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 Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee's Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for operating a driver analysis system, including receiving vehicle operation data corresponding to operation of vehicles by drivers, identifying a peer group associated with a target driver, processing at least a portion of the vehicle operation data to determine driving performance of the target driver relative to driving performance of the peer group, generating a driving report which identifies the driving performance of the target driver, and transferring the driving report to a target device for viewing by an entity, where the driving report includes an indication of status of a safety device.

Abstract: Each of an accelerator operation amount and a brake operation amount is displayed as an amount of displacement in the same direction (same side) from a reference position. Also, respective boundaries (or ranges) are displayed in the same direction for determining whether or not the accelerator operation amount during accelerator operation is in a fuel efficient region and whether or not the brake operation amount during the brake operation is in the fuel efficient region. With such a configuration, respective target positions (positions of the respective boundaries (ranges) for determining the fuel efficient region) during accelerator operation and during brake operation are in the same side, thus a driver can operate the vehicle without confusion.

Abstract: A control unit for automatically guiding a vehicle, in particular during a parking procedure, has an interface to a monitoring unit of a brake operating unit of the vehicle to ascertain a braking readiness of the driver in such a way that automatic guiding of the vehicle is interrupted if a braking readiness of a driver is not detected.

Abstract: A gear shift indicator can reduce bothersome feelings of the driver. The EFI-ECU acquires information about the travelling state of a vehicle, and calculates a target gear shift stage for improving fuel consumption. The EFI-ECU acquires information about a current gear shift stage. The EFI-ECU determines that a gear shift request is generated when the current gear shift stage is different from the target gear shift stage. When the EFI-ECU determines that an AI control is under execution and that the calculated target gear shift stage is a restricted gear shift stage prohibited in the AI control, the EFI-ECU does not present a gear shift indication.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, selects a manner by which to deliver received information at a wireless, or other electronic, device. A facial recognition indication is obtained and analyzed. Responsive to the analysis of the facial recognition indication, selection is made of the manner by which to deliver the information. If the facial recognition indication indicates the recipient to exhibit a serious demeanor, the information is provided in aural form, thereby to permit delivery of the information without requiring the recipient to read, or otherwise view, the information.

Abstract: A system and method for signaling, marketing, and advertising alternative fuel-based vehicles that easily installs into new or pre-existing alternative fuel-based vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an electronic control unit (“ECU”) installed in the vehicle, which determines whether an internal combustion engine or alternative power source powers the vehicle. The system further comprises a driver display and in-car display both of which are connected to the ECU. The ECU monitors the power status of the vehicle and illuminates vehicle displays and transmits a signal to illuminate exterior advertising displays when the vehicle is operating on the alternative power source or in a fuel-efficient mode.

Abstract: A method and a control unit are provided for detecting when the driver of a motor vehicle becomes inattentive. In order to be able to reliably draw conclusions about the presence of inattentiveness of the driver, it is proposed to observe not only a steering inactivity phase but also a steering action which follows the steering inactivity phase. A detected implementation of the steering inactivity phase and of the steering action are logically combined with one another, and the result of this logic combination is then used as a measure of the severity of the inattentiveness of the driver. In addition, the measure of the severity of the inattentiveness of the driver depends on at least one driver-specific parameter which is determined during the execution of the method. The inattentiveness of the driver can also be detected during the time interval in which the at least one driver-specific parameter is determined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing incentives for the public to travel during time windows and routes that help alleviate traffic congestion. The systems described herein include at least two components: a computer server software system that includes various algorithms and database sub-systems; and a mobile device application. Generally, a user may enter an origin, destination, and preferred time of travel for an intended trip into the mobile device application, which transmits the information to a remote server. The server computes a route for the trip and provides the user with available incentives for traveling the route at one or more departure time windows. The user's mobile device transmits GPS data to the server, which allows the server to verify whether the user has traveled the route during the specified time window. If so, the server then provides the incentive to the user via the user's mobile device or through email.

Abstract: A system and method for an automotive diagnostic server can provide a portable vehicle diagnostic tool to identify a failed vehicle component. It may also provide a remote information device to serve as a connecting intermediary between devices, and to allow remote control of the devices and to provide information to a user. A remote diagnostic device to analyze data and interpret information to aid the user in making, using, maintaining, and fixing a piece of equipment or product may also be included. Web server functionality may be incorporated into the portable vehicle diagnostic tool to allow dissemination of the diagnostic information resulting from the diagnostic testing, and the web server may be accessed by a web browser of the remote information device.

Abstract: A system for identifying a driver comprises an image capturing device, a processor, and a memory. The image is captured during vehicle operation and of an expected driver location. The processor is configured to detect a face of a driver in the image, determine a set of face data from the image, and identify the driver based at least in part on the set of face data. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

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 at least one embodiment, an apparatus for recording events in a vehicle based on driver status of a driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device. The device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The device is further configured to receive at least one vehicle event signal corresponding to vehicle events in response to the driver status signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to store the at least one vehicle event signal to record the vehicle events. The device is further configured to generate a report indicating the recorded vehicle events for transmission to at least one of the primary driver and the secondary driver.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present application may provide a system and method for monitoring driver inputs and vehicle parameters, assessing a driver's cruising speed behavior, and providing short-term and/or long-term feedback to the driver relating to the driver's cruising speed behavior. The cruising speed behavior feedback can be used to coach future cruising speed behavior that may translate into better long-term driving habits, which in turn may lead to improvements in fuel economy or vehicle range. Moreover, the cruising speed behavior feedback can be adapted to a driver based upon how responsive the driver is to the feedback.

Abstract: A removable fuel tank indicator having a housing, wherein the housing is removable and universal to all automobiles and wherein the housing attaches to an automobile connection point located within the interior of the automobile; a removable arm temporarily attached to the housing, wherein the removable arm signals which side of the automobile a fuel tank is located; a means for attaching the housing to the automobile connection point wherein the automobile connection point is located within the interior of the automobile and said connection point is capable of attaching to the housing; the fragrance cartridge adapted for insertion into the opening and locking into the cavity of the housing, wherein where the cartridge is properly inserted into the opening and cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A drive supporting device includes a GPS, a front camera, and a communication device that acquire traffic signal information related to the time-series on/off state of a traffic signal and an ECU that supports the driving of a vehicle on the basis of the traffic signal information acquired by, for example, the communication device. The ECU changes a driver support aspect on the basis of the level of proficiency of the driver of the vehicle in a region in which the vehicle is currently located. In this way, even when the driver is in a strange place, it is possible to appropriately support the driving of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle information transmitting apparatus transmits information to a driver by optical stimulus, and determines whether or not to change a mode of the stimulus on the basis of at least one of information about the driver, an operation input, and a behavior of a vehicle, the information about the driver, the operation input, and the behavior being obtained after the transmission of the information. The vehicle information transmitting apparatus may change the mode of the stimulus when determining that the information is not considered by the driver. Further, the vehicle information transmitting apparatus may change the mode of the stimulus when determining that a cause that the information is not considered resides in the mode of the stimulus.

Abstract: A method, system, device and computer readable medium for adaptively warning a driver includes detecting a behavior of the driver, the behavior including engagement in a secondary activity, which is an activity other than driving a vehicle. Based on the detected behavior, a level of engagement in the secondary activity is estimated, and, based on the estimated level of engagement in the secondary activity, the driver's level of perception of an external hazard is determined. A warning alert for the driver, when the level of perception is below a threshold is actuated. A reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert is determined. Based on the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert, the warning alert is adjusted, and the warning alert is terminated when the level of perception becomes above the threshold because of the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert.

Abstract: An efficiency information display for a vehicle includes an indicator arrangement having a visual display configured to provide vehicle efficiency information to an operator of the vehicle. The visual display includes a target vehicle efficiency. A control system, including at least one controller, is configured to receive at least one input related to current operating conditions of the vehicle. The control system provides at least one output to the indicator arrangement, such that the visual display indicates to the vehicle operator a current relative operating efficiency of the vehicle. The at least one input includes at least one of: information related to positive vehicle propulsion, information related to vehicle braking, or information related to vehicle creep torque cancellation. The control system is further configured to use the at least one input to determine the current relative operating efficiency of the vehicle independently from a fuel economy calculation for the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for assessing the attentiveness of the driver of motor vehicle traveling in a lane including, but not limited to detecting the position of the motor vehicle on the lane transverse to the direction of travel, determining the extent of fluctuations of the position, and assessing the attentiveness as insufficient if within an observation period at least one first significant period is detected in which the extent of fluctuations of the position falls below a first low limiting value and a second significant period is detected in which the extent of the fluctuations exceeds a second high limiting value.

Abstract: There is provided a monitoring and warning system for vehicles including a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a warning unit, an expression recognition unit and a sign recognition unit. The first image sensor captures a first image frame toward a driver seat direction. The second image sensor captures a second image frame toward a forward direction. The expression recognition unit recognizes a sleep expression according to the first image frame to accordingly control the warning unit to trigger a first warning. The sign recognition unit recognizes a stop sign according to the second image frame to accordingly control the warning unit to trigger a second warning.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for managing the power consumption of an automotive vehicle, and thereby for optimizing the power consumption of the vehicle. The devices and systems for managing the power consumption of the vehicle typically include power management logic that can calculate an applied power for the vehicle engine based on information provided from the external environment of the vehicle, the operational status of the vehicle, one or more command inputs from a driver, and one or more operational parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining quality of the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined quality and volume of the body of oil. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for inducing economic driving of a hybrid vehicle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inducing economic driving of a hybrid vehicle, which can efficiently induce economic driving by stimulating a driver's desire to achieve better fuel efficiency by calculating an accumulated mileage based on both fuel consumption and battery consumption, displaying the accumulated mileage as a grade, and assigning score according to that particular driver's grade.

Abstract: A vehicular eye-controlled device having an illumination light source essentially includes a first body and a second body which are independent and separate. The first body has an electronic component disposed therein and required for operation and a photographic unit exposed therefrom for capturing an image of a driver. The second body is disposed in the vicinity of the first body and includes an illumination unit for providing illumination required for eye-controlled operation. The illumination unit and the photographic unit are separated by a distance of at least 5 cm.

Abstract: A Vehicle Disturbance Estimator determines estimates of a vehicle disturbance force according to vehicle operating conditions. The determined vehicle disturbance force estimate can be used, for example, in connection with controlling a cruise control system for the vehicle, in connection with fuel economy evaluations and testing, and in connection with vehicle diagnostics. A plurality of sets of inputs can be used to determine plural vehicle disturbance estimates for time periods during which a cruise control is on, the vehicle is being driven in the highest gear, and the vehicle is not being braked by any brakes. The plurality of vehicle disturbance estimates can be averaged to provide an output corresponding to an average vehicle disturbance estimate over a plurality of sampling time periods. Kalman filtering can be used to determine the vehicle disturbance estimates.

Abstract: A method for interactive attentiveness enhancement of a vehicle driver includes steps of determining that a driver assistance function for semiautomatic control of the motor vehicle is active, detecting a stimulus which may be experienced by the vehicle driver upon an observation of the surroundings of the motor vehicle, detecting an input of the vehicle driver in response to the stimulus, determining a game result based on the input and the stimulus, and outputting a notice concerning the game result.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle may include a navigation system, a speed sensor, an audio, visual or haptic output system, and at least one controller. The controller may be configured to determine if a current speed of the vehicle exceeds a target speed of an upcoming road curvature based on information from the speed sensor and navigation system, to generate a first alert based on a selected driver type via the output system to prompt the driver to disengage the vehicle's accelerator pedal if the current speed of the vehicle exceeds the target speed of the upcoming road curvature, and to generate a second alert after the first alert based on the selected driver type via the output system to prompt the driver to engage the vehicle's brake pedal.

Abstract: A system may be configured to receive input indicating an operating condition associated with a vehicle. One or more environmental parameters of vehicle operation may be identified and compared with the operating condition to determine a safety rating of the vehicle operation based, at least in part, on the comparison. The safety rating may be assigned to an account associated with an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a method for outputting information to the driver of a vehicle, the degree of deviation of a current operating point or value of an operating parameter of a drive unit and/or of a drive train of the vehicle from a predetermined range and/or a preferred range for entry to a coasting phase is indicated to the driver.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating fuel consumption efficiency of a vehicle driven by a driver. The method comprises the steps of: a) collecting data associated with said driver's driving performance from a plurality of sensors comprised in the vehicle; b) identifying a plurality of driving events based on the collected data; c) estimating the driver's performance in at least one driving event from among the identified plurality of driving events, wherein that at least one event if poorly performed is associated with increased fuel consumption; and d) based on the estimated driver's performance of the at least one driving event, evaluating a fuel consumption efficiency of the vehicle driven by that driver.

Abstract: In a centralized navigation information management system installed on board an aircraft which is in a current position at a current time, the aircraft having a warning management system and a route management system with means for creating a route plan, the route plan having a future route plan corresponding with the part of the route plan beginning at the current position and at the current time, the system includes: means for creating a task comprising at least one task parameter relating to an item of navigation information, including a task variable corresponding to a condition of execution of the said task, the means for creating a task having means for determining a predicted time meeting the execution condition; and means for detecting a possible inconsistency between the created task and the route plan or the future route plan and for transmitting, when an inconsistency is detected, a message relating to the inconsistency to a first display means of a centralized warning management system to display

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for optimally recording or transmitting positional data and events of an object, said apparatus including input means to continuously provide positional data to a microprocessor and a memory device to store selected positional data wherein the microprocessor is programmed to compares new positional data from said input means to previously recorded log of positional data and creates a new log if the new positional data differs from the previously recorded log in accordance with pre-determined parameters.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for determining and signalling to a driver of a motor vehicle a condition of danger deriving from a potential collision of the motor vehicle itself with an obstacle. The method is able to: determine a path of travel of the motor vehicle along a stretch of road; define an area of detection of the obstacles in the stretch of road; detect the obstacles present in the area of detection in such a way as to generate a list of possible obstacles that might be hit; identify, from among the possible obstacles detected, a main obstacle; determine a level of risk associated to a condition of impact of the motor vehicle with the main obstacle detected; and finally generate a signal or alarm message regarding the level of risk determined.

Abstract: A method for determining driver efficiency in a vehicle includes the steps of measuring a vehicle parameter, and calculating the driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver.

Abstract: A visual feedback system for a vehicle including an engine, includes an operating control for varying the engine's speed. Connected to the engine, an engine acceleration reporter reports an amount of acceleration of the engine. A creation control being linked to both the engine acceleration reporter and the operating control enables the creation of images on a visual display according to a variation in the engine speed. Accordingly, the creation control creates a pendulum image within a sector of a circle, with the pendulum image swinging in response to the amount of acceleration being reported by the engine acceleration reporter.

Abstract: A vehicle status display apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a display configured to output a display related to a threshold indicating an engine start criterion under a traveling status using an electric motor; and a processing device. When the threshold changes, the processing device changes the display due to the change of the threshold such that a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to an operation of a vehicle's occupant is different from a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to a factor other than the operation of the vehicle's occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle power indication status quantity display unit displays on an indicator a vehicle power indication status quantity obtained by dividing the torque required for driving a hybrid vehicle by the upper limit value of the torque that does not excessively increase the fuel consumption. A HV eco zone of the vehicle power indication status quantity display unit is the zone that is determined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the HV eco zone that indicates the motor is being effectively used to drive the vehicle. A check is made to determine whether the vehicle power indication status quantity is within the HV eco zone, and, if it is determined to be within the HV eco zone, the driving being performed is diagnosed as fuel-saving driving.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the driving behavior in a vehicle. The method includes determining values of a plurality of parameters of the operation of a first vehicle in a first road segment, determining values of the plurality of parameters for one or more second vehicles in a second road segment having similar properties to those of the first road segment, comparing the determined values of the first vehicle and the one or more second vehicles and providing an evaluation of the driving behavior of the first vehicle, responsive to the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting interested parties of component failure are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for identifying a failed component, a reporting device for creating alerts, a routing device to ensure interested parties receive the proper alerts, and a memory to store information for associating parties with the alerts. Information is gathered to create an alert used to notify interested parties of instances of component failures. The alerts are routed to parties known to have an interest in the failure of the component. The system and method may provide information that allows for better planning and design of parts, greater availability to ensure a sufficient inventory of parts, more accurate diagnosis of issues, and more effective preventative maintenance.

Abstract: A vehicle computer interface and software upgrade tool is in the form of a module. A base module contains basic vehicle interface, information and software. Additional modules can be connected to the base module or similar modules to provide a user or technician with the latest interface and software upgrades for vehicles, new vehicle data and new reprogramming features for existing vehicles. This is an expandable system which enables a user of technician to only purchase a relatively small module or component that contains the new interface or information rather than having to repurchase an entire new scan tool or vehicle analyzer. The modules are readily connectable to a vehicle's data port, commonly known as an OBD II connector or port. The modules also include additional connection ports for power in, power out, USB and/or pin connectors which provide for the export of data and other connectors. These modules can also be used in conjunction with an intelligent cable.

Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a control module and a resistor. The resistor is connected in series between the control module and a non-contact position sensor. The control module selectively detects a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor. A method for controlling an engine includes providing a resistor connected in series between a control module and a non-contact position sensor, and selectively detecting a fault of the non-contact position sensor based on a voltage drop across the resistor.

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 accelerator opening determining unit determines whether an accelerator opening achieved through an accelerator operation by a driver of a vehicle exceeds an upper limit value thereof. A travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance within accelerator-opening upper limit value when the accelerator opening is not determined to exceed the upper limit value. When the accelerator opening is determined to exceed the upper limit value, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance exceeding accelerator-opening upper limit value. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates the driving of the driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit.

Abstract: A vehicular information-processing device and a vehicular information-processing method with which driver operation information can be smoothly linked to learning results are provided. The information-processing ECU learns pieces of operation information, which are obtained in correspondence with various vehicle operations by a driver, in association with the respective spots where the vehicle operations occurred, and, on the basis of the result of learning, provides operation information specific to each spot as driving assistance information. The information-processing ECU determines whether or not the specific operation information provided at the same spot conforms to the driver's vehicle operation at the spot, and learns the repeatability of the specific operation information provided at the spot on the basis of the number of times that it is determined that there is conformity or the number of times that it is determined there is no conformity.

Abstract: A method for improving the safety of motorcycling. With the aid of a sensor system, it is monitored if a motorcyclist assumes a predefined posture. Using an algorithm on a control unit, if it is detected that the motorcyclist deviates from the predefined posture for longer than a predetermined period of time, a signal transmitter is activated.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring the operation of a vehicle, comprising a housing having an accelerometer unit, and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted in a window of the vehicle, and wherein the system is adapted to be powered by an on-board diagnostic system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for remote control of and notification by an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The system including a remote device, such as a smart phone, having a software configured to remotely control the EVSE and remotely retrieve and receive information from the EVSE. The smart phone may identify and connect to a communication network, automatically identify the EVSE, connect to the EVSE, and send the EVSE instructions for various functions of the EVSE, including charging, vehicle control, and reporting functions. The EVSE may execute the instructions received and return a confirmation to the remote device. The remote device may present the confirmation to a user.