External Alarm Or Indicator Of Movement Patents (Class 340/463)
  • Patent number: 9934441
    Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing lane partition lines on opposite sides of a traveling lane of a vehicle based on a forward image captured by a camera mounted in the vehicle. In the apparatus, an allowable range limiter is configured to, based on a learned value of a lane width learned by a lane width learner, limit allowable ranges for the respective lane partition lines, where in the allowable ranges the respective lane partition lines are allowed to be detected in the forward image. A lane change determiner is configured to determine whether or not there is a lane change made by the vehicle. The allowable range limiter is further configured to, if it is determined by the lane change determiner that there is a lane change, enlarge at least one of the allowable ranges limited by the allowable range limiter based on the learned value of the lane width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoki Kawasaki, Tomohiko Tsuruta, Shunsuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9727796
    Abstract: A parking assistance system includes: a color/IR detector which detects, from a camera image captured with a camera, marker candidates that are areas in each of which an intensity of a color component or an infrared (IR) component exceeds a threshold; a marker position calculator which calculates positions of the marker candidates in the camera image; and a validity verifier which determines whether the marker candidates are valid as the markers, based on the positions of the marker candidates and a predetermined positional relationship of the markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihisa Kawasaki, Koji Fujii, Tatsuto Ryugo
  • Patent number: 9704402
    Abstract: A vehicle indicator system includes a sensor provided on a base vehicle to measure a distance of an adjacent vehicle from the base vehicle, and an indicator provided on the base vehicle at a position to emit an indicator signal displayed towards the adjacent vehicle, which indicator signal can be ascertained by an operator of the adjacent vehicle. An intensity of the indicator signal is inversely proportional to a distance of the adjacent vehicle from the base vehicle. The vehicle indicator system also includes circuitry provided at the base vehicle and configured to receive an input signal from the sensor and to provide an output signal to the indicator for generating the indicator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammed Abdullah Alanazi
  • Patent number: 9527439
    Abstract: A multi-frequency alarm (10) generates a narrow band noise (MFA-87, -97, 102, -107) warning of a presence of a vehicle. The alarm includes noise signal circuitry (30) generating a pseudorandom bit stream to produce a noise signal that exhibits a multi-frequency spectrum; an active low-pass filter (40) receiving the noise signal and producing a narrow band noise signal, the active low-pass filter configured to establish for the narrow band noise signal spectral characteristics exhibiting a high-frequency noise signal magnitude roll-off that attenuates frequencies greater than 4 kHz; an audio amplifier (50) producing an amplified narrow band noise signal; and an audio speaker (60) responsive to the amplified narrow band noise signal and configured to emit narrow band noise sound derived from the narrow band noise signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventor: Grant Juel
  • Patent number: 9518832
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drive-pattern evaluation device for appropriately evaluating energy-saving performance of a drive pattern. A drive-pattern evaluation device of the present invention is a drive-pattern evaluation device which evaluates a past actual drive pattern of a moving body based on energy consumption, the device including: an energy-saving drive pattern generating unit that generates an energy-saving drive pattern in consideration of energy consumption with respect to an evaluation section of the actual drive pattern; an energy consumption estimating unit that estimates energy consumption by the energy-saving drive pattern as an estimated energy-saving consumption; and an eco-score calculator that compares energy consumption by the actual drive pattern in the evaluation section and the estimated energy-saving consumption, to evaluate the actual drive pattern based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryusuke Kinoshita, Takashi Irie, Masahiko Ikawa, Yuko Ohta
  • Patent number: 9220463
    Abstract: Wireless systems and methods include a plurality of peripheral electronic devices each having a wireless communication system. A processor is configured to establish an association confidence level indicative of a likelihood that a peripheral electronic device is associated to a monitored subject for each peripheral electronic device based on association criteria. Indicators are configured to communicate the association the association confidence level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Comapny
    Inventor: Matthew George Grubis
  • Patent number: 9156399
    Abstract: A braking light system mounted on a road vehicle includes at least one braking light, a power source, a detecting unit, and a controlling unit. The braking light includes a light guide plate, a first light source, and a second light source. The light guide plate includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall and a plurality of holes and depressions to release internal light, the holes are arranged to present a decreasing diameter and decreasing density of holes between the light sources and sidewalls. The controlling unit controls the power source to provide power for the first light source at night, and when the detecting unit detects deceleration, the controlling unit is prompted to further control the power source to provide power for the second light source to emit light to provide an effective visual braking warning to any following driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yung-Lun Huang
  • Patent number: 9117364
    Abstract: A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: HKI Systems and Service LLC
    Inventors: Henry S. King, Toru Takehara
  • Patent number: 9096164
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicular lamp that includes a lamp body, an exterior lens configured to define a lamp chamber between the lamp body and the exterior lens, and a vibration device fixed to a component of the vehicular lamp and configured to be vibrated by receiving an electric signal to cause the component to generate a sound. The vibration device includes a housing fixed to the component of the lamp, an electric circuit provided in the housing, a vibration body vibrated when the electric signal is input to the electric circuit, and a device connector to which an external connector is connected to input the electric signal to the electric circuit. In particular, the device connector is integrally provided in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Naoki Tatara
  • Patent number: 9073559
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting failing rail car wheels, brakes, bearings, and/or other components of a rail car may include at least one thermal sensor and at least one image capture device. The thermal sensor(s) and image capture devices(s) are usable to help determine whether there is a failure or potential failure of a component of a wheel set by detecting, measuring and/or comparing a temperature of various portions of the wheel set. If the temperature is higher than expected, it may indicate, for example, a stuck brake, a failing bearing, and/or some other failure of the wheel set. If the temperature is lower than expected, it could indicate that a brake of the wheel set is unexpectedly disengaged and/or some other failure of the wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: LynxRail Corporation
    Inventors: Krzysztof Kilian, Vladimir Mazur
  • Patent number: 9067537
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle periphery monitoring device capable of making a driver reliably recognize the shape of an object to which attention should be paid. According to an image processing unit (1) (vehicle periphery monitoring device), for example, when it is highly probable that the shape of the object is difficult to be visually recognized through the output image because of the reason that the object is present far from the vehicle or other reason, an enlarged image (Q?) of the object (Q) is displayed on an HUD (7) so as not to overlap with the object (Q).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Aimura, Hideki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9035754
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror reflective element that is fixedly attached at a mirror back plate. The mirror back plate includes an indicator structure that has a passageway that extends from the back plate at an angle relative to the portion of the back plate. At least one baffle is disposed within the passageway and is angled at the angle relative to the portion of the back plate. An indicator is mounted at an end portion of the passageway, and light emitted by the indicator passes through the passageway and through the mirror reflective element via an opening in the back plate. When the indicator is activated, light passing through the passageway and emanating from the mirror reflective element is at least partially shielded from direct view by the driver of the vehicle by the at least one baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9014953
    Abstract: Wireless sensing and communication system including sensors located on the vehicle, in the roadway or in the vicinity of the vehicle or roadway and which provide information which is transmitted to one or more interrogators in the vehicle by a wireless radio frequency mechanism. Power to operate a particular sensor is supplied by the interrogator or the sensor is independently connected to either a battery, generator, vehicle power source or some source of power external to the vehicle. The sensors can provide information about the vehicle and its interior or exterior environment, about individual components, systems, vehicle occupants, subsystems, or about the roadway, ambient atmosphere, travel conditions and external objects. The sensors arranged on the roadway or ancillary structures would include pressure sensors, temperature sensors, moisture content or humidity sensors, and friction sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wendell C. Johnson, Wilbur E. DuVall
  • Patent number: 8994524
    Abstract: An indication unit for vehicles is suggested, which comprises at least one LED and at least one electrical circuit in a housing. The indication unit is connected to a first control, which is arranged in the vehicle, and connected to an LED driver circuit. A second control circuit, which is arranged in or on the housing of the indication unit, operates the LED with pulse-width modulated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Soenke Goldschmidt
  • Patent number: 8988212
    Abstract: An electric vehicle pedestrian warning system includes an encapsulating container disposed in a location of an electric vehicle (EV) that is exterior to a cabin of the EV. The warning system also includes a speaker affixed to an interior portion of the container, an amplifier coupled to the speaker, a computer processor communicatively coupled to the amplifier, and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to transmit a sound file to the speaker through the amplifier over a vehicle network upon activation of the EV. The sound file includes a pedestrian warning sound. A first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is output by the speaker and amplified using acoustical properties of the encapsulating container. The first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is amplified in a low frequency range capable of being cancelled by an active noise cancellation system that is located in the interior cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Susan T. Carruthers
  • Patent number: 8981918
    Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle having an air suspension system can include an indicator, an event data recorder, and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine a load on a front axle and a rear axle when the vehicle is in a static condition and compare the determined load on the front and rear axles to a predetermined load threshold for each of the front and rear axles. A warning signal can be provided to the indicator indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined load threshold upon the controller determining one of the determined loads exceeds the corresponding predetermined load threshold. Data indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined threshold can be communicated to the event data recorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Satish Panse
  • Publication number: 20150054642
    Abstract: An electric vehicle pedestrian warning system includes an encapsulating container disposed in a location of an electric vehicle (EV) that is exterior to a cabin of the EV. The warning system also includes a speaker affixed to an interior portion of the container, an amplifier coupled to the speaker, a computer processor communicatively coupled to the amplifier, and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to transmit a sound file to the speaker through the amplifier over a vehicle network upon activation of the EV. The sound file includes a pedestrian warning sound. A first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is output by the speaker and amplified using acoustical properties of the encapsulating container. The first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is amplified in a low frequency range capable of being cancelled by an active noise cancellation system that is located in the interior cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Susan T. Carruthers
  • Patent number: 8963704
    Abstract: A driver assist device is provided for an industrial truck (1) that has a load handling device (5). The driver assist device, when located on the industrial truck (1), projects a lighting effect onto the roadway (13). The lighting effect forms a position marking (12) of the load handling device (5) on the roadway (13) which will be reached by the load handling device (5) for a particular steering angle after the industrial truck (1) travels around a curve by a defined curve angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Adami
  • Publication number: 20150025708
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. Movement of an operator located at a side of the vehicle is identified with a plurality of sensors located in the vehicle and the vehicle is moved in a path that maintains the operator at the side of the vehicle while the operator is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Deere & Company
  • Patent number: 8929807
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for transmitting/broadcasting messages/content (e.g., audio) by routing such messages to an intended audience/recipient(s), and optionally applying audio preferences to broadcast characteristics. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may receive a message/broadcast in a queue, and identify a set of intended recipients of the broadcast (e.g., based on the content therein). Once the intended recipients have been identified, a set of locations of the intended recipients may be determined. Based on the locations, at least one output device is selected (e.g., based on proximity of the output device(s) to the intended recipients). Thereafter, the broadcast may be transmitted to the intended recipients via the selected output device(s), while any associated audio preferences are applied. In one embodiment, if an intended recipient is listening to other content, such content may be muted and/or paused so that the transmitted broadcast may be heard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brillhart, Christopher J. Dawson, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Anne R. Sand, James W. Seaman
  • Patent number: 8890669
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collaboratively monitoring by means of MTC devices in a wireless communication network and related MTC devices and system. Each of the MTC devices is connected to a MTC server via said wireless communication network and includes a transceiver having a unique ID and security code, and said transceiver periodically broadcasts its normal or abnormal status information to other MTC devices within a certain range in the vicinity of that MTC device and detects and identifies other MTC devices within said range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Hongfei Du, Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 8878659
    Abstract: A control unit generates an annunciation sound signal including multiple frequency components. A sound emission device emits an annunciation sound to an outside of a vehicle according to the annunciation sound signal. The control unit changes a pitch of the annunciation sound signal according to a vehicle speed and changes an output level of the annunciation sound signal according to the pitch of the annunciation sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Tsuzuki, Kazuyuki Usami
  • Patent number: 8860567
    Abstract: An automated vehicle crash warning system may include a lighting system configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle; a vehicle crash detector configured to detect a crash of the vehicle; and a light controller configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when a crash of the vehicle is detected by the vehicle crash detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Forcelights, LLC
    Inventors: Sunny P. Smith, Gene Y. Fridman
  • Patent number: 8854183
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsutomo Komine, Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8854223
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for image-based determination of concentration of CO and CO2 in a vehicle's exhaust gas in an emissions testing environment. In one embodiment, the present method involves receiving an IR image of the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle intended to be tested for CO and CO2 concentrations. The IR image has been captured using a mid-wave infrared camera with at least one optical filter tuned to the infrared absorption band of CO and CO2. The images are pre-processed to isolate pixels which contain the exhaust plume. The intensity values of pixels in those isolated regions are normalized and concentrations of CO and CO2 are determined via a calibration curve which relates pixel intensities to concentrations. The concentrations are compared to an emissions standard set for the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is a gross polluter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: George Cunha Cardoso, Lalit Keshav Mestha
  • Patent number: 8830031
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi, Michiko Komine, Keisuke Komine, Chihiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20140240118
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary horn apparatus provides a sound through a horn to alert pedestrians that a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle or a new vehicle that makes virtually no noise, is moving; and provides set sound information during parking when a human body is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jae Woong Lee
  • Patent number: 8816841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning system mounted on a vehicle comprising detection means for detecting an object, and signalling means connected to said detection means, wherein said detection means are arranged to remotely detect an object in the vicinity of the vehicle and that said detection means is connected to said signalling means to automatically emit a signal that is detectable from at least one other side of the vehicle than the one where said object is present, and wherein said detection means (4) are arranged to avoid detecting objects lower than 0.5 m, preferably lower than 0.25 m from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Binar Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Leif Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8810364
    Abstract: A working machine is provided with a plurality of exchangeable components, and each component is provided with a wireless tag. A component ID is stored in advance in the wireless tag. When, on the side of the working machine, a component exchange timing or an engine starting timing is detected, the component ID stored in the wireless tag is acquired, and is transmitted to a working machine management device. The working machine management device checks the component ID which has been received from the working machine and a component ID which is stored in a component ID storage means against one another. And, if these two component IDs do not match one another, an abnormal state detection means outputs a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsuda, Hidenori Koizumi, Michiko Komine, Keisuke Komine, Chihiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20140225726
    Abstract: A vehicle approach informing device includes: an informing sound output unit configured to output informing sound for informing a pedestrian outside a vehicle that the vehicle is approaching when a predetermined condition is satisfied; a stop operation unit configured to receive an operation for stopping the output of the informing sound by the informing sound output unit; and an information output unit configured to output predetermined information to a driver. When the predetermined condition is satisfied and output of the informing sound by the informing sound output unit is stopped by an operation of the stop operation unit, the information output unit outputs information to the driver, the information indicating that the informing sound is not outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki KANAYA, Takuya ITOH
  • Publication number: 20140210609
    Abstract: A helmet apparatus for automated vehicle heading alert includes a carrier detachable from headwear of a driver, a plurality of light emitting elements, a gyroscopic device, a signal processing and decision-making (SPDM) processor, and a power device. The light emitting elements are installed on the carrier and include left and right light emitting elements. The gyroscopic device is installed on the carrier and includes a gyroscope for detecting an operation of a vehicle and outputting gyroscope signals corresponding to the operation. The SPDM processor receives the gyroscope signals to form operation signals, processes the operation signals, performs a discriminant decision-making procedure, generates consecutively discriminant signals corresponding to the operation signals, and drives accordingly at least one of the light emitting elements to turn on, turn off, or flashing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: National Taipei University
    Inventor: Chan-Yun Yang
  • Patent number: 8779911
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (1) with a blind spot indicator for visually alerting a driver (5) to the presence of an object (2) in the blind spot (3) of the motor vehicle (1). The mirror assembly (10) includes a first mirror surface (30) and a second mirror surface (32). The mirror assembly (10) further includes a transition surface (34) disposed between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32) for displaying a blind spot indicator to the driver (5) when an object (2) is detected in the vehicle's blind spot (3). The transition surface (34) for displaying the blind spot indicator is oriented generally towards the driver of the vehicle and away from other road users. Preferably, the transition surface (34) forms a discrete step or discontinuity between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Simon Belcher, Christopher Moase
  • Patent number: 8773253
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device emits a movement notification sound to outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving at a low speed. The notification sound control device operates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the movement notification sound. The notification sound control device includes a notification sound prohibiting section and a prohibition cancelling section. The notification sound prohibiting section prohibits an emission of the movement notification sound by the sound emitting device. The prohibition cancelling section cancels a notification sound emission prohibition imposed by the notification sound prohibiting section either upon a vehicle speed of the vehicle exceeding a prescribed vehicle speed or based on position information of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshino, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Yoshiro Tateishi, Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8754762
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for generating an operating sound of a vehicle, which does not require a separate installation space and thus imposes no spatial limitations on the design of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotatable mechanism and a film The rotatable mechanism is driven by a motor, and is provided with a plurality of blades. The film is provided on at least one of the blades, a first end of the film being secured to an edge of the blade and a second end being a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ji Hoon Jeong, Moon Seok Lee, Dong Chul Park, Ji Min Lim
  • Patent number: 8730026
    Abstract: The vehicular lamp of the present disclosure includes a lamp control unit configured to control the lighting state of the lamp, the sound generating device configured to generate an alarm sound from the lamp when the device is driven, and a sound generating control unit configured to control the sound generating device. The lamp control unit is configured such that a normal operation of the lamp control unit itself becomes impossible so as not to turn ON the lamp unit normally when a remodeling is performed to the sound generating control unit cutting off, for example, a power source line VW, a control line CW, and a driving line MW which are connected to the sound generating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Tatara
  • Patent number: 8730027
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device emits a starting movement notification sound to outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an outside area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will transition from a stopped state to a moving state, and emits a moving notification sound to outside of the vehicle to inform a person in the outside area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle is moving. The notification sound control device operates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the starting movement notification sound. The notification sound control device includes a notification sound emission timing section that sets a start timing of the starting movement notification sound in response to a shift operation having been performed and an additional start movement preparation operation of the vehicle having been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Hideo Yoshino, Yuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8725342
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a vehicle in an autonomous mode are disclosed. In one aspect, an example method is disclosed that includes obtaining lane information that provides an estimated location of a lane of a road on which a vehicle is traveling. The example method further includes determining that the lane information has become unavailable or unreliable and, in response, using a sensor to monitor a first distance and a second distance between the vehicle and a neighboring vehicle, determining first and second relative positions of the neighboring vehicle based on the first and second distances, respectively, and, based on the first and second relative positions, determining an estimated path of the neighboring vehicle. The example method further includes, based on the estimated path, determining an updated estimated location of the lane, and controlling the vehicle based on the updated estimated location of the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David I. Ferguson, Dmitri Dolgov
  • Patent number: 8717155
    Abstract: A brake warning device and method includes acquiring acceleration data of a bicycle, and calculating a specific parameter according to the acceleration data acquired within a preset interval using a preset calculation method. The bicycle is determined to be decelerating if the specific parameter is less than a preset threshold value. A brake light of the brake warning device is turned on to warn that the bicycle is braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-I Lin
  • Publication number: 20140118132
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a motion status of a vehicle, a control device, plurality of data acquisition sensors, and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is customizable with the plurality of data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits based upon the needs of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the communication system is customized before it is installed within the vehicle. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the communication system is customizable after it is installed within the vehicle by turning on and/or turning off one or more of the data acquisition sensors and one or more alerting device activation circuits. The communication system is able to be implemented on a bus or other such fleet vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Vision Works IP Corporation
    Inventors: Fritz Braunberger, Beau M. Braunberger
  • Patent number: 8710974
    Abstract: A sound producing apparatus for a vehicle notifying a vehicle's approach outside the vehicle comprising an original-tone generating portion generating an original tone of a vehicle's approaching sound for recognition of a vehicle's approach, a modulation-tone generating portion generating a modulation tone from the original tone with a comb filter function which is configured to apply gains to frequency components so that a gain to be applied to a specified frequency component of a times-tone row which has frequencies of n-times of a fundamental frequency is greater than that to be applied to the other frequency component than the specified frequency component of the times-tone row, a sound-pressure setting portion setting a sound pressure of the approaching sound of the modulation tone, and a speaker producing outside the vehicle the vehicle's approaching sound of the modulation tone with the set sound pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Taro Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 8698612
    Abstract: An apparatus for defining a safety zone for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more radiation sources operatively coupled to the vehicle, the one or more radiation sources configured to create one or more visible identifiers at one or more locations, said locations defining a pre-determined position relative to the vehicle, and said one or more visible identifiers thereby defining the safety zone for the vehicle. There is also disclosed, the use of one or more vehicle-mounted radiation sources to direct radiation to one or more pre-determined positions to create a conspicuous safety zone proximal to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Toll
  • Patent number: 8680964
    Abstract: Notice sounds having different sound qualities are generated simultaneously outside a vehicle via an in-vehicle parametric speaker having a first directionality and an in-vehicle dynamic speaker using a vehicular horn unit having a second directionality having a broader emission angle as compared with the first directionality. Both the notice sound via the parametric speaker and the notice sound via the dynamic speaker reach the ears of a person outside the vehicle in different sound pressures based on a difference between the first directionality and the second directionality. A sound tone of a notice sound actually heard by the person outside the vehicle varies according to a travel direction and travel speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20140078302
    Abstract: A backward movement indicator apparatus is provided for a vehicle having an alert device. The backward movement indicator apparatus comprises an image capture device arranged to capture image data which is representative of objects in vicinity of the vehicle. The backward movement apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to process the captured image data to provide a signal which is indicative of the vehicle moving backwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Majed M. Hamdan, Ananda Pandy
  • Patent number: 8669855
    Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Suzuki, Motohiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8669858
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device is configured to emit a movement notification sound to an outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will move. The notification sound control device is configured to operate the sound emitting device in response to occurrence of a vehicle condition. The notification sound control device setting the movement notification sound of the sound emitting device to a frequency in a range of 1.5 kHz to 6 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshino, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura, Yuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8665081
    Abstract: A vehicle notification sound emitting apparatus is basically provided with a sound emitting device and a notification sound control device. The sound emitting device emits forward and reverse advancement notification sounds outside of a vehicle to inform a person in an area surrounding the vehicle that the vehicle will move. The notification sound control device operates the sound emitting device to selectively emit the forward and reverse movement notifications. The notification sound control device includes forward and reverse advancement notification sound emission timing sections. A start timing of the forward advancement notification sound is set in response to both a forward movement shift operation having been performed and an additional start movement preparation operation of the vehicle having been performed. A start timing of the reverse movement notification sound is set to be emitted immediately in response to the reverse movement shift operation having been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshino, Tsuyoshi Kanuma, Hironori Saito, Katsumi Kimura, Yuji Watanabe, Toshiyuki Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20140055258
    Abstract: A method is provided for generating noise in an interior and exterior of a motor vehicle in which a control unit is provided which can be activated and which is operatively connected to a noise generator. The noise generator is connected to at least one noise emitting device (3). The noise emitting device (3) is mounted underneath a hood of the motor vehicle, and is connected to the vehicle interior via at least one hose with at least one sound transmitting element. Sound waves are extracted from the noise emitting device (3) and are transmitted into the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Daniel Grosse-Budde
  • Patent number: 8655375
    Abstract: A present location of a user is periodically determined. The present location of the user is compared to a previous location of the user. A determination is made as to whether the present location is within a specified distance of the previous location. If the present location is within the specified distance of the previous location, a determination is made as to whether the user has been at the present location for a specified time period. If the user has been at the present location for the specified time period, the present location is stored in a location database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Service Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph Aceves, Sergio A. Fernandez, Carolina Tamayo Figueroa
  • Patent number: 8643505
    Abstract: A host vehicle includes a cruise control system and an externally perceivable indicating device. The cruise control system is configured to selectively synchronize speed control of the host vehicle with at least one other vehicle. The cruise control system includes a relative position detecting device configured to determine position of the at least one second vehicle relative to the host vehicle, a vehicle speed control device, and a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device. The externally perceivable indicating device is configured to provide an indication of the operating status of the cruise control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuda, Ronald Heft
  • Patent number: RE44912
    Abstract: A reversing alarm for a vehicle emits an audible signal in the form of pulses of broad band sound when the vehicle is put into reverse gear. The broad band sound allows persons in the vicinity to locate the vehicle, as the human brain is able to process broad band sound to pinpoint the location of the sound source in a way which is not possible with single tone sounds. The alarm is implemented via a simple electronic circuit which uses a zener diode as a signal generator 20 to generate the broad band sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Yamaguchi Electric Ind. Co. Ltd., Brigade Electronics PLC
    Inventors: Christopher Hanson-Abbott, Masato Yamashita