Abstract: In a first display mode, a common image function component is displayed to occupy at least a part of a display region of a second specific image function component. In a second display mode, the common image function component is continuously displayed outside the second specific image function component to avoid the overlap therebetween (i.e., such that an exclusive positional relationship is made therebetween). When the display mode is switched, a final transition of the display mode to a display state in the second display mode is made while or after a moving image showing a transition process, in which the common image function component is moved from a display position in the first display mode to a display position in the second display mode, is displayed as a mode transition animation.

Abstract: A display system for a vehicle system includes at least one light sensor that detects a light condition, and a display member that displays an information message. The information message includes a background and an object that is displayed adjacent the background. The display system further includes a controller that changes legibility of the information message by changing each of the background and the object based on the light condition detected by the light sensor. A method of controlling the display system is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state.

Abstract: The present invention is an informational display that utilizes cognitive science in the appearance and geographical location of a plurality of gauges and indicators located within the display. Through the use of color, size, depth, location and appearance, information transmitted to an operator through the present invention is rapidly perceived and interpreted. Such rapid interpretation of information by the present invention allows an operator to use a vehicle or the like in a more safe and lawful manner than that of traditional dashboard displays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a multimedia broadcasting in a portable terminal having a navigation module, while a vehicle is being driven. The method includes steps of: proceeding to a vehicle driving mode, if it is recognized that the vehicle is currently being driven when the multimedia broadcasting data is outputted; confirming at least one vehicle driving function set as the vehicle driving mode in the vehicle driving mode and driving navigation module, and then acquiring vehicle driving information; and reflecting the acquired vehicle driving information in the vehicle driving function and then outputting the multimedia broadcasting data after applying the vehicle driving function to the multimedia broadcasting data.

Abstract: A vehicle measurement system that provides highly realistic guidance to perform a vehicle measurement procedure is described. An exemplary system includes a data storage device configured to store vehicle data for a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle data corresponding to each respective vehicle includes an image of the vehicle and information of predefined points on the vehicle to which emitters or targets should be attached for performing a vehicle measurement procedure. A user interface is provided to receive a user input identifying a vehicle under test. After the user identifies a vehicle under test, the system retrieves vehicle data corresponding to the vehicle under test from the data storage device; and displays the image of the vehicle under test on the display with the predefined points on the vehicle identified.

Abstract: A display system includes a display device mounted on a vehicle, and a controller arranged to control the display of a plurality of pieces of information regarding the vehicle as an image in the display device. If a display fault occurs in a portion of the display device, the controller performs control to display the information displayed in the display fault area having had the display fault, in a normal display area performing a normal display.

Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.

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

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

Abstract: A measurement indication method and an apparatus to indicate difference between a measured result taken by a medical measurement instrument and a normal digital value according to medical theory. The medical measurement instrument includes at least a measurement element, a power supply, at least one processing unit and the apparatus to implement the measurement indication method. The apparatus includes a plurality of indication lamps capable of emitting light of three or more colors. The number and lighting color of the indication lamps can be changed sequentially according to the difference of the measured digital value and a normal digital value range. Thereby users can easily determine the difference between the measured result and the normal value. And the measured value can be indicated in graphics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital united information instrument panel for vehicle. The digital united information instrument panel for vehicle of the present invention includes a graduation unit indicating a velocity information of vehicle; and an united information display window indicating a driving status information of vehicle with a number and a character, while the united information display window forms a segment and a dot matrix together in a single panel and forms a black mask in the surrounding area of the segment and the dot matrix to concentrate an illumination on the segment and the dot matrix.

Abstract: When a CPU judges that a vehicle is stopped, a display image surrounded by a separator is displayed in such a first quality that a driver can watch while the display image is moving from a first display area to a second display area, and the motor is driven in a relatively low first speed to move the separator. When the CPU judges that the vehicle is running, the separator is rapidly moved and data about the vehicle such as warning is rapidly displayed.

Abstract: An instrumentation assembly for installation in a vehicle dashboard is disclosed herein. The instrumentation assembly includes an electronic controller, an enclosure, a viewable gauge, a viewable display, and a proximity-sensing switch. The controller has a memory for storing information. The enclosure has a designated front section and a designated rear section, wherein the front section includes substantially transparent material so as to define a window. Both the gauge and the display are electrically connected to the controller and mounted within the enclosure so as to substantially face the window. The switch is electrically connected to the controller and operable to sense the proximal presence of a human finger. In this configuration, the display is operable to exhibit the memory's information for viewing, and the switch is activatable by a human finger to selectively control the exhibition of the information on the display. Furthermore, an instrumentation module is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a hybrid drive vehicle includes a screen that depicts a first icon, a second icon, and a third icon to represent energy sources and energy destinations. The appearance of the screen is variable to indicate the flow of energy between energy sources and energy destinations. In a preferred embodiment, changes in color, changes in icon size, and movement of elements are used to indicate energy flow.

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

Abstract: In a first display mode, a common image function component is displayed to occupy at least a part of a display region of a second specific image function component. In a second display mode, the common image function component is continuously displayed outside the second specific image function component to avoid the overlap therebetween (i.e., such that an exclusive positional relationship is made therebetween). When the display mode is switched, a final transition of the display mode to a display state in the second display mode is made while or after a moving image showing a transition process, in which the common image function component is moved from a display position in the first display mode to a display position in the second display mode, is displayed as a mode transition animation.

Abstract: An improved console system is provided that is suitable for use in an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin having a roof and a windshield having an upper portion. The improved console system comprises a console assembly that includes a headliner portion disposed at the roof of the interior cabin of the vehicle and that further includes a windshield portion disposed at the upper portion of the windshield that extends downwardly from the headliner portion. The downwardly extending windshield portion includes an image capturing device having a field of view through the windshield in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle that preferably captures images at least one chosen from (a) a forward park-aid system, (b) a collision avoidance system, and (c) an automatic headlamp control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various improvements to digital communications and various applications of the improved digital communications.

Abstract: A method for setting screens of plural inboard indicators connected to an inboard network via a communication line includes connecting a terminal to the inboard network. The method also includes loading the terminal with data from the plural indicators and setting the screens of the indicators in the terminal. Additionally, the method includes sending screen setting data from the terminal to the respective indicators via the communication line after setting the screens of the indicators.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle includes display screen having a plurality of display areas such as a tachometer display area, a speedometer display area, and an auxiliary display area. The display apparatus for a vehicle further includes a CPU for controlling images displayed on the display screen. A display partition member is mounted on a part of the display screen.

Abstract: A vehicle trip logger is disclosed for recording vehicle location and at least one field as a trip category during travel. The trip logger provides data for a report of miles traveled in categories that may be useful for tax, vehicle maintenance or other reporting. For each trip the user selects a menu item displayed on the trip logger as a trip category. The trip logger may provide fields such as account numbers or trip reasons as additional category fields used in reporting vehicle travel. The trip logger may be configured by the user to customize displays and reports shown by the logger. Vehicle location records and trip records with trip fields are saved to internal memory. A trip record is indexed to a group of location records.

Abstract: A motor driven vehicle having an indicator device that includes a speed indicating portion for indicating the running speed of the motor driven vehicle provided with an electric motor capable of imparting power to a driving wheel, plural running mode indicating portions for individually indicating a plurality of running modes of the vehicle, and vehicle operating condition indicating portions for indicating operating conditions of the vehicle, wherein the speed indicating portion, the plural running mode indicating portions and the vehicle operating condition indicating portions are arranged on a common indicating surface. In addition, the plural running mode indicating portions and the vehicle operating condition indicating portions are arranged in a continuously endless manner around the speed indicating portion.

Abstract: A display device for use in an instrument panel to be mounted in an automotive vehicle is capable of displaying information concerning the status of the automotive vehicle. The display device is further capable of providing an alarm, when a predetermined physical parameter among physical parameters representing the status of an automotive vehicle is within a predetermined range, by effecting at least one of a change in display luminance and a change in displayed color.

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 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: A color-to-temperature converter senses temperatures of a device, translates the temperatures into light of different colors, and emits or displays the light. The color-to-temperature converter includes a tri-color light emitting diode (LED) assembly with inputs corresponding to red, green, and blue monochromatic LEDs within the assembly. The processor of the converter separately controls the intensity of each monochromatic LED of the assembly, and the outputs of the monochromatic LEDs converge to appear as one color to an observer. In typical operation, the relationship between the temperature input and the converged color imparts to the observer an intuitive understanding of the consequences of the sensed temperatures to operation of the device whose temperatures the converter monitors.

Abstract: An indicator for use with an electric vehicle having an engine and an electric traction motor. The indicator includes a tachometer gauge for displaying engine revolution speed. The indicator further includes an electric only indicator for displaying whether the vehicle is operating in an electric only mode.

Abstract: A bicycle display apparatus comprises a display unit and a color changing mechanism. The display unit optically displays information corresponding to the characteristic of the bicycling environment, and it includes a background light or a photoemission element that facilitates easy viewing of the displayed information. The color attribute changing mechanism changes at least one of the color, hue, color saturation and brightness of the background light in accordance with the characteristic of the bicycling environment.

Abstract: Rearview mirror assemblies are provided that incorporate a plurality of added features. In at least one embodiment, at least two devices are incorporated into a rearview mirror selected from a group comprising an interior illumination assembly, an illuminated operator interface and an information display. In at least one embodiment, the light rays emitted by the selected at least two devices comprise substantially the same spectral characteristics. In at least one embodiment, the spectral characteristics are operator selectable from a plurality of predetermined spectral characteristics.

Abstract: A display screen switches between a monitor display and a trouble display. If a pause switch on the trouble display is operated, the display screen will be fixed to the trouble display for a prescribed time. The display screen can be set to the trouble display until a restart or release switch on the trouble display screen is operated. The monitor display and the trouble display can be cyclically displayed. During cyclical display, a jump switch on the trouble display can be operated, so that the display device will be returned to the monitor display from the trouble display, where the monitor display can be displayed for a prescribed time (for instance, 5 minutes). In addition, a cancel switch on the trouble display can be operated, so that the display screen may be kept returned to the monitor display.

Abstract: A graphical display apparatus (and methods) for motor vehicles. The apparatus has a display coupled to an interior portion of a motor vehicle, which faces a driver of the motor vehicle. The display is coupled to an output for identifying a velocity value of the motor vehicle. A first graphical display portion of the display for outputting a first current speed indication of the motor vehicle using a first convention is also included. The first display portion for the current speed indication is coupled to the output. A second graphical display portion of the display for outputting a second current speed indication of the motor vehicle using a second convention is included. The second display portion is coupled to the first display portion such that the first current speed indication in the first convention is aligned to the second current speed indication in the second convention.

Abstract: In an indicating instrument (1) intended for a motor vehicle, a plurality of display levels (2, 3, 4) partially superposed on one another permit a display at staggered depths. As a result, not only three-dimensional forms of display but also a preferred arrangement of the essential information according to the operating conditions can be provided on the first display level (2). For unproblematical exchange or later retrofitting, the display levels (2, 3, 4) fixed in a housing of the display instrument (1) a plug-in connection (11). The indicating instrument (1) can consequently be adapted to individual requirement in a simple way.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and system to monitor vehicle operation state and operator requests. The invention combines into a single, easy to read, gauge information indicating the current vehicle operating state and the ability to increase power assist. This involves a display of instantaneous rate of consumption usage superimposed over the available rate of power consumption limits. The present invention can display whether an operator is requesting power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging while also showing the amount of power assist, regenerative braking or battery charging that is possible for the vehicle under present operating conditions. Through the use of a vehicle system controller (VSC) or similar type controller connected to the display of the present invention, the instantaneous rate of consumption usage or charge can be limited to the available rate of power consumption or charge limits.

Abstract: A pseudo creature may be used to increase the user's feeling that the pseudo creature expressed in the vehicle and the vehicle are one, to allow information generated by the pseudo creature to be recognized with ease and to allow the user to communicate with a plurality of other users through the pseudo creature. A CPU employed in a display panel is capable of communicating with external apparatuses such as a PC, a hand phone and a game machine through a connection interface and a transmission & reception unit. The CPU is capable of transmitting information regarding the vehicle to an external apparatus such a PC and acquiring a character of a game or the like as a pseudo creature from electronic media or an electronic information-processing apparatus such as a PC. Thus, in addition to a pseudo creature set in advance, pseudo creatures matching hobbies of a broad range of users can also be expressed in the vehicle.

Abstract: A multipurpose display arrangement for a motor vehicle includes an electronic display device for displaying information and at least one control element. The multipurpose display arrangement is located in an aperture in the vehicle instrument panel in the visual range of the vehicle driver. In order to minimize reflections and dazzle on the display surface which are caused by the incident light and/or bright surfaces inside the vehicle, the electronic display device is mounted so as to be pivotable in at least two axes in the instrument panel aperture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vehicle lamp system providing a better control in illumination of vehicle lamps in response to various weather and road conditions. The vehicle lamp system includes vehicle lamps, environment detection means for detecting weather and road surface conditions, and illumination control means for controlling an illumination of the vehicle lamps based on the weather and road surface conditions received from the environment detection means.

Abstract: Accurate, unambiguous, and space-efficient electronic display techniques are provided for presenting the operator with an indicator whose graphical configuration varies in accordance with whether the relevant control value is within a predetermined tolerance range of a set-point value. More particularly, a control value indicator includes a scale having an axis associated with the control value, a set-point marker placed at a first position along the scale for indicating the set-point value, and a pointer having a second position along the scale for indicating the control value. The pointer and/or the set-point marker exhibit a first graphical configuration corresponding to the case where the control value is not within the predetermined tolerance of the set-point value, and a second graphical configuration corresponding to the case where the control value is within the predetermined tolerance of the set-point value.

Abstract: An automobile overspeed warning system includes speed sensors for sensing the rate at which an automobile is travelling and speed selectors for receiving an input from the automobile driver indicating a top speed which the driver seeks not to exceed. The overspeed warning system compares the two values and activates an alarm when the desired limit is exceeded. The system can be used in conjunction with an existing cruise control system as a back-up system to warn the driver that the cruise control system has not been reset, or it can be used independently of a cruise control system to prevent the driver of an automobile from unknowingly or inadvertently operating his or her vehicle in excess of a certain speed for safety or other reasons. The system can be provided as a retrofit kit or as an integral part of an existing micro-processor controlled electrical system within the automobile.

Abstract: An automobile overspeed warning system includes speed sensors for sensing the rate at which an automobile is travelling and speed selectors for receiving an input from the automobile driver indicating a top speed which the driver seeks not to exceed. The overspeed warning system compares the two values and activates an alarm when the desired limit is exceeded. The system can be used in conjunction with an existing cruise control system as a back-up system to warn the driver that the cruise control system has not been reset and also to overcome its many disadvantages, or it can be used independently of a cruise control system to prevent the driver of an automobile from unknowingly or inadvertently operating his or her vehicle in excess of a certain speed for safety or other reasons. The system can be provided as a retrofit kit or as an integral part of an existing micro-processor controlled electrical system within the automobile.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring sensed parameters and diagnosing fault conditions are useful in connection with many machines. Advantageously, such systems are capable of indicating the level of the sensed parameters in both a graphical and a digital format. In the subject invention, a switch selects one of a normal mode and a numeric readout mode. A sensor produces a sensor signal. A device displays a number in digital form that is representative of the sensor signal in response to the switch selecting the numeric readout mode. A gauge is provided to display the sensor signal in graphical form in response to the switch selecting the normal mode and to flash an illuminable device in response to the switch selecting the numeric readout mode.

Abstract: A system for sensing the manner of operation of an automotive vehicle and for generating feedback signals to the vehicle operator as a function of the manner of operation includes a pressure sensor connected to the brake pedal so as to generate a multi-state output signal as a function of the instantaneous pressure applied to the brake, and a plurality of acceleration sensors supported so as to sense the rate of change of the motion about different axes. The sensor output signals are all provided to a controller which compares their outputs to values stored in a table to generate one of a stored set of output values. An audio signal generator receives the output values and generates an audio feedback signal to the vehicle operator as a function of the status of the sensors. The system may also provide a signal to the vehicle engine to prevent operation of the vehicle when excessively erratic operation is detected.

Abstract: A system uses multiple tilt sensors mounted to the vehicle frame and the vehicle suspension system to detect lateral acceleration and lateral load transfer. The system uses these measurements to determine a lateral load transfer ratio indicative of an actual roll moment compared to a maximum roll moment. The measurements from the tilt sensors are also used to calculate an effective center of gravity height. A display coupled to the system provides the vehicle operator with a read out of the load transfer ratio and effective center of gravity height. The display enables the vehicle operator to more completely understand the nature of the vehicle load and thereby allow the vehicle operator to avoid conditions likely to lead to a vehicle rollover accident.

Abstract: An improved display for steering wheels places display elements on the rim of the steering wheel. In this way, an operator of a vehicle is less likely to ignore display elements such as turn signals or warning lights. In one embodiment, lights are utilized to display the informational element. In a second embodiment a reconfigurable thin display, such as an LED, an LCD or an electro-luminescent display, is utilized. In either embodiment, the displayed information may change with rotation of the steering wheel.

Abstract: In a lighting control apparatus of a control panel in an automobile, a brightness reduction characteristic of a control panel lighting unit relative to a brightness signal of a brightness control unit is previously set according to external operation. The brightness control unit gives a brightness signal for controlling a luminosity of an instrument panel and a luminosity of a control panel which is provided near the instrument panel to a luminosity corresponding to an operation of a dimmer knob. When the brightness signal is given from the brightness control unit, the brightness of the control panel lighting unit is controlled according to a set brightness reduction characteristic relative to the brightness signal of the brightness control unit. Thereby, it is possible to make the luminosity of the control panel relative to the instrument panel a desired brightness characteristic.

Abstract: Even with a small display area of a hybrid display instrument for the instrument panel of a compact automobile, an optimum presentation of information can be obtained if the display area is limited to approximately the upper half of the instrument housing front panel and the symbolic information displays of fixed and variable symbol cells are rendered by a projection technique in a row along the bottom edge of the display area. In return, the electrical and optical control devices for the cells, and possibly even the system of cells itself, is moved into the lower area of the instrument housing so that these will take up no space in the actual display area. Above the row of symbolic display units, there extends the arc-shaped dial of at least one analog gauge, the pointer drive shaft of which is supported behind (or even below) the display edge for the symbolic information displays.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a direct downshift or upshift into a preselected start ratio, under certain predefined conditions. The preselected start ratio is that ratio actually utilized in the immediately preceding vehicle start from stop operation.

Abstract: A digital/analog indication unit which is capable of performing both digital and analog indications of detected value such as vehicle speed or the like, respectively by displaying numerals and rotating an indication needle to a scale, wherein there is no discrepancy between the digital indication and analog indication.

Abstract: A control system and method for a semi-automatic mechanical transmission system (10) is provided for allowing operator request for a scrolling display of allowable ratios in either the upshift or downshift direction, and for a direct shift into the selected one of the displayed ratios. In one embodiment, retaining the control (1) lever in a displaced position for one or two seconds will initiate the scrolling display, while retaining the transmission engaged in the initial ratio, and subsequently release of the control lever to its centered position will cause a direct shift into the then displayed ratio.