Abstract: A device for controlling an adaptive cruise control system based on driver status is provided. The device comprises a controller configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being either a primary driver or a secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to allow control by a primary driver over operating parameters of an ACC system and to allow the primary driver to establish a restricted mode in which a secondary driver is prevented from making certain dis-allowed changes in the operating parameters.

Abstract: A mobile personal alarm and warning system for monitoring temperature around the designated user integrated with a vehicle access and warning controls. The system utilizes controls and actuation mobile self-contained modules that monitor the ambient temperature around the designated user and transmits a warning activation signal to the mobile control unit carried by the primary user as an alert condition. Proximity sensor provisions are provided to assure response range between the modules as well as enabling two-way radio communication protocols.

Abstract: A battery backup system for use with vehicle telematics electronics includes a phone module configured for operation by the vehicle telematics electronics. The system further includes a battery module configured to provide power to the phone module and a circuit configured to determine that backup power is needed. The circuit causes the battery module to provide the backup power to the phone module for completing a transmission via the phone module. The battery module can provide the backup power to the phone module without providing operating power to the vehicle telematics electronics.

Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a wireless transceiver configured to send a nomadic device human machine interface to a nomadic device in a web browser format. The vehicle computer system further comprises a vehicle server utilizing a contextual data aggregator that utilizes vehicle data and off-board data to generate a dynamic human machine interface, the server further configured to generate an in-vehicle human machine interface for output on a vehicle display and generate the nomadic device human machine interface for the nomadic device to display.

Abstract: A display apparatus for vehicle includes: a first display unit which is provided in a region within a horizontal width of a steering wheel when viewed from a driver, and which displays at least single piece of notification information regarding a state of the vehicle; a second display unit which is integrally formed with the first display unit, and which displays information in a region outside the horizontal width of the steering wheel when viewed from the driver; and a control unit which controls image-display on the first display unit and the second display unit. The second display unit includes an information-image display region which displays an information-image corresponding to the at least single piece of notification information, and a guide display region which displays a guide-image for guiding a driver's eye to a side of the information-image display region.

Abstract: A graphic display apparatus within an automotive vehicle wherein the display apparatus includes at least two display units operable to display graphics and/or video, a wire connector connecting the at least two display units together, and a control system connected to the wire connector wherein the control system is operable to play video or graphics on the at least two display units. A method is provided to all the system to be universal for both audio and navigation systems wherein each system calls for a predetermined delay of the animation. The display units are in communication with one another providing for a coordinated or synchronized display of graphics. If, by way of example, a firework explodes on the main display screen, the remnants of that single firework will be exploded onto the secondary display screens.

Abstract: A system and method for setting operating parameters of traffic lamps. A traffic lamp including a memory operates according to one or more operating parameters on the memory. A loading device external to the traffic lamp transfers one or more operating parameters to the traffic lamp, where the traffic lamp sets the operating parameters to the transferred operating parameters.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a control unit configured to be disposed on-board at least one of a first vehicle or a second vehicle. The control unit also is configured to receive an updated time of an event involving the first vehicle and the second vehicle traveling in a transportation network. The control unit also is configured to change a speed of said at least one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle in response to the updated time to arrive at the event. A method is provided that includes, at one of a first vehicle or a second vehicle, receiving an updated time of an event involving the first vehicle and the second vehicle in a transportation network. The method also includes changing a speed of said one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle in response to the updated tune to arrive at the event.

Abstract: Vehicle range projection includes detecting, via a vehicle antenna, a key fob within range of the vehicle. The key fob is associated with an individual. The vehicle range projection also includes searching, via a computer processor embedded in the vehicle, a database for a record having an identifier that matches an identifier of the key fob. The record stores historical drive cycle data associated with the key fob and the individual. The vehicle range projection further includes retrieving the historical drive cycle data and calculating a projected electric range value indicative of a distance in which the vehicle is capable of traveling on electric-only power. The projected electric range value is calculated as a function of a distance calculated based on available battery charge that is adjusted based on a driving style of the individual. The driving style of the individual is determined from the historical drive cycle data.

Abstract: In a system for protecting a user from injury sustained during sleep, a sensing device is operated to automatically monitor orientation or posture of a user during sleep of the user. A signal is transmitted from the sensing device to a control unit, which is operated to activate an appliance so that the appliance generates an alert signal upon detection by the sensing device and control unit of an undesirable orientation or posture of the user.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide detector safety system comprising: a carbon-monoxide sensing and transmitting device; at least one door-opener receiver; and an onboard receiver connected to a wiring assembly of a vehicle; wherein said carbon monoxide detector safety system is useful to help prevent poisoning caused by carbon-monoxide accumulating within an enclosed space such as a garage. The carbon monoxide detector safety system acting in the capacity of an active carbon monoxide alarm system.

Abstract: An automobile carbon monoxide detector that is removably interconenctable with an automobile cigarette lighter socket, said detector operable thereat to detect and signal the presence of carbon monoxide within an automobile interior by means of a carbon monoxide sensor disposed in operational communication with a microprocesor, said microprocessor causing the illumination of a caution light when the sensor detects the presence of carbon monoxide, said microprocessor then signaling a buzzer to alert occupants of the vehicle that levels of carbon monoxide are approaching dangerous concentrations and that corrective action is emergently requried.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system stores information representing a number of dual wheels having two tires arranged closely adjacent to each other on, for example, a commercial vehicle. The system measures internal air temperatures of the tires on all of the wheels, and stores temperatures measured when a system reset is executed as reference temperatures. The system determines calculated values based on the temperatures measured for each tire until a measured temperature exceeds the corresponding reference temperature by 20 degrees Celsius or more. The system arranges the calculated values in an order and determines that a number of the calculated values high in the order are calculated values of temperatures of tires mounted on the inside wheel. The number of calculated values corresponding to a dual wheel is equivalent to the number of dual wheels. Thus, the system determines which tires are mounted on an inside wheel.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes: multiple switchable display elements for displaying one of display items in a display group that is assigned each switchable display element; an operation device for outputting an operation signal according to an operation of a user; a determination device for determining an operation mode of the operation of the user with respect to the operation device, according to the operation signal; and a display control device for independently controlling each switchable display element to execute a switching and displaying operation according to the operation mode. In the switching and displaying operation, the display control device controls one of switchable display elements to switch a current display item to another display item according to a predetermined switching order of display items every time the operation device outputs the operation signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for leveraging a plurality of sensor devices distributed in a geographical area to monitor vehicle usage for assessing, pricing, and provisioning distance-based vehicle insurance. One or more sensor devices may capture information associated with a vehicle and communicate the information to an insurance provider. In aspects, the insurance provider may analyze the information to determine a distance that the vehicle travels within a particular time period. Further, the insurance provider may determine a vehicle usage unit based on the distance traveled as well as provide various insurance coverage types to a customer associated with the vehicle. Based on a selected coverage type, the insurance provider may generate an insurance quote for a policy having an amount of the vehicle usage units and may facilitate a purchase transaction with the customer for the insurance policy.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to methods and systems for requesting and retrieving aircraft data during flight of an aircraft. This aircraft data can be used to perform additional monitoring of aircraft sub-systems to detect an abnormal condition, and/or to identify one or more sources that are causing the abnormal condition. In one embodiment, aircraft data for one or more relevant parameters can be requested from the ground, measured on-board the aircraft, and stored in a data file that is then communicated back to personnel on the ground. The real-time aircraft data for one or more relevant parameters can then be analyzed to identify the one or more sources that are causing the abnormal condition.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a display device mounted on a vehicle includes: a first control device for controlling the display device to display a first information image corresponding to a specific event when the specific event occurs; and a second control device for controlling the display device to display a second information image corresponding to the specific event after the display device displays the first information image. The second control device changes a display start time of the second information image according to at least one of a driving condition of the vehicle and a driver condition of a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid leakage detection system includes a fluid leakage sensor and an alarming system. The fluid leakage sensor is electrically coupled to the alarming system, and is configured to send signals pertaining to any detected fluid leakage. Further, the fluid leakage sensor includes an electrically non-conductive body and an electrical circuit. The non-conductive body is positioned proximal to a leakage region and it collect and absorbs leaking fluid from the region. The electric circuit includes a first portion embedded within the non-conductive body, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion of the electrical circuit lies exterior to the non-conductive body. The electrical circuit is open-circuited under no fluid leakage detection conditions, and is closed-circuited under leakage detection conditions. The alarm system is configured to generate an alarm signal when the electric circuit is closed-circuited.

Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus has: an abnormality detection portion that detects at least one of an abnormality of a vehicle and an abnormality of an in-vehicle device based on an output of the in-vehicle device that indicates a state of a vehicle; an environmental drive condition information obtaining portion that obtains information regarding an environmental drive condition that affects the output of the in-vehicle device; and an abnormality detection criteria changing portion that changes an abnormality detection criteria used by the abnormality detecting portion based on the environmental drive condition information obtained by the environmental drive condition information obtaining portion.

Abstract: Approaches for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern are provided. Vehicle usage patterns are analyzed to discern if the vehicle is being operated in a fuel-efficient manner. Patterns of inefficient operation are detected and conveyed to the user to inform the user of the impact of his/her inefficient operation. A fuel efficiency tool provides this capability. Specifically, the fuel efficiency tool comprises: an analysis component configured to analyze a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle, and a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. The fuel efficiency tool further comprises a notification component configured to provide a notification to a user of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns.

Abstract: In a method for wireless communication between a control unit and an electronic housing mounted on a vehicle member, information for the electronic housing is transmitted in the form either of continuous signals, or of signals modulated by encoded data. Each electronic housing includes a switching strategy between reception modes for the two types of signals, including establishing a permanent standby state for continuous signal reception and, upon the reception of a continuous signal, controlling a switchover to the modulated-signal reception mode for a time T, after which the electronic housing processes the data of the potential detected modulated signal and, if no such modulated signal is detected, processes the continuous signal at the origin of the switchover. Furthermore, after the time T, a reverse switchover control to the permanent standby state is delivered.

Abstract: There is described a system and method for informing passengers of a public transport vehicle of a door lock status, the method comprising: optically coupling a light source to an at least partially see-through modesty panel for propagating light therein, the modesty panel being positioned within the transport vehicle adjacent to a door for separating the passengers from the door; receiving a signal indicating that the door is unlocked; and illuminating at least a portion of the modesty panel using the light source, thereby informing the passengers that the door is unlocked.

Abstract: A portable electronic device for displaying information from a vehicle having a first transceiver to a user carrying the portable electronic device includes a second transceiver. The portable electronic device uses the second transceiver to conduct bi-directional communications with the vehicle systems. The portable electronic device may be a key-fob and include a display for displaying the information from the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include at least one controller configured to monitor a plurality of parameters representing a driver's dynamic control of the vehicle and to establish a reference range based on values of the monitored parameters during a first time period. The at least one controller may be further configured to detect a change in driver behavior condition when, during a second time period, a parameter derived from the monitored parameters falls outside of the reference range, and in response to detecting the change in driver behavior condition, to alter a response of the vehicle to driver inputs or to generate output representing a recommendation to alter a response of the vehicle to driver inputs.

Abstract: A method of detecting an abnormal driving includes receiving a RF signal transmitted from a vehicle in front; performing digital down conversion on the RF signal to obtain a baseband digital signal; performing frequency shift detection on the baseband digital signal to obtain frequency shift between the received RF signal and the RF signal transmitted from the vehicle in front; and determining that the abnormal driving condition in front exists response to determining that the frequency shift has reached a set threshold.

Abstract: A device for controlling a device by using a rotation-rate sensor. In order to provide a device for determining a triggering signal for a safety device which allows a particularly compact implementation of the device, the device is set up to ascertain an acceleration variable on the basis of a first sensor signal for a first seismic mass of the rotation-rate sensor and the second sensor signal for a second seismic mass of the rotation-rate sensor and to control the device as a function of the acceleration variable.

Abstract: An interior lighting system that responds to changes in vehicle operating parameters, such as fuel economy, electric power consumption and battery recharging, by changing color of interior lighting. The system includes an engine vacuum sensor associated with the internal combustion engine and, when used on a hybrid vehicle, a motor power draw sensor associated with the vehicle's electric motor and a battery recharging sensor associated with the vehicle's storage battery. An array of color-changing ambient interior lights is provided and is operatively associated with the vehicle system controller. The sensors measure specific changes in driving parameters and send signals to the vehicle system controller for further processing.

Abstract: A classification system for determining the occupancy state of a seat of a vehicle. The classification system includes a first sensing electrode located in a back portion of the seat and a a second sensing electrode located in a base portion of the seat. The system includes a measurement circuit configured to measure a first property associated with the first sensing electrode and a second property associated with the second electrode. A controller is configured to send an occupancy signal indicative of the occupancy state of the seat based on the measured properties associated with the first and second sensing electrodes. The controller may be configured to send the occupancy signal to a Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) system.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a car using a car key, a selected function is received from a function menu displayed on an operation interface of a display device of the car key. System data about the car is acquired from a management unit of the car, and devices of the car are controlled using the management unit, according to the selected function. The system data about the car or status of the devices of the car is displayed on the operation interface of the display device.

Abstract: A method of detecting an abnormal driving includes receiving a RF signal transmitted from a vehicle in front; performing digital down conversion on the RF signal to obtain a baseband digital signal; performing frequency shift detection on the baseband digital signal to obtain frequency shift between the received RF signal and the RF signal transmitted from the vehicle in front; and determining that the abnormal driving condition in front exists response to determining that the frequency shift has reached a set threshold.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring method and a monitoring system having a simple configuration and that can process data with a high degree of reliability. The method or system determines at a sensor module whether a measured value from a sensor satisfies a preset condition. If determined that the measured value does not satisfy the preset condition, at least one flag is set in the data packet to be transmitted from the sensor module. If, at the receiver, it is determined that the measured value of the received data does not to satisfy a preset condition, whether a flag is included in the received data is determined. If it is determined that the received data includes a flag, the received data is used, and if it is determined that a flag is not included, the received data is discarded.

Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having a fuel system that may include unwanted water is described. The method includes, adjusting an operating parameter in response to a relative amount of high and low readings from a water-in-fuel sensor coupled in the fuel system.

Abstract: An interior mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a display element disposed within a mirror housing and behind the mirror reflective element. Information displayed by the display element, when backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes, is viewable through the reflective element. The control is operable to vary the intensity of information displayed by the display element as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. When the display element is backlit during daytime lighting conditions, the control is operable to adjust the intensity of displayed information to at least about 1,000 cd/m2 as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include circuitry that shares components with the control and at least one other electrically operable feature of the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: A system having a controller is provided. The controller receives a signal indicative of an actual position and an actual orientation of a machine on a worksite, from a position detection module. The controller determines a first view of the machine on the worksite. The first view shows the actual position of the machine and a target position of the machine. The controller determines a second view of the machine on the worksite. The second view has a first and a second indicator. The first indicator is indicative of the actual position and the actual orientation of the machine. The second indicator is indicative of the target position and a target orientation of the machine. The controller displays any one of the first view and the second view based, at least in part, on the actual position of the machine relative to the target position on a display unit.

Abstract: A method for wear control of vehicle tires, includes: detecting deformation of an inner surface of a first tire by means of a first sensor; determining a first level of wear of the first tire; detecting a deformation of an inner surface of a second tire by means of a second sensor; determining a second level of wear of the second tire; comparing the first and second levels of wear with each other; and generating a notification signal representative of the comparison. Also disclosed is a system for wear control of vehicle tires, a method of determining the wear of a tire and a system for determining the wear of a tire.

Abstract: A graphic display apparatus within an automotive vehicle wherein the display apparatus includes at least two display units operable to display graphics and/or video, a wire connector connecting the at least two display units together, and a control system connected to the wire connector wherein the control system is operable to play video or graphics on the at least two display units. The display units are in communication with one another providing for a coordinated or synchronized display of graphics. If, by way of example, a firework explodes on the main display screen, the remnants of that single firework will be exploded onto the secondary display screens. Further, by way of example, scrolling text may scroll from one display screen to the other giving the synchronized impression to the user that the multiple display screens are similar to one large screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for monitoring a runway. Data is received about the runway from a number of sensors associated with an aircraft while the aircraft performs an operation on the runway. A number of conditions are identified for the runway using the data received from the number of sensors.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions comprise a device that may be mechanically and electrically associated with a typical lighting fixture found in a building or home, has low power consumption, provide a typical lighting when such lighting fixture is providing power to the device and comprises a battery backup to provide an emergency lighting feature when the power is out. The device may further be removed from the lighting fixture and used as a typical flashlight. The device may further be electrically and remotely associated with devices such as cell phones and systems such as alarm systems to provide emergency services.

Abstract: A method and system may determine, in a vehicle, a desired path around an object based on a location of the object relative to the vehicle, relative speed, road parameters and one or more vehicle parameters. The method and system may calculate one or more vehicle control parameter values which minimize a predicted deviation from the desired vehicle path. The method and system may determine whether the one or more vehicle control parameter values would cause the vehicle to exceed one or more vehicle stability constraints. If the one or more vehicle control parameter values would cause the vehicle to exceed one or more vehicle stability constraints, the one or more vehicle control parameter values may be reduced to one or more vehicle control parameter values not causing the vehicle to exceed the one or more vehicle stability constraints. The method and system may output the one or more vehicle control parameter values to a vehicle automated control device.

Abstract: A method for identifying cable faults at the terminals of a broadband lambda probe comprising a Nernst cell and a pump cell in the exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine. The broadband lambda probe has a reference electrode terminal RE, an internal pump electrode terminal IPE and an external pump electrode terminal APE. A pump current is applied to the broadband lambda probe and a pulsed reference pump current is applied to the broadband lambda probe. Cable faults are identified by the evaluation of potential swings in current.

Abstract: This specification relates to an information providing method and an apparatus thereof, capable of providing information based on a user profile according to a travel state and/or a current location of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a travel state of a vehicle, detecting a current location of the vehicle; acquiring a user profile associated with the vehicle, and providing information related to the travel state of the vehicle, the current location and the user profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control method and system for a smart card. The remote control method for a smart card includes the following steps: a smart card management platform receives a request for destruction of a smart card from a user (S101); the smart card management platform carries out short message interactive processing with a terminal via a mobile network platform according to the request to make the terminal destruct the smart card (S103).

Abstract: A safety improvement method of an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function may include: recognizing initial conditions that senses whether an engine is restarted, when the engine is restarted by the ISG, and whether a driver operates a vehicle, and determines whether to warn the driver; warning the driver that makes the driver recognize that the engine is restarted if it is determined to warn the driver in recognizing initial conditions; and stopping the warning that stops warning the driver after warning the drive has been executed. Warning the drive may be achieved by an alarm generated from a buzzer for a predetermined time and a visual screen that is provided for the driver.

Abstract: A display device includes an image-type display part which outputs various information, and to be mounted and used in a vehicle. The display part outputs a scale which has marks, a first pointer which points to a part of the scale to indicate a present value of a state quantity of the vehicle, and a second pointer which points to a part of the scale to indicate the maximum value of the state quantity of the vehicle in a first time period on the past.

Abstract: A collision detector accurately detects a situation where a subject vehicle is likely to come into contact with an external object. The collision detector defines a subject area including an enter-determination area and an exist-determination area. The enter-determination area is defined to determine that the external object entering therein is likely to come into contact with the subject vehicle. The exist-determination area is defined to determine that the external object existing therein is likely to come into contact with the subject vehicle. The detector determines whether the external object comes into the enter-determination area or the external object exists in the exist-determination area. The detector outputs that the subject vehicle is likely to come into contact with the external object when the external object comes into the enter-determination area or when the external object exists in the exist-determination area.

Abstract: Through the present subject matter, mobile devices subscribers may be provided information pertaining to a motor vehicle. The characteristics of the motor vehicle are monitored. The information indicative of the monitored characteristics is sent to an entity that is not performing the monitoring of the motor vehicle. The mobile device subscriber may also choose more than one individual to receive the information. The system for providing information pertaining to a motor vehicle has additional features such as a qualification system that will prevent the motor vehicle from starting if the appropriate qualifying information is not entered; and may be configured with multi-media communications capabilities.

Abstract: A disclosed vehicle instrument panel assembly includes a display disposed within a first plane and configured for generating an image indicative of vehicle operation and a pointer disposed on a second plane spaced apart from the first plane and extending at least partially over the display to highlight the image generated by the display.