Abstract: A direction detecting apparatus is adapted for installation on a vehicle, and includes a first sound collecting unit, a second sound collecting unit, an identifying unit, a direction estimating unit, and a notifying unit. The first and second sound collecting units collect sounds from roads. The identifying unit identifies the types of the sounds collected by the first and second sound collecting units. The direction estimating unit determines whether a warning sound comes from the front when the sound type identified by the identifying unit is a warning sound. The direction estimating unit estimates the direction of the warning sound when the warning sound comes from the front, and estimates a lane in which the warning sound is located when the warning sound comes from behind. The notifying unit is for providing notification of the estimation result of the direction estimating unit.

Abstract: A steering wheel system for a vehicle includes a display and a controller. The controller receives vehicle parameters from one or more vehicle sensors as well as geometric or navigability characteristics of the road. The controller generates a prediction of an effect of the vehicle parameters on the vehicle with respect to the geometric or navigability characteristics of the road. The controller sends a signal to the display based on the prediction. The display is configured to display a representation of the prediction based on the signal received from the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and retrieving device usage for a device at a vehicle including storing a vehicle data record in the telematics unit, monitoring the device usage for device data, storing the device data at the vehicle, requesting the telematics unit to upload the device data, and transmitting the device data from the telematics unit to a remote location. At least one of the monitoring and the requesting is performed in accordance with the vehicle data record.

Abstract: An image processing system is provided, which includes: a front monitoring device that obtains an image of a view ahead of a vehicle; a vehicle position detecting device that detects the position and orientation of the vehicle; a map database that stores road maps; a traffic indicator position estimating portion that estimates the position of a traffic indicator (23) based on the shape of a road ahead of the vehicle that has been extracted from the map database, according to the position of the vehicle that has been detected by the vehicle position detecting device; an image processing region setting portion that sets an image processing region within the image obtained by the front monitoring device based on the position of the traffic indicator that has been estimated by the traffic indicator position estimating portion; and a traffic indicator detecting portion that detects the traffic indicator from the image processing region.

Abstract: Traveling information providing device for ensuring the safety of a traveling vehicle by correctly judging the driver's recognition of a safety confirmation object through not only driver's attentive viewing of the safety confirmation object but also his or her viewing of the surroundings. A surrounding information collecting section (120) acquires surrounding information on the condition surrounding the vehicle equipped with the device. An object extracting section (130) extracts a safety confirmation object the safety of which must be confirmed by the driver from the surrounding information acquired by the surrounding information collecting section (120). A line-of-sight detecting section (110) detects the line-of-sight direction of the driver.

Abstract: A display system for a vehicle includes an image capture module, a projecting panel and a stereoscopic projection device. The image capture module is configured for mounting on a vehicle and capturing an image of the traffic to the rear of the vehicle. The projecting panel is configured for being positioned in front of a driver's seat in the vehicle. The stereoscopic projection device is configured for projecting a stereo image of the captured image on the projecting panel.

Abstract: A communications system includes a first wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications over a first frequency band, and a second wireless communications system configured to provide wireless communications using at least a portion of the first frequency band. The system includes an inter-system communications link between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. The inters-system communications link is used to coordinate the use of the first frequency band. The system further includes an interference reducer configured to reduce interference between the first wireless communications system and the second wireless communications system. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An information delivery system comprises a receiver component that receives information about the movement, velocity, acceleration, and/or locations over time of a user. A computation component using a predictive model generates a probability distribution relating to one or more of when the user will next be stopped, how long the user will be stopped, how long a pattern of motion, such as walking, driving in stop and go traffic, and smooth highway motion will last, based at least in part upon signals about motion over time. The system can further comprise an alerting component that determines when to provide the user with information based at least in part upon the probability distribution over some aspect of motion or cessation of motion, and optionally the content, or tagged or inferred urgency or importance, of a message or communication.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing an environment for generating training examples, b) evolving a good driver using a visual input, c) evolving a crash predictor using a visual input, and d) outputting a warning signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are alert systems and methods for a roadway.

Abstract: An audio-visual presentation system delivering a presentation to a vehicle passenger compartment is provided that includes a video display mounted external to a vehicle passenger compartment and viewable from within the compartment. A controller provides a video signal to the display and an audio signal. The audio signal is broadcast by an antenna coupled to the controller as a radio frequency is received by a vehicle radio and discernable to a vehicle sound system. The audio-visual presentation system is particularly well suited as a method of education and sale regarding vehicle service products. Rather than providing a discernable audio signal through a vehicle sound system, it is appreciated that a portable radio set is readily placed within a vehicle passenger compartment or the audio signal delivered via a wireless network.

Abstract: A vehicle operation support apparatus includes a vehicle operation plan determination section to determine a vehicle operation plan including a future time series of a selection of a planned target vehicle and a future time series of a selection of a planned target lane position over a prediction horizon of time. The vehicle operation plan determination section includes an operation part to predict a future time series of a state of a vehicle group over the prediction horizon in accordance with a candidate value of the vehicle operation plan, the vehicle group including the host vehicle and each detected vehicle, an operation part configured to perform an evaluation operation of providing a quantitative measure in accordance with the predicted value of the time series vehicle group state, and an operation part configured to generate the vehicle operation plan by optimization based on the evaluation operation.

Abstract: A device and method for filtering traffic information. In one embodiment, the device comprises a traffic component, a computing device coupled with the traffic component, and a display coupled with the computing device. The traffic component is operable to receive traffic data corresponding to a plurality of traffic events. The computing device is operable to filter the received traffic data based on the severity of the traffic events to form filtered traffic data and the display is operable to present an indication of the filtered data.

Abstract: A vehicle information communication system is provided in which probe data or other private data relating to a host vehicle can be collected with anonymity. Basically, the host vehicle collects the probe data and sends the probe data to a carrier vehicle that disassociates the host vehicle's identifying information (e.g., MAC address) from the data before the carrier vehicle sends the probe data to a roadside unit or other external communications station.

Abstract: A mine vehicle and a method of preventing a mine vehicle from colliding. The mine vehicle (1) includes at least one scanner (13, 14) to scan the environment in front of the vehicle. On the basis of the scanning, an obstacle-free route is determined whose outermost points in a sideward direction are stored as memory points (21). At least one sideward safe area (15b) has been predetermined around the vehicle (1). A control system checks that no memory point (21) resides within the safe area (15b).

Abstract: A real-image picking-up means picks up a real image of a blind area. A moving object detecting means recognizes a moving object from the real image and detects a moving state of the moving object. An imaginary-image specifying means specifies an indication manner of an imaginary image which is to be indicated for showing the moving state of the moving object. An indicating means indicates the imaginary image of the moving object in the indication manner which is specified by the imaginary-image specifying means such that the imaginary image of the moving object indicated by the indicating means overlaps the real image picked up by the real-image picking-up means. There can be provided a surroundings monitoring device for a vehicle which can easily recognize the state of the moving object in the image of the blind area.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information display system for a vehicle displaying a vehicle image overlapped with a panorama view image, and the information display system provides information around the vehicle, condition of the vehicle or information for a dangerous place to the driver with easy understand.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a covert warning notification of a hazard to an aircraft is provided. Generally, the system contains a detection system capable of detecting the hazard, and a transceiver capable of allowing the system to provide the covert warning to a location external from the aircraft. A memory and a processor are also provided within the system, where the processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: determining a category of radar system associated with a received signal; determining a modulation scheme, based on the determined category of radar system, for displaying an array of icons on the location external from the aircraft, the array of icons providing the covert warning; and using the received signal to provide the array of icons.

Abstract: A method is provided for the use-dependent information presentation in a motor vehicle. In order to provide use-dependent information presentation in a motor vehicle acceptable to the vehicle user, the following actions occur. Information intended for the presentation for a plurality of different types of use of the motor vehicle are transmitted and stored in the motor vehicle. The type of use of the vehicle is determined. And, the information from the plurality of information for the different types of use, which had been intended for the presentation for the determined type of use, is presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distance sensor with a method and device that aid the compensation of mounting tolerances of a distance sensor, where compensation is provided with little effort, quickly and reliably. This is achieved by having the distance sensor (1) emit its rays (2) at an aperture angle (a) of 0.1° to 10° and pick up data while the vehicle is moving straight forward, and determining an angle error (6) by comparing the data picked up during a change of channels.

Abstract: In order to realize road-road communications, a roadside device is provided with an MS function unit and a BS function unit that have a termination function of a signal. In a case of performing road-road communications, any of plural roadside devices can function as a BS, and others as an MS. In a wireless communication system that only enables wireless communications between MS and BS, road-road communication can be performed. In order to realize vehicle-vehicle communication, an in-vehicle device has the BS function unit and the MS function unit having a termination function of the signal and performs the same operations as the road-road communication. In road-vehicle communication, any of the roadside devices can function as the BS, and other roadside devices and in-vehicle devices are operated as the MS.

Abstract: A method of controlling a garage door of a garage may entail detecting an open condition of the garage door using a sensor within the garage, transmitting a garage door open signal from the sensor to a communication unit in the garage; transmitting an alert signal from the communication unit in the garage to a control module within a vehicle; determining a level of ambient light from an ambient light sensor; transmitting a signal from the ambient light sensor to the control module indicative of the level of ambient light; transmitting a door close signal from the control module to the transmitter in the vehicle; transmitting the door close signal from the transmitter in the vehicle to the communication unit in the garage; and closing the garage door with a motor upon the garage door actuation module receiving the close door signal.

Abstract: An image vision system (8) for calibrating two cameras (17) mounted on respective side rear view mirror housings (5) of a motor vehicle (1) for correcting for offset of the cameras (17) from ideal positions relative to the vehicle (1). The cameras (17) capture plan view images of the ground on respective opposite sides of the vehicle for display as images (10,11) along with a plan view image (14) of the vehicle (1) on an in-vehicle visual display unit (13), for assisting a driver parking or manoeuvring the vehicle (1) in a confined space. Calibration of the cameras (17) is carried out as the side mirror housings (5) are swivelled from a rest position to an operative position in response to activation of the ignition system of the vehicle (1). The calibration requires determining the offset of the actual position of a reference point (34) on the vehicle (1) captured in an image by the corresponding camera (17) from the ideal position of the reference point (34a) in an ideal image frame.

Abstract: The transmission means of a mobile apparatus converts a response signal into binary data, modulates a carrier wave with a digital signal obtained through modulation by a plurality of pseudo-random codes corresponding to the binary data, and then transmits the response signal; the reception means of an in-vehicle apparatus evaluates the correlation of the received response signal by use of a plurality of correlators corresponding to the plurality of pseudo-random codes and demodulates the response signal, based on the outputs of the plurality of correlators; the transmission means of the in-vehicle apparatus retransmits an inquiry signal to the mobile apparatus when there has been outputs from the plurality of correlators within a predetermined time of the occurrence of the pseudo-random code.

Abstract: A vehicle light control apparatus includes an illumination control unit for executing illumination control on the mode of illumination of a subject vehicle based on signal transmission of a vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle and signal reception of the vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle. The control unit identifies a vehicle having brightness exceeding a predetermined threshold from an image of other vehicles acquired through an image recognition MPU as a vehicle having an illumination adjustment failure, and returns the same vehicle identification signal transmitted from the other vehicle thus identified to vehicles other than the subject vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of managing a location of a mobile terminal include obtaining a position of the mobile terminal, estimating a distance from the mobile terminal to a destination point, generating an estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point, and generating an alert if the estimated time for the mobile terminal to reach the destination point reaches a threshold time. Related mobile terminals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A preceding-vehicle following control system for a host vehicle is comprised of a road information device (2, 3) for obtaining road information of a road ahead of the host vehicle, a preceding-vehicle detector (1) for obtaining preceding-vehicle information of a preceding vehicle ahead of the host vehicle and a controller (10) connected to the road information device and the preceding vehicle recognizing device. The controller is arranged to determine a road width of the road from the road information, to vary a condition for determining a control characteristic of a control system of a following control for following the preceding vehicle, and to execute the following control on the basis of the condition for determining the control characteristic and the preceding-vehicle information.

Abstract: A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A navigation system having an emergency warning system where the navigation system includes components such as a navigation processor, a GPS, a speaker for providing text-to-voice directions, a display for displaying at least the starting location and final destination, power switch, and a power port that permits connection to the cigarette lighter port of the vehicle, and wherein the emergency warning system includes a component such as a receiver for picking up a right of way vehicle predefined signal. When the right of way vehicle predefined signal is picked up, the emergency warning system can display various warnings such as a text warning or an audible warning via the display and speaker.

Abstract: A timing control method for use with wireless communications involving telematics-equipped vehicles. The timing control method generally determines a temporally-distributed sequence of message response times for a group of telematics-equipped vehicles, and then includes these different response times in wireless messages that are sent to the vehicles. In reply, the vehicles use the various message response times to respond in an apportioned or distributed fashion that generally correlates with the temporally-distributed sequence; instead of all at once. In another disclosed method, the response times are determined at each vehicle itself. The methods can be used for requesting data from vehicles via SMS messages.

Abstract: A vehicle messaging system operably connected to a communications network that is configured to receive, store, manipulate, view and transmit data. The vehicle messaging system is mounted within the interior of a vehicle and further includes the necessary electronics to determine its geographic coordinates and transmit that data across the communications network. The communications network functions as a conduit to allow organizations or individuals to send and receive information such as but not limited to advertising messages to vehicle messaging systems connected to the communications network. The vehicle messaging system is operably connected to the communications network utilizing wireless technology such as but not limited to short-wave, RF or cellular frequencies.

Abstract: A recording medium, a parking support apparatus and a parking support screen for displaying an image allow the driver of a vehicle to easily grasp the situation while maneuvering the vehicle for parking.

Abstract: A method for receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information in a vehicle-mounted system, comprising: receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information from a transmitting unit using a receiving unit; determining whether the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit; and if the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit, outputting the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information.

Abstract: A camera of a ground-based information dispatch apparatus captures a blind-spot image, showing a region that is a blind spot with respect to a vehicle driver. A vehicle-mounted camera captures a forward-view image corresponding to the viewpoint of the driver, and the forward-view image is transmitted to the information dispatch apparatus together with vehicle position and direction information and camera parameters. Based on the received information, the blind-spot image is converted to a corresponding image having the viewpoint of the vehicle driver, and the forward-view image and viewpoint-converted blind-spot image are combined to form a synthesized image, which is transmitted to the vehicle.

Abstract: A common inexpensive device such as an automotive internal rear view mirror, cell phone, CHMBL (center high mounted brake light), license plate or stand-alone housing incorporates an emergency warning system to detect a predefined signal emitted by an right of way vehicle such as an ambulance, police car, fire engine, or train. The right of way vehicle sends out a specific predefined signal to a predefined area. The specific predefined signal is picked up by a receiver of the present emergency warning system. Then, after verification of the specific predefined signal, the emergency warning system emits a warning, preferably an audio warning.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, system and computer program for providing information to transportation vehicles on the presence of passengers who want to travel to a particular destination. The method in each communication system at stops, comprises the steps of: receiving a request from a passenger to board a vehicle at the stop for a particular destination; identifying an approaching vehicle going to said particular destination and which would stop at the stop; forwarding said request to board to the identified vehicle; receiving a confirmation from the vehicle informing that said vehicle will stop at the stop to board the passenger; forwarding to the passenger the confirmation received from the vehicle in response to the request to board.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate having an indicator receiving portion established thereat, and a signal indication module having a light source. The signal indication module attaches to the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate and the light source is activatable to emit light through the indicator receiving portion. The light source is established at a circuit element and the signal indication module includes a housing that substantially encases the circuit element therein. The circuit element has electrical terminals extending therefrom and protruding at least partially at a connector portion of the housing so as to be electrically connectable to a power source of the vehicle. The connector portion of the housing is configured to provide a plug-socket connection between the power source and the signal indication module.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow a spotter external to a vehicle to provide signals to a driver of the vehicle in order to facilitate safe backup operations of the vehicle are disclosed. A wireless transmitter, in wireless communication with a receiver positioned within the vehicle, is operated by the spotter. An indicator, also in communication with the receiver, is configured to provide a plurality of audible and/or visible signals perceivable by the driver in response to a wireless signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. The audible and/or visible signals may comprise selected patterned tones and lights which inform the driver whether they should proceed to backup the vehicle or stop the vehicle.

Abstract: A pedestrian detection device, a related method, an air bag system and a vehicle are disclosed. The pedestrian detection device 20 includes an infrared ray sensor 30A, which detects a temperature of a detection object approaching to or in contact with the vehicle 10 to provide a temperature signal, an impact sensor 27a to 27c, which generate impact signals when the vehicle encounters a collision, and an impact collision generation unit 21 operative to generate a pedestrian collision signal upon discrimination that the detection object is a pedestrian, discrimination that the impact signal is being outputted, and discrimination that a direction in which the pedestrian is present and a direction in which the impact is applied to the vehicle falls in a substantially same direction.

Abstract: A traffic entity, such as a passenger car, is warned that a situation requiring the change of driving mode will be required. The traffic entity is alerted to the presence of a second traffic entity, such as an emergency vehicle which requires the moving traffic entity to change its movement when it is proximate to the second traffic entity. The alert is changed, such as by increasing the intensity of visible signals, as the distance between the moving traffic entity and the second traffic entity decreases or the closing speed between the two entities increases, and the mode of the alert is changed, such as from visible to audible, as the distance between the entities further decreases or the closing speed further increases. A variety of traffic entities are accommodated by the system.

Abstract: A vehicle pre-collision countermeasure system is provided has a communication component, a rear collision predicting component and an acceleration countermeasure component. The communication component conducts a direct communications with other vehicles, including broadcasting vehicle parameter identifiers of a host vehicle equipped with the communication component and receiving vehicle parameter identifiers of a following vehicle. The rear collision predicting component predicts a likelihood of a potential rear collision event occurring in the host vehicle based on the vehicle parameter identifiers of the following vehicle. The acceleration countermeasure component accelerates the host vehicle in response to the rear collision predicting component predicting that the potential rear collision event is likely to occur with the following vehicle.

Abstract: A common inexpensive device such as an automotive internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL (center high mounted brake light) incorporates an emergency warning system to detect a predefined signal emitted by an right of way vehicle such as an ambulance, police car, fire engine, or train. The right of way vehicle sends out a specific predefined signal to a predefined area. The specific predefined signal is picked up by a receiver of the present emergency warning system, which is preferably housed in a rear view mirror or cell phone, and which is always on, whether the internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL is powered on or powered off. Then, after verification of the specific predefined signal, the internal rear view mirror, cell phone or CHMBL emits a warning, preferably an audio warning from a speaker housed in the internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL. The emergency warning system can be incorporated into a telematics unit.

Abstract: A data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a method for alerting road users to the presence of an emergency vehicle. The method for alerting road user to the presence of an emergency vehicle may include receiving a short range signal, the signal including information regarding an emergency vehicle, decoding the signal, notifying a user, and transmitting the information regarding an emergency vehicle via a short range wireless signal. Each vehicle may include a short range wireless signal transceiver which could create a daisy chain distribution mechanism to distribute the information regarding an emergency vehicle to a first vehicle than to a second vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A system, a method and computer-readable media for presenting dynamic traffic information. A user profile is stored, and advisory data based on the user profile is gathered. The advisory data may include traffic information associated with road segments identified by the user profile. Upon receiving a user input, the advisory data is presented to a user.

Abstract: A vehicle periphery monitoring apparatus includes an image capturing device, a display device and an image processing device. The image capturing device is configured and arranged to capture a first original image of a region rearward of a vehicle and a second original image of a region laterally rearward of the vehicle. The display device includes a first display area and a second display area disposed on a lateral side of the first display area. The image processing device is configured to display a first displayed image from the first original image in the first display area and to display a second displayed image from the second original image in the second display area to form a combined image on the display device with the second displayed image being horizontally compressed from the second original image to at least a greater degree than the first displayed image.

Abstract: An apparatus for warning deviation from a lane has a deviation evaluation ECU 1. The deviation evaluation ECU 1 has a deviation evaluator 14 for performing an evaluation on a deviation by comparing a future position of a host vehicle with a lane future position. Before this deviation evaluation, a mask processor 13 determines whether a yaw angle of the host vehicle and a lateral position of the vehicle relative to a driving lane exceed their respective thresholds preliminarily determined. When either one or the both are not more than the thresholds, the mask processor 13 performs a mask process, without performing the deviation evaluation. A deviation evaluator 14 performs the deviation evaluation when the yaw angle and the lateral position relative to the driving lane both exceed their respective thresholds.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehicles, and others, of an approaching emergency vehicle, the proximity of a hazardous condition, or virtually any other situation which is relevant to the intended recipient because of their location. The system and method further can involve intervention and control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft or automobile, which comes into a predetermined location or area, or under other circumstances. The system and method use transmitting units and receiving units, both of which can receive geographical positioning information and which may sound or otherwise output an appropriate advisory, warning or other communication selected based on their positions, heading, and/or speed.

Abstract: A system for providing an indication indicative of whether or not a seat belt of a vehicle occupant is fastened includes a seat belt system including a seat belt and a visible marking provided on the seat belt, the marking being visible from outside the vehicle when the seat belt is fastened. Alternatively, the system includes a seat restraint system including a seat restraint system for a passenger including a seat restraint having a locked position for restraining the passenger in a seat, a sensor for sensing whether or not the seat restraint system is in the locked position, and an indicator responsive to the sensor, the indicator being accessible from outside the vehicle or at a location remote from the passenger, for displaying an indication indicative of whether or not the seat restraint system is in the locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are presented which are used by operators of trail vehicles to share information with each other about the number of vehicles in their group of trail users. A display module attached to a vehicle displays a number which indicates how many vehicles are in that vehicle's party. As oncoming trail users pass each other, they can read the value of the displayed numeral and know instantly how many vehicles to expect before the path is clear of traffic. The display module projects a number which is changeable, user determined, and has optical properties that allow the drivers of passing vehicles to readily convey information to each other.