With Particular Display Means Patents (Class 340/461)
-
Patent number: 8482396Abstract: A DPF controller (21) generates, as image information, a layout identifier (MEN) that specifies the layout of an image to be displayed on a liquid crystal display device (11), and an element image identifier (SEN) that specifies the display mode of element images that are being subjected to layout. When an SEN is newly determined and the newly determined SEN is equal to a previously determined SEN, the newly determined SEN is not output to a drawing controller (22).Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Nishida, Teruhisa Masui, Fumiaki Fujimoto
-
Patent number: 8461970Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first display and a first camera. An environmental image of the part of the environment of the vehicle lying behind the motor vehicle can be recorded using the first camera and the environmental image recorded using the first camera can be completely or partially displayed on the first display. The first display is disposed inside the motor vehicle such that the recorded environmental image, or a part of the recorded environmental image, may be perceivable as a virtual image behind a side pane of the motor vehicle for a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2008Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Daniel Birkemeyer, Michael Engler, Jürgen Wolf
-
Patent number: 8461976Abstract: An on-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a wide angle range through a curved light receiver, a moving-object detector that detects a moving object approaching an own vehicle from a mounting direction of the imaging unit and from any direction other than the mounting direction, based on the image captured by the imaging unit, a collision-risk determination unit that determines a degree of collision risk indicating a possibility of collision between the moving object detected by the moving-object detector and the own vehicle, and a moving-object warning unit that warns presence of the moving object included in an image portion in which a distortion of the image is a predetermined value or more, and warns the presence of the moving object according to the degree of collision risk determined by the collision-risk determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Tetsuo Yamamoto, Kimitaka Murashita, Yasuyoshi Sawada, Takechika Kiriya
-
Patent number: 8451111Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: an image generation unit generating a plurality of images with different figure sizes so that perceived positions of the plurality of images are sequentially located in a direction away from an actual position; a reflection member provided in front of the observer; and a projector projecting a light beam to form, the plurality of images onto a single eye of the observer through the reflection member so that the plurality of images is superimposed on a background observed through the refection member.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Takashi Sasaki, Aira Hotta, Haruhiko Okumura
-
Patent number: 8451109Abstract: A system that includes at least one processor, a first set of sensors connected to a first means for controlling a vehicle and electronically connected to the at least one processor, wherein the first set of sensors includes at least one sensor, a second set of sensors connected to a second means for controlling a vehicle and electronically connected to the at least one processor, wherein the second set of sensors includes at least one sensor, at least one alarm electronically connected to the at least one processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to activate the at least one alarm when the first set of sensors detects the absence of an operator's hand, and the second set of sensors detects the absence of an operator's hand.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: F3M3 Companies, Inc.Inventors: Isaac Sayo Daniel, Hortencia Daniel
-
Patent number: 8432272Abstract: A display device (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the display device (1) has a display area having a display area center (3), wherein the display area has at least one inner area (4) and at least one lateral area (5), wherein the lateral area (5) is formed as a partial lateral area of a first cone which is characterized by an angle of aperture (?) and a first cone axis (6), wherein a viewing ray (8) directed form at least one viewing unit (7) onto the display device center (3) intersects the first cone axis (6) in an intersecting angle (?) so that the sum of the half of the angle of aperture (?/2) and the intersecting angle (?) is in an angular range from 75 degrees to 105 degrees, wherein the viewing unit (7) is positioned within a predefined position volume (11) in the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Jan Michaelis
-
Patent number: 8432268Abstract: A vehicle security system for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus connected to a plurality of vehicle devices may include at least one vehicle security sensor interfacing with the vehicle data communications bus for generating a pre-warning signal or an alarm signal, depending upon a sensed threat level. The vehicle security system may also include an alarm indicator and a vehicle security controller. The vehicle security controller may interface with the vehicle data communications bus for causing the alarm indicator to generate a pre-warning indication based upon the pre-warning signal, or for causing the alarm indicator to generate an alarm indication based upon the alarm signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
-
Publication number: 20130099915Abstract: In a first illustrative embodiment, a computer implemented method includes detecting a plurality of context providing devices accessible to a vehicle computing system. The illustrative method further includes evaluating context relevant information from each of the detected devices to compile a display. The illustrative method also includes outputting a compiled display to a vehicle display, including at least one portion of the display initially dedicated to vehicle-based service content and at least one portion of the display dedicated to content from a context providing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Devinder Singh Kochhar
-
Patent number: 8427295Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Kataoka
-
Patent number: 8406961Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle user interface system is presented. A vehicle user interface has a touch sensitive input devices such as touchpads and a touch screen that have specific function commands mapped to them. A user can select which function commands are mapped to which portions of the touch screen. This allows a user to customize the steering wheel function commands.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Rabindra Pathak, Peter Veprek, Kem Gallione, Tsuyoshi Tanaka
-
Patent number: 8400288Abstract: An operator configurable vehicle instrument panel with the ability to provide both analog and digital style outputs, and more particularly to an instrument panel configured to provide a digital style display in a first state and an analog state display in a second state using a physical pointer that was not visible in the first state.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, James P. Farell
-
Patent number: 8401774Abstract: A method for predicting the occurrence of an undesired operating event for a mobile platform operating within a designated area. The method may involve obtaining a plurality of parameters including a position of the mobile platform within the designated area for determining a kinematic motion of the mobile platform while the mobile platform is operating within the designated area. Information may also be obtained that relates to surface geometry of the designated area. The information related to surface geometry may be used to determine physical constraints within the designated area that limit operation of the mobile platform within the designated area. The plurality of parameters may be used to determine a kinematic motion of the mobile platform within the designated area. The kinematic motion of the mobile platform and the physical constraints may be used to predict if motion of the mobile platform will cause it to incur an undesired operating event.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Donald L. Ravenscroft, James P. Verbeke, Karl C. Pschierer
-
Patent number: 8395522Abstract: Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received. The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Donguke Kweon
-
Patent number: 8396625Abstract: A head restraint actuation system is provided having a receiver configured for receiving an image signal, a transmission status signal, a head restraint request signal and a seat information signal. A mirror controller is configured for communicating with the receiver for analyzing the received signals and selecting a rearview mirror mode. A user interface is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for displaying the image signal based on the selection of a first mode, and for enabling transmission of a head restraint request to the mirror controller based on the selection of a second mode. A transmitter is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for transmitting the head restraint request to a seat controller based on the selection of the second mode. A head restraint actuator receives the head restraint request and actuates a corresponding head restraint.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald S. Locke, Arjun V. Yetukuri, David A. Hein
-
Patent number: 8362891Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Josef Schumann, Nicolas Schreiber, Marc Breisinger
-
Patent number: 8363025Abstract: A touch screen control system comprising a touch screen having first and second conductive layers arranged to be brought together by touching of the screen. A detection system is arranged to detect a contact position at which the screen is touched by monitoring electrical signals from at least one of the layers. The system further comprises an antenna, and the detection system includes a proximity sensing signal generator arranged to generate a proximity sensing signal to be transmitted between the antenna and the first layer via a user of the system. The detection system is further arranged to receive the transmitted proximity sensing signal and determine therefrom the distance between a part of the user and the touch screen.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Jaguar Cars LimitedInventors: Richard Dean Parkinson, Carl Anthony Pickering, Ian Richard Thorp, Colin John Wilson, Peter Robert Thomas
-
Patent number: 8350713Abstract: Signals from a plurality of sensors (vibration sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors) disposed at places on a machine are input through a communication circuit to a numerical controller that controls the machine. The numerical controller uses vibration information, temperature information and humidity information obtained from these sensors to determine whether the machine is in an abnormal state.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Fanuc LtdInventors: Shunsuke Matsubara, Yasusuke Iwashita, Shinichi Horikoshi, Akira Hirai, Hiroyasu Sato
-
Patent number: 8344903Abstract: An instrumental device is provided which includes a variable display portion and a pointer moving around the variable display portion and achieves excellent response and resistance to vibration without complicating the shape of a member. The instrumental device has a display plate 21 having a variable display portion 21b, a pointer 23 moving around the variable display portion 21b, and pointer drive means 25, 26 provided on the back-face side of the display plate 21 for moving the pointer 23.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Ogasawara, Shuichi Nomizu, Toshiyuki Ohtake
-
Patent number: 8344870Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a dashboard including one or more touchscreen displays; a wireless network interface; and multiple icons for presentation by one or more of the touchscreen displays to a user in the vehicle. Each of one or more of the icons is configurable by the user through tactile interaction with the icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays. Each of the icons when presented to the user makes accessible to the user through one or more of the touchscreen displays particular functionality. The vehicle includes software associated with the icons that is operable to render the icons on the touchscreen displays and implement their functionality.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dave Evans, James Vila, Marc J. P. Giradot, Michael M. Schwarz
-
Patent number: 8339255Abstract: A display system of the present invention includes a liquid crystal platform section (200) which outputs display data for displaying, on a liquid crystal display section (100), an image in accordance with information obtained from an automobile. The liquid crystal platform section (200) includes a DIC (201) which generates display data and calculates a display position of the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display section (100) from the obtained information and which causes the generated display data to be displayed in the calculated image display position. The DIC (201) updates display so that the image moves at frame intervals from a start position of image display to the image display position calculated from the automobile information currently obtained, when an interval at which the information is obtained is longer than each of the frame intervals for displaying the image.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiko Yoda, Masayuki Fujisawa, Fumiaki Fujimoto
-
Patent number: 8340902Abstract: A remote vehicle management system by video radar includes a camera array installed on the vehicle to capture and generate video data, video recognition units receiving the video data and converting into an object data stream, a vehicle database including static and dynamic data, an environment management unit generating a video radar data stream based on the object data stream and, a wireless transfer unit transmitting the radar data stream in a wireless medium, and a remote device reconstructing an illustrative screen based on the received video radar data stream by using specific icons or symbols, which is used to assist the operator of the vehicle to fully understand the actual situation so as to alleviate the human workload, reduce human mistakes and improve the efficiency of the vehicle management.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Inventor: Yan-Hong Chiang
-
Patent number: 8330591Abstract: A system for adjusting components in an automobile to compensate for impinging sunlight includes a solar data generator configured to generate solar data concerning a current location, heading, date and time of a vehicle. A solar data calculator is coupled to the solar data generator and configured to receive solar data and determine a vehicle component affected by impinging sunlight. A body control manager is coupled to the solar data calculator and operable to control the vehicle component to compensate for impinging sunlight.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Lawrence P. Ziehr
-
Patent number: 8331622Abstract: An automotive display device, which allows the user to easily recognize the sameness of an information image even if the shape of the image is changed, is realized. An automotive display device (1) includes a display section (13) for displaying a vehicle information image including information regarding a vehicle. The vehicle information image is a 3-D image. The automotive display device (1) further includes an image processing section (113) for generating a vehicle information image seen from a fixed viewpoint, an image display processing section (114) for displaying the vehicle information image on the display section (13), and an ETC information detection section (21) that detects a driving condition of the vehicle. The image processing section (113) rotates the vehicle information image around a predetermined axis and for a predetermined angle, in accordance with ETC information obtained by the ETC information detecting section (21).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Megumi Itoh, Toshiya Takahashi, Shinichirou Ota, Aki Miake, Takeshi Yamamoto, Masayuki Kikuchi
-
Patent number: 8314693Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Continental GmbHInventors: Stephan Cieler, Katrin Lübbert, Guido Meier-Arendt, Carmen Solterbeck
-
Patent number: 8294562Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine for at least temporarily driving the motor vehicle, and for displaying operating-time-related data of the internal combustion engine. The display device is characterized in that the operating-time-related data are provided as portions of the operation of the motor vehicle with a switched-off internal combustion engine at entities (E, E?, E?, . . . ) occurring earlier on the route of the motor vehicle. The display device is configured to display these data in the manner of a histogram.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Gohring, Marco Fleckner
-
Patent number: 8290695Abstract: Probe data is analyzed to derive Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) and an Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) for each road segment or link in a digital map network. The Longitudinal Speed Profiles (LSPs) profiles are calculated during defined time spans whereas the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) is based on the LSP for the time span corresponding only to free flow traffic conditions. All of the LSPs can used to create a respective energy cost for each time span, or only the OLSP (18) can be used (or alternatively the RRDSL 16 or LRRDSL 17) to calculate an energy cost for the free flow conditions only. The energy cost can be used to predict the energy required by a vehicle to traverse the link. Navigation software can use the energy cost to plan the most energy efficient route between two locations in the digital map. Sensory signals can be activated if a driver strays from the Optimal Longitudinal Speed Profile (18) to achieve extremely high levels of energy efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventors: Volker Hiestermann, Robert Joannes Van Essen, Edwin Bastiaensen, Stephen T'Siobbel
-
Patent number: 8284038Abstract: A display system for a vehicle is provided. The display system includes an information display that changes color based upon an operating state of a vehicle. The information display includes display lighting that illuminates at least a portion of the display in a color associated with the vehicle's current operating state to indicate the operating state to a driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Hongjie Wu
-
Patent number: 8279279Abstract: An image processing apparatus permits a user to readily recognize a current state of an angle of view. When an angle of view is switched from a wide-angle to a narrow-angle, range display is performed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. Range display includes a narrow-angle image frame formed with lines indicating a border of an image displayed for a predetermined time prior to the switching. After the predetermined time, a narrow-angle image is displayed and the range display is no longer displayed. The range display allows a user to readily recognize that the wide-angle image has been switched to the narrow-angle image by recognizing to what area in a pre-switching wide angle of view image the post-switching narrow-angle image corresponds.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.Inventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Masayuki Imanishi
-
Patent number: 8264338Abstract: A combination shifter and engine start apparatus for a vehicle includes a control knob rotatable to a plurality of positions to instruct operation of an associated transmission of the vehicle and actuatable for at least one of starting and stopping of an associated engine of the vehicle. A display is disposed on the control knob for alternately displaying first indicia on the control knob relating to at least one of starting and stopping of the associated engine and displaying second indicia on the control knob relating to a selected one of the plurality of positions. A controller is operatively connected to the control knob and to the display. The controller has a first mode wherein the controller commands the display to display the first indicia and a second mode wherein the controller commands the display to display the second indicia.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jeff M. Leon
-
Patent number: 8258978Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in a mobile electronic device providing navigation functionality to furnish a notification that the indicated speed limit of a roadway being traversed has changed. In an implementation, the display of the mobile electronic device is configured to display navigation information including a roadway graphic representing a roadway being traversed by the mobile electronic device and a speed limit indicator graphic for indicating the speed limit associated with the roadway. When a change in the indicated speed limit is encountered, an attribute of the navigation information is temporarily altered to provide a notification of the change.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbHInventor: Steven P. Greasby
-
Patent number: 8248219Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshihisa Sato, Tetsuya Enokizaka, Kenichi Mori, Seiji Kawai
-
Patent number: 8248220Abstract: A surrounding recognition support system includes a distance marker display section displaying a distance marker on a monitor for a user to identify the distance marker, which indicates a distance from the user to a predetermined area and allows the user to visually sense the distance when the user looks at the monitor, and a sound output section emitting a special sound corresponding to the distance indicated by the distance marker when the distance marker is displayed on the monitor by the distance marker display section. The sound output section emits the special sound in response to a result of detection of an object detection portion detecting the object existing around the user within the predetermined area defined by the distance indicated by the distance marker.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noboru Nagamine, Kazuya Watanabe
-
Patent number: 8248221Abstract: An information display configured to display one or more energy efficiency values of a vehicle. The information display system may comprise an information display configured to display an energy recovered indicator corresponding to a ratio of the braking energy recovered using a regenerative braking system. The information display may include both an overall energy recovered indicator and an instantaneous energy recovered indicator.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Dale Scott Crombez
-
Patent number: 8242930Abstract: A two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes at least one vehicle, at least one vehicle data collection point, at least one operations data supply system, and at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof. A method of monitoring a vehicle using a two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes: providing at least one vehicle, providing at least one vehicle data collection point, providing at least one operations data supply system, and providing at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to and communicates with the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Inventors: Neil Young, Larry Johnson, Ben Johnson, legal representative, Paul Perrone
-
Patent number: 8237554Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
-
Patent number: 8232875Abstract: A degradation evaluating unit collects data related to a power storage device from a vehicle through a power cable, and based on the collected data, evaluates the state of degradation of the power storage device. A data processing unit reads data related to the state of degradation of the power storage device evaluated by degradation evaluating unit from a storage unit, and processes the read data related to the state of degradation to a first display item for a user, a second display item for a dealer and a third display item for a manufacturer. A display control unit controls display of the data processed by data processing unit on a display terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masatoshi Uchida
-
Patent number: 8228180Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael Joseph Levy, Alexander Thomas Riegelman
-
Patent number: 8228179Abstract: A DPF controller (21) easily generates a display identifier and a speech identifier for providing an image and a speech required for driving a mobile body such as an automobile, etc. from state information representing the state of each part of the mobile body.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayuki Fujisawa, Fumiaki Fujimoto, Teruhisa Masui
-
Patent number: 8219357Abstract: A method and system for displaying asset health information includes determining a status of at least one asset in a monitored system based on operational information obtained about the at least one asset. The obtained operational information about the at least one asset is compared against other operational information obtained about the monitored system. A review of the determined status of the at least one asset is conducted based on the comparison. At least one of textual information and numeric information is displayed based on the conducted review of the determined status of the at least one asset. Additionally, at least one of three or more indicator lights is displayed based on the conducted review of the determined status of the at least one asset.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Rochester Institute of TechnologyInventors: Christopher Piggott, Edward McCarthy, Michael G. Thurston, Sean McConky
-
Patent number: 8207841Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
-
Patent number: 8207868Abstract: A display device includes a camera for capturing an image around a vehicle body; a monitor provided in a vehicle interior; and a display control unit for controlling a display of the monitor. The monitor has a rectangle-shaped display face, and is supported switchably between a vertically elongated posture and a horizontally elongated posture. When the monitor is switched to the vertically elongated posture, based on an image captured by the camera, the display control unit displays a top view image of a road surface around the vehicle body seen from above on the monitor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuya Watanabe
-
Patent number: 8207838Abstract: An eco-drive assist apparatus that displays a quantity of eco-drive that indicates a degree of ecology and/or economy in driving in a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor, includes: a first part configured to calculate the quantity of eco-drive on the basis of a vehicle power generated in the vehicle; and a second part configured to cause the quantity of eco-drive to be displayed in a graphic manner as a relative quantity to an eco-drive judgment threshold value that indicates whether the vehicle is in an eco-drive state and to cause the quantity of eco-drive to be displayed in a graphic manner as a relative quantity to an engine startup threshold value that indicates whether the engine is started up.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Masatoshi Watanabe, Masato Ishio, Kohichi Tomiyama, Tomohiro Matsuo, Kan Saito
-
Patent number: 8204638Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle computes estimated energy and external charge energy. The estimated energy is required to drive a vehicle to travel a planned travel route and an EV priority mode, in which drive power for the vehicle is generated with priority by a motor/generator by supplying electric power from a battery to the motor/generator. The external charge energy is supplied from an electric power source. The control apparatus checks whether the estimated required energy will be supplied fully by the external charge energy. If the full supply is not possible, the control apparatus causes electric power generation by the motor/generator at some point in the planned travel route, where the efficiency of electric power generation is good, thereby to supplement insufficiency of energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Keisuke Tani, Akira Sakamoto, Kazunao Yamada
-
Patent number: 8203443Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a first imaging sensor having a first forward field of view and a second imaging sensor spaced from the first imaging sensor and having a second forward field of view, which at least partially overlaps with the first forward field of view. A control processes image data captured by at least one of the first and second imaging sensors to determine an object present in the first and/or second forward fields of view. The control is operable to modulate a headlamp of the vehicle responsive to the processing of image data captured by the at least one of the first and second imaging sensors. The control may process image data captured by both of the imaging sensors to determine a distance between the equipped vehicle and an object present in the overlap of the first and second forward fields of view.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Brent J. Bos, Kenneth Schofield
-
Patent number: 8199167Abstract: A diagnostic support device supports a diagnosis of a display state of a composite image displayed on a display device that is arranged to display a composite image obtained by combining a plurality of composite target images corresponding to pieces of information supplied from respective devices mounted on a vehicle, the plurality of composite target images being combined with reference to layout information, the diagnostic support device including a layout information obtaining section arranged to obtain the layout information, a layout information output section arranged to output to an image combining apparatus, the layout information, per composite target image, the image combining apparatus combining the plurality of composite target images, and the layout information being obtained by the layout information obtaining section.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Osamu Nishida
-
Patent number: 8188844Abstract: A reconfigurable tactile human-machine interface adapted for facilitating selection and manipulation by a user, presenting a first geometric shape, orientation, position, or characteristic, and including at least one active material element configured to cause the interface to achieve a second geometric shape, orientation, position or otherwise characteristic when activated or deactivated, and preferably further including at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and interface and configured to selectively cause the element to be activated upon receipt of sensory input.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John K. Lenneman, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
-
Patent number: 8188846Abstract: A display system for displaying information to a vehicle operator comprises one or more projectors positioned in an operator cab of a vehicle. The projector is configured to project a heads up display of a plurality of data sets on a windscreen of the vehicle. Projected data sets are positioned in the heads up display and/or moved within the heads up display based on assessed relative priority levels of the data sets. Thus, for example, a data set with a higher assessed relative priority level may be positioned in a location of greater operator viewing prominence. If the priority level drops, the data set may be moved to a position of lower operator prominence. Respective heads up displays may be projected on more than two separate windscreens of the vehicle, either simultaneously or at alternate times, and possibly depending on an operational mode of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared K. Cooper, Todd Goodermuth, Omer Zaki
-
Patent number: 8179236Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a transflective reflective element. The mirror system includes a video display device at a casing of the mirror assembly rearward of the transflective reflective element, with the video display device having a video screen and a plurality of individual white light emitting light sources operable for backlighting the video screen. The intensity of light emitted by the white light emitting light sources is variable responsive to detection of light by at least one photosensor. The video screen may be operable to display video images captured by a rear back-up camera of the equipped vehicle during a reversing maneuver of the equipped vehicle. Light emanating from the white light emitting light emitting diodes may pass through a brightness enhancement film and a light diffuser to be incident at a transflective reflector of a second substrate of the mirror assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
-
Patent number: 8164543Abstract: A system to display graphical images upon a windscreen of a vehicle including night vision includes a transparent windscreen head up display, a night vision system, and an enhanced vision system system manager monitoring data from the night vision system, analyzing the monitored data identifying critical information, and determining display requirements based upon the critical information. A graphics system generates the graphical images to be displayed based upon the display requirements, and a graphics projection system communicates with the graphics system and displays the graphical images.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas A. Seder, Joseph F. Szczerba, Dehua Cui
-
Patent number: 8165801Abstract: A wireless communication device transmits first text messaging to a navigation computer system. The first text messaging indicates an identity, initial location, and destination location for the wireless communication device. The navigation computer system processes the first text messaging to determine navigation instructions from the initial location to the destination location and to initiate a voice call to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device processes a caller number for the voice call to answer the call in speaker-phone mode and to transfer second text messaging to the navigation computer system. The second text messaging indicates current locations of the wireless communication device. The navigation computer system processes the second text messaging to transfer the navigation instructions over the voice call based on the current locations of the wireless communication device.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Kosol Jintaseranee, Soshant Bali