Acceleration Or Deceleration Patents (Class 340/467)
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Patent number: 8489299Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining a signal representing motor vehicle acceleration. The method involves obtaining a high pass filtered vehicle acceleration signal and a low pass filtered vehicle acceleration signal. One of these signals (preferably the high pass filtered signal) is obtained based upon the net driving force applied to the vehicle, which can be used to obtain an estimate of acceleration by means of an adoptive vehicle model (28). The other signal is obtained by measurement, for example by differentiating a measured vehicle speed signal with respect to time. Adding the two filtered signals together gives a vehicle acceleration signal of potentially good quality.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Torotrak (Development) LimitedInventor: Stephen William Murray
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Patent number: 8482397Abstract: A deceleration-activated brake light system for a vehicle featuring a speed sensor, a brake sensor, a throttle sensor, and an engine brake switch; and a microcontroller operatively connected to a standard relay switch functioning to activate a standard brake light system of the vehicle, the microcontroller is configured to receive input signals from the sensors when the sensors detect deceleration of the vehicle more than a predetermined percent, coasting of the vehicle more than a predetermined amount of time, application of the brake pedal; or engagement of the auxiliary brake whereupon the microcontroller generates an output command to the relay to cause activation of the standard brake light system of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Rex M. Tajiri
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Patent number: 8478486Abstract: A vehicle control device (10) is provided that can predict a driving operation of a driver earlier to respond to the driving operation quickly. The vehicle control device (10) includes: a posture measuring unit (11) to measure a posture indicating a state of at least one of the buttock region, the upper pelvic region, and the driver's leg opposite to the other leg with which the driver operates a brake or an accelerator; a posture change detection unit (12) to detect a posture change measured; a preparatory movement identification unit (13) to identify whether the posture change is caused by the driver's preparatory movement spontaneously made before the brake or accelerator operation, based on whether the posture change detected satisfies a predetermined condition; and a vehicle control unit (14) to control the vehicle when it is identified that the posture change has been caused by the preparatory movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yumiko Kato, Hoshimi Masakatsu
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Publication number: 20130141231Abstract: An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one regenerative-only deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle in addition to the conventional vehicle brake lights, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration of the vehicle and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the regen-only deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and the conventional vehicle brakes are not applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Inventor: David Aberizk
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Patent number: 8457855Abstract: An accelerator reaction force control apparatus has an accelerator position detecting device that detects an accelerator position and a reaction force varying device that varies a reaction force of an accelerator. The reaction force varying device increases the accelerator's reaction force beyond a base reaction force in response to the accelerator position being equal to or larger than a reaction force increase threshold, and decreases the accelerator's reaction force toward the base reaction force in response to the accelerator position becoming equal to or smaller than a reaction force increase cancellation threshold after the reaction force has been increased beyond the base reaction force. The reaction force varying device varies a reaction force decrease rate at which the accelerator's reaction force is decreased based on an accelerator position change condition existing at a time when the accelerator position becomes equal to or smaller than the reaction force increase cancellation threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeyuki Sakaguchi, Masao Shiomi, Masahiro Omori
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Patent number: 8441347Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for energizing one or more brake lights on a vehicle without an operator of the vehicle applying a brake of the vehicle by determining an acceleration of the vehicle, energizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever the acceleration of the vehicle equals or exceeds a braking threshold, and deenergizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever: (a) the brake lights are energized, (b) the acceleration of the vehicle is less than the braking threshold, (c) a specified period of time has elapsed since the brake lights were energized, and (d) the operator is not applying the brake of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: University of North Texas SystemInventors: Kenneth Adam Marlowe, Bryan Cotanch, James Parker
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Publication number: 20130076505Abstract: A sensor for actuating a vehicle warning signal includes a housing, a magnetically activated switch on an outside surface of the housing, and an electrical connection connecting the switch to a warning signaling device. The housing includes a cavity, at least one spring inside the cavity, and a moveable magnetic weight element adjacent the spring. In a first condition the weight element is located in a first resting, non-activating position remote from said switch, and in a second condition, during a deceleration of the vehicle, the weight element moves to compress the spring so that the weight element moves from the first position to a second activating position proximate the switch so that the switch is closed by magnetic interaction with the weight element, the closing of the switch causing the warning signaling device to be activated to provide a warning to following vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: KI-WOONG PARK
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Patent number: 8405516Abstract: A method executes a gyroscope function to unlock a portable electronic device. A user can rotate the portable electronic device to set a predetermined rotation direction and a predetermined rotation angle for unlocking the portable electronic device. In an unlock procedure, the gyroscope detects the rotated portable electronic device and outputs detected information of the portable electronic device. If the rotation direction and the rotation angle are the same as the predetermined rotation direction and the predetermined rotation angle, the locked portable electronic device is unlocked.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Chi Mei Communications Systems, Inc.Inventors: Po-Tai Huang, Chia-Hui Liao
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Patent number: 8400286Abstract: A spacer lamp in passenger and/or goods traffic, with a light field which dispenses light according to an illuminating configuration, wherein the light field 6 has a first and a second light source, and a control unit is provided for controlling the illumination configuration of the light field, wherein the light field 6 has a first illuminating characteristic for the eye of an average adult as he approaches the light field until a predefined spacing depending on a configuration parameter is reached, and has a second illuminating characteristic different from the first one if the spacing falls short of the predefined spacing.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KGInventor: Gereon Johannes Pusch
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Patent number: 8395522Abstract: Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received. The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Donguke Kweon
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Patent number: 8358207Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for pre-attentively communicating information to a driver of a vehicle. The system includes, but is not limited to a vehicle having a passenger compartment and an illumination component mounted within the passenger compartment. The illumination component is positioned to be peripherally visible to the driver as the driver looks in the direction of vehicle travel. An electronic processing device is operatively connected to the illumination component and is configured to control illumination of the illumination component in a manner that corresponds to a condition of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John K. Lenneman, Joseph F. Szczerba
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Patent number: 8332117Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an acceleration control apparatus, according to which accuracy for feed-forward torque may not be decreased even when a calculating accuracy for an estimated-slope torque would be decreased. Reliability of estimated slope is calculated and feedback torque is corrected, in such a manner that a gain for a feedback control portion is increased when the reliability of the estimated slope becomes lower. It is, therefore, possible to compensate a possible decrease of the accuracy of the feed-forward torque by correcting the feedback torque in accordance with the reliability of the estimated slope.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Masatoshi Hanzawa, Masayoshi Takeda, Hiroyuki Kodama, Hajime Kumabe
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Patent number: 8305205Abstract: A vehicle display device is arranged in a vehicle having an idling stop function that automatically stops an engine when the vehicle temporarily stops. The device includes a control unit that calculates a deviation of a current instant fuel consumption with respect to an average fuel consumption in a past predetermined period of the vehicle; and a fuelometer that indicates fuel consumption information representing whether a current driving state of the vehicle decreases the average fuel consumption. When the vehicle is in the idling stop state, the fuelometer indicates that the deviation is 0 regardless of the instant fuel consumption and the average fuel consumption.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kouji Kaneda
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Patent number: 8294564Abstract: An acceleration communication system may communicate acceleration information about a vehicle to person not in the vehicle. A lighting system may be configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle. An acceleration detector may be configured to detect acceleration of the vehicle. A light controller may be configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when acceleration of the vehicle is detected by the acceleration detector. A deceleration detector may be configured to detect deceleration of the vehicle. The light controller may be configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when deceleration of the vehicle is detected by the deceleration detector in a manner that is different than when acceleration of the vehicle is detected by the acceleration detector.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Forcelights, LLCInventors: Sunny P. Smith, Gene Y. Fridman
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Patent number: 8285474Abstract: Enabled is to lighten the load on a rider and to make the rider senses a turning state at the turning time of a transverse two-wheeled vehicle. A transverse acceleration (a) at a turn controlling time is detected to make a next inclination control in accordance with the magnitude of the acceleration. (a) In the case of an acceleration (a)?a predetermined threshold (a0), the vehicle is left uninclined to prevent the vehicle body from being unnecessarily inclined and rocked against a small centrifugal force, thereby to improve the riding comfortableness. (b) In the case of the acceleration (a)>the threshold (a0), a riding portion is inclined such that the inclination angle ?1 may become the larger as the acceleration (a) becomes the higher. This can reduce the load on the rider against the centrifugal force.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Equos ResearchInventor: Katsunori Doi
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Publication number: 20120218098Abstract: An apparatus for providing deceleration rate information of a user operating a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a unit including an accelerometer, a processor, and a lighting mechanism. The processor receives from the accelerometer deceleration info of the vehicle and variably adjusts at least one aspect of the lighting mechanism, thereby quantitatively signaling the deceleration rate to a driver of a following vehicle. The unit may be mounted on an article of clothing, a bag, or the vehicle itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: Mohammad Faizal Ali, Randall Jay Redding
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Patent number: 8198995Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electronically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electronically-operated actuator. The electronically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electronically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electronically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electronically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: William Henry Gross, Ronald David Bauerle
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Patent number: 8144004Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus to generate pulsing lights where parameters such as frequency, degree of brightness, and the number of pulses vary depending on the duration of the brake pedal application, the time interval between consecutive brake applications, and the deceleration rate of the vehicle, as well as optionally its distance from other vehicles. The brake light control system incorporates a microprocessor having multiple inputs, including a brake pedal sensor, and its output connected via an amplifying circuit to the lights. Other inputs of the microprocessor include a deceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and an optional manual pushbutton or switch located within the driver's reach. The lights controlled by the system may include brake lights, emergency lights, or additional lights shaped into a warning triangle.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: BLC Paws, LLCInventors: Waldemar Polak, Adam Polak, J. Lee Edwards, Piotr Folkert, M. Lee Jones
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Patent number: 8125326Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing notification to the driver of a vehicle when the vehicle's speed exceeds the speed limit within a speed control zone. A vehicular speed control (VSC) utility retrieves information indicating the speed limit of the speed control zone from an information signal detected by a radio receiver. The receiver is electrically coupled to the speed sensor circuitry of the vehicle to track the vehicle's velocity. The VSC utility determines whether to activate a speed notification alarm by comparing the vehicle's velocity with the zone's speed limit. When the vehicle's velocity exceeds the speed limit of the speed control zone, the VSC utility triggers the alarm and alerts the driver of the excessive speed with an audible/visible notification. The VSC utility may re-trigger the alarm if the driver continues to exceed the speed limit while driving within close proximity of the speed control zone.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Greg Romp
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Patent number: 8125327Abstract: Vehicle brake lights, hazard lights, bicycle lights, and safety lights for pedestrians, walkers, and runners. The human eye perceives light differently depending on its frequency (or wavelength) relative to the condition or degree of ambient lighting. Moreover, the human visual system perceives changes more readily than a static scene or state. Additionally, light in the green/blue part of the visual spectrum is perceived with much greater apparent intensity compared to red, particularly in low ambient light conditions. Accordingly, a lighting system and method that includes using brake lights that provide continuous changes in color during deceleration and, moreover, that uses blue, green, blue-green, yellow-green, and amber (or yellow) light or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventor: Edward J. Ognibene
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Publication number: 20110267187Abstract: The present invention includes an illuminated sports insignia for a vehicle comprising: a sports insignia; a body portion, where said body portion is behind the sports insignia; a bulb within the body portion; and a plug extending from the body portion, where said plug provides a means to connect to a trailer hitch receptacle. In one particular embodiment, the illuminated sports insignia includes an oval shape. Alternatively, the illuminated sports insignia may include a rectangular, a square or an octagon shape. The illuminated sports insignia may be synced with the brake lights of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventor: STEVEN SWAN
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Patent number: 8026801Abstract: A disclosed accelerator level display device 1 includes an accelerator level detection unit 12 configured to detect an accelerator level; a target accelerator level determining unit 14b configured to determine a target accelerator level for the accelerator level; and a display unit 15a, 20 configured to display a target accelerator level indicator corresponding to the target accelerator level and an accelerator level indicator corresponding to the detected accelerator level. The display unit is configured to display the target accelerator level indicator as a fixed value regardless of the target accelerator level determined by the target accelerator level determining unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kan Saito, Akito Adachi, Hatsuo Nakao, Hiroshi Tsujii, Osamu Komeda, Haruyuki Kodera
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Patent number: 8005602Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle speed control device for controlling a speed of a vehicle. The vehicle speed control device includes a current location error estimation section for extracting area attribute information from the map information, for producing a location error probability distribution, a target speed calculation section for receiving the target speed correction instruction, for accessing preset data that shows an acceleration or a gradient of an acceleration which allows a driver not to feel uncomfortable, and for computing target speed values at nodes over the distance in such a way that the target speed values create a continuous curve, and a speed control section for sensing a speed of a vehicle, and for controlling a driving torque of the vehicle so that the sensed speed traces the continuous curve composed of the target speed values.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Bando, Takeshi Inoue, Koichiro Tanikoshi, Masao Sakata, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Masato Imai
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Patent number: 7982594Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Sanjeev Kumar Singh
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Patent number: 7948366Abstract: A car speed alarm system is installed in a vehicle and has a modulation module and a demodulation module. The modulation module sends a car speed signal to cars behind when the car is decelerating. The cars behind use their demodulation module to read the transmitted car speed signal and notify their drivers, so that the drivers know how and when to reduce their speeds.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Shih-Hsiung Li
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Patent number: 7944349Abstract: A vehicle deceleration warning apparatus is activated immediately when a driver of the vehicle intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning apparatus includes an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, a second microprocessor module, and a display driving module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and delivers it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by adopting the ignition signal to generate a control signal. Then, the control signal is transmitted to the second microprocessor module wireless transmission. Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display driving module to generate a display driving signal to a display device, such as a brake light and a warning lamp, so as to generate a warning light representing deceleration of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: X Y E Computer Co., LtdInventor: Fu-Han Liu
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Patent number: 7917269Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided that improves the riding comfort by decelerating before a level change, even when the speed of the vehicle is high, through deceleration control when a characteristic value, that represents the relationship between the speed and the vertical acceleration of a vehicle, exceeds a comfort demarcation line that indicates a critical value of comfort in passing over the level change. The vehicle control system includes a memory that stores level change information for level changes in a road; a vehicle speed detector; and a vehicle speed controller that calculates the characteristic value based on the detected vehicle speed and the level change information, and executes acceleration control when the calculated characteristic value exceeds the critical value of comfort.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Miyajima, Fumiharu Ogawa
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Publication number: 20110063100Abstract: A braking indication system for illuminating the brake lamps on a vehicle having an engine braking device is disclosed. The vehicle may be slowed or stopped using either the brake pedal or the engine braking device. A first electrical conduction path is established between the vehicle power source and the brake lamps when the brake pedal is pressed. A second electrical conduction path is established between the vehicle power source and the brake lamps when the engine braking device is active. Thus, the brake lamps are illuminated when either the brake pedal or the engine braking device is used to slow the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: John A. Jinksy, Russell L. Jinsky
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Publication number: 20110043356Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for energizing one or more brake lights on a vehicle without an operator of the vehicle applying a brake of the vehicle by determining an acceleration of the vehicle, energizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever the acceleration of the vehicle equals or exceeds a braking threshold, and deenergizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever: (a) the brake lights are energized, (b) the acceleration of the vehicle is less than the braking threshold, (c) a specified period of time has elapsed since the brake lights were energized, and (d) the operator is not applying the brake of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXASInventors: Kenneth Adam Marlowe, Bryan Cotanch, James Parker
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Patent number: 7881710Abstract: A portable communication device detects a current speed of travel of the portable communication device independent of any vehicle temporarily transporting the portable communication device. A speed based setting controller of the portable communication device compares the current speed to at least one threshold value set at the portable communication device. Responsive to the current speed exceeding the threshold value, the speed based setting controller automatically assigns a separate speed based setting to a current setting for each feature assigned to the threshold value, wherein each current setting for each feature designates the operability of that feature within the portable communication device, such that the current setting for each feature adjusts with a speed of travel as detected by the portable communication device.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Susann M. Keohane, Gerald F. McBrearty, Shawn P. Mullen, Johnny M. Shieh
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Publication number: 20110012725Abstract: The brake light flashing device includes an RPM sensing/setting device that monitors the RPMs of an engine to determine whether an accelerator pedal has been released in anticipation of depression of a brake pedal. The RPM sensing/setting device is in turn wired to an in-line fuse, and a flashing device, which flashes an after-market brake light as well as pre-existing brake lights.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventor: Jimmy Foreman
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Patent number: 7872571Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placement in a vehicle, comprising a housing, at least one lighting element, an acceleration and/or deceleration circuits and/or a moisture sensor, the device being arranged for operatively switching on the lighting element when the device, in particular the acceleration and/or deceleration circuit, experiences an acceleration or deceleration which exceeds a pre-set maximum value and/or if the device comes at least partly under water.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Life Safety Products B.V.Inventors: Arend Michiel van der Meer, Mattheus Jacobus van der Meer
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Patent number: 7859391Abstract: An automated leading-vehicle message warning system for notifying a trailing vehicle of an unsafe traveling condition preferably includes a vehicle speedometer sensor and a vehicle brake system sensor. The warning system also may include a mechanism for determining whether a real-time traveling condition between the leading and trailing vehicles is a safe traveling condition by detecting whether the trailing vehicle is traveling at a minimum safe linear distance directly behind the leading vehicle upon receipt of input signals from a speedometer sensor and a vehicle brake system sensor. The warning system may also include a plurality of transducers housed in the leading vehicle that may be selectively toggled to respective activate modes such that each of the transducers generates and transmits a unique warning signal when the trailing vehicle fails to maintain the minimum safe distance from the leading vehicle during the unsafe traveling condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Inventor: Jose Solis
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Patent number: 7853391Abstract: An energy-saving driving promotion system includes: a vehicle state detecting device; a current value calculating device that calculates a current value associated with an accelerator operation amount or a vehicle drive power; a recommended value calculating device that calculates a recommended value associated with the accelerator operation amount or the vehicle drive power; an indicator device that indicates a relationship between the calculated recommended value and the calculated current value; and an acceleration intention determining device that determines whether a driver intends to accelerate. If the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver intends to accelerate, the recommended value calculating device calculates a larger recommended value when the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver intends to accelerate than when the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver does not intend to accelerate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Komeda, Akito Adachi, Takeshi Yamada, Yukihiro Okane, Sadamu Tsuge
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Publication number: 20100265057Abstract: An attentive device applied to vehicles includes a controlling mechanism and a display panel connected thereto. Wherein, the display panel is disposed on a body of the vehicle and includes LEDs. Further, the LEDs are divided into at least two effect zones that are thence connected to the controlling mechanism. Either of the effect zones is arranged for a performance of a particular symbol, so that the LEDs in one of the effect zone would shine for exposing the symbol and preferably those in the other effect zone would extinguish or flash in case that a command is generated and transmitted by the controlling mechanism, which gives the latter drivers and passersby an impressive warning effect and efficiently promotes the driving safety by increasing the identification regarding to the status of the front driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventor: Chung-Yu YEH
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Patent number: 7779955Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods designed to reduce the dangers presented by certain unintentional and intentional actions by drivers of motor vehicles, and more specifically to eliminating the panic-based, unintentional acceleration of motor vehicles by drivers in emergency situations as well as the intentional abuse of motor vehicle power by drivers.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Inventor: Victor Ramon Van Saanen
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Patent number: 7768385Abstract: A system includes lights coupled to a vehicle power supply source. One light is located at the vehicle's rear window. Remaining lights are independently and simultaneously operable with the one light. A mechanism is included for determining whether the vehicle is parked. Another mechanism determines whether a vehicle brake pedal has been engaged beyond a threshold level while the vehicle is not parked. A further mechanism flashes the one light and is mated to the park determining mechanism for activating the one light when the vehicle is parked and the brake pedal is engaged. The flashing mechanism is coupled to the brake pedal pressure level determining mechanism for activating the one light when the vehicle is not parked and the brake pedal is engaged beyond the threshold level. The flashing mechanism is automatically reset to a non-operating mode when the brake pedal is disengaged during parked and non-parked conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventors: John M. Juranovich, Katherine A. Juranovich
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Patent number: 7755474Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Sanjeev Kumar Singh
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Patent number: 7755475Abstract: A device for controlling the brake lights in a motor vehicle having a brake system, designed to be operated by outside forces, is described. The device includes a control device for actuating the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that an automatic braking operation can be carried out as a function of the vehicle operating conditions, and at least one brake lamp which can be actuated by the control device or by a separate control unit. The control device or the control unit may be designed in such a manner that during an automatic braking operation, the brake lamp is switched on below a predefined boundary speed, as a function of a braking pressure determined in the activated brake of the vehicle, or as a function of a parameter correlating to the braking pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Toelge, Alexander Meske
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Publication number: 20100117818Abstract: A speed-reduction alert device comprises a speed-reduction alert unit installed below a gas pedal for detecting swinging operation of the gas pedal so as to transfer a swing signal outwards; a computer main frame connected to the speed-reduction alert unit for receiving the swinging signals and controlling the flash frequencies, flash periods and change of signals of a brake light in a first car to show a deceleration of the first car to a driver of a second car so that the driver of the second car will alert the deceleration of the first car. When the gas pedal is pressed downwards for acceleration, the computer main frame will determine that it is an accelerating signal and the brake light is not actuated; and when the gas pedal is released to move upwards for deceleration, the computer main frame will determine that it is a deceleration signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: HOU-WANG KAO
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Patent number: 7710254Abstract: An integrated progressive brake light system for vehicles in which different sequences of brake lights are illuminated dependent on operator activation input. The brake light system uses a progressive multiple selective illumination in which additional central oriented brake lights are actuated as metered increase of operator input to indicate the relative degree of applied braking force as will be evident to the visual interpretation thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventor: Joel H. Hill, III
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Publication number: 20100102946Abstract: The embodiments of the invention are directed to a method and apparatus to generate pulsing lights where parameters such as frequency, degree of brightness, and the number of pulses vary depending on the duration of the brake pedal application, the time interval between consecutive brake applications, and the deceleration rate of the vehicle, as well as optionally its distance from other vehicles. The brake light control system incorporates a microprocessor having multiple inputs, including a brake pedal sensor, and its output connected via an amplifying circuit to the lights. Other inputs of the microprocessor include a deceleration sensor, a distance sensor, and an optional manual pushbutton or switch located within the driver's reach. The lights controlled by the system may include brake lights, emergency lights, or additional lights shaped into a warning triangle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventors: Waldemar Polak, Adam Polak, J. Lee Edwards, Piotr Folkert, M. Lee Jones
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Patent number: 7705748Abstract: The invention teaches a passive vehicle rear end warning and collision prevention method and apparatus thereof, comprising: a traveling data monitoring unit serving to monitor and sample the traveling data of present vehicle; a collision prevention information transmitting and receiving unit serving to transmit and receive the collision prevention information; an electronic control unit serving to analyze and process the sampled data so as to generate the collision prevention information and to receive the collision prevention information from other vehicle, and to control the traveling status of prevent vehicle based on the received collision prevention information so as to avoid rear end collision with other vehicle, so that the purpose of rear end warning and collision prevention is realized by receiving passively the collision prevention information from another vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Jianzhong Fu
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Publication number: 20100085180Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to improve and upgrade the existing automobile brake system. Currently, when a motorist pushes the foot brake in the car to decelerate a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator mounted on the trunk and in the rear windows of a vehicle lights up to indicate slowing down and stopping. In most vehicle LED systems, the distinction between a deceleration, hard braking, and a stop cannot be indicated or differentiated. The goal of the invention is to create a braking indication system that will demonstrate how fast a car is decelerating with LED arranged in a fashion to turn on proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the brake. Once pressure is applied, the brakes are applied and the brake light will let the vehicle behind know how quickly the vehicle is slowing down by showing an approximation using the LED display. Therefore if a driver is to lightly tap on his brakes, the brake indicator will light a small amount of LED to symbolize slowing down but not stopping.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventor: Monica JoElla Mathis
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Patent number: 7688194Abstract: A secondary brake light illumination circuit useful for storing excess power applied to a primary vehicle brake light illumination circuit during activation thereof and subsequently selectively discharging stored power to secondary illumination devices to provide a temporary decorative or informational display.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2007Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Inventor: James Flesch
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Patent number: 7683772Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp has a base configured to replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes first and second arrays of LEDs arranged on a support projecting from the base. One array is used to reproduce the vehicle signal and the second array provides a warning light signal. A collimator organizes light from one or more LED in a direction aligned with the intended direction of light emission from the vehicle lamp. An interface electrical circuit connects one array of LEDs to the vehicle electrical system. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the other array to produce a variety of warning signals and/or illumination patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Smith
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Patent number: 7649447Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Inventor: Yen-Ho Lu
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Patent number: 7646290Abstract: A deceleration warning device for reducing rear-end collisions in road traffic includes a sensor for detecting a longitudinal acceleration value, a control device receiving the longitudinal acceleration value, determining an acceleration limit value, and generating a warning signal if the longitudinal acceleration value exceeds the acceleration limit value, and a rear lighting display for displaying an alarm state when the control device emits a warning signal. Determination of the acceleration limit value is based upon a plurality of signals including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) signal and a brake pedal position signal. The control device is operable in one of three levels depending upon a detected quality of the signals.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Torsten Wey, Mike Mould, Amin Kashi, Jens Dornhege
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Patent number: 7642913Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor circuit and a nonlinear signal processing circuit. The sensor circuit detects a physical quantity and outputs a detection signal indicative of the detected physical quantity. The signal processing circuit includes a logarithmic converter, an analog-to-digital converter, and an antilogarithmic converter. The logarithmic converter produces a logarithm signal corresponding to a logarithm of the detection signal. The analog-to-digital converter digitalizes the logarithm signal. The antilogarithmic converter produces an antilogarithmic signal corresponding to an antilogarithm of the digitalized logarithm signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Junji Hayakawa
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Publication number: 20090278678Abstract: The invention can be used to increase the comfort and safety of road traffic by using a more appropriate notification of braking and acceleration of transport vehicles. According to the invention, the indicator includes an acceleration speed (a kick) sensor, a switch and one or more groups of sources of electric light. During the braking, the kick sensor emits a signal to the switch in order to switch the braking indication lamps so as to create a visual effect of lights running in all directions; the more intense braking is, and the more marked is this visual effect. In this manner, it is possible to imitate the increase of visible (angular) dimensions of transport vehicles, which are perceived very quickly by a human eye. In a similar way, during the acceleration of the transport vehicle the acceleration indication lights are switched so as to create an effect of lights approaching each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2006Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventor: Aleksei Borisovich Krotkov