Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device.

Abstract: A switching device for connection to an antenna unit and a computing unit to form a communication device for car-to-X communication, in particular a DSRC communication device. The switching device has at least one interface for communication with a mobile terminal device, in particular a mobile telephone. The switching device includes a computing unit and a control device to forward at least a part of received messages to the mobile terminal device and/or to transmit messages on the basis of a control command from the mobile terminal device.

Abstract: A method and a device for outputting a signal when there is a hazardous surface under a vehicle includes providing an optical surface sensor for determining one or more parameters of the underlying surface, a stationary-state-determining device for determining whether the vehicle is stationary or is to be brought to a standstill, and an output device that outputs a signal if the underlying surface has been determined to be hazardous on the basis of the parameter(s), and the vehicle is stationary or is to be brought to a standstill.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation apparatus including a transceiver configured to communicate with at least one other vehicle near a vehicle including the vehicle navigation apparatus and configured to receive traveling information about the at least one other vehicle, a controller configured to calculate first movement information of the vehicle and second movement information of the at least one other vehicle based on the received traveling information, and a display unit configured to display a graphical representation of the vehicle and the at least one other vehicle based on the calculated movement information.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting vehicle proximity in an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). A sensor may be configured to detect a presence of a vehicle within a predetermined distance of the EVSE. A processor may be configured to determine that the vehicle is in proximity of the EVSE in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the vehicle. The processor may be further configured to generate an alert in response to a determination that the vehicle is in proximity of the EVSE.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for requesting modification of traffic flow control systems that combine satellite position navigation systems and dead reckoning technology with secure radio communications to accurately report a vehicle's real-time location and estimated arrival times at a series of signal lights within a traffic grid or at a distant signal light, while enabling signal controllers to accommodate priority requests from these vehicles, allowing for these vehicles to maintain a fixed schedule with minimal interruption to other grid traffic.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a mobile device in motion to perform near field radiation monitoring functions while implementing an alert for a companion (in vehicle or adjacent to) when potentially unsafe conditions due to mobile device distracted driving may be about to occur with or to companions. Also, providing alerts through near-field monitoring of mobile device transmissions to passing by vehicles with potentially unsafe distractions.

Abstract: Methods and systems of providing home automation information via communication with a vehicle. A home automation system can determine a state of the home and determine when occupants enter a home. The home automation system can identify an occupant and monitor the status and location of the occupant in the home and determine a status change for the occupant, such when the occupant leaves or is scheduled to leave the home, the occupant going to sleep, experiencing a health crisis, or entering an area of the home the occupant is not authorized to enter. The home automation system can send alerts and information to a vehicle operation system of a vehicle and to a communication device of a user. The alerts can include information related to the identity and the status of the occupant and information related to the state of the home.

Abstract: In the present disclosure, systems and methods for preventing collisions between a ground services vehicle and other objects are described. In one embodiment, a system includes a digital three dimensional map of the outer dimensions of the ground vehicle, a micro radar device, a comparator, and an indicator. The micro radar device is secured to the ground vehicle. A comparator signals when an object is within a predetermined envelope around the outer dimensions of the ground vehicle. The comparator receives signals from the micro radar device, and includes dimension data from the three dimensional map. The indicator is responsive to the signal from the comparator. The indicator alerts of possible and pending collision when the predetermined envelope is breached. The indicator may also activate a brake mechanism to stop the ground vehicle. Methods for carrying out the invention by sensing a breach of the envelope and stopping the vehicle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle approach warning apparatus has a failure determining section and a monitor voltage output circuit connected to a potential change terminal. During a sound emit period where a warning signal is being outputted to an sound emitter for emitting a warning sound, the output circuit outputs a monitor voltage from an output terminal by half-wave rectifying and integrating the warning signal upon a change of a potential of the potential change terminal to a high level. When a short-circuit failure occurs in the sound emitter, the output circuit keeps a potential of the output terminal to a low level during the sound emit period. During the sound emit period, the failure determining section sets the potential of the potential change terminal to a high level and determines whether the short-circuit failure occurs based on the monitor voltage.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: A home security system includes an in-home system and a vehicle-mounted system, wherein the in-home system includes an in-home sensor that is mounted in a home and is capable of detect a state of the home, and an in-home communication module that is capable of communicating with the vehicle-mounted system to sense an abnormality from information of the in-home sensor, and wherein the vehicle-mounted system includes a vehicle-mounted device that is mounted on a vehicle that is capable of a vehicle outside output, and a vehicle-mounted communication module that is capable of communicating with the in-home system via the in-home communication module, and when the in-home system senses the abnormality, an instruction is received from the in-home system via the in-home communication module and vehicle-mounted communication module to deal with the abnormality using the vehicle-mounted device according to the instruction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for warning a pedestrian of an oncoming vehicle. In particular, a sensor senses the position of a pedestrian in the vicinity of a vehicle. The position information is then sent to a control unit which controls a phase, a frequency, and a volume of a sound signal transmitted to a pair of dipole speakers based on positional information of the pedestrian calculated by the control unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for locating a vehicle are disclosed, including detecting one or more environmental conditions, the one or more environmental conditions being indicative of an occurrence of an environmental event, determining a probability of the occurrence of the environmental event in response to detecting the one or more environmental conditions, and effecting a preventive action in response to the probability being above a threshold probability, the preventive action being configured to protect the vehicle from the environmental event.

Abstract: A symbolizing execution section symbolizes information regarding driving scenes, and describes an entire driving scene around the location of an own motor vehicle. This makes it possible to only increase the information to be symbolized when the number of traffic participants is increased. This can adopt the increase of the traffic participants. A symbol transition prediction section predicts a transition of the symbolized driving scene by using influence which affects the operation of the traffic participants caused by the operation of the own motor vehicle. This makes it possible to increase prediction accuracy while decreasing a large amount of calculation on predicting the transition of driving scene.

Abstract: A vehicle approaching detector and notification device includes a central processing device, a number of detectors attached to different portions of a vehicle and electrically connected to the central processing device for sending detecting signals to the central processing device, a number of vibration generating devices attached to a driver seat of the vehicle and electrically connected to the central processing device and actuated in corresponding to the detectors for generating a vibrating and warning signal in order to indicate different approaching direction and location or position of another vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving user input identifying a travel destination for a first vehicle, determining, by a processor, a first route for the first vehicle to follow, and configuring the first vehicle to follow the first route. The method further includes obtaining a model for a second vehicle that shares a road with the first vehicle and comparing model to a pre-determined template for a vehicle that is known to be a special purpose vehicle in order to determine whether the first template and the second template match. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a second route that leads to the travel destination, when a match is found to exist, and switching the first vehicle from following the first route to following the second route.

Abstract: In a method for selecting safety measures to be taken to increase the safety of occupants of a vehicle, which safety measures relate to a hazard due to environmental influences, a relevance of the hazard is inferred from received position data and warning message data, and at least one safety measure, which includes activation of an actuator in a vehicle, is selected and taken as a function of the relevance.

Abstract: A device for activating a horn of a motor vehicle by a remote transmitter independent of a vehicle user includes a receiver and a control unit. The receiver is implemented to receive an activation signal from the remote transmitter. The control unit is implemented to activate the horn of the motor vehicle in response to the activation signal.

Abstract: Vehicle-related messaging methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one of the methods, a telematics unit disposed in a vehicle detects that the vehicle is no longer in operation. Upon making the detection, the telematics unit automatically transmits a message to a device, where the message includes a suggestion, a recommendation, an indication, or a notification pertaining to a vehicle utility. An application resident on the device, or on a cloud computing system in communication with the device, presents the message on the device by displaying i) the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification and ii) a plurality of actionable items associated with the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification.

Abstract: In a method for warning a driver of a vehicle about a collision with an object in the course a parking operation, the distance of the vehicle to at least one object in the environment of the vehicle is detected, and if a specified minimum distance is undershot, the driver is warned to stop the vehicle or the vehicle is stopped automatically. The specified minimum distance is varied as a function of the type of parking space and the executed parking maneuver.

Abstract: In an example implementation, an autonomous vehicle is configured to detect closures and lane shifts in a lane of travel. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode and determine a presence of an obstacle substantially positioned in a lane of travel of the vehicle using a sensor. The lane of travel has a first side, a second side, and a center, and the obstacle is substantially positioned on the first side. The autonomous vehicle includes a computer system. The computer system determines a lateral distance between the obstacle and the center, compares the lateral distance to a pre-determined threshold, and provides instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: A display data management unit that receives and formats data and sends the formatted data to one or more low-cost display units for display to at least one of passengers and customers is disclosed and may include a communication interface that facilitates the sending and receiving of travel data, and a display content management unit that receives travel data through the communication interface that contains travel-related content from one or more data sources, determines which travel-related content is to be displayed on each particular low-cost display unit, determines in what format the travel-related content is to be displayed on each particular low-cost display unit, formats the travel-related content for display, and sends the formatted travel-related content to one or more low-cost display units through the communication interface for display to one of passengers and customers.

Abstract: A driving assist apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The driving assist apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting a transmission wave, a receiver for receiving a reflected wave, an obstacle presence determination section for detecting a presence of an obstacle in the surrounding of the vehicle based on the reflected wave, a measurement section for measuring a frequency of phase delay and advance of the reflected wave with respect to a reference signal, and a detection section for detecting the obstacle having a specific relation with the vehicle based on the presence of the obstacle determined by the obstacle presence determination section and the frequency of delay and the frequency of advance measured by the measurement section.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. For example, when the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for traffic prioritization of surrounding air traffic for display onboard an aircraft. The apparatus includes a traffic data source configured to supply surrounding traffic data. The apparatus includes a traffic control module coupled to receive user selection data from the user input device and the surrounding traffic data. The traffic control module can be configured to determine a prioritization zone for prioritizing the surrounding air traffic to identify air traffic preceding the aircraft based on the user selection data, the range and the vertical speed of the surrounding air traffic, and set first traffic data that includes the surrounding air traffic within the prioritization zone listed by priority and second traffic data that includes the surrounding air traffic outside of the prioritization zone listed in received sequence. The apparatus displays a graphical user interface that includes the first traffic and the second traffic data.

Abstract: A lighting system for the exterior of a vehicle that includes a housing, a sensor, a lamp assembly, and a controller. The sensor is carried by the housing and detects the presence of a hazard in a predetermined region on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The lamp assembly is carried by the housing and has a light source for projecting light onto at least a portion of the region. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the lamp assembly. The controller has a light activation input and, upon receipt of a light activation command at the input, it controls the lamp assembly to project light from the lamp assembly of a first color or other visible characteristic when no hazard is detected by the sensor and of a second color or other visible characteristic when the hazard is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle operator signaling system includes a pair of units with each having a control circuit and a transceiver coupled to the control circuit. A plurality of emitters is coupled to the control circuit. A plurality of actuators is coupled to the control circuit and each is associated with one of the emitters. The transceiver of one of the housings emits a distinct signal associated with an actuated one of the actuators and the transceiver of the one of the housings turns on the emitter associated with the distinct signal.

Abstract: A motorcycle dashboard system adapted to be used with a motorcycle is disclosed. The motorcycle dashboard system includes a wireless communication unit, a micro processor and a display unit. The wireless communication unit is configured to receive an external information by way of wireless transmission. The micro processor, electrically connected to the wireless communication unit, is configured to receive and process the external information and accordingly output a first display information. The display unit, electrically connected to the micro processor, is configured to display the first display information.

Abstract: An information providing apparatus is configured so as to provide, to an occupant of an electric vehicle, information indicating a location of a charging station together with information indicating whether or not the electric vehicle can be charged with a clean electric power at that charging station, through an on-board display. Accordingly, the occupant of the electric vehicle can go to the charging station at which the electric vehicle can be charged with electric power including the clean electric power, based on the provided location information of the charging station and a clean degree, and can charge the electric vehicle with the electric power including the clean electric power there. In this manner, the electric vehicle is charged with the electric power including the clean electric power, and thus, the demand for the clean electric power serving as the electric power for charging electric vehicles can be increased.

Abstract: Methods for road safety enhancement use mobile communication device (MCD) onboard vehicle to share traveling data through inter-vehicle communication broadcasting, perform road hazard warning, enhance road navigation, and provide autonomous road assistance. The methods have a variety of vehicle status data, such as moving data, steering data, or indicator data, obtained through GPS or image capturing and recognition of instrument cluster of vehicle. The image capturing and recognition allows to get speed data from indication of speedometer, indication of left or right turn signal, steering action data corresponding to steering wheel rotation, and light-on indication of system status indicators. To facilitate that, the MCD may be placed in front of steering wheel, and, if applicable, also in coupling with movement of steering wheel. The MCD may perform relative positioning map-matching lane correlation and GPS-update-interval speed positioning to improve data quality regarding vehicle moving status.

Abstract: The system is based on the arrangement of a plurality of terminals (1), (I?) . . . (In), which are interconnected with one another to form a digital network by means of two databuses, one write and one read, by means of differential transmission, with a hybrid connection topology based inter alia on UTP-type cables (4). Each terminal is constituted by a DLP-type card (7), which contains a programmable logic device for the management of a series of cards associated with the card (7), said cards being a main card (8) and a user-interface card (9), which enable the user to configure the various system options, it being possible, also, to incorporate one or more extension cards (H-H?) for the input and output of audio/video signals, the Internet, a telephone line or an automatic-door-entry line, and also a remote-control and alarm card (10) for activating external loads, activating alarms and receiving signals originating from sensors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle including a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progression and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat.

Abstract: A communication system of a motor vehicle is provided. The communication system includes a vehicle operating unit, a vehicle output unit, and an interface computer. The interface computer is connected to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit. The interface computer is implemented for the purpose of connecting a mobile terminal to the vehicle operating unit and the vehicle output unit such that information from the mobile terminal is displayable on the vehicle output unit and the mobile terminal is operable via the vehicle operating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a public transportation service in a communication system includes transmitting a signal representing an existence of a passenger at a particular stop terminal, and transmitting a signal representing information on a number of vehicles at to the stop terminal for selection by a user.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing safety and traffic efficiency for vehicles transmitting information on an expected behavior of a driver of an ego vehicle in response to a stimulus including the steps of (i) sensing a parameter of the stimulus in order to generate a stimulus signal function of the sensed parameter, (ii) monitoring the stimulus signal function of the sensed parameter, (iii) calculating an expected future driver's behavior in response to the stimulus using said stimulus signal, (iv) comparing the expected future driver behavior with a standard driver behavior, and (v) emitting a warning signal to the surrounding of the ego vehicle in case the expected future driving behavior is not a standard behavior. Additionally, a system operating according to said method is disclosed.

Abstract: A movement warning system for notifying a proximal entity of the approach of a vehicle comprising a sensor system, a controlling mobile device, and a signal generator system. The sensor system generates motion data indicative of movement of the vehicle. The controlling mobile device generates at least one warning signal based on the motion data. The signal generator system generates at least one warning based on the to at least one warning signal. The signal generator generates the warning such that the proximal entity perceives the warning.

Abstract: A method for providing a safety guidance service from a local server to a nomadic device includes gathering information regarding surrounding conditions within a service area on a road, receiving device information from the nomadic device, which enters the service area, determining whether or not the nomadic device is placed in a situation based on the device information, and when it is recognized that the situation has happened, providing safety guidance message suitable to the situation to the nomadic device.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate. The back plate has an indicator mounting portion. An aperture is established through the back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the back plate. The heater pad has a light transmitting portion generally aligned with the aperture of the back plate. A self-contained substantially sealed indicator is mounted at the indicator mounting portion and has a light source that is activatable to emit light. When an equipped exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at a side of a vehicle and with the light source activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through the aperture of the back plate and the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and exits the mirror reflective element.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for lateral control of a host vehicle (F) during travel in a vehicle platoon. The apparatus and method include acquiring a control signal u and a lateral error ? relative to a target vehicle (L) of a preceding vehicle (T) travelling in the vehicle platoon, filtering the received lateral error ?, filtering the received control signal u, and executing via a processor a control algorithm for actuating lateral control of the host vehicle (F).

Abstract: A power line proximity sensing and warning system. The embodiments disclosed herein may be configured as standalone systems or may be used in conjunction with each other or with other conventional systems.

Abstract: A road side data exchange net and method thereof is provided. The road side data exchange net includes a plurality of road side data exchange devices set on neighboring roads separately. The road side data exchange device includes a positioning system for receiving satellite data regularly, a calculator for calculating a calibration value of the satellite data to generate an analyzed result data, and a database for storing the analyzed result data. Further, each of the road side data exchange devices broadcasts the analyzed result data from its database to all of neighboring road side data exchange devices to provide the analyzed result data to an electronic device.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an information display screen viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. At least one camera is mounted at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle and is operable to capture image data. The information display screen is operable to display video images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera and the information display screen is operable to display other information. A capacitive touch sensor is actuatable by the driver of the vehicle, and the information display screen is operable to display at least the other information responsive to actuation by the driver of the vehicle of the capacitive touch sensor.

Abstract: A warning system in which an audio pulse train is continuously emitted from an item of equipment and wherein a person, exposed to the audio pulse train, carries a detector which, in response to detection of the pulse train, emits audio pulses which are detected at the item of equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for managing a parking space for a vehicle, for a space comprising means for detecting whether the space is occupied and at least one power-charging terminal suitable for automatic charging, especially automatic electrical charging following manual correction. Said method comprises, within a so-called occupation monitoring phase (as opposed to other phases such as a non-allocated vehicle storage phase): detection of a state of presence or absence of a vehicle or an object occupying the managed space, and detection of a state of connection or disconnection (operation or state) of a vehicle at the charging terminal. According to the invention, said method also comprises, in the event of a detection of presence without detection of connection, at least one so-called parking processing operation, for example, emitting at least one alert by acoustic or visual means, or recording or emitting at least one computer message.

Abstract: In a traveling vehicle system, traveling vehicles travel along a travel route under the control of at least one controller. Each of the traveling vehicles includes a first traveling vehicle position determining section arranged to determine a position of the respective traveling vehicle, and a second traveling vehicle position determining section arranged to determine a position of at least one other of the traveling vehicles by communication, and a distance sensor arranged to detect a distance between the respective traveling vehicle and the at least one other of the traveling vehicles.

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.