Abstract: A system for generating a reminder signal to one or more individuals exiting a vehicle for purposes of preventing the inadvertent leaving of a child, pet or other object therein. A sensor assembly monitors the presence of an individual within a predetermined proximity area and actuates an alarm assembly so as to generate a demonstrable reminder signal of significant intensity. A control assembly operatively connected to the sensor assembly comprises both arming and shut-off capabilities which are automatically and/or manually operable, respectively, to activate and deactivate the sensor assembly. In operation, the sensor assembly will cause the alarm assembly to generate the reminder signal upon the passage of one or more individuals out of the predetermined proximity area thereby forcing a return to the vehicle to deactivate the system, wherein the interior of the vehicle is readily observable to determine the existence of an inadvertently left object.

Abstract: A control unit for generating control signals in response to a communication signal fed from a vehicle, and a plurality of supply units for controlling a supply F of current to respective LEDs in compliance with the control signals generated by the control unit are provided. The control unit changes contents of the control signals in answer to the contents of the communication signal, i.e., to meet to changes of specifications when contents of the communication signal are different every type of a car or every vehicle, whereby standardization of circuit configurations can be achieved.

Abstract: A cargo reminder for a driver of a vehicle includes an accelerometer, a controller to detect an acceleration change in the vehicle based on output signals from the accelerometer, and an alarm connected to the controller. Different types of alarm may be used, including a visual alarm, an audio alarm, a plug-in vibrator clip, or a combination of these alarms. In use, the alarm is triggered by the controller when the acceleration change is larger than a preset acceleration threshold. The cargo reminder may also include an acceleration threshold input to allow the driver to input the preset acceleration threshold, a delay setting input to allow the driver to input a time delay between first and second alarm triggers, and an inclinometer. A method for reminding the driver of a vehicle of an external cargo being transported is also within the scope of the instant invention.

Abstract: A system for detecting electrolysis in an automobile system includes a probe, a microcontroller electrically coupled to the probe, a power supply configured to supply power to the microcontroller, a ground lead, and an optical indicator operationally coupled to the microcontroller. According to one embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to read a voltage across the probe and the ground lead when the probe is inserted into a coolant fluid and the ground is coupled to a ground source, analyze the voltage, and illuminate the optical indicator in response to the voltage analysis.

Abstract: An improved structure of meter, comprising a casing, a circuit board provided in the casing and having a connecting unit for connecting to an external machine, a central processor provided on the circuit board for transmitting the signals among individual unit and machine, a display unit for displaying the condition of the external machine, a correcting memory unit for detecting and memorizing the signals from various machines, a driving control unit for saving the variations in signals from various machines, a monitoring unit for presetting an alarm value and producing an alarm signal, a wireless transmitting unit for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless controller, and an illuminating unit connected to the central processor for corresponding to both ends of the meter ring and the display unit. With the above arrangement, the meter of the present invention can be adapted to various kinds of machines and instruments.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for a vehicle with an automatic transmission, which comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements 52a each adapted to be lighted up when one of P, R and N gear ranges corresponding thereto is selected, and a digital indicator 53 adapted to indicate an alphabet character “D” when a D gear range is selected, and indicate a numeric character representing a gear position when a M gear range (manual shift mode) is selected. The indication device of the present invention makes it possible to utilize a space of an instrument panel with higher efficiency and offer enhanced visibility for a driver, while avoiding increase in production cost.

Abstract: A signal processing section 11 decodes an in-vehicle device signal S3 supplied to signal input terminals 141 to 14n and generates a decoded signal S2. An output terminal 13 is connected with a terminal device 30 and receives the decoded signal S2 generated by the signal processing section 11.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: Communications are performed between a mobile unit and a terminal device. The mobile unit is provided with a communication device that is capable of communicating with the terminal device if it is connected electrically with a power supply. When an engine key switch signal is off, the electrical connection between the power supply and the communication device is turned on and off intermittently.

Abstract: A display for a vehicle includes an indicator such as a pointer or needle. The display is configured such that (1) the position of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a first measurable vehicle characteristic; and (2) the appearance of the indicator is responsive to, and thus indicative of, a second measurable vehicle characteristic. In a preferred embodiment, the first measurable characteristic is vehicle speed and the second measurable characteristic is engine speed so that the display functions as a combined speedometer and tachometer. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: A method is performed to provide a multi-functional user interface on a work machine for displaying suggested corrective action. The process includes receiving status information associated with the work machine and analyzing the status information to determine an abnormal condition. The process also includes displaying a warning message on the display device indicating the abnormal condition and determining one or more corrective actions to handle the abnormal condition. Further, the process includes determining an appropriate corrective action among the one or more corrective actions and displaying a recommendation message on the display device reflecting the appropriate corrective action. The process may also include displaying a list including the remaining one or more corrective actions on the display device to provide alternative actions to an operator.

Abstract: The vehicle-mounted display unit includes a display having a meter area and an auxiliary indication area. The meter area indicates a dial image for showing measured values of an operational condition of a motor vehicle. The auxiliary indication area indicates information other than the measured values. The display unit has a control device for controlling contents indicated on the display. The control device indicates a normal length pointer extended in the auxiliary indication area at a normal indication state, while the control device indicates a shorter length pointer in the auxiliary indication area when the other information is indicated.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a system for safety to personnel or other systems is disclosed comprising: identifying at least one operating parameter of a first subcomponent of said product; identifying an inherent hazard of said first subcomponents based on an analysis of the at least one operating parameter; identifying features of the structure or operation of the subcomponent corresponding to the inherent hazard; identifying modifications or controls for the identified features which would mitigate the inherent hazard; prioritizing the identified features with respect to the effect that each of said features has on safety of the product; and determining whether an unsafe condition could result from the inherent hazard.

Abstract: A virtual image type meter includes a virtual image display (3) for projecting a first image reflected by a half mirror (10) toward an range of sight (ER), and a real image display (11) positioned at the back side of the half mirror (10) for projecting a second image to be seen through the half mirror (10) toward the range of sight (ER). According to above configuration, the virtual image type meter can display a larger number of useful information. Further, a total display width, which is a sum of the first and the second image widths, can be narrower than that of the meter in which the real image display (11) is positioned in front of the half mirror (10).

Abstract: Provided is a communication system for working machines, which makes it possible to transmit desired messages from sites, where the working machines are arranged, to their corresponding work administration centers at timings as needed. When a mail switch 10 arranged on a working machine 7 is operated to send information to a server 1, a terminal user-company identification unit 14 identifies, on the basis of a terminal information database 18, a user to which the information so received is to be sent. A user-company-dependent mail selection unit 15 selects customer information 19a on the user from a customer database 19. At a transmission mail creation unit 16, a corresponding new message 16a is created. The mail is then transmitted from a mail output unit 17. In this manner, a desired message can be sent from each working machine 7 at a remote location to the corresponding user at a timing as needed.

Abstract: If a successive lighting operation inhibition mode is not set up, a pointer portion of a speed meter is lighted, and then a peripheral ring portion of the speed meter is lighted. On the other hand, if the successive lighting operation inhibition mode is set up, the peripheral ring portion and the pointer portion are lighted at once. Subsequently, if a sweep operation inhibition mode is not set up, a sweep operation of a meter pointer in the pointer portion is performed. Thereafter, a nameplate portion is lighted. On the other hand, if the sweep operation inhibition mode is set up, the nameplate portion is lighted instantly without performing the sweep operation.

Abstract: An instrument is provided which is in electronic communication with an on board diagnostic system (OBD) of an automobile. The instrument selectively queries the OBD with batch requests for the purpose of reducing a processing load placed on the OBD PCM. The instrument obtains numerous operating conditions through the OBD, and displays the operating conditions in an intuitive format. The operating conditions may be grouped into five different modes, and the five most relevant operating conditions within each mode may be displayed on the monitor either by default or through customization by the user.

Abstract: In a circuit configuration provided in a vehicle, a first circuit is directly connected to an electric junction box to supply a notification signal indicating a condition of a part of the vehicle. A second circuit is adapted to transmit the notification signal. A first lamp module is disposed at a first part of the vehicle, and provided with a switch, and a junction circuit at which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected or disconnected in accordance with a state of the switch. A second lamp module is disposed at a second part of the vehicle and connected to the first lamp module via the second circuit. A light emitter which emits light when the notification signal is supplied thereto is provided in each of the first lamp module and the second lamp module.

Abstract: An automobile diagnostic system monitors in real-time sub-system components. The system has a plurality of acoustic and video sensors in combination for audibly detecting and visually monitoring critical noise levels and/or vibrations in sub-systems such as brakes, shocks, universal joints, exhaust and transmission systems, etc. Each combination sensor is attached a particular sub-system component for monitoring. The data is recorded on a (VCR) system for visual identification and the recording transmitted to a television and Video Cassette. A control panel has a series of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and audible alarms as respective visual and audible alert indicators of tuned frequencies for a particular sub-system component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and control system (100) for alerting a user of a mobile communication device (110). The method includes the steps of receiving (216) a communication request at the mobile communication device in a vehicle (114), detecting (224) whether a predetermined vehicle condition is present in response to the receipt of the communication request, assigning (226) a predetermined alert mode based on the presence of a predetermined vehicle condition and alerting (234) a user of the mobile communication device of the communication request in accordance with the assigned predetermined alert mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining whether the gas pedal, the brake pedal or neither pedal of a motor vehicle is being actuated, is described. Vehicle braking lights may be replaced with signal lights adapted to be observable by drivers of vehicles following a vehicle bearing the subject indicator lights, such that the status of the vehicle ahead can be determined. Additionally, other locations for the present signal lights on a vehicle may provide similar information to drivers and pedestrians viewing the vehicle from other directions.

Abstract: The alert sound having specific frequencies and volume is repeated at a different cycle depending upon each warning level. Additionally, or alternatively, the audible alert corresponding to the lowest warning level is activated before activating the audible alert corresponding the present warring level.

Abstract: A system and method for warning an operator of a vehicle if the vehicle is operating in a condition that may result in drive belt failure. The ground speed of the vehicle, its engine speed and transmission gear placement are compared to determine if the engine speed is too high for a given ground speed and transmission gear placement. If it is too high, a warning is generated to alert the operator if the vehicle that the drive belt is in danger of failing.

Abstract: A manipulation display area and an operation state display area are disposed in a display. The manipulation display area is divided into a constant area and a variable area. The constant area includes manipulation items to be most frequently selected by a user, while the variable area includes manipulation items to be altered according to use condition. Thereby the user can easily reach a necessary manipulation item among a lot of the manipulation items.

Abstract: The vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting voltage states output from a voltage generating engine has a first connection point connecting the circuit to a voltage output of the engine, a second connection point connecting the circuit to electrical ground and a digital output signal port for providing binary output values. The circuit detects voltage levels ranging above and below a nominal voltage level and assigns binary values to the detected states, the values used as instruction to a device coupled to the circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for warning when a person such as an infant has been left in an infant seat in a vehicle and the operator of the vehicle has departed from the vehicle. The apparatus includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within a seat-belted seat located within a vehicle; optionally a mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's motion; a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and an alarm unit for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal.

Abstract: A helmet warning device. A device relates to a receiver and a warning device with indicators on a helmet. A transmitter, disposed on the scooter, connects to signal lights and brake lights on the scooter. When a driver puts on the helmet and starts the scooter, signals are transmitted by the transmitter in the scooter while the driver operates the signal lights or brake lights, and signals are received by the receiver in the helmet. Turn or brake warning flashes are shown by the indicators on the helmet.

Abstract: In a control system for motor vehicles having a plurality of functional subsystems, such as a passenger compartment controller, a telematics system, a drive controller and a chassis controller, each functional subsystem has a plurality of control devices, and a central databus. Control devices of different subsystems are combined, in accordance with their spatial arrangement in the vehicle, to form local modules and are connected to one another by means of a module bus. Each module bus is connected to the central databus by means of a module interface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for assisting an operator of a technical appliance, with a image display device (2), of which the image is in the normal field of vision of the operator, for display of operationally relevant information in the form of images or symbols (1). According to the invention, a respective image or symbol is displayed at least once for a brief period of time, of which the duration is below the threshold of conscious recognition and above the threshold of subconscious recognition of the operator.

Abstract: A computer-equipped mobility device for transporting an occupant of the device over a distance and for providing access to a network comprises a personal mobility device, a computer, and an activation member. The computer is coupled to the personal mobility device and is configured to link to the network as well as to engage in two-way communication with the network. The activation member is coupled to the personal mobility device. The activation member is also linked to the computer and capable of at least partially controlling the operation of the computer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically reactivating passenger-activated functions in an automobile, upon restart of the automobile engine, following an engine shutdown. The functional status of each passenger-activated function that is activated when the engine is shut off is stored. An activation time of each passenger-activated function, which corresponds to the time that the passenger-activated function was activated prior to the engine being shut off, is also stored. Upon engine restart, each passenger-activated function that was previously activated is reactivated to its stored functional status, if its stored activation time is less than a predetermined calibration time.

Abstract: A multi-mode in-vehicle control unit (ICU) contains a plurality of modems. Each modem allows the multi-mode ICU to transmit vehicle data over a different kind of transmission network. Exemplary transmission networks include wireless data networks, cellular telephone networks and satellite networks. Vehicle data is collected. The multi-mode ICU selects one of the modems for transmission of vehicle data to a processing center. Priorities can be assigned to the transmission networks and or modems to control order the transmission network selection process.

Abstract: An information display unit is provided inside a cab of a hydraulic excavator and has a display portion capable of displaying plural kinds of information including body information and maintenance information. A screen image has one main screen and a plurality of sub-screens. The main screen displays information regarding one of a plurality of information categories in detail and the plurality of sub-screens respectively correspond to th plurality of information categories. The information category displayed on the main screen can be selected and changed with key manipulation made on an operating portion. As a result, plural kinds of information can be displayed in a combined and selective manner, and an operator is able to confirm the information with higher efficiency.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying monitored measurements of an apparatus on an instrument including a data bus interface, a data bus, and a plurality of instruments. The data bus interface is coupled to a data bus of the apparatus, which contains measurement data monitored by sensors in the apparatus. Each of the instruments each having a microcontroller coupled to the data bus interface. A motor is driven by the microcontroller and an indicator needle is coupled to the motor for displaying the measurement of the instrument. A warning light indicator is coupled to and driven by the microcontroller. The microcontroller monitors the rate of change of the measurement being displayed on the instrument and enters into a power down mode when the rate of change is below a given threshold.

Abstract: A seat belt shifter lock microprocessor system is used with a vehicle having an automatic transmission for preventing the shifting from park gear position into a moving gear position of the vehicle until the driver and all passengers are properly secured into their seats and the driver depresses the brake.

Abstract: A secure event data recording system configured for use in a passenger vehicle. The secure event data recording system can include an event data recorder; a memory device coupled to the event data recorder and configured to store event data processed in the event data recorder; and, an input/output port communicatively linked to the memory device through which read/write access can be provided to the memory device. Significantly, a tamper proof sealing mechanism can be provided which bars access to the memory device, the event data recorder and the input/output port without causing an irreparable breach of the tamper proof sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A control program for an electronic control unit (ECU) is installed at an end of a manufacturing line after the ECU is mounted on an automotive vehicle. The ECU common to all types of vehicles is mounted on each vehicle, and the vehicle type is identified based on data sent from the ECU to a program-installing device. The control program suitable to the identified vehicle type is formulated in the program-installing device by selecting program modules from an object library storing various types of modules and by linking those selected modules into the control program. The control program thus formulated is installed in the ECU at the end of the manufacturing line. In this manner, memory capacities both in the ECU and in the program-installing device are considerably saved.

Abstract: A controller switches a display screen between a monitor display (11) and a trouble display (22), as shown in FIG. 3. The controller can control the display screen as follows. If a pause button (22f) on the trouble display (22) is operated, the display screen can be fixed to the trouble display (22) for a prescribed time or until a restart or release button on the trouble display (22) is operated. The monitor display (11) and the trouble display (22) can be cyclically displayed. During cyclical display, a jump button (22g) on the trouble display (22) can be operate, and the display screen of the display device will return to the monitor display (11) from the trouble display (22) and the monitor display (11) can be displayed for a prescribed time (for instance, 5 minutes). Further, a cancel button (22e) on the trouble display (22) can be operated, so that the trouble display can be kept or returned to the monitor display (11).

Abstract: A feedback system 10 for use with a hybrid electric vehicle 12 having a propulsion system 14 which includes a motor/generator 16 and an internal combustion engine 20. The system 10 provides a driver of vehicle 12 with tactile, audible, visual and/or other perceivable feedback, effective to notify the driver that the powertrain 14 of the vehicle is active when the internal combustion engine 20 is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle maintenance system predicts potential failure of a component or system using statistical data and methods. The maintenance system preferably includes a communications apparatus for communicating component or system performance data to an offboard network or data collection device. Methods for advantageously using the collected performance data are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) helps protect an occupant (1) of a vehicle (100). The apparatus (10) includes first means (11) for non-intrusively sensing at least one health condition of the vehicle occupant (1) and for producing a first output signal (110) indicative of the health condition of the vehicle occupant (1). The apparatus (10) further includes 2ND means (21) for transmitting a health condition signal derived from the first output signal (110) to a person at a location remote from the vehicle (100) to convey health condition information to the person and to enable the person to determine a suitable type of response.

Abstract: A control unit for an internal combustion engine is provided in which the number of input and output terminals can be reduced while maintaining the function of detecting an abnormality of an existing internal combustion engine and generating a warning based thereon, as a consequence of which the size and weight of the control unit is reduced.

Abstract: A synthetic wave is obtained which represents the synthesis of a transmitted wave radiated from a sensor and a reflected wave returned from a breathing human body, and the presence or absence of a human in the vehicle is detected from the envelope of the synthetic wave. When the presence of a human is detected continuously for a predetermined length of time, it is determined that a human is present in the vehicle.

Abstract: An automotive multiplex communication system is provided, which is capable of determining the fulfillment of conditions to make a transition to a sleep state with a simplified system configuration and with simplified determination processing. This communication system is provided with a particular communication node and a plurality of ordinary communication nodes. When a communication-continuing request is not determined from pieces of first information respectively delivered from the ordinary communication nodes, the particular communication node delivers a sleep-transition command signal to the ordinary communication nodes. The ordinary communication nodes enter their sleep state in accordance with the sleep-transition command signal from the particular communication node, without individually determining the necessity to make a transition to the sleep state.

Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Abstract: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Abstract: A method and a device for the output of operating information for a driver information device having an output unit, an operating unit and a processing unit. Using the method and device, operating information for the functions of the driver information device can be output in a help state in a simple way.

Abstract: An oil proper amount informing apparatus for engines capable of simply checking whether or not a remaining amount or level of oil is proper even if the period of time of warming-up varies. An oil level gauge mounted to an oil reservoir unit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of oil, and temperature indicating means for indicating the temperature on the basis of a detected signal of the temperature sensor are provided. The temperature indicating means indicates the temperature of oil in either of a plurality of divided regions H, M, and L, each of which has a predetermined width or range of temperature. The oil level gauge is provided with the indicating regions H, M, and L, each of which indicates an proper amount of oil at a position corresponding to the proper amount of oil in each of the temperature regions H, M, and L.