Abstract: A driving advice provision apparatus generates an advice, based on diagnosis performed on multiple diagnosis items regarding the driving condition of the vehicle and based on the diagnosis results from those diagnosis items, and provides the generated advice to the driver. The multiple diagnosis items are classified into different categories according to the diagnosis methods. For the diagnosis items suitable to the comparative evaluation rather than the quantitative evaluation, a diagnosis result A for the previous evaluation section is compared with a diagnosis result B for the current evaluation section for yielding a comparative evaluation and for advice generation, thereby enabling an effective advice generation and provision in terms of diagnosis item category.

Abstract: An operation unit for a vehicle air conditioner includes a display device, a setting input portion of a control parameter of the air conditioner other than a set temperature, an obtaining portion configured to obtain a present set value of the control parameter, and an operating state identification portion configured to identify whether an air-conditioning operating state is in a plurality of predetermined operating states of the air conditioner. In the operation unit, a moving pattern of a pointer of the display device is changed according to the operating state of the air conditioner. For example, a pointer operation control portion can be configured to control an operation of a pointer driving motor such that the pointer moves on a dial of the display device at different moving speeds according to the air-conditioning operating state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dashboard for use in a vehicle is provided. The dashboard comprises a dashboard display screen and a processor. The dashboard display presents a plurality of information components to a vehicle occupant and the processor determines a condition. The condition is comprised of at least one of a fuel condition, a brake fluid condition, a speed condition, a tire pressure condition, an oil condition, an engine condition, an instrument condition, a washer fluid condition, an anti-lock brake system condition, a traction control system condition, a windshield wiper motor condition, a safety restraint system condition, and a weather condition. The processor adapts a first display signal based on the condition and sends the first display signal to the dashboard display screen to command presentation by the dashboard display screen of the information components.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for communicating information to an operator of a vehicle without unnecessarily distracting the operator by illuminating an interior of the vehicle with different colors, includes an illumination control module monitoring an informational input and determining a lighting color command based upon the informational input. The apparatus further includes an illumination system communicating with the illumination control module and generating an illumination color upon the interior based upon the lighting color command.

Abstract: A vehicle has wheels, sensors for generating an input data set, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the sensors, including a first sensor for detecting an obstacle on a road surface in a first manner, and adapted to monitor a boundary of the road surface to determine when the wheels are crossing the boundary. A second sensor detects the obstacle in a second manner, and additional sensors determine inertial data of the vehicle. The controller compares the input data set to calibrated thresholds, and determines an appropriate control response such as autonomous braking based on the results. A method optimizes a collision preparation response in the vehicle by measuring the inertial data, detecting the obstacle using a radar or LiDAR device, and monitoring the boundary using an electro-optical device. A supplemental braking force is automatically applied when the vehicle crosses the boundary while the obstacle is detected.

Abstract: An instrument cluster for a motor vehicle is provided. The instrument cluster includes at least one display instrument with an annular segment-like display scale and a needle. Here, the display instrument comprises devices for the mechanical fixing and for the electrical contacting of at least one add-on instrument, which can be releasably attached within the display scale. The present disclosure makes possible the simple upgrading of a motor vehicle with additional add-on instruments. Further embodiments provide that an add-on instrument can also be used as a vehicle key.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes: multiple switchable display elements for displaying one of display items in a display group that is assigned each switchable display element; an operation device for outputting an operation signal according to an operation of a user; a determination device for determining an operation mode of the operation of the user with respect to the operation device, according to the operation signal; and a display control device for independently controlling each switchable display element to execute a switching and displaying operation according to the operation mode. In the switching and displaying operation, the display control device controls one of switchable display elements to switch a current display item to another display item according to a predetermined switching order of display items every time the operation device outputs the operation signal.

Abstract: A computer program product includes a storage medium that stores instructions for execution by a processing circuit for practicing a method for synchronous communication in a control system. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task.

Abstract: This invention features a solution to use a pocket size pc, smartphone, or tablet or any other type of mobile personal computer as the main computer of a vehicle, in the highly computerized future vehicles. By connecting the smartphone/tablet/etc to the car interface, the phone/tablet/etc will become the brain of the machine, and acts as a vehicle computer system. By the use of the car manufacturer application software, or use of 3rd party application software, It can be programmed for controlling/replacing many of the vehicle subsystems and accessories.

Abstract: A method for managing vehicle data of a motor vehicle includes storing the vehicle data in an on-board memory. The stored vehicle data is associated with the vehicle using a vehicle identifier. The stored data is transmitted via a telecommunications connection to a data processing center of a telecommunications network. The transmitted data is made available at the data processing center for retrieval by third parties.

Abstract: A vehicle-installed display system for displaying two or more items of information one after another in a given display area includes a recognition time estimating unit that estimates a recognition time required for the driver to recognize information displayed in the given display area, with respect to each of the two or more items of information, and an output switching unit that switches the information displayed in the given display area from one item of information to another, based on the recognition time estimated by the recognition time estimating unit for each item of information.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system comprising a microprocessor; a first sensor operatively connected to the microprocessor, the first sensor functions to detect a degree of deviation of yaw or pitch or roll of the vehicle relative to a control value of 0; wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor, the first signal being the degree of deviation; wherein when the first signal is between 31 and 45 degrees the microprocessor is configured to generate a first output command to a speaker to play a first alarm sound; wherein when the first signal is 46 degrees or more the microprocessor is configured to generate a second output command to the speaker to play a second alarm sound.

Abstract: A method displays the remaining range of a motor vehicle. The method determines repeatedly estimated values relating to the remaining range of the motor vehicle based on a fill level of an energy storage unit and at least one additional motor-vehicle state influencing the remaining range. A first remaining-range value is determined based on the estimated values and displayed as a first display value by a first graphical element on the display device. An updated second remaining-range value is determined during the display of the first display value. If the difference, in terms of amount, between the first and the second remaining-range values exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second remaining-range value is displayed as a second display value by a second graphical element in addition to the first display value on the display device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle which includes a display for presenting a list of entries, wherein an entry has an associated function of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises a rotary knob which is associated with the display, which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and which can be rotated through a prescribed angle of rotation in order to move a marker from one entry to an entry which is adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.

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 device for displaying a plurality of detectable variable quantities of a motor vehicle that are in a ratio to one another, each quantity represented by a band, and the bands being arranged relative to one another such that they form a variable geometric figure. The bands have a variable length depending on the deviation from an optimum ratio of the quantities to one another, and intersect in an intersection area.

Abstract: A method for inputting and outputting data for a communication device in a vehicle includes receiving an abstract input or output method AMx for inputting data into and outputting data out of a communication application arrangement APP from a communication application arrangement APP of the communication device, selecting at least one physical I/O unit PHEx depending on at least one type of a requested abstract I/O method AMx, an addressed HMI endpoint user HEx, a vehicle state VSx, a driving state DSx and/or en environmental condition ECx, and outputting data of the abstract I/O method AMx through the selected physical I/O unit PHEx and/or receiving input data of the physical I/O unit PHE, and converting the input data into an abstract input method AMix for inputting the abstract input method AMix into the communication application means APP. A human machine interface unit and a communication device including the human machine interface unit for performing the I/O method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle-surrounding image display apparatus and a vehicle-surrounding image display method permits a user to intuitively recognize in which direction a vehicle side image is displayed along with a vehicle top image. When a vehicle side image, such as a forward side view image, and a rearward mirror view image is displayed along with a top view image, distinction images indicative of a correspondence relation between the vehicle side image and the direction in which the vehicle side image is shot in the top view image, are superimposed on both the vehicle side image and the top view image, which enables a user to intuitively recognize in which direction the vehicle side image displayed along with the top view image is shot by looking at both the vehicle side image and the top view image showing the distinction images.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical AC unit selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical AC unit and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical AC unit responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and including a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the electric vehicle. At least one of the electrical heater and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the electric vehicle for receiving signals from the remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with the receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the electric vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical heater responsive to the sensor and the remote transmitter.

Abstract: Information is displayed by irradiating a visible light on a specific position based on at least one of vehicle state information, vehicle surrounding information, and vehicle interior information. For example, the visible light is irradiated on a target switch based on signals indicating an on/off state of a headlamp operation switch and an on/off state of a key switch. A user 5 can easily confirm the target switch and unerringly operate the target switch. A visible light irradiator 6 is arranged in a vehicle compartment and irradiates the visible light to display information in the vehicle compartment. The information can be provided for the user 5 in a novel manner.

Abstract: A light control system identifies in the processing that discriminates light sources in the acquired image as either luminous objects or reflective objects, each pixel obtained that constitutes the acquired image being classified into a plurality of groups according to the brightness of each pixel, and generates a histogram showing the relation of the brightness and the number of pixels of each group that are matched with each group. Then, when the number of pixels corresponding to the brightest group is less than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the luminous object in the acquired image is determined, and when the number of pixels corresponding to the brighter group is more than the number of pixels corresponding to the other groups, the existence of the reflective object in the acquired image is determined.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency display for a vehicle includes a scale extending vertically on a screen with a bar superimposed over the scale to represent the instantaneous fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A numerical representation of the instantaneous fuel efficiency of the vehicle is displayed above the scale and the bar. A first marker indicating and a numerical representation of the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle over a pre-selected range is displayed on a left side of the scale and the bar. A second marker indicating a numerical representation of the greatest fuel efficiency achieved by the vehicle over the pre-selected range is displayed on a right side of the scale and the bar.

Abstract: A method, the use thereof and a computer program product for maintaining the operation of a safety-critical overall vehicle regulatory and/or control system in the event of the occurrence of errors, in which the overall system is divided into system components on the basis of the findings of an error source analysis, in which modes of operation are also defined for the individual system components, and also, in the event of the occurrence of errors in the overall system, the error sources including the signals are analyzed and those methods of operation which are affected by the errors or signals which have occurred are ascertained, wherein on the basis of the error source analysis, those modes of operation of the individual system components which are not affected by the errors are taken and those which ensure an optimum or prescribed response from the overall system are selected.

Abstract: A warning system and method include a memory device configured to store one or more condition criteria. A monitoring device is configured to monitor a status of the one or more condition criteria. The monitoring device is triggered by a triggering event related to the status to generate a warning signal responsive to the triggering event. A mobile computing device is configured to communicate with the monitoring device and an external network to receive the warning signal and output a warning message on the external network to one or more designated entities.

Abstract: A vehicle environmental service system includes an in-vehicle information terminal mounted in a vehicle, a center server provided in a center, and a provider terminal managed by an affiliated service provider providing various services to users. The in-vehicle information terminal is capable of communicating with the provider terminal directly or through the center server. The in-vehicle information terminal or the center server has a point calculating unit for determining whether safety driving and/or ecological driving is being performed with respect to each of the users based on prescribed criteria and calculating the number of points to be awarded based on the result of the determination. The center server has a database for managing total number of points obtained by accumulating the number of points to be awarded with respect to each of the users.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) and a vehicle control system are disclosed. When a vehicle ID rewrite instruction and a malfunction information erasure instruction are inputted to the system from an external scantool, one ECU in the system erases the malfunction information stored therein and determines whether the malfunction information stored in another ECU has been erased. When it is determined that the malfunction information stored in every ECU has been erased, the vehicle ID is rewritten. According to the above system, it is possible to prevent violation of a requirement, the requirement being such that when a vehicle ID is rewritten, malfunction information should be erased at the same time.

Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.

Abstract: A portable information terminal stores first function list information indicating the contents of functions installed on a first vehicle. When a user carrying the terminal gets in a second vehicle before driving, the second vehicle acquires the first function list information from the terminal. The second vehicle compares the acquired first function list information with second function list information indicating the contents of functions installed on the second vehicle. The second vehicle acquires a functional difference between itself and the first vehicle and notifies the user of the difference.

Abstract: A warning device (610) includes a horn A (630) for generating a first horn sound having a volume level satisfying the legal standard and a horn B (632) for generating a second horn sound satisfying at least one of a condition that it has a volume level equal to or lower than that of the first horn sound and a condition that it is of a type different from that of the first horn sound.

Abstract: A system for controlling a fleet of vehicles includes a plurality of detection units and a control unit. Each detection unit is configured to at least facilitate obtaining information as to a respective vehicle of the fleet. The control unit is coupled to the plurality of detection units, and is configured to at least facilitate providing one or more recommendations for one or more of the vehicles based at least in part on the information.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing notification to the driver of a vehicle when the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit within a speed control zone. A vehicular speed control (VSC) utility retrieves information indicating the speed limit of the speed control zone from an information signal detected by a radio receiver. The receiver is electrically coupled to the speed sensor circuitry of the vehicle to track the vehicle's velocity. The VSC utility determines whether to activate a speed notification alarm by comparing the vehicle's velocity with the zone's speed limit. When the vehicle's velocity exceeds the speed limit of the speed control zone, the VSC utility triggers the alarm and alerts the driver of the excessive speed with an audible/visible notification. The VSC utility may re-trigger the alarm if the driver continues to exceed the speed limit while driving within close proximity of the speed control zone.

Abstract: An integrated driving assistance apparatus is provided, which is installed in a vehicle with a headlight, a turn signal light, and a side-view mirror. The integrated driving assistance apparatus includes a detector, an infrared emitter, an image sensor, and an image processor. The detector is configured to detect whether the headlight and the turn signal light are turned on or off respectively. The infrared emitter is located on the side-view mirror and irradiates infrared rays when the detector detects that the headlight is turned on. The image sensor is located on the side-view mirror for capturing an image of an area beside the vehicle. The image processor is coupled to the image sensor and the detector and configured to receive and process the image to generate a warning signal.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system is operable to calculate and compare vehicle statistics based on information received from a vehicle sensor. This statistic information can be used by the vehicle communication system to execute a plurality of statistic based games. Additionally, relevant statistic information may be transmitted to a remote network for the purpose of playing games against other drivers. The vehicle communication system can report statistical changes to a driver, thus appraising the driver of the driver's success in achieving statistical game goals. Network rankings may also be provided to the driver in a real-time basis by the vehicle communication system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a troubleshooter to reuse existing indicators, such as displays, LEDs, or specialized indicators, for a purpose other than the indicator's usual purpose. In response to an initial occurrence of a problem, the troubleshooter modifies the indicator's behavior to indicate a later occurrence of a fault or a set of faults, which may be the cause of the problem. Upon the later occurrence of the problem, the indicator is monitored for simultaneous notification of occurrence of the fault. After the problem is triaged, the modified indicator is returned to its original use. The notification from the indicator can be sensory, i.e., auditory, visible, or tactile. The indicator's change in behavior can occur after the fault happens once or an administrable threshold number of times, or intermittently. Alternatively, the change in behavior may become semi-permanent if the fault continues to occur for some administrable number of times.

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: The invention relates to a multi-function display and operating system (2) in a motor vehicle (1) and to a method for operating such a system. The multi-function display and operating system (2) comprises at least one display device (6) for displaying information, a control unit (3) controlling the representation of information on a display surface (7) of the display device (6), at least two operating units for capturing user inputs, wherein the control unit (3) is designed to control the representation of the information displayed to support the user inputs on the display surface (7) of the display device (6) by means of different operating displays (21, 23) which are each adapted to one of the at least two operating units via which a user input is captured or for which an operating intention for a user input is captured.

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 transmitter unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a trailing vehicle. The housing also has a multiple axis accelerometer adapted to sense the status of the transmitter unit and a trailing vehicle. The housing also has electronic components coupled with the accelerometer. A receiver unit has a housing adapted to be coupled in association with a leading vehicle. A user in audio proximity to the receiver unit is wirelessly signaled in the event of an anomaly at the transmitter unit.

Abstract: A vehicle communication system is operable to calculate and compare vehicle statistics based on information received from a vehicle sensor. This statistic information can be used by the vehicle communication system to execute a plurality of statistic based games. Additionally, relevant statistic information may be transmitted to a remote network for the purpose of playing games against other drivers. The vehicle communication system can report statistical changes to a driver, thus appraising the driver of the driver's success in achieving statistical game goals. Network rankings may also be provided to the driver in a real-time basis by the vehicle communication system.

Abstract: A data recorder has: a controlled state detecting unit, operable to detect a controlled state of a vehicle by a driver; an operating state detecting unit, operable to detect an operating state of the vehicle; a state recording unit; and a recording condition determination unit, operable to determine whether or not the controlled state and the operating state are recorded in the state recording unit based on at least the controlled state of the controlled and operating states.

Abstract: The present invention provides a movable display device which has a high awareness of a display content while a sight line moving angle between a sight line connecting a driver's eye to display means and a sight line connecting the driver's eye to a target is small, thereby alleviating the driver's fatigue.

Abstract: A method of optimizing fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions of a vehicle may entail utilizing an interior vehicle display to alert a driver as to the state of various vehicle components and parameters and their effect on fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions. The components and parameters may be monitored by or direct information into a vehicle efficiency ECU which communicates with the display. The method may entail reading and displaying a real-time tire pressure into the efficiency ECU and displaying the corresponding fuel economy. a manufacturer's recommended tire pressure and corresponding fuel economy could also be displayed. The method may also entail reading a variety of real-time weather conditions into the efficiency ECU that correspond to a plurality of different road routes to a driver-selected destination. The fuel economy of each route may be displayed for driver selection to optimize fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions.

Abstract: An instrument panel display system displays vehicle information, amenity information, and safety information as images. In this instrument panel display system, data (image data, image layout data, and image output control data) for displaying the images are generated in a shared manner by a vehicle system processor, an amenity system processor, and a safety system processor. On account of this, the stability of image display on an instrument panel of a vehicle or the like is improved and hence safety of driving is increased.

Abstract: A digital radio broadcast receiver, a radio broadcast receiving unit and a digital radio broadcast receiving system are provided. Character information stored in a memory is displayed as image on a display device when such a condition that a vehicle speed is 0 km/h and a foot brake or a hand brake is on is satisfied, i.e., when a vehicle is halted or parked. Or, the character information stored in the memory is outputted as voice through a voice output device when such a condition that the vehicle speed is 0 km/h and the foot brake or the hand brake is on is not satisfied, i.e., when the vehicle is traveling.