Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems and methods for thwarting attempts to circumvent breath alcohol level testing and monitoring programs. In-home monitoring systems as well as ignition interlock systems are described. Accelerometers and/or compasses are used to detect movement of the device. GPS and image data are collected at the time samples are collected to verify their authenticity. A system is provided for use by a third party service provider to provide reports and notification to monitoring authorities.

Abstract: An unexpectedness prediction sensitivity determining apparatus determines, for each of temporary stop intersections, a standard driving operation level of a driver when entering the each of temporary stop intersections, based on intersection travel information received from plural vehicles. Subsequently, the unexpectedness prediction sensitivity determining apparatus determines the unexpectedness prediction sensitivity of the driver when entering the temporary stop intersection based on the intersection travel information associated with the temporary stop intersections where determined standard driving operation levels of the drivers are identical to one another.

Abstract: A system and method includes sensors configured to measure conditions of a vehicle. A monitoring module is configured to evaluate the conditions input thereto from the sensors. The monitoring module is further configured to determine a state of a mobile device located within the vehicle. Based upon a combination of the conditions of the vehicle and the state of the mobile device, a determination of improper use of the mobile device is made.

Abstract: In many vehicular control contexts, a vehicle may monitor the vehicle input control from a driver to detect warning conditions that entail a warning to the user and/or an automatic mitigating action (e.g., detecting hard braking that causes brake lockup, and automatically activating anti-lock braking). Warning and mitigation techniques may address the instant driving conditions, but may not the user driving behavior that caused the condition (e.g., a driving style of the user that resulted in hard braking, such as excessive speed for current driving conditions). Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the user driving behavior of the user in various driving contexts, and presenting driving suggestions of alternative driving behaviors providing advantages over the current user driving behavior of the user. The presentation of the alternative driving behaviors to the user may facilitate changes in user driving behavior that improve the safety, efficiency, and/or comfort of the driving experience.

Abstract: Vehicle operations data is received from a plurality of data capturing devices installed at a plurality of transport vehicles. The vehicle operations data is representative of sensor output captured by the data capturing devices. Data sets are processed to obtain different vehicle safety metrics defined by the different types of sensors. An indication of non-conformance can be output when a compared vehicle safety metric does not conform to a threshold. Vehicle safety metrics can be combined into a combined representation of a categorical aspect of vehicle safety, which can be dynamically updated whenever a metric is added or removed. Combined representations can be filtered or grouped according to a reporting criterion to generate reports for drivers, units, company divisions, and the like. Vehicle operations data can be converted from multiple different formats used by different data sources to a common format used for processing metrics and combined representations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immersive vehicle multimedia system that that is affected by vehicle sensors and collected data concerning environmental. The immersive vehicle multimedia system includes a vehicle, at least one sensor or other vehicle component gathering input as data from an external and internal vehicle environment, an immersive multimedia device connected to each sensor, and media content run through the multimedia device. The media content includes a primary script and a secondary script, the secondary script depending on the gathered input.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for inferring the behavior or state of the driver of a vehicle, use of the method and computer program for carrying out the method The method comprises evaluating a series of descriptive functions of the conditions of interaction of the driver with the vehicle based at least on information from inertial sensors of an autonomous computation device, by comparing such evaluation with reference information associated with a behavior of the driver that is considered normal. The system is suitable for implementing the method of the invention. The use is for detecting behavioral changes of a driver. The computer program is suitable for performing the steps of the method of the invention.

Abstract: An flight-safe indicator for a battery displays the flight-safety state of a battery to be transported by an aircraft. The indicator can be easily recognized by ground personnel anywhere regardless of the language they speak or read. The indicator comprises an icon indicating that the battery is safe for flight and would be easily recognized by personnel at an airport. The icon would be placed on the battery or on the battery packaging prior to loading on the aircraft. When the magnitude of power stored on the battery exceeds a safety threshold, the icon changes to an indication that the battery is not safe for transporting by aircraft and the operator may discharge the battery using a load until it reaches a safe level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the exchange of vehicle information between software modules with different safety importance. In one embodiment, a vehicle health management system includes a mission critical software module, a flight critical software module and a gatekeeper. The mission critical software module receives vehicle state information and provides it to the flight critical software module if the gatekeeper confirms the validity of the vehicle information.

Abstract: A method for avoiding reducing scoring of the brake disc or the brake drum of a vehicle driven under rainy conditions calculates a product of three parameters, and activates an automatic braking operation for the vehicle, regularly, whenever the product exceeds the pre-determined threshold level. The first parameter is a rain intensity based parameter, a measure of the current raining intensity. The second parameter is a brake-activation-free driving time parameter, representing the time elapsed since the braking system of the vehicle was activated last. The third parameter is a speed parameter, which represents a current speed of the vehicle. As the automatic braking operation is carried out, the particles of dust, water, snow and de-icing substances, adhered to the brake disc of the vehicle, and causing scoring of the brake disc, are quickly removed, thus, reducing disc scoring.

Abstract: Depression of an accelerator pedal by a vehicle operator in an operating condition in which fuel economy is deteriorated, is restrained. An actual opening degree of the accelerator pedal and a reference guide value of the accelerator pedal opening degree which allows a vehicle to accomplish both acceleration performance and fuel economy performance in a current operating condition are indicated in a display section together. In a case where a current gear ratio of a transmission is deviated from an optimal gear ratio of the transmission which is determined based on an operating condition of the vehicle, the reference guide value is changed such that engine output of the vehicle is decreased.

Abstract: An environment associated with at least one crew member is identified, and a line-of-sight associated with the at least one crew member is determined. An alarm is generated when the line-of-sight remains within a predetermined area for an elapsed time that exceeds a first predetermined temporal threshold associated with the identified environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that identify a motor vehicle operation and whether a driver is operating a mobile device. One example of operation may include a method that includes receiving vehicle data based on active operation of a vehicle and compiling a candidate driver identification profile (DIP) based on the received vehicle data. The method may also include comparing the candidate DIP to a pre-stored DIP and determining a match between the candidate DIP and the pre-stored DIP. The method may also include applying a restriction to a mobile station operated by a driver of the vehicle responsive to the match determination.

Abstract: An electronic display comprises a graphical lap information display portion that comprises a lap time differential indicator and an illuminated portion. The lap time differential indicator is configured to display a differential time value. The illuminated portion is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the graphical lap information display portion in a plurality of different lighting modes. The illuminated portion is operable in the plurality of different lighting modes in response to a rate of change of the differential time value. A vehicle and method are also provided.

Abstract: A device for displaying information in a hybrid vehicle comprises a display instrument that has multiple zones for displaying the current operating state of a combustion engine and of at least one electric motor in the hybrid vehicle. The power that the at least one electric motor can generate in a boost mode can be displayed in one of the zones. The display instrument includes a zone that can display the remaining time during which the at least one electric motor can be operated in the boost mode.

Abstract: An apparatus of automatic vehicle suspension system is provided. Road conditions are precisely monitored for reducing vibrations of cabin. Uneven road surface is crossed over through fast expansion and compression of shock absorber just in time. The present invention uses real-time control of an active suspension system to build road contour at real time. At the same time, control signals having better suspension dynamic characteristics are updated at real time for further obtaining a superior and precise suspension system.

Abstract: A computer system and method for storing and processing GPS data for a plurality of vehicles to provide speed reports and alerts for fleets of vehicles, including alerts for speed data. The system and method can provide, for a graphic user interface, an alert when an operational metric for a vehicle meets or exceeds at least one predetermined criterion established for the operational metric, wherein the operational metric includes a speed metric.

Abstract: A display system for a working machine displays warning information while also displaying a high-quality camera image. The display redisplays a reduced camera image at a reduction scale of 60% according to an abnormality information signal. An open area 44 outside the area displaying the camera image. The display control device displays a warning icon (large size), corresponding to abnormality information regarding a filter of a DPF device, in the open area. The operator recognizes the warning and immediately stops the operation, moves to a place where the filter regeneration is possible while checking the safety of the surroundings by viewing the camera image, and then carries out the filter regeneration. After finishing, the operator confirms that the warning icon has disappeared, moves to the site of the operation while checking the safety of the surroundings by viewing the camera image (for normal times), and then restarts the operation.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object.

Abstract: A computer program product is provided for automatically detecting unsafe driving practices and providing real time driver feedback upon execution by either of a local device which may be embodied in for example a cigarette lighter adapter, or a mobile cellular device such as for example an iPhone. The device upon which the program is embodied is thus configured to receive and store program parameters including predetermined speed limit settings, receive sensor output signals representative of vehicle position and vehicle movement, determine a location of the vehicle based on the position sensor output signals, and determine a safe- or unsafe-driving condition based on the movement sensor output signals and at least a predetermined speed limit setting associated with the vehicle location. A driver alert signal is further generated in response to determining an unsafe driving condition, and notification of unsafe driving conditions may be accordingly transmitted to third parties.

Abstract: A user interface for conveying tips on driving behaviors or vehicle settings that will improve vehicle efficiency may be provided. The tips may be listed on an information display along with an efficiency impact value associated with each tip. The efficiency impact values may be conveyed in terms of fuel economy, vehicle range, emissions or some other value. Accordingly, the user interface may communicate ways to improve a vehicle's efficiency, as well as quantify the potential improvement in meaningful terms.

Abstract: A driver monitoring apparatus includes a detection section, a warning section and a changing operation section. The detection section detects at least one of a face direction and an eye direction of the driver, and generates a detection information regarding the at least one of the face direction and the eye direction detected. The warning section determines whether the driver has an inattentive drive by comparing the detection information to a reference information, and generates a warning when it is determined that the driver has the inattentive drive. The changing operation section receives an operation for changing the reference information, and changes a current reference information set before receiving the operation to a new reference information according to the operation received.

Abstract: A method and a system for lane departure warning are provided. The method is as follows. An original image is segmented into a plurality of regional images. Next, characteristics of each regional image are analyzed, and accordingly non-lane line regions are removed from the regional images, so as to obtain a plurality of lane line candidates. Then, a plurality of lane lines are determined from the lane line candidates according to a location of each lane line candidate in the original image. Finally, the lane lines are distinguished into left lane lines and right lane lines, and a variation of an angle between each left lane line and a horizontal line and a variation of an angle between each right lane line and the horizontal line are analyzed, so as to judge whether a vehicle departs from a lane and send a lane departure warning.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for managing operation of a portable electronic device. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. Device information, about a portable electronic device configured to perform an operation, is received. An operator of the automotive vehicle is detected to be a user of the portable electronic device, based on the vehicle information and the device information. Operation information is sent, in response to detecting the operator is the user, to prevent the portable electronic device from performing the operation.

Abstract: A system for calculating an instantaneous fuel economy for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The system includes, but is not limited to, a speed sensor that is configured to determine a current speed of the vehicle, an acceleration sensor that is configured to determine a current acceleration of the vehicle, a fuel sensor that is configured to determine a current fuel consumption rate of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle, a display unit, and a processor. The processor is communicatively coupled with the speed sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the fuel sensor, and is operatively coupled with the display unit. The processor is configured to determine the instantaneous fuel economy of the vehicle based on information obtained from the speed sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the fuel sensor. The processor is further configured to instruct the display unit to display the instantaneous fuel economy.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating at least one operating parameter of a motor vehicle. A system variable relating to an operating parameter of the vehicle is measured. A look-up map (A; S; B) associated with the operating parameter is accessed. The look-up map (A; S; B) comprises of one or more sets of threshold values (R0, R1, R2, R3, R4) and a comparison is made between the measured system variable and the threshold values (R0, R1, R2, R3, R4). An economy rating (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) is obtained from the look-up map and an indicator output based on the economy rating (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) to provide the driver with feedback. The present invention also relates to a device for providing driver feedback.

Abstract: A driver assistance detection system and method for determining levels of functionality of an interactive device in a vehicle are provided. The driver assistance detection system comprises a vision-based detection device, a processing device, and an interactive device. The vision-based detection device is configured to visually detect objects, recognize whether the object is an object of interest, and then obtain data regarding a status of the object. The processing device is configured to receive data from the vision-based detection device, run a set of instructions and switch the interactive device between a first mode and a second mode. The interactive device is configured to have at least two modes, wherein the second mode has reduced functionality relative to the first mode.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device.

Abstract: A collision warning system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The collision warning system includes a first mode and a second mode. The system operates in the first mode when there is line of sight with a target vehicle. The system operates in the second mode where there is no line of sight with the target vehicle.

Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.

Abstract: A system of reporting vehicle telemetry to a vehicle operator or other user includes a device that removably attaches to the vehicle data port to monitor vehicle operating conditions and communicate with vehicle control modules. A user may configure the device without making permanent changes to the vehicle. The device understands and interprets vehicle communications protocols and can send diagnostic commands to the control modules to allow user-customized text or data to be shown or indicated using built-in or factory installed vehicle displays, lights, or sounds. The system permits showing of multiple user-configured pages of vehicle data or other information and provides real-time updates and configurable switchable profile and display settings. The device monitors factory installed vehicle buttons, switches, knobs, and sensors, and allows use of those items to perform customization and configuration tasks without the need for peripheral input accessories connected to the device.

Abstract: A method for advising a driver of a vehicle may include monitoring driver torque requests, establishing categories of driver behavior based on a history of driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, categorizing current driver behavior into one of the established categories based on current driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, and initiating an alert for the driver if the categorization is of a particular type.

Abstract: A warning system is configured to alert a driver if a mobile electronic device present in the vehicle is located outside a designated area of the vehicle, such that it might distract the driver. The designated area can be any surface or retaining area with an associated sensor that can detect the presence of the mobile device. If the driver removes the mobile device from the designated area while driving, the driver will have a predetermined period of time to return the mobile device to the designated area before an alert is generated. If the mobile device is not returned within the predetermined period of time, the alert is generated.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for guiding the driver of a vehicle in selecting an accelerator pedal position and transmission gear to improve a score. The score may be a weighted average of a fuel economy score and a drivability score. A curve showing the best score for each gear may be shown on a display as a function of accelerator pedal and transmission gear number, along with the current accelerator pedal and gear number of the vehicle. The driver may improve the score by changing to an accelerator pedal and/or gear selection that is closer to the curve. The curve may be calculated, using a model based on forces and torques upon the vehicle, from data acquired by monitoring the vehicle and/or from external sources.

Abstract: A vehicle operation support apparatus includes an indicator section for indicating an actual value of a parameter and a target value of the parameter for an operator to manipulate the parameter with reference to the target value, wherein the parameter is manipulated by the operator for changing an engine output of a vehicle. In the vehicle operation support apparatus, a change amount of an indication in the indicator section with respect to a unit change amount of the actual value of the parameter is relatively small in a region close to the target value.

Abstract: A method and system for risk prediction for a support actuation system. The system includes a support actuation system for an automobile having a support actuation module and/or a risk prediction system. The risk prediction system includes a sensor, a processor, and/or a memory. The sensor detects images corresponding to identity data, environment data, event data, and/or behavior data, which are stored in the memory. The memory also stores a database including identities of users, environment risk values, event risk values, and/or behavior risk values. Using the identity data, the environment data, the event data, and/or the behavior data, the processor determines the environment risk value, the event risk value, the behavior risk value, and/or the total risk value for a user. When the total risk value is above a predetermined risk threshold, the support actuation module performs support actuation.

Abstract: A method and system of improving shift event performance in a vehicle with an automatic transmission. One or more accelerometers in the vehicle are used to sense one or more longitudinal acceleration values. The longitudinal acceleration values or values derived therefrom are compared with predetermined stored values. Shift event behavior is changed in response to differences between the one or more longitudinal acceleration values or values derived therefrom and the predetermined stored values.

Abstract: A method is provided of estimating a road grade of a current driven road. A nominal value of a vehicle operating parameter is measured during a nominal vehicle operating condition. The vehicle operating parameter is related to a vehicle thrust power. The nominal value of the vehicle operating condition is comprised of a nominal acceleration corresponding to the nominal value when the vehicle is driven on a substantially non-inclined road. The nominal value and nominal acceleration is stored in a memory. An actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is determined during a current vehicle operating condition. A vehicle acceleration corresponding to the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is measured. The road grade of the current driven road is estimated as a function of a comparison between the measured acceleration value and the nominal acceleration that would be expected for the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle with an autonomous driving control has a set-up mode, an active drive mode, a safe shutdown mode, and an emergency response mode. The active drive mode autonomously navigates along a driving route specified in the set-up mode. A driver sensing system senses a driver presence in the driver seat and a driver's physiological state. Active drive mode is not entered from set-up mode unless the driver is present in the driver seat and the physiological state matches a normal condition. While in active driving mode, an elapsed time period is measured whenever the driver presence is not detected. If the time period increases above a first threshold then a notice is given to the driver that the active drive mode may be interrupted. If the time period increases above a second threshold then the active drive mode is terminated and the safe shutdown mode is initiated.

Abstract: Driver braking performance feedback may be conveyed to a vehicle operator as a braking efficiency score using a vehicle display system. The display system may include a vehicle display for displaying a braking efficiency indicator or gauge corresponding to the braking efficiency score. The braking efficiency score may be based on a comparison of the total regenerative braking energy recaptured during at least one braking event to a either a maximum amount of braking energy that may be recaptured during the at least one braking event or an actual total braking energy expended during the at least one braking event. The braking efficiency score may be displayed upon the completion of a braking event or upon a completion of a trip including a plurality of braking events. The display may also convey a distance corresponding to a portion of a trip distance achieved through regenerative braking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an over-current damage prevention method and apparatus for a subsidiary inverter of an electric bus, which may reduce surge current generated due to a substantially abrupt occurrence of a load when a clutch is connected thereon by reducing the speed of a power steering motor before the clutch is connected thereon. The method and apparatus include sensing, by a sensor, a pressure of an air tank and an on position of an air pressure; reducing, by an inverter, a speed of a power steering motor by controlling the voltage applied to the power steering motor when the pressure of the air tank is less than a setup value or when the air pressure switch is on; and in response to reducing the speed of the power steering motor, maintaining a clutch in an engaged position to transmit power from the power steering motor to an air compressor.

Abstract: In a drive control device of a hybrid vehicle including a power dividing mechanism which has a sun roller, a carrier, and a first disc with which a rotating shaft of a first motor/generator, an output shaft of an engine, and a rotating shaft of a second motor/generator which also functions as an output shaft directed toward drive wheel sides are coupled, respectively and by which differential rotating operations between the sun roller, the carrier, and the first disc are controlled using an alignment chart on which rotation speeds of the sun roller, the carrier, and the first disc are disposed in the sequence of the sun roller, the carrier, the first disc and shown by straight lines.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: A portable electronic device comprises an electromechanical module having an actuator for positioning a mechanical element between first and second positions, and a controller coupled to the electromechanical module. The controller is configured to detect a mechanical event coupling to the electromechanical module, select an actuation signal to position the mechanical element in a safe position between the first and second positions, and transmit the selected signal, such that the mechanical element is positioned in the safe position during the event.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to determine a vehicle's lateral velocity during abnormal driving situations of a vehicle during controlled side-impact or rollover crash tests that involve the pulling of a vehicle sideways into an object. A high-resolution, low-range, lateral accelerometer is integrated to determine the lateral velocity. Furthermore, is a method to initiate the integration of the acceleration signal and a method to stop and reset the integration. The method recognizes special conditions associated with abnormal driving situations like controlled crash tests, and therefore will not be active during normal operating conditions. The method also includes a means to handle offset tolerances associated with accelerometers by finding the sensor's zero-g point while the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining status information about one or more physical attributes associated with one or more first physical entities and one or more second physical entities, the one or more physical attributes each being perceived by one or more humans as being capable of having one or more effects upon one or more physical environments, obtaining input information from at least one of the one or more humans through at least in part one or more social networking services, the input information associated with at least one of the one or more physical attributes, and determining assessment information comparing the one or more first physical entities with the one or more second physical entities based at least in part upon the status information and based at least in part upon the input information. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system for reducing driving risk comprises an event capture device and a processor. The event capture device is to capture a driving event of a vehicle during a driving trip. A processor configured to assign a risk identifier to the driving event, to generate an event score based at least in part on the risk identifier, and to generate a driver score based at least in part on the event score and one or more driver challenge factors.