Abstract: The present invention reduces, by optimizing disposition of components on an electronic circuit board, heat transfer from other components mounted on the same board, and improves measurement accuracy of an intake air temperature detection element. A physical quantity detection device of the present invention has an electronic circuit board, which is provided with one or more intake air temperature detection elements (elements having intake air temperature detection function), and which processes electric signals. Furthermore, the physical quantity detection device has a configuration wherein the intake air temperature detection elements, and a power supply regulator having the maximum heat generation quantity are mounted on the same electronic circuit board. The physical quantity detection device is characterized in that the intake air temperature detection elements are disposed on the air flow upstream side of the power supply regulator.

Abstract: A locking system for vehicles is disclosed. After the engine is turned off, the vehicle in accordance with this invention checks whether it is in a garage with limited space. If it is, it leaves the doors unlocked. If it determines that it is not in a garage with limited space, it checks if the car key is inside the car after the driver exited the car. If it is, it sets off an alarm for the driver to retrieve the key. If the car key is not inside the car, it further checks if the key is in close proximity. When it no longer detects the key in its close proximity outside the car, it automatically locks the doors.

Abstract: A wire harness includes a trunk line section including a power line for power supply as a wiring body wired in a vehicle, a distributor that is connected to the trunk line section and distributes electric power from a power supply mounted on the vehicle to an appliance to be connected, and a ground plate for grounding buried in a resin flooring material of the vehicle separately from the trunk line section. Thus, with the wire harness, a wiring path can be simplified by combining the trunk line section, the distributor, and the ground plate.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a power converter, a charge port assembly, and a thermal conduit that conveys thermal energy from the power converter to the charge port assembly. A charge port heating method includes, among other things, generating thermal energy with a power converter of a vehicle, and directing the thermal energy from the power converter to a charge port assembly using a thermal conduit.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling side mirrors of a vehicle involve controlling, by a controller, a touch display to display a user interface comprising (i) control elements that enable a driver of the vehicle to control positions of the side mirrors, (ii) a simulated field of view of the driver generated based on current positions of the side mirrors, and (iii) an indication of any portion of the simulated field of view of the driver that corresponds to a blind spot of the driver, receiving, by the controller via the control elements displayed on the touch display, touch input from the driver indicative of desired positions of the side mirrors, and commanding, by the controller, an actuator system to position the side mirrors based on the desired positions indicated by the touch input.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) can be configured to provide a managed power distribution to circuits within a plurality of regions of the IC. Each region of the plurality of regions can include a corresponding set of circuits that are electrically connected to a corresponding virtual power island (VPI) within said each region. A global power distribution structure within the IC can be configured to be electrically interconnected to an off-chip voltage supply. The IC can also include a plurality of sets of vertical interconnects (VIs), each set of VIs electrically interconnected to a VPI within a corresponding region. Each set of VIs can also be connected to the global power distribution structure, and can be used to provide a specifically managed voltage through a VPI to a set of circuits within a corresponding region of the IC.

Abstract: A connection structure of an electrical junction box and a protection member includes an electrical junction box configured to be attached to a vehicle body, a wire harness in which one end is connected into the electrical junction box and other end is led out from the electrical junction box, a protection member in which the other end of the wire harness led out from the electrical junction box is covered and inserted and which includes an attaching portion configured to be fixed to the vehicle body, and a connection band.

Abstract: Determining that a trailing vehicle is tailgating a lead vehicle while both are traveling on a lane of a road. A camera captures a timed sequence of image frames at known capture times of the lead vehicle and the trailing vehicle. Images of the trailing vehicle and the lead vehicle are selected from the captured image frames to provide respective image coordinates of the trailing vehicle and the lead vehicle. Multiple world space differential distances between the trailing vehicle and the lead vehicle are computed responsive to the image coordinates in the selected image frames. A tailgating metric responsive to the known capture times of the selected image frames and the computed world space differential distances is determined.

Abstract: An electrical junction box includes a plurality of relays, a relay carrier, and a lead frame including connecting sections. Each relay includes electrical connection pins enabling the relay to be plugged into the relay carrier, thereby enabling electrical connection to the lead frame. Each relay includes a communication bus interface that is connected to a control pin of the relay. The lead frame includes a section forming a communication bus. The control pins of the relays are electrically connected to the section forming the communication bus when the relays are plugged into the relay carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a relay and coil of a contactor. The relay is configured to transfer current between a traction battery and an electrical load when closed. The system also includes a controller configured to operate a switch such that current flow from the traction battery through the coil and switch, and bypassing the relay, causes the relay to close to permit pre-charging of the load.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating estimates of failure risk for a vehicular component in situations of high-dimensional and low sample size data are provided herein. A method includes splitting a first input time series comprising multiple data points derived from a vehicular component across a fleet of multiple vehicles into multiple sub-time series; generating a first failure status predicting function of a first selected sub-time series; deleting, from the first input time series, the portion of the data points that corresponds to the first selected sub-time series; repeating the preceding two steps for a second selected sub-time series; generating a second failure status predicting function of each selected sub-time series; applying each second failure status predicting function to a second input time series to calculate prediction of failure values; and identifying the largest prediction of failure value as an estimate of failure risk for the vehicular component.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system for an auxiliary device and methods are provided. The auxiliary lighting system senses the operational state of various ones of the vehicle lights of the vehicle and operably controls the operational state of various auxiliary lights based on the operational state of one or more of the vehicle lights. The method includes controlling the auxiliary lighting system based on the operational state of the vehicle lights.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a first energy storage, a second energy storage, a power transmission circuit, and circuitry. The first energy storage outputs first output power to an electric load. The second energy storage outputs second output power to the electric load. The circuitry is configured to control the power transmission circuit to supply power from the first energy storage or from both of the first energy storage and the second energy storage to the electric load based on a demand power such that a first change in the first output power in accordance with a change in the demand power is lower than a second change in the second output power in accordance with the change in the demand power or a third change in an input power of the second energy storage in accordance with the change in the demand power.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a detecting an intruder near or within a vehicle are disclosed. Specifically, a method to detect and identify a person near or within a vehicle as an authorized or an unauthorized user is provided. In the event an unauthorized user is detected within a vehicle, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise providing notice to one or more authorized users of the vehicle, disabling the vehicle, notifying emergency personnel or police, and emitting a visual or audio alarm.

Abstract: A vehicle system is provided with a plurality of vehicle modules each modularized depending on the assembly structure of a vehicle, the vehicle modules each including a gateway unit connected with a plurality of devices different in protocol from each other in the vehicle in a communicable manner, and a trunk line that connects between the gateway units of the respective vehicle modules.

Abstract: An in-vehicle communication device includes a transmission controller configured to perform control so that a first signal is transmitted from outside and a predetermined second signal is transmitted from outside and inside, after the transmission of the first signal, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the terminal device is present outside or inside based on a first response signal that is transmitted from the terminal device after the transmission of the second signal. When the determination unit is unable to determine whether the terminal device is present outside or inside, the transmission controller is configured to perform control so that a third signal is transmitted from inside, and the determination unit is configured to determine whether the terminal device is present outside or inside based on a second response signal that is transmitted from the terminal device after the transmission of the third signal.

Abstract: The present application describes embodiments for reducing noise emanated by a device. An example computer implemented method includes receiving, by a supervisor device of a wireless system, a notification that an activity is being initiated. The method further includes, reducing the noise emanated by the device in response by determining, by the supervisor device a location of the device; in response to the location of the device being is within a predetermined vicinity of a location of the activity, sending, by the supervisor device a mute signal to the device.

Abstract: A driving relay comprises a first relay provided on one line of a positive electrode-side line and a negative electrode-side line of power lines; a second relay provided on the other line; and a first precharge circuit configured such that a resistance element and a third relay are connected in series to bypass the second relay. A charging relay comprises a fourth relay provided on the one line of the positive electrode-side line and the negative electrode-side line of the power lines; a fifth relay provided on the other line; and a second precharge circuit configured such that a sixth relay and the resistance element shared with the first precharge circuit are connected in series to bypass the fifth relay. The third relay, the fifth relay and the sixth relay are to be switched on when the first relay is switched on and the second relay has an off-failure.

Abstract: Provided are an inverter device, which is capable of preventing a malfunction of the inverter device while reducing the number of interface wirings, and a method of controlling the inverter device. A communication terminal of a communication circuit having a function of communicating to/from a vehicle, an input terminal for a start signal for starting a control circuit, and a signal for holding the control circuit active even when the start signal is changed after the start of the control circuit are used. A drive prohibition signal issued from the vehicle is received through the same terminal as that for the start signal to unify terminals for the start signal and the drive prohibition signal, to thereby reduce the number of interface wirings.

Abstract: An electronic device including an electronic switch M1, an electrical pre-charge circuit and a measurement, command and diagnosis module. The main electronic switch M1 has a first electrical terminal D1, a second electrical terminal S1, and a main driving terminal G1. The main electronic switch M1 is adapted to take, based on a driving signal DRV, depending on the command signal CMD and on an enabling signal ENB, a closed condition or an open condition, wherein the first electrical terminal D1 is respectively connected to or disconnected from the second electrical terminal S1. The pre-charge electrical circuit is adapted to carry out, based on the command signal CMD, a pre-charge operation, aimed at equalizing the electric potentials (V1, V2) of the first and second terminals of the device, before the main electronic switch M1 takes a closed condition, upon of a transition from the open condition.

Abstract: An automotive power supply device includes a trunk harness structure that is arranged on a floor in the central portion in the width direction of a vehicle body. The trunk harness structure is provided with a battery, and a power supply wiring line for supplying electric power to loads mounted on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A brake module is provided. The brake module is for braking at least one omnidirectional wheel, and the omnidirectional wheels include at least one major wheel and a plurality of minor wheels. The brake module includes a base, a first brake arm, a first major brake block and a first minor brake block. The first major brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. The first minor brake block is disposed on the first brake arm. When the first brake arm is in a first orientation, the first major brake block and the first minor brake block are separated from the omnidirectional wheel, and when the first brake arm is in a second orientation, the first major brake block abuts the major wheel, and the first minor brake block abuts one of the minor wheels.

Abstract: A method for charging the starter battery of a motor vehicle at a voltage source includes charging the starter battery after a traction battery of the vehicle has been charged up to a defined value. The starter battery is charged if a charge state of the starter battery is established that is below a defined threshold value. If the charge state of the starter battery is of such a low level, the starter battery is charged until one or more defined termination conditions are fulfilled. The termination conditions may include the total charging period since the low charge state of the starter battery has been established exceeds a defined threshold value and/or the total time period charging the traction battery and the starter battery at the voltage source exceeds a defined threshold.

Abstract: An electrical system for a motor vehicle is provided. The electrical system includes one or more vehicle batteries configured to provide electric power to one or more vehicle systems. The electrical system also includes a terminal configured to allow a third-party loads and/or a third-party batteries to be electrically coupled to the electrical system at the terminal. The electrical system further includes a relay configured to selectively couple the terminal to the vehicle batteries. A controller is configured to control the operation of the relay. A method of controlling operation of an electrical system for a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor. The processor is programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include to obtain input of one or more values displayed on a vehicle instrument panel and generate a password by combining the one or more input values and a stored secret key.

Abstract: A long-range power-efficient multiple-band identification system and method includes, for example, a base-station control module and paired electronic key fob. The base-station control module and paired electronic key fob is arranged to provide a UHF (ultra-high frequency) wake transmitter for transmitting a wakeup signal in a UHF frequency range to the paired electronic key. When in range, the electronic key is awakened by the wakeup signal and in response transmits an acknowledgment reply to the base-station control module. After receiving the acknowledgment, the base-station control module transmits a relatively high power localization signal for determining an electronic key location.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a drive-by-wire system of a motor vehicle, including: temporally offset reading in of at least two input values of an input quantity of an operating element of the motor vehicle; ascertaining a change over time or rate of change over time of the input quantity from the at least two read-in input values; determination of a monitored quantity for the motor vehicle operation from the change over time or rate of change over time; selection of a monitoring function on the basis of the monitored quantity; monitoring of the monitored quantity for the ascertained motor vehicle operation by the monitoring function.

Abstract: Providing security for a sensitive item is implemented using geo-fencing. A geo-fence may be established as a dynamic virtual perimeter defining the maximum allowable distance between a sensitive item for which security is provided, and a security providing entity. The sensitive item has a first trackable device associated with it and the security providing entity has a second trackable device associated with it. The first trackable device and the second trackable device are paired to each other and tracked. The dynamic virtual perimeter may encompass and move with the moving location of one of the trackable devices. A notification is provided when the first trackable device or the second trackable device is out of the virtual dynamic perimeter. The sensitive item may be a bank cash cassette and the security providing entity may be a person responsible for the bank cash cassette.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for early detection of objects by a perception system of a vehicle, and triggering a precautionary action by the vehicle in response without waiting for a more precise detection. The vehicle has a multi-level sensor range, wherein a first level of the sensor range is adjacent an outer bounds of the sensor range and has a first confidence value, and a second level of the sensor range is within the first range and has a second higher confidence value. In situations when oncoming traffic is traveling at a high rate of speed, the vehicle responds to noisier detections, or objects perceived with a lower degree of confidence, rather than waiting for verification which may come too late.

Abstract: A vehicular control device includes a control unit that controls an electrical component, a wake-up circuit that wakes up the control unit on the basis of a wake-up signal from a switch for operating the electrical component, and a wake-up stop circuit that interrupts the wake-up signal supplied from the switch to the wake-up circuit after a predetermined length of time has elapsed from a wake-up instruction. The vehicular control device is put to sleep by forcibly interrupting the wake-up signal in the wake-up stop circuit, regardless of the state of the switch after the predetermined length of time has elapsed from the wake-up instruction, and thus it is possible to prevent a wake-up state from being maintained even in a case where the switch is fixed in an on-state.

Abstract: A management device manages a power storage module including n series-connected power storage blocks (n: an integer of 2 or greater) each having m parallel-connected power storage cells (m: an integer of 1 or greater). In the management device, a voltage detector detects voltages across the respective n power storage blocks. A storage unit stores the detected voltages of the power storage blocks on a time-series basis. A voltage drop rate calculator calculates voltage drop rates of the power storage blocks about the voltages of the power storage blocks. An abnormality determiner determines that one of the n power storage blocks contains an abnormal power storage cell if a difference between the voltage drop rate of the one power storage block and an average value or a median value of the voltage drop rates of the remaining power storage blocks is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for controlling a restricted mode of a vehicle is provided. The device includes a controller that is configured to receive an input indicative of a request to change a vehicle state from a fully operational mode to a restricted mode and to transmit a first control signal indicative of a request to limit at least one of vehicle speed and vehicle acceleration. The controller is further configured to monitor a distance traveled by a driver when the vehicle is in the restricted mode and to compare the distance traveled to a predetermined distance limit. The controller is further configured to transmit a second control signal to remove the request to limit the at least one of the vehicle speed and the vehicle acceleration in response to determining that the distance traveled exceeds the predetermined distance limit.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charge equalization of batteries, and a battery pack using such a method are provided. A method of charge equalization of batteries involves determining a ratio between first state difference information for each of the batteries and second state difference information calculated based on values of items included in the first state difference information, and defining an output value for each converter corresponding to each of the batteries based on the ratio.

Abstract: This disclosure describes at least embodiments of a power management system for a vehicle. The vehicle can include a first transducer and a second transducer supported by a housing of the vehicle. The first transducer can be powered by a first battery, and the second transducer can be powered by a second battery different from the first battery. The first transducer and the second transducer can propel the housing, and the second transducer can charge the second battery. Electronic circuitry can cause the first battery to power the first transducer while the second transducer charges the second battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing accident events are disclosed. According to certain aspects, an electronic device may access sensor data associated with operation of a vehicle, and analyze the sensor data to determine that an accident event has occurred, where the accident event may have one or more effects such as damage or injury. The electronic device may also interface with a server to identify one or more providers who may be capable of addressing the effects of the accident event. The electronic device or the server may automatically schedule an appointment(s) with the one or more providers, resulting in an effective handling of the accident event.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a load control device with a light indicator is disclosed. The load control device may include an actuator assembly and a light source. The actuator assembly may include a frame, a light pipe, and an actuator having two surfaces. The light pipe may be arranged within the actuator and include first and second legs. The first leg may extend towards the first surface, and the second leg may extend towards the second surface. When the actuator is in a first position, the light source may be optically aligned with one of the first and second legs; and, when the actuator is in a second position, the light source may be optically aligned with the other of the first and second legs. When the light source is illuminated, the light pipe may direct the light towards the respective surface of the actuator.

Abstract: A communication control unit for a vehicle is configured to be coupled to a first bus that couples control units to each other in the vehicle. The communication control unit includes a determination module and a communication control module. The determination module comprehensively determines whether to prohibit initialization of respective pieces of malfunction information stored in the control units, on the basis of a state of the vehicle. The communication control module transmits, to the first bus, an initialization control signal for controlling whether to prohibit the initialization of the malfunction information on the basis of a result of the determination made by the determination module.

Abstract: An aftermarket vehicle head unit integration cartridge for use with an aftermarket head unit is provided. The aftermarket head unit preferably includes a dedicated slot for insertion of the cartridge. The cartridge preferably supports communication between a plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit and a plurality of electronic components in the vehicle. The plurality of electronic components in the aftermarket head unit may include, for example, an audio processing system, a video processing system, an analog I/O and/or a digital I/O, and/or a plurality of electronic components. The plurality of electronic components in the vehicle may include an audio system, an analog I/O, a digital I/O/databus, and/or a steering wheel control unit. The cartridge may include a flashable memory for use in reconfiguring the cartridge. The cartridge may be configured to capture and condition the signals from at least one of the plurality of the vehicle-based electronic components.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a vehicle seat support system is provided. In particular, the method includes receiving a user selection at an input device and detecting a mode type associated with the user selection. A plurality of seat support features disposed within a vehicle seat are then adjusted toward a support characteristic that corresponds to the detected mode type.

Abstract: A passive infra-red pedestrian detection and avoidance system and method for augmenting the operation of a vehicle on a roadway, especially for identifying potential pedestrian/vehicular collision danger for the vehicle in operation and adjusting the position and operation of the vehicle accordingly, includes at least one passive infra-red sensor array mounted on the vehicle in operative communication with an image processor tied into the operational system of the vehicle. The system detects, using thermal imaging and processing, the presence of people that may be in or laterally crossing into the travel lane of the vehicle. The image processor analyzes the detection of a human thermal signature and determines if the detected human thermal signature is moving, in what direction and at what speed, to assess any potential threat to the pedestrian or biker, and further whether any responsive action needs to be triggered in the vehicle's operation to avoid a collision.

Abstract: A system for powering components in a vehicle seat enables electronic components within the vehicle seat to receive power without wires connecting the seat to a vehicle body. The system includes a power transmitter that generates an electromagnetic field, and a power receiver located within the vehicle seat and the electromagnetic field. The power receiver is configured to generate electrical power from the electromagnetic field and deliver the power to at least one component in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a controller programmed to, in response to a charger being coupled to a power source and parameters being indicative of a low charge level of an auxiliary battery and a full charge level of a traction battery, decouple the traction battery from the power converter and the charger and charge the auxiliary battery from the charger.

Abstract: A vehicle user interface apparatus for a vehicle including a light emitting unit configured to emit light; a touch sensor configured to sense a touch; a processor configured to control the light emitting unit to emit the light in response to an event, activate the touch sensor when the light is emitted, and provide a signal to control a vehicle device corresponding to a touch input received through the activated touch sensor; and a cover covering the light emitting unit, the touch sensor, and the processor, the cover configured to transmit the light into a passenger compartment with a specific shape when the light is emitted.

Abstract: A vehicle assembly is provided. The vehicle assembly comprises: one or more body frame components configured to define an interior of the vehicle; and one or more windows provided within apertures formed in the body frame components, each window comprising one or more first electrically conductive elements, wherein the first electrically conductive elements are configured to selectively limit transmission of electromagnetic waves within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A generator system may include redundant control. The generator system may include any combination of redundant controllers, redundant communication paths, or other redundant control. A generator system may include an electrical bus, a first generator controller, and the second generator controller. The first generator controller may control a first generator breaker for connecting a first generator to the electrical bus and configured to control an external breaker for selectively connecting the electrical bus to an external source. The second generator controller may control a second generator breaker for connecting a second generator to the common bus and configured to control the external breaker for selectively connecting the electrical bus to the external source.

Abstract: A vehicle power source includes a generator motor coupled to an engine, a first power storage, a second power storage, a conduction switch, and a switch controller. The first and the second power storages are coupled, in parallel, to the generator motor. The conduction switch is subject to change between a conductive state and a cut-off state of the generator motor and the second power storage. The switch controller changes the conduction switch from the conductive state to the cut-off state, on a condition that the generator motor is controlled in a powered state. The switch controller changes the conduction switch from the cut-off state to the conductive state, on a condition that the second power storage discharges in excess of a threshold, with the conductive switch changed to the cut-off state.

Abstract: A power supply device includes: an electric storage unit; a connection unit connected to the electric storage unit; a housing which houses the electric storage unit; a power receiving unit which receives AC power in a noncontact manner; a rectifier which converts the AC power into DC power and outputs the DC power; an AC lead wire which connects the power receiving unit and the rectifier; and a DC lead wire which connects the rectifier and the connection unit. The power receiving unit is connected to the housing via a heat conduction unit, an opening is provided on a surface facing the power receiving unit in the housing, any one of the AC lead wire, the DC lead wire and the rectifier is disposed to pass through the opening, and the housing has a heat capacity larger than that of the power receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an input/output device provided in a vehicle, the device including a plurality of sticks arranged in columns in a first direction and rows in a second direction, a driving unit configured to move at least one of the sticks in a direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a processor configured to control the driving unit such that the sticks have the same height or different heights from a reference plane defined by the first and second directions, wherein the processor controls the driving unit so that one or more buttons defined by a height difference of the sticks are formed, based on a driving state of the vehicle, and wherein the one or more buttons are varied according to the driving state of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a plug connector for connecting a field device of automation technology to an energy supply and/or to an evaluation unit, the plug connector includes a connection plug (M12) for the field device, wherein the connection plug (M12) is composed, at least partially, of a transparent material, wherein at least four display elements (gn ye, ye, rd) are arranged in the connection plug (M12). A first display element (gn) signals operational readiness of the field device; second and third display elements (ye, ye) signal two antivalent switch outputs (MIN, MAX) of the field device; and a fourth display element (rd) signals a disturbance or malfunction of field device. A circuit (NOR, XNOR) is provided to detect a disturbance or malfunction of field device based on the antivalent switch outputs (MIN, MAX) of the field device, and to activate fourth display element (rd) upon detection.

Abstract: A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery include a first battery chemistry, and a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and selectively coupled to the electrical system via a first switch, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry that has a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The first switch couples the second battery to the electrical system during regenerative braking to enable the second battery to capture a majority of the power generated during regenerative braking. The 12 volt automotive battery system further includes a variable voltage alternator that outputs a first voltage during regenerative braking to charge the second battery and a second voltage otherwise, in which the first voltage is higher than the second voltage.