Abstract: A radial line dial plate includes a synthetic resin dial plate and a shaft through-hole that is provided to the dial plate such that a rotation shaft of a meter unit penetrates therethrough. The dial plate is provided with a plurality of grooves that extend radially outward from an opening rim of the shaft through-hole to form a radial line pattern provided on the dial plate, and the plurality of grooves are provided radially around a position different from a center axis of the shaft through-hole. Thus, there are provided a radial line dial plate and an automobile meter provided with the radial line dial plate in which the radial line pattern of appearance with comfortable and natural feeling as a metallic-tone dial plate can be stably given.

Abstract: Disclosed are driver assistance apparatus and a control method for the same. The driver assistance apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to acquire information regarding an object outside a vehicle, the object including a first other vehicle being driven in the vicinity of the vehicle, and a processor configured to judge whether the first other vehicle is a dangerous vehicle based on at least one of the information regarding the object, user input provided from a driver of the vehicle, information regarding the state of the driver, and information regarding the first other vehicle provided from a second other vehicle being driven in the vicinity of the vehicle, and to execute at least one predetermined operation upon judging that the first other vehicle is a dangerous vehicle.

Abstract: A shopping facility assistance system includes a plurality of motorized transport units, a plurality of user interface units, and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the motorized transport units and the user interface units. The central computer system is configured to control movement of the motorized transport units through a shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the user interface units. More particularly, the central computer system controls movement of the motorized transport units such that a given one of the plurality of motorized transport units selectively leads a user to a destination within the shopping facility or follows the user within the shopping facility as determined by the central computer system. By one approach, the motorized transport units move through the shopping facility via a plurality of preferred pre-determined path segments.

Abstract: A pointer needle for an indication device of a motor vehicle has a transparent optical waveguide that receives light propagating along a direction of propagation at a light-entry side, and emits the light in an emission direction at a light-exit side. The optical waveguide has a scattering side opposite to the light-exit side, the scattering side having steps arranged offset to one another across the propagation direction. When the steps are irradiated by light, the pointer needle provided in the indication device can clearly be perceived in the dark.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a stacked half-bridge package includes a control transistor having a control drain for connection to a high voltage input, a control source coupled to an output terminal, and a control gate for being driven by a driver IC. The stacked half-bridge package also includes a sync transistor having a sync drain for connection to the output terminal, a sync source coupled to a low voltage input, and a sync gate for being driven by the driver IC. A current carrying layer is situated on the sync drain; the control transistor and the sync transistor being stacked on one another, where the current carrying layer provides a high current connection between the sync drain and the control source.

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly is disclosed and includes at least one gauge. The gauge comprises a dial surface and a ring spaced apart from the dial surface. The ring has an outer surface and an inner surface that includes ring graphics. The gauge further comprises a pointer rotatable about an axis. The pointer may include a pointer arm including a portion extending into a space defined between the inner surface of the ring and the dial surface and at least partially visible through the ring. The dial surface my include dial graphics.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide an instrument dial and its manufacturing method wherein it is possible to shorten a print time and achieve a reduction in cost. [Means for Resolution] An instrument dial with index portions 5 provided in background portions 3 and 4 by subjecting a substrate 1 to printing includes an underlying portion 2 configured of a screen print layer provided on the substrate 1; a first background portion 3 which, being configured of a screen print layer formed on the underlying portion 2, does not include the index portions 5; and second background portions 4 which are configured of a digital print layer formed on the underlying portion 2 and, as well as including the index portions 5, are continuous with the first background portion 3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pointer instrument comprising a graduated disk, a contour element which is arranged in the edge region of the disk and has a visible surface, and a pointer. The invention also relates to a method for producing a pointer instrument.

Abstract: A meter device is disposed on an upper surface of a fuel tank that is disposed between a steering handlebar and a rider's seat. The meter device includes a dial substrate having a scale and a pointer that is rotated by a drive portion and points to the scale corresponding to a measurement output. The pointer includes a ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction and a spine portion having two surfaces that cross each other so as to form the ridge. An angle ?, at which the two surfaces forming the ridge cross each other, is formed into an acute angle, so that a side farther from the ridge as viewed from a side of a rider is not visible.

Abstract: To provide an indicator apparatus in which a pointer is secured to a pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and the pointer can be secured more tightly to prevent an overshoot and pulsation of the pointer. The indicator apparatus has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on a front-face side of the display plate 21, a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22, a first magnet 22c in a ring shape provided for the pointer 22, and a second magnet 25a provided for the pointer drive means to be opposite to the first magnet 22c, in which the pointer 22 is rotated in association with rotation drive of the pointer drive means by attraction force of the first and second magnets 22c, 25a. A shaft portion 23 rotatably supporting the pointer 22 is located in the display plate 21.

Abstract: According to a method for initializing an indicating instrument for a vehicle, zero-reset processing is performed. In the zero-reset processing, a control device is made to control a drive signal to rotate a pointer in a zero-reset direction in order to force a step motor to lose synchronization. Furthermore, synchronization loss detection processing is performed. In the detection processing, a physical phenomenon generated in a rotary drive system due to forcible synchronization loss of the motor during the zero-reset processing, is detected. Then, an electrical angle of the drive signal at a time of detection of the phenomenon is selected as a synchronization loss electrical angle. Finally, zero point setting processing is performed. In the setting processing, the electrical angle phase-shifted from the synchronization loss electrical angle in an indication value increasing direction by 180 degrees or less, is set as a zero point stored in the control device.

Abstract: A method of limiting read/write access of information stored on an electronic trip unit is disclosed. The method includes requesting a valid password on one of a communication port of the electronic trip unit and a display device of the electronic trip unit, receiving a password at a processor of the electronic trip unit in response to the request, determining if the received password is valid based on password information stored on a memory of the electronic trip unit, and limiting read/write access of information stored on the electronic trip unit based on the determination.

Abstract: To provide an indicator apparatus in which a pointer is secured to a pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and it is possible to prevent an overshoot and pulsation of the pointer with sufficient attraction force. The indicator apparatus has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on a front-face side of the display plate 21, and a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22. The indicator apparatus includes first magnet 22c in a ring shape provided for the pointer 22 and a second magnet 23a provided for the pointer drive means to be opposite to the first magnet 22c, and the pointer 22 is rotated in association with rotation drive of the pointer drive means by attraction force of the first and second magnets 22c, 23a. A yoke 22d in a ring shape is located closer to a surface of the first magnet 22c that is not opposite to the second magnet 23a.

Abstract: An indicating instrument for a vehicle includes a step motor including a field winding, a pointer, a stopper device for stopping the pointer, which is rotating in a zero-reset direction, at a stopper position, a detecting device for detecting induced voltage of the field winding at each of detecting points, a control device for performing zero-reset control, whereby a drive signal is controlled to rotate the pointer in the zero-reset direction. In a state of abnormal detection in which the induced voltage larger than a predetermined set value is detected at a zero point; and the induced voltage equal to or smaller than the set value is detected at a next detecting point to the zero point, the control device assumes synchronization loss of the step motor and continues the zero-reset control until an assumptive electrical angle corresponding to a rotational position of the pointer reaches the zero point.

Abstract: An indicating instrument includes a step motor having a field winding, a pointer, a reduction gear mechanism having gears, a stopper device for stopping the pointer at a stopper position, a detecting device for detecting induced voltage of the winding at each of detecting points that include a zero point corresponding to the stopper position, a control device for controlling a drive signal, and an updating device for updating the zero point based on the induced voltage during zero-reset control performed by the control device. The control device performs return control, whereby the pointer rotates to a return point in an indication value increasing direction and then returns to a waiting point in a zero-reset direction to stand by at the waiting point, prior to zero-reset control, whereby the pointer rotates from the waiting point in the zero-reset direction.

Abstract: A drive control device and a drive control method for a stepping motor are provided to reduce the number of parts and generation of vibration and noise by a stepping motor. The drive control device controls a drive frequency of the stepping motor according to a measurement value inputted. The drive control device includes storage means for storing the resonance frequency of the stepping motor based on its resonance characteristic as an output-inhibited drive frequency and control means for calculating an instruction angle for operating a needle according to the measurement value, acquiring a first drive frequency of the stepping motor, judging whether the first drive frequency is the output-inhibited drive frequency, and deciding the drive frequency by replacing the first drive frequency with the second drive frequency which is lower than the output-inhibited drive frequency if the first drive frequency is the output-inhibited drive frequency.

Abstract: A motorcycle wheel speed transmission mechanism includes a gear housing affixed to the front fork of a motorcycle and having an outside receptacle and an outside sensor mount, a driven gear mounted inside the gear housing and rotatable with the front wheel of the motorcycle, an output gear mounted in the outside receptacle and meshed with the driven gear, an annular magnet holder mounted on the gear shaft of the output gear and defining therein a plurality of equiangularly spaced magnetic zones, and a speed sensor mounted in the sensor mount and electrically connected to an electronic speedometer of the motorcycle through a transmission line for detecting the revolving speed of the annular magnet holder and transmitting detected data to the electronic speedometer for display.

Abstract: A display device includes a first portion of a flexible ribbon, the first portion secured along the pointer and a bend portion of the flexible ribbon disposed between the first portion of the flexible ribbon and a first loop branch, the bend portion folded over one end of the pointer so that the bend portion and the first loop branch connected to the pointer both extend along a common plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital united information instrument panel for vehicle. The digital united information instrument panel for vehicle of the present invention includes a graduation unit indicating a velocity information of vehicle; and an united information display window indicating a driving status information of vehicle with a number and a character, while the united information display window forms a segment and a dot matrix together in a single panel and forms a black mask in the surrounding area of the segment and the dot matrix to concentrate an illumination on the segment and the dot matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the position and orientation of a movable object. The latter exhibits at least two relative sensors (24) on the object, which register a change in the position and/or orientation of the object, and at least two absolute sensors (26) on the object, each for determining the absolute position in an X direction and Y direction in relation to a substrate (20). The invention further relates to a method for determining the position and orientation.

Abstract: A meter device is disposed on an upper surface of a fuel tank that is disposed between a steering handlebar and a rider's seat. The meter device includes a dial substrate having a scale and a pointer that is rotated by a drive portion and points to the scale corresponding to a measurement output. The pointer includes a ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction and a spine portion having two surfaces that cross each other so as to form the ridge. An angle ?, at which the two surfaces forming the ridge cross each other, is formed into an acute angle, so that a side farther from the ridge as viewed from a side of a rider is not visible.

Abstract: A gauge can include a face plate and an indication area disposed about a gauge center. The indication area can have a shape that can be defined by a bottom boundary, a top boundary, and first and second ends joining respective ends of the top and bottom boundaries. The top and bottom boundaries can be spaced apart from the gauge center by first and second radial distances. The indication area can be angled rearward relative to the face plate with the top boundary being spaced rearward from the face plate. A plurality of indicia can be disposed on the face plate. The gauge can further include a laser system disposed behind a rear side of the face plate and arranged to rotate and reflect a laser beam to a position adjacent or relative to a specific one of the plurality of indicia based on a signal output from a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle display device comprising a display area oriented in a viewing direction, wherein a swiveling indicator rotatable about an axis of rotation is provided in the viewing direction behind the displaying area, a printed circuit board, which is provided with a first lighting device arranged thereon, is positioned in the viewing direction behind the swiveling indicator and a first optical wave guide area enables a first light emitted by the first lighting device to be transmitted to the display area further the swiveling indicator.

Abstract: A meter device for a vehicle with enhanced visibility that is easily discriminated from other meter devices. A speedometer includes a meter panel having an indication surface that indicates a running speed, and a finger moving in an area above the meter panel. A light guide surrounds a rim part of the meter panel. The light guide is formed with a light guiding member which guides light from a light source. A rim frame section of the light guide protrudes over the indication surface from a back side of the meter panel toward a front side.

Abstract: A speed-indicating instrument for a motor vehicle provided with a cruise-control system comprises a dial (1) provided with a speed-indicating pointer (3) that co-operates with a graduated scale (5). Displayed in a position adjacent to the graduated scale (5) is an arc of light (6) terminating at one end (6a) that indicates on the graduated scale (5) the cruise-speed value set. Said arc of light is displayed using a first optical filter (7) and a second optical filter (8) superimposed on one another and backlighted, at least one of which being controlled in angular position about the centre (4) of the dial (1) as a function of the cruise speed set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a display device for a vehicle that includes a speed display unit that displays a vehicle speed on a speed scale; and a supply-rate display unit that displays a supply rate that is a fuel supply amount per a give time on a supply-rate scale. In this display device for a vehicle, the speed scale and the supply-rate scale are arranged in parallel with a constant distance therebetween.

Abstract: In a tachograph for a motor vehicle, an electrical line for connecting two electronic subassemblies is routed to form a loop and has respective run-off edges between the loop and the electronic subassemblies. Moisture which condenses on the electrical line is passed from the loop to the run-off edges and can drip off. Damage to the electrical subassemblies is thus avoided.

Abstract: A pointer measuring instrument capable of indicating “zero” on an indication panel by a pointer even if a play (backlash) is present in gears. The measuring instrument comprises a pointer reference position setting means (7a, 7b) for determining the reference position of the pointer (4). A control means (6) rotates the pointer (4) in the direction toward the reference position when a power supply to a stepping motor (2) is turned on, and performs a first drive for stopping the rotation of the pointer (4) when it receives a pointer reference position arrival signal from the pointer reference position setting means (7a). Then, the control means performs a second drive for moving the pointer (4) by a first angle from the reference position in the reverse direction away from the reference position, and performs a third drive for rotating the gear (3S) of a reduction mechanism (3) on the stepping motor (2) side by a second angle.

Abstract: An illuminated gauge includes a dial with at least first and second ranges of markings. The first range of markings indicates one type of vehicle information and the second range of markings indicates another type of vehicle information. A single motor is used to move a common pointer between the first and second ranges of markings. A selector is to be operated by a user to select between the different types of vehicle information.

Abstract: In one configuration, a gauge of an instrument cluster may have a base structure with an integrally molded dial structure and a separate, attached dial structure. A transparent area of the base structure may pass light from one side of the base structure to another side. This provides the ability to supply backlighting and floodlighting to the gage structure with just a single LED. The separate dial structure may be translucent to provide floodlighting or to supply light to graduations. Relative to a gauge pointer, inboard indicia in one dial structure denote vehicle speeds, while outboard graduations in another dial structure demark the indicia. The transparent portion of the base structure may be an integrally molded horizontal, angular or vertical portion within the base structure. Multiple levels and angles of the gauge provide a viewed component that is aesthetically pleasing and soothing to a viewer's eyes.

Abstract: A speedometer includes a function storage device, which has stored therein four conversion functions, a selector, which provides four options corresponding to the four conversion functions in the function storage device, and a microprocessor, which counts pulse signals sent by the sensor device of the motor vehicle to obtain a counted total value, selects the corresponding conversion function from the function storage device corresponding to the option selected through the selector according to the quantity of poles (two, four, eight or sixteen) on the drive shaft of the motor vehicle, and puts the counted total value into the selected conversion function for calculation to obtain a car speed value.

Abstract: An indicating instrument such as a speedometer has a numerical scale, a belt and a pointer attached to the belt to indicate different scale positions. A display, such as an LCD, may lie within the inner confines of the perimeter of the dial, which may be formed in a variety of shapes. A motor-driven pulley drives the belt to move the pointer around the LCD and to various scale positions. A light source within the pointer may illuminate the pointer, while a separate pointer support structure about the numerical scale may support the pointer from underneath. The belt may be a continuous loop about one spool or a separate, spring-loaded bobbin may be used with the spool to coil and uncoil the belt. An electrically conductive, tensioning post may supply electricity to the belt and the lighted pointer. Teeth on the spool may coincide with perforations in the belt.

Abstract: An electric dashboard actuator including an electric motor driving an indicator. The electric motor includes a hollow output shaft of which the ends are located at and flush with two opposite surfaces of the motor, and the indicator includes a male coupling member with a cross-section matching the cross-section of the hollow motor output shaft. One motor surface includes a male or female coupling perpendicular to the surface.

Abstract: A speed-indicating instrument for a motor vehicle provided with a cruise-control system comprises a dial (1) provided with a speed-indicating pointer (3) that co-operates with a graduated scale (5). Displayed in a position adjacent to the graduated scale (5) is an arc of light (6) terminating at one end (6a) that indicates on the graduated scale (5) the cruise-speed value set. Said arc of light is displayed using a first optical filter (7) and a second optical filter (8) superimposed on one another and backlighted, at least one of which being controlled in angular position about the centre (4) of the dial (1) as a function of the cruise speed set.

Abstract: A gauge has a face plate which includes indicia thereon to indicate specific values of a parameter. A laser system is disposed behind and/or in front of the face plate to project a beam onto the face plate to indicate the value of a parameter. A stepper motor moves the beam based upon the output of a sensor which monitors the parameter.

Abstract: Methods of transferring risk of costs for repairs, methods of providing funding for repair costs, and articles for transferring risk of repair costs. Articles may be service contracts, and the methods and articles may apply to one or more apparatuses, which may be motor vehicles, for instance. The methods and articles may include a right for the purchaser to renew a contract for one or more periods of time, or may include a provision to convert any unearned payment into extended funding for repair services in the event that anticipated payments are not made. A customer may pay for an initial term, after which the customer may renew for second or subsequent periods of time at the customer's option. A motor vehicle service contract may terminate after a delineated number of miles is reached, and an auto-renewal status may be reached after a particular number of payments are made.

Abstract: An analog display instrument is provided, in particular for use in dashboards in motor vehicles, having an indicator disc mounted by a radial bearing such that the radial bearing allows the indicator disc to rotate. The indicator disc is fitted with a pointer which can be pivoted in front of a scale. The radial bearing comprises a sliding element and a guide element, with either of the slide element and the guide element having a ring structure and the other element having a holder which is suitable to hold the ring structure. The radial bearing is a journal bearing with the holder resting directly on a wall of the ring structure such that the ring structure may slide with respect to the holder.

Abstract: A meter device for a vehicle with enhanced visibility that is easily discriminated from other meter devices. A speedometer includes a meter panel having an indication surface that indicates a running speed, and a finger moving in an area above the meter panel. A light guide surrounds a rim part of the meter panel. The light guide is formed with a light guiding member which guides light from a light source. A rim frame section of the light guide protrudes over the indication surface from a back side of the meter panel toward a front side.

Abstract: A gauge of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a gauge defining a dial. A pointer is rotatably mounted in the instrument cluster and movable to a plurality of positions relative to the dial. A first scale of numbers is arranged sequentially around the dial and corresponds to a first range of vehicle speed. A second scale of numbers is arranged sequentially around the dial and corresponds to a second range of vehicle speed. The second scale of numbers corresponds to vehicle speeds that are faster than the first range of vehicle speeds and have like units. The first scale and the second scale of numbers are arranged in a radially offset relationship.

Abstract: An on-board, non-contact measurement system and method is disclosed for measuring track quality, vertical track stiffness and vertical track modulus for a portion of track underlying the rail vehicle. The system comprises two or more position sensors for determining the position profile of the track and a computation system for determining the vertical displacement of the track.

Abstract: A meter panel such as a speedometer used in an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle includes a transparent pointer disc, a dial plate having scales and numerals thereon, and a light source for illuminating the pointer disc. The pointer disc is disposed in front of the dial plate to overlap the scales and numerals of the dial plate. The pointer disc is rotated by a pointer driver disposed behind the dial plate. Light emitted from the light source is introduced into the transparent pointer disc and reflected by a groove formed on the pointer disc toward the front side of the meter panel, thereby making the pointer visible. Since the pointer overlaps the scales and numerals of the dial plate, the pointer position relative to the scales and numerals is easily and clearly recognized.

Abstract: This invention provides an instrument device including: a dial having scale marks; a pointer pointing the scale marks and provided in front of the dial; a light source provided behind the dial and supplying light to the pointer to cause the pointer to emit light; and a cover provided in front of the pointer, the scale marks and the pointer being visually confirmed through the cover, wherein a reflection member is provided at a part of the cover corresponding to a rotation center of the pointer; a reflection part is provided on the dial; and the reflection part is illuminated with light emitted from the pointer and light reflected and scattered by the reflection member after being emitted from the pointer.

Abstract: A viewed component of a vehicle instrument cluster includes a housing and a first dial structure. The first dial structure includes an outer boundary presenting a first radial portion supported by the housing and a face portion presenting a second radial portion offset within the first radial portion. The face portion includes a series of indicia thereon. A second dial structure is supported between the housing and the first dial structure. The second dial structure presents an inboard plurality of graduations. A plurality of connecting portions extend between and couple the outer boundary and the face portion of the first dial structure.

Abstract: A luminous pointer of a displaying instrument has a pointer body with a light emitting area that is divided into subsections with prisms. The subsections are illuminated at different timing. A light emitting circuit, including light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating the light emitting area, and resistors and zener diodes for driving the LEDs, is arranged in a boss of the pointer body. With this configuration, an increase in weight of the pointer body, especially at a tip of the pointer body, is less likely to occur.

Abstract: A speedometer face plate assembly that incorporates a border of light transmitting segments above the speed indicating numerals is disclosed. Each of the segments is a different color. The colored segments are lighted from behind as the speed changes so that colored light is visible both peripherally and directly to the driver. Each color is associated with a specific speed increment so that once the driver becomes familiar with this speedometer face plate assembly, he or she will be aware of the speed traveled according to the color of the light and will not have to look directly at the speedometer as frequently as is currently necessary. In addition to the colored light transmitting border, there may also be a colored light transmitting section under the numerals or at another area on the speedometer face to further enhance the colored light effect. This speedometer face plate assembly contributes to increasing driving safety.

Abstract: An indicator assembly with a dial face, a pointer and a lamp. The dial face has an opaque portion and defines a shaft aperture. The pointer has a connecting portion, a pointer portion and an opaque boot portion. The connecting portion is disposed in-line with the aperture. The pointer portion is coupled to and extends radially outwardly from the connecting portion. The boot portion extends about the connecting portion and contacts the dial face in a zone that encircles the aperture. The lamp is disposed rearwardly of the dial face and provides a source of light. A method for reducing or eliminating a halo effect is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herewith is an improved scheme for parking a load such as an indicator pointer and calibrating its position in a system for controlling the position of the load. The system also has a stopper for physically impeding the load when it is to be parked. In one embodiment, a parking method involves driving the motor in a reduced torque mode to move the load toward the stopper, stopping the load at the stopper while the motor is driven in the reduced torque mode, and maintaining the motor in a reduced torque mode until transitioning to an insignificant torque mode.

Abstract: An indicator for a straddle type vehicle includes a dial plate and scale markings provided on the dial face. Each of the scale markings protrudes from a flat dial face of the dial plate and is provided with a slant face inclined relative to the flat dial face for reflecting external light.

Abstract: A speedometer gear output structure includes a gearbox installed in a motorcycle and holding a driven gear and an output gear for synchronous rotation with the wheels of the motorcycle, an annular magnetic device fastened to the gear shaft of the output gear for synchronous rotation, and a circuit board mounted in the gearbox and holding a sensor corresponding to peripheral magnetic zones of the annular magnetic device for outputting an output signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the output gear.

Abstract: In a front structure of a motorcycle body, a meter unit is installed in such a manner that it can be shifted between a normal position and a bulb replacing position. The position of the meter unit is set such that, at the normal position, the lower end of the meter unit is lower than the upper end line of a bulb mounting and removing portion disposed in the rear surface of a head lamp unit and, at the bulb replacing position, the meter unit lower rear portion is higher than the upper end line H1 of the bulb mounting and removing portion. The meter unit is mounted directly on the head lamp unit and, when viewed from the side surface of the motorcycle body, the meter unit is superimposed on top of a cowling brace which is used to fix a front cowling.