Abstract: A driver assistance system for driver assistance for consumption controlled driving combines tactile and visual feedback functions, especially in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept and/or a deceleration assistant, wherein the emphasis is, on the one hand, on a modified accelerator pedal characteristic and, on the other hand, on providing ECO tips for an interactive output of efficient driving instructions.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Selectively Automatic Event Scoring. 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, 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 to a remote server or user if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may further respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.

Abstract: A driving assistance device includes a display unit which displays an energy consumption rate map which shows a distribution of an energy consumption rate during travel of a vehicle, an icon which indicates a current energy consumption rate of the vehicle on the energy consumption rate map, the energy consumption rate being defined by a speed of the vehicle and an acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, and a direction defining display portion which defines a moving direction of the icon, wherein the energy consumption rate map displays an eco region, which is a region in which the energy consumption rate is lower than a predetermined value, with a color different from those of the other regions of the energy consumption rate map in the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an onboard system for determining vehicle emissions. The emissions are determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. Data is supplied solely to an emissions unit from a vehicle diagnostic system: the vehicle diagnostic system receives vehicle data from vehicle systems and sub-systems.

Abstract: In giving a travel command to an unmanned vehicle in both-side loading, or in setting a position of a loading point in both-side loading, whether a working machine of a loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between an orientation or a position of the working machine when the travel command is instructed and a direction or a position of the boundary line. In setting the position of the loading point in both-side loading, whether the working machine of the loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between the orientation or the position of the working machine when position setting of loading point is instructed and the direction or the position of the boundary line.

Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing haptic feedback to an operator of a vehicle is described including a pedal, torque motor, actuator and controller. The pedal is rotatable between a closed position and an open position. The torque motor applies rotational force to the pedal. The actuator is rotatably positioned between the torque motor and pedal. The controller provides haptic feedback to the operator by sending a haptic signal via the torque motor, actuator and pedal in which rotational force is applied to the pedal to rotate the pedal toward the closed position.

Abstract: Multifunctional displays for a marine vessel having a propulsion system can include a sequential indicator, a first portion, a second portion and a transition portion between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion depicts changes in a characteristic of a first component of the propulsion system during a first operational mode of the propulsion system. The second portion depicts changes in a characteristic of a second component of the propulsion system during a second operational mode of the propulsion system. The transition portion depicts a change in operation of propulsion system between the first operational mode and the second operational mode. A marine vessel icon has first and second icons depicting changes in characteristics of the first and second components. The icon changes position when the operational mode of the marine vessel changes.

Abstract: A method and system provides a human machine interface configured to provide a vehicle driver with an appropriate easy to understand information to perform driving maneuvers safely. The human machine interface provides the driver with safety information for performing a driving maneuver. The human machine interface is further configured to provide a visualization of an environment of the vehicle and a color scheme configured to convey a criticality of an execution of a vehicle maneuver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driving support device that is capable of realizing driving support in consideration of a risk potential determination tendency of a driver. The driving support device is a device that estimates a risk potential that is a degree of a risk with respect to a risk target in driving of a vehicle and performs a driving support for a driver of the vehicle on the basis of the estimated risk potential, and includes: a risk potential bias setting unit that sets a risk potential bias that is a value for changing the risk potential on the basis of a risk potential determination tendency of the driver; and a risk potential estimating unit that changes the risk potential on the basis of the risk potential bias set by the risk potential bias setting unit.

Abstract: An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

Abstract: A system for keeping a driver alert by employing a thermal grill that includes warm and cool regions. The system includes an alert module that configures the thermal grill to a heat sink configuration and a heat source configuration. The thermal grill in the heat sink configuration extracts heat from the driver's body, lowers the driver's temperature, and keeps the driver alert. The thermal grill in the heat source configuration raises the driver's temperature and avoids vasoconstriction. The alert module also monitors at least one of the driver's biomarkers like blood flow in the driver's fingers. The alert module monitors the driver's biomarkers to determine when to reconfigure the thermal grill to a configuration other than the heat sink configuration. If the monitored biomarkers indicate that the driver is in a vasoconstricted state, the alert module can reconfigure the thermal grill.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring transportation system vehicle operator use of a mobile device. A directional antenna detects a signal produced by a mobile device within a vehicle operator area of a transit vehicle. The signal is transmitted from the directional antenna to an antenna controller. An event signal corresponding to the signal is generated at the antenna controller and the event signal is transmitted from the antenna controller to a logic unit. The logic unit determines a current status of the vehicle. The logic unit stores mobile device use event data in a memory based on the event signal and the current status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle data storage system, in which vehicle data obtained from a vehicle-mounted device is stored, includes a vehicle data storage portion in which the vehicle data is stored; a country determination portion that determines a country in which a vehicle exists, based on position data of the vehicle; a selection table storage portion in which a type of the vehicle data that should be stored in the vehicle data storage portion is stored in association with country data; a data determination portion that determines the type of the vehicle data that should be stored in the vehicle data storage portion, based on the country determined by the country determination portion, by referring to the selection table storage portion; and a data processing portion that stores, in the vehicle data storage portion, the vehicle data determined by the data determination portion.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the urgency for repairing a diagnostic condition in a vehicle. Upon determining the repair urgency, a driver may decide to continue driving (in the case of a “low” urgency determination), or cease driving (in the case of a “high” urgency determination). The urgency status may also enable a driver to shop around for the repair (in the event of a “low” urgency status), or to seek immediate assistance (in the event of a “high” urgency status).

Abstract: A method and system for driver attention management system may include means for closed-loop diagnostics. A convenience message may alert a driver of an item of interest to the driver. A sensor may detect the driver's response to the convenience message. Based on the response to the convenience message, the characteristics of an attentive response from the driver may be determined. The determined attentive response may be used by a driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may be able to diagnose errors in the sensors that are used in the driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may also be able to determine whether a driver is exercising sufficient supervisory control of a vehicle by determining whether the driver is attentively responding to prompts provided by the driver attention management system. The driver attention management system may be used in an autonomous or semi-autonomous driving system.

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: An in-vehicle information display system including a GPS receiver that determines the location of a vehicle, and a user interface for communicating information received over a wireless communication network. The information received over the wireless communications network is communicated to a user interface depending on the velocity of the vehicle. Further, the content of the information received over the wireless communications network and communicated to the user depends on the velocity of the vehicle. The system makes use of a head-up display so that content information is only directed to the user. A method communicates information over a wireless communications network to a vehicle.

Abstract: An immobilizer device is configured for communicating with a base station. The immobilizer device includes an antenna circuit including three orthogonally-oriented antennas configured to receive a signal from a field generated by a base station. A power circuit is configured to draw power via the field on each of the antennas, and a communications circuit is configured to communicate with the base station via any of the antennas. The strength of the signals received via the antennas is evaluated and used to select one of the antennas for use in data communications and, if appropriate, as a power supply.

Abstract: A safe operation apparatus for a moving object includes: a distraction detection unit for detecting distraction information of a user operating a moving object; a controller for collecting the distraction information from the distraction detection unit, calculating a user's distraction state value, and controlling the moving object to be automatically operated or warning of the distraction state based on the distraction state value; and an automatic operation unit for automatically operating the moving object under the control of the controller. The apparatus further includes a communication unit for transmitting the user's distraction state to a remote control center or an adjacent different moving object under the control of the controller.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device is used to facilitate inspection of vehicles, by wirelessly conveying an activation command to the vehicle to actuate a vehicle component, to facilitate inspection of the actuated component. The activation command is received by a wireless data link in the vehicle, which is electrically/logically coupled to either a switch that controls actuation of the component, an actuator configured to manipulate the component, and/or a vehicle processor configured to selectively convey an actuation command to the component. In some embodiments, in response to conveying the activation command, the handheld device enables the user to input a condition of the actuated component, which is added to an inspection record. In some embodiments, the handheld device sends a query to the vehicle, which results in the handheld device providing an indication to a user of each component in the vehicle that is capable of remote actuation.

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: An arrangement to awaken a sleeping driver or operator of a vehicle, a vessel, an aeroplane or any other system that is controlled by a person, includes a detection part that is arranged to measure movements of a control element that belongs to the vehicle with which control element the driver has hand contact, a calculation circuit arranged to compare movements of the control element over time, and an alarm part arranged to produce vibrations in the control element. The calculation circuit is arranged to activate the alarm part when no movement of the control element has occurred during a pre-determined period, which pre-determined period indicates that the driver has fallen asleep, and in that all the parts are mounted on or are integrated with the control element.

Abstract: A warning device that is highly effective in encouraging a driver to stop visually distracted driving. The warning device includes a visually-distracted-driving determination unit and a warning unit. The visually-distracted driving determination unit determines that a driver is visually distracted if the direction in which the driver is looking is greater than or equal to a predetermined angle with respect to the front of the driver. The warning unit issues a visual warning at a position visible to the driver when the visually-distracted-driving determination unit determines that the driver is visually distracted. The warning unit is arranged on a virtual boundary line forming the predetermined angle with the front of the driver on the right and/or left side thereof.

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 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: Provided is an apparatus and method for analyzing a concentration level of a driver, the method including analyzing quantitative data associated with a time at which a line of sight (LOS) of a driver is dispersed and a time at which the LOS of the driver is focused, analyzing a reaction speed of a human machine interface (HMI) when a command based on device input information, voice information, and gesture information is input, and evaluating a degree of LOS dispersion of the driver based on the quantitative data of the driver and the reaction speed of a user interface (UI) of the HMI.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are provided for assessment and management of an emotional state of a vehicle operator. Assessment of the emotional state of the vehicle can include accessing operational information indicative of performance of a vehicle, behavioral information indicative of behavior of an operator of the vehicle, and or wellness information indicative of a physical condition of the operator of the vehicle. In one aspect, these three types of information can be combined to generate a rich group set of data, metadata, and/or signaling that can be utilized or otherwise leveraged to generate a condition metric representative of the emotional state of the vehicle operator. Management of the emotional state can be customized to the specific context of the vehicle and/or the emotional state, and can be implemented proactively or reactively.

Abstract: A parking assistance system is described for assisting in a parking operation of a vehicle when a plurality of parking spaces is present. A method in a parking assistance system includes performing the following: detecting a plurality of parking spaces; selecting one of the detected parking spaces based on a degree of comfort; and assisting in the parking operation into the selected parking space. The degree of comfort includes at least one predefined condition, on the basis of which the detected parking spaces are classifiable according to the presumed driver acceptance.

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: 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: 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: 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: It is possible to determine the biological state of the driver of a vehicle with high accuracy. In a biological state determination device, since a driver biological state which is the biological state of the driver is estimated on the basis of information representing the biological state of the driver, a weight is set for each driver biological state on the basis of information representing the level of possibility of erroneously estimating the driver biological state, and each driver biological state is weighted on the basis of the set weight, the weighted driver biological state becomes information in which the possibility of erroneous estimation is taken into consideration. The presence/absence of an abnormality in the biological state of the driver is determined on the basis of a plurality of weighted driver biological states, thereby improving determination accuracy of the biological state of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which provides real-time detection of hazardous driving behavior. The system collects information about the motion of a vehicle along a path, for example, using a global positioning satellite system receiver. Roadside signs along the path are detected and their content determined. That information is compared with information about the motion of the vehicle to provide information with regard to potentially hazardous driving behavior.

Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.

Abstract: A motor vehicle driving assistance method including at least one electric motor powered by a battery and capable of driving drive wheels of the vehicle, the method including calculating an optimized consumption for the vehicle from an actual power consumption of the vehicle and from values collected by sensors of the vehicle, over a same path that the vehicle is in a process of traveling, the optimized consumption corresponding to a reference driving style; and informing the driver of a distance that he/she could travel using the power supply available on-board the vehicle if he/she were to adopt the reference driving style, or else the driver is informed of energy savings per unit of distance traveled that he/she might obtain if the reference driving style were adopted.

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 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 computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: A method is provided for combining sensor data collected by at least two sensors coupled to at least one application, wherein at least one of the sensors provides driver-related sensor data of a driver-related behavior and at least one external sensor provides sensor date not related to driver-related behavior. The sensor data of the at least two sensors are combined as the respective measurement errors of the data are uncorrelated in time with respect to the at least one application.

Abstract: Providing feedback based on driving behavior. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: determining an indication of driving behavior of a driver, the determining by: identifying the driver in a vehicle; detecting movement of the vehicle; collecting data related to the driving behavior of the driver; and issuing an alert related to the driving behavior of the driver for the purpose of providing feedback related to the driving behavior.

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: Methods and systems are described for managing operation of an automotive vehicle. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. The automotive vehicle has a current operational configuration for constraining an operation of the automotive vehicle. Device information, about a portable electronic device, is received. A detection is made, based on the vehicle information and the device information, that an operator of the automotive vehicle is a device user of the portable electronic device. In response to the detection, change information is sent to change the current operational configuration to alter a constraint on the operation of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.