With Particular Display Means Patents (Class 340/461)
  • Patent number: 8482396
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Nishida, Teruhisa Masui, Fumiaki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8461970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Birkemeyer, Michael Engler, Jürgen Wolf
  • Patent number: 8461976
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yamamoto, Kimitaka Murashita, Yasuyoshi Sawada, Takechika Kiriya
  • Patent number: 8451111
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Aira Hotta, Haruhiko Okumura
  • Patent number: 8451109
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: F3M3 Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Sayo Daniel, Hortencia Daniel
  • Patent number: 8432272
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Jan Michaelis
  • Patent number: 8432268
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20130099915
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Devinder Singh Kochhar
  • Patent number: 8427295
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8406961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Rabindra Pathak, Peter Veprek, Kem Gallione, Tsuyoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8400288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, James P. Farell
  • Patent number: 8401774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald L. Ravenscroft, James P. Verbeke, Karl C. Pschierer
  • Patent number: 8395522
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donguke Kweon
  • Patent number: 8396625
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald S. Locke, Arjun V. Yetukuri, David A. Hein
  • Patent number: 8362891
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Schumann, Nicolas Schreiber, Marc Breisinger
  • Patent number: 8363025
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Richard Dean Parkinson, Carl Anthony Pickering, Ian Richard Thorp, Colin John Wilson, Peter Robert Thomas
  • Patent number: 8350713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Shunsuke Matsubara, Yasusuke Iwashita, Shinichi Horikoshi, Akira Hirai, Hiroyasu Sato
  • Patent number: 8344903
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Ogasawara, Shuichi Nomizu, Toshiyuki Ohtake
  • Patent number: 8344870
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Evans, James Vila, Marc J. P. Giradot, Michael M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8339255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Yoda, Masayuki Fujisawa, Fumiaki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8340902
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Yan-Hong Chiang
  • Patent number: 8330591
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Ziehr
  • Patent number: 8331622
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Megumi Itoh, Toshiya Takahashi, Shinichirou Ota, Aki Miake, Takeshi Yamamoto, Masayuki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8314693
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Continental GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Cieler, Katrin Lübbert, Guido Meier-Arendt, Carmen Solterbeck
  • Patent number: 8294562
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Gohring, Marco Fleckner
  • Patent number: 8290695
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Volker Hiestermann, Robert Joannes Van Essen, Edwin Bastiaensen, Stephen T'Siobbel
  • Patent number: 8284038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Hongjie Wu
  • Patent number: 8279279
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Masayuki Imanishi
  • Patent number: 8264338
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeff M. Leon
  • Patent number: 8258978
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventor: Steven P. Greasby
  • Patent number: 8248219
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Sato, Tetsuya Enokizaka, Kenichi Mori, Seiji Kawai
  • Patent number: 8248220
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Nagamine, Kazuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8248221
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 8242930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Neil Young, Larry Johnson, Ben Johnson, legal representative, Paul Perrone
  • Patent number: 8237554
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 8232875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8228180
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Levy, Alexander Thomas Riegelman
  • Patent number: 8228179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Fujisawa, Fumiaki Fujimoto, Teruhisa Masui
  • Patent number: 8219357
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher Piggott, Edward McCarthy, Michael G. Thurston, Sean McConky
  • Patent number: 8207841
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: 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: 8207868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8207838
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Masatoshi Watanabe, Masato Ishio, Kohichi Tomiyama, Tomohiro Matsuo, Kan Saito
  • Patent number: 8204638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Tani, Akira Sakamoto, Kazunao Yamada
  • Patent number: 8203443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Bos, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 8199167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Nishida
  • Patent number: 8188844
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John K. Lenneman, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8188846
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared K. Cooper, Todd Goodermuth, Omer Zaki
  • Patent number: 8179236
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Patent number: 8164543
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Seder, Joseph F. Szczerba, Dehua Cui
  • Patent number: 8165801
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Kosol Jintaseranee, Soshant Bali