Abstract: A displacement diagnosis sensor of a brake pedal having a stop lamp switch function is provided. According to the present invention, one sensor performs both a function of a stop lamp switch and a function of diagnosing a rotational displacement of the brake pedal simultaneously to thereby save a manufacturing cost and reduce a weight.

Abstract: A temperature and/or wear sensor for brake or clutch devices is designed as a thermocouple in which the conductors (20, 22) that are electrically insulated from each other are arranged inside a friction lining (14) and can be connected to each other so as to be electrically conductive by means of a rotatably mounted brake element (12), clutch element or the like, with which the friction lining can be engaged in order to brake or to depress the clutch (FIG. 1). The conductors can be coupled to an electric oscillating circuit.

Abstract: An alarm device for a clutch that issues an alarm indicating a lifetime expiration of the clutch that selectively connects and disconnects an input shaft to and from an output shaft, includes: a slip heat release threshold setting unit 104 that establishes a threshold criteria as to a clutch damage or the clutch lifetime, in a form of a relation between a heat release generated in a clutch slip operation and a frequency of the heat release occurrences; and a slip heat release calculator 105 that calculates the heat release during the clutch operation, based on a hydraulic oil pressure in an actual clutch operation and a relative circumferential speed between input and output shafts, the alarm device 11 issues the alarm based on the calculation result through the slip heat release calculating means 105 and the slip heat release threshold setting means 104.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an electrohydraulic brake system with driving dynamics control, a master brake cylinder (1), wheel brakes (75-78), and at least one pressure fluid supply device (94, 95) actuated by an electronic control unit. The pressure can be applied to the wheel brakes (75, 76, 77, 78) of the vehicle which are also connectable to the master brake cylinder (1) by way of a closable hydraulic connection (73, 74). A device for detecting a brake application includes a magnet (35) as a signal transmitter and a sensor element (36). The sensor element (36), upon piston movement of the master cylinder (1), senses a change in the magnetic field and outputs a digital signal and an analog signal. The two signals are passed on to an electronic control unit and are evaluated in the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle information display may include a split braking gauge for conveying information relating to braking operation and efficiency to assist drivers in maximizing energy capture during braking in vehicle with regenerative braking systems. The split braking gauge may incorporate a side-by-side or stacked configuration for conveying both regenerative braking and friction braking values. The split braking gauge may include fixed thresholds or boundaries associated with dynamic threshold values that can change based on current vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control apparatus includes a vehicle speed adjusting device that adjusts a vehicle speed to a set target vehicle speed, a brake operation detecting device that detects brake operation performed by a driver, and a first controller that controls the vehicle speed adjusting device based on a target driving force that maintains a vehicle in a stopped condition, when the brake operation performed by the driver is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: A method of testing a braking device in a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes at least one tractive element coupled to a traction motor. The method includes: (a) applying the braking device to a tractive element of the vehicle; (b) using an electronic controller, causing the traction motor to apply a predetermined force to the tractive element; and (c) using the controller, monitoring the tractive element for movement while the force is being applied. A dynamic braking or “retarder” function may also be tested. A system for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sensing wear of a component are described. A wear-sensing device has a wear component and a wireless sensor disposed within the wear component. The sensor generates a signal, detectable by a detector, for confirming the presence of the sensor. Further, the claimed invention includes a positioner for precisely positioning the sensor within the wear component. Also, an authentication module is present for authenticating the sensor.

Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electrically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electrically-operated actuator. The electrically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electrically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electrically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electrically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for generating a vehicle panic stop warning in which the rate of brake pedal translation is determined in a main control unit based on switching state transitions of two or more brake pedal switches and a vehicle horn is actuated based at least partially on the detected rate of brake pedal translation and/or on excessive brake pressure or excessive vehicle deceleration detected by a vehicle stability assist unit.

Abstract: When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle braking reaction distance, a plurality of trigger conditions (e.g., environmental parameters) are monitored. If one or more of the monitored parameters exceeds a predefined threshold, a trigger event is detected, and at least one of a braking reaction distance (BRD) and a following distance limit shape (FDLS) are adjusted. The BRD and FDLS adjustments may be predefined according to the type and/or magnitude of the trigger event. Trigger events may be weighted or prioritized such that higher priority trigger event types correspond to larger BRD reductions, etc. Monitored trigger conditions may include adverse weather, dangerous road terrain or topography, high traffic density, erratic forward vehicle behavior, and the like.

Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electronically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electronically-operated actuator. The electronically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electronically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electronically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electronically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.

Abstract: A remote control system and method having reduced vulnerability to noise. In an environment having noise at a frequency of infrared signals transmitted by a remote controller, errors and malfunctions in a remote control receiving device such as a set top box are controlled by selectively transmitting an entire code including header pulses and data pulses, or a repeat code including header pulses, data pulses and repeater pulses from the remote controller, and receiving and using the entire code or repeat code at the remote receiving device.

Abstract: Method for protecting a clutch of a vehicle, said vehicle being provided with an engine, drive wheels and an automated manual transmission for transmitting drive power from said engine to said drive wheels. A controller can execute the steps of: sensing a power demand from the driver which results in a clutch control where the clutch is partly engaged and clutch slip occurs, measuring travelling distance(s) of the vehicle during a predetermined first time interval, initiating a first warning measure, in order to alert the driver of excessive clutch slip, if the vehicle has traveled less than a predetermined distance during said predetermined first time interval.

Abstract: An air brake monitoring system for monitoring a pressure of the system and providing various alarms and/or warnings to a user. The air brake monitoring system configurable to function with the existing wiring of the vehicle and including an air brake monitoring device to be positioned in the vicinity of a brake valve. The air brake monitoring system is further provided to monitor the electrical stoplight power transmitted to the ABS brakes as well as the vehicle static/dynamic condition.

Abstract: To detect opening/closing of a neutral detection hydraulic switch by a detection apparatus and detect breakage of a wiring line connected between the detection apparatus and the switch. Since a second contact and an ECU are connected to each other by two wiring lines, even if one of the wiring lines is broken, opening/closing of the neutral detection hydraulic switch can be detected through the remaining one of the wiring lines. Since different voltages are applied to the wiring lines through resistance type voltage dividing circuits, the occurrence of the wire breakage can be detected making use of the fact that the voltage detected by the ECU upon opening of the neutral detection hydraulic switch when one of the wiring lines is broken is different from the voltage when none of the wiring lines is broken.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for validating that an operator has moved a portable device sufficiently close to an inspection point to enable the operator to perform an inspection. A first exemplary technique employs a first portable device that includes a sensor for detecting the inspection point, a speaker, and stored audible prompts to facilitate the inspection, but no display on which visual prompts for facilitating the inspection can be provided. An alternative second exemplary technique employs a second portable device having a sensor for detecting the inspection point, and a wireless transmitter. This second portable device generates and immediately transmits a signal to a remote receiver indicating that the operator has moved the portable device sufficiently close to the inspection point to enable the operator to perform the inspection. Accordingly, the second portable device need not include a memory for storing the signal.

Abstract: A self monitoring vehicle braking system includes multiple sensors that gather data associated with the braking system. The data includes wheel speed, road inclination, moisture associated with a surface of the braking system, and audio associated with the road. A processor receives the data from the sensors and processes the data to determine whether a condition of the braking system falls within defined limits and provides to the driver of the vehicle an indication of the braking system condition.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring a brake stroke of an air brake assembly utilize a sensor, such as an accelerometer, mountable on a movable component, such as a brake cam shaft, of the air brake assembly that is external of the brake chamber of the air brake assembly for detecting an acceleration of the movable component during a braking event. The sensor generates an output signal that depends on a magnitude of the detected acceleration, which is sent to a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller translates the sensor output signal to a value corresponding to a displacement of the movable component of the brake assembly during the braking event and calculates a brake stroke distance based on said value.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for characterizing and representing images. A plurality of feature descriptors for a plurality of images are received, where each feature descriptor encodes a respective feature in an image, and where each feature descriptor is transformed into a plurality of sub-descriptors in accordance with a specified transformation scheme. The feature descriptors correspond to an image feature descriptor space for the plurality of images, and the sub-descriptors correspond to a plurality of subspaces of the image feature descriptor space, where the plurality of subspaces span the image feature descriptor space. Each subspace of the plurality of subspaces is quantized using cluster analysis applied to the sub-descriptors, thereby determining a respective one or more feature primitives for each subspace, where the feature primitives are useable to characterize image features.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The degradation of a feeling of ride is prevented by preventing engagement/disengagement (sudden engagement/disengagement) of a motorcycle hydraulic clutch due to a lack of hydraulic pressure. Before a hydraulic sensor issues a hydraulic pressure-lowering detection signal Sx, an oil level sensor issues an oil level-lowering warning signal Sf in a state wherein a sufficient oil quantity is such so as not to bring an neutral drive switching clutch into a disengagement state is present even if hydraulic pressure lowers resulting from an inclined oil level due to sudden deceleration, sudden start, drive in a slope, or the like. Thus, the neutral drive switching clutch can be prevented from disengaging or engaging (suddenly disengaging or engaging).

Abstract: A warning system and a method for alerting a driver of a vehicle that the parking brake of the vehicle is not engaged by generating a warning when the following conditions are simultaneously fulfilled: the ignition of the vehicle is on, the driver access door of the vehicle cabin is open, no throttle lever, or clutch lever or brake lever of the vehicle is activated, the gear shift lever of the vehicle is in the neutral position, and the parking brake is not engaged, and not when—the pressure of a pneumatic circuit associated with the parking brake is below a threshold,—the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system comprises at least one sensor for detecting relative rotational position of a brake camshaft during vehicle braking. The at least one sensor is unconnected to the camshaft for remotely detecting the position. Processing structure communicates with the at least one sensor, and processes the output of the at least one sensor to determine brake status.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device is used to store data that indicates an operator was sufficiently close to each of a plurality of components during a safety inspection to actually inspect the components. The portable device includes a sensor that detects tokens, such as radio frequency identification tags, which are affixed adjacent to the components. Messages appearing on a display of the portable device prompt the operator to proceed to each checkpoint, determine a state of the component disposed there, and if the component is not operating properly, indicate a plurality of predefined conditions from which the operator can choose to identify the observed condition of the component. The state and condition of each component entered during the safety inspection are stored as data that are subsequently transferred to a remote data storage site over a wire or wireless link.

Abstract: A method for establishing a predicted brake pipe pressure gradient is disclosed and generally includes installing an end-of-train unit on a railcar of an active train for sensing brake pipe pressure; installing a head-end-unit on a locomotive in the active train; transmitting brake pipe pressure data from the end-of-train unit to the head-end-unit; calculating predictive brake pipe pressure gradient between a first end of the brake pipe at the locomotive and a second end at the railcar; and displaying the predictive brake pipe pressure gradient for an observer in the locomotive.

Abstract: A monitoring and switching device for use with a towed vehicle includes a relay circuit that has a pair of terminals that are adapted to be connected with another circuit. A detection circuit is in communication with the relay circuit. The detection circuit can detect closing of the relay circuit and send an electrical signal that the relay circuit has been closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for displaying braking information such as energy dissipation braking information and regenerative braking information. The present invention can be an automobile including an energy dissipation braking system, a regenerative braking system, an energy dissipation braking sensor, a regenerative braking sensor, an energy conversions system, an energy storage unit, an energy storage sensor, a processor, an engine, and/or a display. The processor, energy dissipation braking sensor, and/or the regenerative braking system can acquire and analyze energy dissipating braking data and regenerative braking data in an automobile to determine appropriate braking information for display to a user on the display. Such braking information can include, for example, an energy efficiency rate, and/or an application percentage of the energy dissipation braking system and/or the regenerative braking system.

Abstract: Signal lights are connected to the standard car braking alert circuit and to a first and second additional circuits respectively. A pole balanced on a pivot determines the flashing of different signals by activating switching means to close one or more circuits depending on the magnitude of the braking operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed where a third brake light assembly contains solar cell panel and battery where the solar cell panel charges the battery, driving light and brake light wherein the driving light draws electricity from the battery, a radio frequency receiver that activates the driving light; a radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch, where the radio frequency transmitter receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver. Likewise, a method to add driving light to a vehicle's third brake light assembly is disclosed which includes providing solar cell panel, battery, and driving light where the solar cell panel charges the battery and the battery supplies power to the driving light, and providing radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch and it receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver.

Abstract: A system for determining a distance of travel of a brake cylinder piston includes a brake cylinder having the brake cylinder piston, a pressure transducer operationally coupled to the brake cylinder and configured to determine a pressure measurement within the brake cylinder, and a control module of an electrically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake control system. The control module is operationally coupled to the pressure transducer and configured to convert the pressure measurement within the brake cylinder determined by the pressure transducer into at least one of a displacement time of the brake cylinder piston, an equalization pressure within the brake cylinder, a pressure build-up time within the brake cylinder, a pressure leakage from the brake cylinder, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Calibration data transfer systems are described for use in conjunction with, for example, automotive components such as but not limited to transmission systems. The systems employ devices, such as but not limited to barcode systems such as 2D barcodes, radio frequency identification devices (RFID), digital data storage systems such as CD-ROM's, and the like, to record and/or store data thereon. The data can include information, such as but not limited to solenoid calibration curve coefficients and the like. The data contained on these devices can be accessed by a data retrieval system, such as a scanner, and transferred, for example, to a transmission control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper, comprising a gear mechanism for converting the wear-induced displacement into a rotary movement, having a sensor for detecting the rotary movement, wherein a contact-free coupling is provided for transmitting the rotary movement to the sensor. The apparatus is designed in such a way that the sensor generates an analogue or pulse-width-modulated detection signal for determining the wear-induced displacement of the brake lining, wherein the detection signal corresponds to the respective displacement caused by the rotary movement. The invention also related to a corresponding method for measuring the wear-induced displacement of a brake lining with respect to an associated brake caliper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.

Abstract: An automatic warning and breaking system for a vehicle, includes a plurality of cameras, a motion sensor, a data process unit, an alarm unit, a control unit and an adjustor unit. The cameras are for capturing images of objects inside and outside of the vehicle. The motion sensor unit includes at least an acceleration sensor and a gyro sensor, configured for sensing motion of the vehicle. The data process unit is electrically connected to the cameras and the motion sensor unit, configured for processing data from the respective cameras and the motion sensor unit. The alarm unit is connected to the data process unit, configured for giving a warning signal if a data processing result is unsafe. The control unit is configured for generating a control signal based on the warning signal. The adjustor unit is configured for adjusting a break unit of the vehicle based on the control signal.

Abstract: The differential limiting control apparatus having a clutch unit interposed between one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft for variably transmitting a driving force between the one rotational shaft and the other rotational shaft, having: a feedback control unit for computing the clutch torque on basis of vehicle behaviors through a feedback control, a feed forward control unit for computing the clutch torque based on the behaviors through feed forward control, a tire diameter difference computing unit for computing a diameter difference of a tire, and a clutch torque computing unit for computing a final clutch torque by changing a ratio of the clutch torque obtained through the feedback control and a clutch torque obtained through the feed forward control so as to appropriately decide the feed forward control by effectively suppressing the tire slip while avoiding the occurrence of the internal circulation of the torque.

Abstract: A braking system in a land vehicle having wheels for movement and a motor rotating the wheels. The braking system includes a brake rotor that is secured to one of the wheels. A brake caliper is secured to the vehicle for grasping the rotor in response to a caliper actuation signal. A brake pedal is secured to the land vehicle for movement by the vehicle driver. A pedal sensor is connected to the pedal for sensing the movement thereof and generating a braking signal in response to the movement of the pedal. A power train control module is secured to the vehicle for controlling the speed at which the motor rotates the wheels in response to a deactivation signal. A camera is mounting on the vehicle for generating a video signal representative of the incident light entering the camera. A central processing unit (CPU) is connected to the pedal sensor, the brake caliper and the camera.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an electromagnetic retarder intended to be used in the field of motor vehicles, in particular in the field of industrial vehicles such as heavy goods lorries, buses and coaches. However, the use of an electromagnetic retarder is not limited to a particular category of motor vehicle classed according to their use or weight. On the contrary, the electromagnetic retarder according to the invention can be used also for vans and other light motor vehicles, as the description will subsequently show. For this reason, the present invention will be described with reference to motor vehicles in general, without distinction.

Abstract: An accessory (502) removably attached to a portable computing device (504) and handheld, portable readers (578, 141, 143, and 632) are used to generate and store data that indicate an operator was sufficiently close to each of a plurality of components during an inspection to actually inspect the components. The portable device includes a sensor that detects tokens such as radio frequency identification tags, which are affixed adjacent to the components. Messages appearing on a display and/or audible instructions from the portable reader prompt the operator to proceed to each checkpoint where the state of the component at that location is determined. The date, time and coordinates of each component's inspection (and optionally, the component's state) are included in the data produced by the portable reader. The data are temporarily stored in the portable reader and subsequently transferred to a remote data storage site.

Abstract: A system for multiplexing multiple independent signals includes a transmitter, interconnecting medium, and a receiver. The transmitter encodes a waveform with first and second pieces of information for transmission across the interconnecting medium. The receiver determines the first and second pieces of information using the duty cycle and frequency of the waveform.

Abstract: A segmented brake light has a detecting module mounted in a vehicle near a brake pedal, a driving module connected to the detecting module and multiple light modules controlled by the driving module. The detecting module detects the pressures on the brake pedal to output signals to the driving module. The driving module based on the received signals to start the respective one or multiple light modules. Accordingly, other car drivers in the rear of the vehicle can recognize that whether the vehicle is going to brake.

Abstract: A forward vehicle brake warning system includes an incoming message receiving component, an adverse driving condition obtaining component, an incoming message relevancy component, a relevancy adjustment component and a driver warning component. The incoming message receiving component is configured to receive hard brake messages from neighboring vehicles located within a prescribed communication region around a host vehicle. The adverse driving condition obtaining component is configured to receive driving condition information affecting drivability of the host vehicle. The incoming message relevancy component is configured to perform a relevancy determination of the hard brake messages. The relevancy adjustment component is configured to adjust the relevancy determination to selectively filter the hard brake messages received depending upon the driving condition information. The driver warning component configured to alert a driver of the host vehicle.

Abstract: A switch-equipped lever of the type mounted on a vehicle steering column and having an end knob with a switch mechanism for controlling a remote vehicle system, in which the knob is provided with a wireless signal transmitter, the wireless transmitter controlled by the switch mechanism in the knob to control the remote vehicle system with a wireless signal.

Abstract: A braking system includes a brake control system (BCS) (26) having a first output (30) and a second output (32), a first controller (34) having a brake command input (38) connected to the BCS first output (30), a direct enable input (36), an indirect enable input (44), a driver output (40) and an indirect enable output (42), a second controller (50) having a brake command input (54) connected to the BCS second output (32), a direct enable input (52), an indirect enable input (60), a driver output (56) and an indirect enable output (58).

Abstract: Apparatus for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation is provided. The apparatus includes a test tire, a brake associated with the test tire, and an actuator operably connected to the test tire and configured to selectively apply a representative vehicle force to the test tire. The apparatus further includes a controller operably connected to the brake and configured to apply a representative vehicle braking algorithm to the brake. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the test tire and configured to provide feedback for determining a predicted vehicle braking operation. Aspects of the invention further include methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A warning system and a method for alerting a driver of a vehicle that the parking brake of the vehicle is not engaged by generating a warning when the following conditions are simultaneously fulfilled: the ignition of the vehicle is on, the driver access door of the vehicle cabin is open, no throttle lever, or clutch lever or brake lever of the vehicle is activated, the gear shift lever of the vehicle is in the neutral position, and the parking brake is not engaged, and not when—the pressure of a pneumatic circuit associated with the parking brake is below a threshold,—the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.