section of the pocket wall and a second section of the viewport overlying the viewing area.

Abstract: A one man portable electromagnetic pulse transmitter includes a standard rifle having a muzzle and capable of firing a blank cartridge containing propellant. A blank firing adapter is fixed to the muzzle of the rifle. A piezolectric generator is aligned with the gas exit orifice of the blank firing adapter. An antenna is electrically connected to the piezolectric generator and an electromagnetic shield is disposed between the antenna and the piezolectric generator.

Abstract: A system for projecting an image of a target is provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a rail having a longitudinal axis; a target carrier coupled to the rail such that the target carrier can translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a motor and motion controller coupled to the target carrier wherein the motor is configured to cause the target carrier to translate along the longitudinal axis of the rail; a projector carrier coupled to the rail and held in fixed relational position to the target carrier; and a projector affixed to the projector carrier and oriented to point back towards the target carrier. In some embodiments, one or more cameras may also be added to the target carrier, projector carrier, or both.

Abstract: An igniter for propulsion unit including a receptacle having at least one opening through which passes a conducting line connected to an ignition carrier of a slapper contained within the receptacle, the igniter being characterized in that at least one elastomer material is disposed between the ignition carrier and the opening such that the pressure of the gases generated by the propulsion unit which is ignited pushes the elastomer material at the vicinity of the opening of the receptacle so that this elastomer material blocks the opening and avoids any gas leak through this opening.

Abstract: An arrowhead exhibiting a flexible shaft allowing the arrowhead to deform around resistant target material, further allowing the blades to alternately deploy and fold based on the resistance of the target material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric detonator (1) comprising a cap (2), comprising a priming charge (3) and an electrode (4), comprising a positive pole, a negative pole and a resistor element (8), the said priming charge (3) comprising at least two primary explosives, a first primary explosive (9) and a second primary explosive (10), and at least one secondary explosive (11). The electric detonator is characterized in that the two primary explosives (9, 10) and the secondary explosive (11) are arranged in layers, in an increasing degree of sensitivity, bearing one against the other, wherein the first primary explosive (9), constituting the most sensitive of the two primary explosives (9, 10), is arranged closest to the resistor element (8), and in that the second primary explosive (10) is arranged thereafter between the first primary explosive (10) and the secondary explosive (11). The invention also relates to a production method for the said electric detonator (1).

Abstract: An end-sensing sensor assembly for proximity sensing including one or more sensing devices positioned between two axially magnetized ring magnets having like poles facing one another such that the magnetic fields emanating from the two axially magnetized ring magnets define a moveable balanced zone therebetween. The one or more sensing devices may be positioned within the balanced zone or outside the balanced zone, or combinations thereof. The balanced zone shifts in response to the approach of a magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material which cause the sensing device to actuate in response to a sufficient shift in the balanced zone. Upon removal or departure of the magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material, the balance zone shifts back to the initial position prior to the approach of the magnetic, permeable, and/or ferrous material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus for obtaining height information of a measurement target object using a prism. The three-dimensional shape measurement apparatus includes an illumination unit irradiating light on the measurement target object, a prism unit receiving reflective light reflected from the measurement target object and directing the reflective light to an image formation lens, an imaging unit receiving the reflective light from the prism unit and capturing an image of the reflective light, and a height measurement unit measuring a height of the measurement target object based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

Abstract: A method and a device for contactless assessment of the surface quality of a workpiece (W) according to the angle-resolved scattered light measuring technique comprises an optical sensor (10) which illuminates a measuring spot (14). The intensity of the radiation which is reflected back is detected by means of a line sensor (16), and an intensity characteristic value (Ig) is determined therefrom. A horizontal initial rotation angle (?) at which the intensity characteristic value is at a maximum is determined. In a measuring operating mode, surface characteristic values are calculated taking into account this initial rotational angle (?). The measuring method is defined by extremely high lateral and vertical spatial resolution, extending into the subnanometer range, and by a high measuring speed.

Abstract: In order to provide a pattern-measuring device and a computer program that quantitatively evaluate the effects brought about by the presence of pattern deformations in a circuit, this invention proposes a pattern-measuring device that measures first distances between first edges in pattern data being measured and second edges that correspond to said first edges in a benchmark pattern that corresponds to the pattern being measured. Said pattern-measuring device computes a score for the first edges or the pattern being measured on the basis of the first distances and second distances between the first edges and/or the second edges and third edges that are adjacent to but different from the first and second edges.

Abstract: A stereo camera apparatus, and a vehicle provided with a stereo camera apparatus, can detect an object targeted for detection in a wider spatial range, calculate the distance to a subject with high accuracy, and perform object detection with high accuracy. The stereo camera apparatus includes a first imaging unit configured to image a first area as a first image, a second imaging unit that images a second area as a second image, the second area being partially shifted from the first area in a direction differing from a direction along the baseline length, and a controller that calculates the distance to a subject using an overlapping region between the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A device for measuring a position of a panel of an overhead garage door is described. The device has an accelerometer, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and a processor. The accelerometer is attached to the panel and detects a motion or vibration of the panel. The atmospheric pressure sensor triggers a measurement of an ambient atmospheric pressure in response to the detected motion of the panel. A state of the panel is determined based on a combination of the measured ambient atmospheric pressure and the detected motion of the panel.

Abstract: A low cost position sensor and a mobility device using the same are provided. The low cost position sensor comprises a rollable object, a container and a control circuit. The rollable object comprises a specific material. The container has a non-planar inner bottom portion. At least one sensor for detecting coordinates is disposed inside the container. The rollable object is disposed in the container. The sensor can detect the specific material. The control circuit is coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects the specific material to determine a coordinate position of the rollable object, and sends the coordinate position of the rollable object back to the control circuit. The control circuit determines a tilt angle of the container according to the coordinate position of the rollable object.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for calculating an average time people spend at a particular location, such as a store. A plurality of entrance times is identified, where each entrance time corresponds to when one or more objects entered the particular location. A plurality of exit times is also identified, where each exit time corresponds to when one or more objects exited the particular location. An average entrance time is determined based on the plurality of entrance times. An average exit time is determined based on the plurality of exit times. An average time people spend at the particular location is determined based on a difference between the average exit time and the average entrance time.

Abstract: A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.

Abstract: A toroidal ring gyroscope with a robust outer perimeter anchor and a distributed suspension system. The vibrational energy in the design is concentrated towards the innermost ring, and the device is anchored at the outer perimeter. The distributed support structure prevents vibrational motion propagating to the outer anchor, which helps trap the vibrational energy within the gyroscope and provides a Q-factor of >100,000 at a compact size of 1760 ?m. Due to the parametric pumping effect, energy added to each mode is proportional to the existing amplitude of the respective mode. As a result, errors associated with finding the orientation of the standing wave and x-y drive gain drift are bypassed. The toroidal ring gyroscope can be fabricated using any standard silicon on insulator process. Due to the high Q-factor and robust support structure, the device can potentially be instrumented in high-g environments that require high angular rate sensitivity.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes a substrate, a first structure, a second structure and a third structure elastically coupled to the substrate and movable along a first axis. The first and second structure are arranged at opposite sides of the third structure with respect to the first axis A driving system is configured to oscillate the first and second structure along the first axis in phase with one another and in phase opposition with the third structure. The first, second and third structure are provided with respective sets of sensing electrodes, configured to be displaced along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis in response to rotations of the substrate about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis and to the second axis.

Abstract: A fiber-optic gyroscope is disclosed, wherein the fiber-optic gyroscope has counter-propagating light signals in a closed-loop optical path, and where the light signals are characterized by an orthogonality that mitigates optical coupling between them. In some embodiments, the orthogonality is a difference in frequency of the two signals. In some embodiments, the orthogonality is a difference in the polarizations of the two signals. The orthogonality is imparted on the light signals by a non-reciprocal element that is optically coupled with the optical path. In some embodiments, a gain-balancing filter is also included to ensure that the loop gain for each light signal is substantially equal to one. In some embodiments, the light signals are provided by a gain element that is characterized by inhomogeneous broadening.

Abstract: A staying state analysis device measuring a stay frequency of moving objects in a target area and generating a heat map visualizing a state of distribution of the stay frequency includes: a position information sorter sorting pieces of position information of the moving objects according to a degree of possibility that the pieces of position information may include an error due to a missing part that may be in traffic lines of the moving objects; a missing part position detector detecting a position of the missing part in the traffic lines based on at least two groups of pieces of position information sorted by the sorter; a corrected distribution information generator generating corrected distribution information representing the stay frequency of the moving objects corrected based on a result of detection by the missing part position detector; and a heat map generator generating the heat map based on corrected distribution information.

Abstract: Methods and computer products for establishing at least one of attitude, direction and position of a moving platform. At least one skymark of known ephemeris is imaged at each of a first set of discrete instants by means of an optical sensor coupled to the platform. A measurement is also obtained of the attitude of the platform at each of a second set of discrete instants by means of an inertial navigation system. A recursive of estimation filter is then applied to successive skymark position vectors to update an estimate of platform navigation state, with the measurement of attitude of the platform tightly coupled to the estimate of platform navigation state as updated by the recursive estimation filter. Various techniques of frame stacking and multi-hypothesis tracking may be applied to improve the robustness of navigation solutions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising identifying field boundaries from aerial imagery; detecting entry upon a first field by an agricultural machine without operator intervention, the first field within the identified field boundaries; and providing a first path to be traversed in the first field at least in part by the agricultural machine.

Abstract: A autonomous robotic golf caddy which is capable of following a portable receiver at a pre-determined distance, and which is capable of sensing a potential impending collision with an object in its path and stop prior to said potential impending collision.

Abstract: A system and method for providing position information of a transit object to a computing device is provided. Global positioning satellite (GPS) information of a transit object can be periodically received. For each of some of the GPS information, one or more candidate points of a transit system can be identified based on the GPS information. Using the one or more candidate points, a most likely path of travel can be determined. Additional position points along the most likely path of travel can be extrapolated and transmitted to a computing device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a map application that identifies a transit route that includes one or more transit legs between a starting location and a destination location. In response to a request to start navigating the identified transit route, the map application of some embodiments provides a first display area for displaying a set of navigation instructions, each of which describes a transit maneuver that is associated with a transit leg of the transit route. The map application also provides a second display area for displaying a map region presentation associated with the navigation instruction that is displayed in the first display area.

Abstract: A network computer service can receive a service request associated with a first service location. Additionally, the network computer service can detect a user action to associate the service request with a second service location. In some examples, the user input can be detected on a user device. In other examples, the second service location can be different from the first service location. Moreover, the network computer service can determine the second service location satisfies a predetermined permissibility criterion for permitting change of the first service location to the second service location. In response to determining the second service location satisfies the predetermined permissibility criterion, the network computer service can transmit an instruction to cause a device to associate the service request with the second service location in place of the first service location.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system includes a processor configured to receive a destination, to output a charging station location for display in response to an estimated SOC being less than a threshold and the location being within a pre-defined distance from a vehicle, and to not automatically output the location otherwise such that as a difference between the SOC and threshold increases, the pre-defined distance increases.

Abstract: Provided is a technology for solving a problem of a high cost due to a redundant investment and improving the user's operability. An in-vehicle information system according to one embodiment includes: an in-vehicle information terminal to be mounted in a vehicle; a portable information terminal equipped with a touch panel for providing the in-vehicle information terminal with operation unit and communication unit; the operation unit for enabling a display screen of the in-vehicle information terminal to be operated by operating the touch panel of the portable information terminal when the portable information terminal is connected to the in-vehicle information terminal via an interface; and the communication unit for enabling external communication of the in-vehicle information terminal by using the communication unit of the portable information terminal.