Speed Of Vehicle, Engine, Or Power Train Patents (Class 340/441)
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Patent number: 8717158Abstract: A display for a machine having a hydraulic brake is provided. The display includes a first display and a second display. The first display indicates a rate of heat accumulation within the hydraulic brake. The second display indicates a current temperature of the hydraulic brake.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Keegan W. Roach
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Publication number: 20140118133Abstract: On-board display control methods and systems are provided. In one implementation for displaying speedometer information and miscellaneous information on an instrument panel display, a nonuse region determination unit of an on-board display control device determines a nonuse speed region in a speedometer in accordance with a traveling status of a vehicle. A display control unit of the on-board display control device then exercises control such that an enlarged view of the miscellaneous information is displayed over the nonuse speed region when the nonuse region determination unit determines that there is the nonuse speech region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: Alpine Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Hiroki Oba
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Publication number: 20140111325Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: TK Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Valerie Dawn Gardner, Dwayne Van'tZelfde, Erick Paul Staszak, Norbert Hubert Mueller, David William Andrews
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Publication number: 20140111324Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: TK Holding, Inc.Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Valerie Dawn Gardner, Dwayne Van'tZelfde, Erick Paul Staszak, Norbert Hubert Mueller, David William Andrews
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Publication number: 20140097950Abstract: The present invention is intended to notify vehicle deceleration information more accurately. When an engine torque Te has a negative value, a sound volume adjustment coefficient kt is calculated depending on the engine torque Te, and a sound volume is adjusted depending on the sound volume adjustment coefficient kt. The sound volume adjustment coefficient kt is set to have a larger value as the absolute value of the engine torque Te becomes larger.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Shunichi Kanehara, Koji Shionome
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Publication number: 20140097949Abstract: An electronic device employed in vehicles, such as automobiles, to ascertain whether the vehicle has stopped at a stop point, such as a stop sign. The operation of the alert device is that it monitors the status of the vehicle's speed or wheel sensor (that it is outputting or not) and if a minimum pulse rate is present, then the vehicle is in motion. A further conclusion can be reasoned is that if there has been no pulse activity over a finite period of time that the vehicle is stopped. The alert device monitors a pulse derived voltage to determine that the vehicle has fully stopped. When the device has detected that the vehicle has come to a full stop an approximately one second tone or chime, and or a visual annunciation is generated and if enabled declare that the vehicle has come to a stop. The alert device also signals when vehicle motion initially occurs by a different tone and flash. The alert device automatically resets for the next stop or initial vehicle movement notification.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventor: William Harrison Thompson III
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Patent number: 8692660Abstract: An instrument cluster for the instrument panel of a motor vehicle has at least one display on which relevant operational data of the vehicle can be displayed. The at least one display is freely programmable with respect to the data displayed on it and can be switched between at least two different configurations.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2008Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.Inventors: Manfred Fitzgerald, Filippo Perini, Corrado Rebottini, Stefano Mazzetti
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Patent number: 8686845Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Andrew Waldis
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Patent number: 8680964Abstract: Notice sounds having different sound qualities are generated simultaneously outside a vehicle via an in-vehicle parametric speaker having a first directionality and an in-vehicle dynamic speaker using a vehicular horn unit having a second directionality having a broader emission angle as compared with the first directionality. Both the notice sound via the parametric speaker and the notice sound via the dynamic speaker reach the ears of a person outside the vehicle in different sound pressures based on a difference between the first directionality and the second directionality. A sound tone of a notice sound actually heard by the person outside the vehicle varies according to a travel direction and travel speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
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Patent number: 8680979Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jan-Peter Hoffmeister
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Patent number: 8681138Abstract: In a method for determining a control signal as a function of measured ambient light conditions for subsequent processing by at least one electrical component, in particular in order to control an imaging unit of an image output apparatus, the present light conditions are detected by means of a plurality of light sensors, measuring signals are output as a function of the intensity of the light conditions recorded by the light sensors, and the measuring signals of the individual light sensors are then combined into at least one control signal in accordance with at least one predefined ratio. The control signal is adjusted with consideration of the orientation of at least one of the light sensors and is then output.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.Inventors: Thomas Niemann, Almut Schlarmann, Christin Nitsche
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Publication number: 20140077942Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for controlling illumination in a vehicle passenger compartment are disclosed. In one aspect, a display system for a motor vehicle passenger compartment, comprises: at least one indicia visible to an operator of the vehicle and configured to indicate a vehicle operating condition; an indicia light configured to illuminate the indicia; a display device visible to an operator of the vehicle; and a controller, in communication with the indicia light and the display device, programmed to: operate the display system in a first mode wherein the indicia light is activated to illuminate the indicia, and in response to a first control signal indicative of a change from the first mode to a second mode, reduce illumination of the indicia by the indicia light and control the display device to output information indicative of the vehicle operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: VISHNU JAYAMOHAN, JOHN CURL
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Patent number: 8669854Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: C.R.F. Societá Consortile per AzioniInventors: Carlo D'Ambrosio, Andrea Ghiro
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Patent number: 8669855Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoto Suzuki, Motohiro Nakashima
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Patent number: 8669856Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a digital speedometer display to match an analog speedometer indicated value. The method generally includes calibrating each analog speedometer unit such that the exact deviation or “offset” from the center point of the analog speedometer is known. This measured deviation is then used to adjust the value input to the digital display thereby making the digital display value match the indicated value of the analog speedometer.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tony Wang, Natarajan S. Manakkal
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Publication number: 20140062688Abstract: A vehicular display system includes a vehicle on-board unit having a vehicular display part, and a mobile device having a mobile display part. The vehicular display part is fixedly mounted on a vehicle and configured to display vehicular information including at least a vehicle speed. The mobile display part is configured to display the vehicular information including the vehicle speed when the mobile device is set in position between a driver of the vehicle and the vehicular display part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Aoki, Yoshimitsu Ishida, Masaru Nakayama
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Patent number: 8665116Abstract: A parking assist system overlay that adjusts the color and/or intensity of locus lines at a predetermined steering wheel angle to alert a vehicle operator that static or dynamic locus lines should be followed to ensure the vehicle successfully reaches a target parking space.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: Maher Ghneim
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Patent number: 8659409Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Greenberg, Dean Mengel, Les R. Bodnar, Sonya Nematollahi, Finn Tseng
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Publication number: 20140049386Abstract: The presented invention is a low profile light bar tachometer display which includes a plurality of RGB LEDs or similar RGB color model light-emitting devices organized and arrayed in a segmented, flexible tachometer case that can be manipulated and contoured to conform to the top of the dash assembly of an automobile or any surface deemed suitable for the needs of the driver of an automobile. The lights provide a highly visible, illuminated, color changing display, so the driver can immediately assess the engine's RPM, power band, redline, or maximum torque from the change in light color or light position. The light array provides a repeatable, reliable and adjustable indication of the usable range of the engine's rpm, but does not indicate actual rpm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Matthew Stevens Staffanou
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Patent number: 8653961Abstract: In a vehicle display device in the invention, because the display position of a displayed image is adjusted by a display position calculation portion (14) and a drive control portion (15) when a predetermined vehicle travel condition is detected by a travel condition detection portion (12), the display position is adjusted while the driver is looking at the displayed image. In addition, adjustment of the display position may be avoided when the driver is not looking at the displayed image. Therefore, the display device avoids annoying the driver, and avoids needless adjustment of the display position. The display position of the image is adjusted based on the detected eyeball position.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hitoshi Kumon
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Patent number: 8653960Abstract: A vehicle gauge and method for displaying an electric mode status of a vehicle that can operate in both an electric mode and one or more alternative modes. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method evaluates a number of throttle and non-throttle conditions and allocates portions of the total range of the vehicle gauge to these conditions. Based on these allocations, the method determines an overall vehicle gauge position that is representative of the electric mode status of the vehicle and provides this to the vehicle gauge so that the electric mode status can be displayed to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ian L. Hanna, Jonathan R. Schwarz, Neal A. Chaperon
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Patent number: 8633812Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura
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Patent number: 8633811Abstract: A driving assist apparatus includes: an image obtaining unit that obtains a peripheral image of a vehicle, which is captured by an image capturing device provided in the vehicle; a display device that is provided in the interior of the vehicle and displays the peripheral image; a display object generation unit that generates a display object including an index line serving as an index for assisting a driver who drives the vehicle; a vehicle state detection unit that detects at least one of behavior of the vehicle and a state of a driving operation; a display type determining unit that determines a transparent display type of the display object based on the detection result of the vehicle state detection unit; and a display control unit that superimposes and displays the display object on the peripheral image, which is displayed on the display device, based on the determined transparent display type.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keigo Ikeda, Noboru Nagamine
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Publication number: 20140002256Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of bringing a “READY” mark into a flashing state when there is a request to restart a system of a vehicle during traveling and when start of an engine is necessary; a step of starting the engine when an engine rotational speed Ne is equal to or lower than a prescribed rotational speed Ne and when start of the engine is possible; a step of shifting the “READY” mark from the flashing state to a constantly lighting state when start of the engine is completed; and a step of bringing the “READY” mark into the constantly lighting state when start of the engine is unnecessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHKI KAISHAInventor: Takeshi Hoshiba
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Patent number: 8618923Abstract: A speed alarm system includes: a vehicle position detecting unit that detects a position of a vehicle; a map data storage unit that stores map data including information on a type of a road and a speed limit of the road; an entrance determining unit that determines whether the vehicle enters a different type of road from the type of the road; an integrated travel distance detecting unit that detects an integrated travel distance on a road which the vehicle has entered and a speed detecting unit that detects a speed of the vehicle on the road which the vehicle has entered, when the entrance determining unit determines that the vehicle enters the different type of road from the type of the road before the vehicle enters; and a notification unit that gives at least an auditory or visual alarm to an occupant of the vehicle when the integrated travel distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance and the speed of the vehicle is higher than the speed limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazumasa Nakamura
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Publication number: 20130342340Abstract: Disclosed is a display device 5 for a work machine having an engine 9, a hydraulic pump 10 driven by the engine, a boom cylinder 3d, an arm cylinder 3e, a bucket cylinder 3f, and other actuators driven by a hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 10, and an operating device 6 for operating the actuators 3d, 3e, 3f. The display device 5 includes an idle state display section 50a for displaying an engine revolution speed N as no-manipulation period operating state information which is related to an engine load that is imposed while the operating device 6 is not manipulated. This makes it possible to inform an operator of the status of the engine load in an idle state for the purpose of prompting the operator to transition into a fuel-efficient state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinji Nishikawa, Kouji Ishikawa, Takatoshi Ooki, Keiichiro Nakamura
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Patent number: 8610551Abstract: A vehicle status notification device for a construction machine, includes: a key switch connected to a battery; an engine shut-off switch which is serially connected to a downstream side of the key switch in a connection line between the battery and an engine controller configured to control engine operation; and a control unit configured to perform control to notify a notification unit that the engine shut-off switch is in an OFF state in a case that a signal at the downstream side of the engine shut-off switch is in the OFF state while a signal at an upstream side of the engine shut-off switch is in an ON state.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Shimazu, Koichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 8600630Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for determining and displaying gear ratios in a transmission system having a driving sprocket set, a driven sprocket set and a flexible drive member that engages the driving sprocket set and driven sprocket set, the apparatus comprising a display, a sensing module, the sensing module comprising a plurality of magneto-resistive assemblies, wherein at least one of the plurality of magneto-resistive assemblies is configured to detect adjustment of the transmission system, the sensing module configured to generate a signal responsive to said adjustment of the transmission system, and a data processor communicatively coupled with the display and with the sensing module, the data processor configured to receive the signal generated by the sensing module, process the signal to generate data relating to sprockets engaged by the flexible drive member, and write the data to the display.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Scobyco Idea Corporation Pty LtdInventors: Scott Bryce Ingram, Craig Jeffrey Ingram, David Meredyth Peeler, Anthony Morris Roe, Bruce Richard Satchwell
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Patent number: 8599005Abstract: A method for making it possible to set the link between all the types of vehicles and roads with the rolling limits on the roadway is described. This setting can be established from the existing road data bases and from the characteristics of the known vehicles. This method is capable of determining the vehicle rolling limits. A device which can be fitted on any vehicle and capable of implementing the method according to the invention is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: NODBOXInventors: Thierry Fargas, Dominique Clarac
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Patent number: 8593272Abstract: A computer-implemented method for setting-up and operating a driver assistance system, the method comprising the steps of: visually sensing the environment of a vehicle, sensing at least one rate of change of a parameter representing a status of the car, which parameter can be influenced by a driver manipulating a man/machine interface of the vehicle, structuring information gathered by the visual sensing by classifying the at least one sensed rate of change in different categories, in order to find visual features associated to a certain category of sensed rate of change and thus associated with a certain behavior of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Honda Research Institute Europe GmbHInventors: Martin Heracles, Benjamin Dittes
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Patent number: 8587418Abstract: 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 the motor vehicle has right of way. The system operates in the second mode where the motor vehicle does not have right of way.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Mochizuki, John L. Yester
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Patent number: 8587423Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a driver shift aid are disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic control unit causes a shift indicator to be presented if a need for a shift is detected and vehicle performance after the shift would not be unduly impacted. If the vehicle operator follows the guidance of the shift indicator, vehicle fuel efficiency may be improved while vehicle performance remains adequate. In one aspect, a different indicator may be displayed to prompt the vehicle operator to shift either one gear or two gears.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Stephan Olsen, Ethan A. Ott, Zachary Slaton, Mark Nievelstein
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Publication number: 20130300554Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: ITCiCo Spain, S.L.Inventor: Jude Braden
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Patent number: 8576065Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and method for collision avoidance. As an example, a system for collision avoidance is disclosed that includes: a first monitoring device, a second monitoring device, and a monitoring system. The monitoring system is operable to: receive information from the first monitoring device and the second monitoring device, identify a first zone around the first monitoring device and a second zone around the second monitoring device, and identify an intersection of the first zone and the second zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: BI IncorporatedInventors: James J. Buck, Joseph P. Newell
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Publication number: 20130285804Abstract: A system for monitoring a vehicle and a method for monitoring a vehicle are provided. The system includes a digital signal processor, a plurality of monitoring devices, and an event recorder. The digital signal processor measures the speed of the vehicle to generate measurement data, and analyzes the measurement data to obtain monitoring instruction corresponding to the speed of the vehicle. The monitoring device actuates at least one of the monitoring devices according to the monitoring instruction output by the digital signal processor to generate monitoring data. The event recorder receives the monitoring data output and displays and records the monitoring data. Therefore, the present invention provides an all-directional security system and generates a variety of monitoring mechanism according to the speed of the vehicle, so as to achieve an improved monitoring effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: TUNG THIN ELECTRONIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Yu-Wen Huang
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Publication number: 20130271276Abstract: The present disclosure provides an in-vehicle informing device equipped in a vehicle including an idle stop system so that a driver is prevented from mistaking an engine stop state by the idle stop system for the engine stop state by an OFF position of an ignition switch. The device first determines whether an engine is automatically stopped by the idle stop system. The device determines whether a stop state of the vehicle corresponds to specific drive suspending condition when the engine is automatically stopping by the idle stop system. The device informs the driver that the engine is automatically stopped by the idle reduction function, utilizing an information giving portion equipped in the vehicle when the driver is judged as in the drive suspending state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Koudai OKADA
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Patent number: 8558683Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle includes: a display element; an image generation element for generating a vehicle image, an analog image and an indication image; and a display controller. The analog image includes an indication position and multiple indexes arranged on an upside and downside of the indication position. The indication image shows the current vehicle speed at the indication position. Each index shows a corresponding vehicle speed. Display dimensions of each index are inverse proportion to the corresponding vehicle speed, and a distance between the indication position and each index is proportion to a difference between the current vehicle speed and the corresponding vehicle speed. The display controller controls the display element to display the indication image at the indication position of the analog image.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Ryoichi Nishikawa, Yasuhisa Yamashita, Hiroki Matsui, Takaaki Muramatsu, Kenichirou Karikomi, Tomoyuki Miyagaki, Hitoshi Sugiyama
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Mounting device with integrated torque measurement and device for the control of torque distribution
Patent number: 8560196Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a driven and/or a drivable wheel of a vehicle. The mounting device makes it possible to measure a drive torque or a drag torque that acts between a wheel and a driveshaft. The torque is transmitted from the driveshaft to the wheel by radial teeth on a bearing inner ring where there is a pressure-sensitive measuring element to measure axial forces as a characteristic of the particular effective torque. In addition, a device to control the distribution of the drive and drag torques acting on the driveable wheels of a vehicle is disclosed. To measure the drive and drag torque distribution, there is a sensor unit on each drivable wheel to measure the torque acting on each wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jens Heim, Roland Langer, Peter Niebling, Christian Mock -
Patent number: 8554468Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for driver performance assessment and improvement. The systems and methods may be: active for warning purposes only; passive for monitoring purposes only; and active and passive. Any of the foregoing system and methods may be cooperative as well.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Brian Lee Bullock
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Patent number: 8554411Abstract: In an electric power steering system, an ECU 11 includes two independent microcomputers 17a, 17b that serve as motor control signal generators, and the microcomputers 17a, 17b perform the same current feedback computation. Switching arms 20a, 20b that constitute a driving circuit 18 operate independently of each other, based on motor control signals generated by the corresponding microcomputers 17a, 17b. Each of the microcomputers 17a, 17b determines whether an absolute value of a current deviation of an actual current I (I1, I2) from a current command value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the current deviation exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Jtekt CorporationInventor: Noritake Ura
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Publication number: 20130257609Abstract: A traction control display device for a vehicle having traction control for suppressing slipping of a wheel in response to operation of an accelerator by a driver. The traction control display device includes a meter and a traction control system (TCS) indicator. The meter has a needle movable over a dial that indicates an engine rotational speed. The TCS indicator indicates that the traction control is in an activated state. The TCS indicator is disposed in a region of parts of high engine rotational speeds within a movable range of the needle within the meter.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Miku Otsuji, Kunihiko Fukui
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Patent number: 8547211Abstract: A route retrieval apparatus is disclosed. The route retrieval apparatus includes a storage component, a first correction component, a second correction component and a retrieval component. The storage component stores therein probe information to specify fuel consumption in each section, the probe information having been collected from probe vehicles. The first correction component corrects gradient information of each section based on the specified fuel consumption in the each section. The second correction component corrects a fuel cost of each section based on the gradient information corrected by the first correction component. The retrieval component retrieves, by using the fuel cost of the each section corrected by the second correction component, a route with a lowest total of the fuel costs from a departure point to a destination point.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Masahiro Miyoshi
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Patent number: 8536995Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides an information display apparatus and an information display method which allow a driver to easily recognize the display information without discomfort, regardless of the traveling state of a vehicle. It includes an attention object detecting unit (32) which detects information to be displayed to the driver, a symbol image selecting unit (33) which sets a symbol image to be displayed for the driver, an optical flow calculating unit (34a) which detects an optical flow of a foreground of the own vehicle, a motion effect determining unit (35) which sets a motion effect to be added to the symbol image, a display image generating unit (36) which generates a display image in which the motion effect added by the motion effect determining unit is combined with the symbol image, and a display control unit (37) which displays the generated display image for the driver.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tateaki Nogami, Kazuhiko Iwai, Yuki Waki
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Publication number: 20130226383Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, James J. Dattolo, Robert J. Duggan, J. Douglas Field, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Matthew M. McCambridge, John B. Morrell, Michael D. Piedmonte, Richard J. Rosasco
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Patent number: 8515457Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that monitor the speed that a mobile device is traveling, such as when the user of the mobile device is driving or riding in a vehicle. A speed monitoring system described herein receives a request from a third party to monitor a speed of a mobile device. The system periodically queries a mobile network for a location of the mobile device over a time period, and receives responses from the mobile network indicating locations of the mobile device. The system then determines a speed of the mobile device based on the locations indicated during the time period, and may determine the speed limit the roadway the mobile device is traveling on. The system then sends a notification message to the third party that includes an indication of the speed of the mobile device and possibly the speed limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Yigang Cai, Ranjan Sharma, Shengqiang Wang
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Publication number: 20130207797Abstract: A vehicle status notification device for a construction machine, includes: a key switch connected to a battery; an engine shut-off switch which is serially connected to a downstream side of the key switch in a connection line between the battery and an engine controller configured to control engine operation; and a control unit configured to perform control to notify a notification unit that the engine shut-off switch is in an OFF state in a case that a signal at the downstream side of the engine shut-off switch is in the OFF state while a signal at an upstream side of the engine shut-off switch is in an ON state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Shimazu, Koichi Yamashita
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Patent number: 8509974Abstract: A system includes a hybrid power train having a combustion torque device, an electrical torque device, a driveline mechanically coupled to the torque devices, a battery that exchanges energy with the driveline, and a torque input device that provides a torque request. The hybrid power train is at least partially parallel. The system includes a controller having modules to execute operations for rate control of the hybrid power train. A battery protection module determines a battery protection charge rate limit, a power train protection module determines a power train protection torque change limit, and a torque request module determines the torque request. A rate control module provides a torque balance parameter in response to the limits and the torque request. A torque control module provides an electrical torque and a combustion torque to the driveline in response to the torque balance parameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
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Patent number: 8510010Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling the driving force and the braking force that is applied to a vehicle to approach a target wheel speed includes a plurality of determination parts that determine the wheel speed at a corresponding wheel; and a calculation part that calculates a valid wheel speed threshold for each wheel based on determined wheel speeds. The vehicle control device also includes a decision part that decides whether wheel speed is valid depending on whether the valid wheel speed threshold calculated for each wheel is below a specific speed threshold value, which is below the target wheel speed, and an estimation part that estimates the vehicle speed using the wheel speeds that are determined as being valid.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gen Inoue, Yasuhito Ishida
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Patent number: 8508354Abstract: An accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling determining unit determines whether the number of engine revolutions of a vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether an accelerator opening rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and whether a traveling state is an accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state where a quantity of fuel injection to an engine is 0. When it is determined that the traveling state is the accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state, the traveling distance adding-up unit adds up accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling distances. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each of the added-up values which were added up by the traveling distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of a fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidoshakabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd, Denso CorporationInventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura, Nobutaka Tauchi
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Patent number: 8502642Abstract: A system for controlling the use of electronic devices within an automobile includes a control module integrated into the operation of the automobile, wherein the control module is linked to the electrical system of the automobile and is controlled, monitored and updated via a graphical user interface of the automobiles. The control module includes a mechanism for identifying use of electronic devices within the automobile, determining whether the usage is permitted and preventing usage of the electronic device if it is determined the usage is not permitted.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Voxx International CorporationInventor: Christopher J. Vitito