Transmitter In Another Vehicle (e.g., Emergency Vehicle) Patents (Class 340/902)
  • Patent number: 7884738
    Abstract: A visual warning assembly for disposal at an intersection of a plurality of roadways is disclosed herein. The visual warning assembly includes a housing with first and second openings facing first and second directions. The first and second directions are transverse to one another. The visual warning assembly also includes a first light assembly positioned in the first opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a second light assembly positioned in the second opening and having a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in pattern representing an emergency vehicle. The visual warning assembly also includes a signal receiver physically supported by the housings or one or both of the first and second light assemblies. The signal receiver or sensor is operable to receive and communicate a signal emitted by a signal emitter associated with an emergency vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: E-Light LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Speros Pappas, Richard William Carpenter, Anthony C. Savalle
  • Publication number: 20110025527
    Abstract: Techniques for generating driving information based on one or more driver inputs are provided. The techniques include receiving information about one or more triggering factors from at least one of one or more internal entities and one or more external entities, using the information to generate a message about the one or more triggering factors, and sending the message to one or more additional drivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ankur Chandra, Anca-Andreea Ivan
  • Publication number: 20110018736
    Abstract: A mobile device is associated with navigational information of a client vehicle and provides the navigational information of the client vehicle to an emergency vehicle notification service. The mobile also receives an emergency vehicle message from the emergency vehicle notification service, where the emergency vehicle message includes navigational information of an emergency responder vehicle. The mobile device determines updated navigational information of the client vehicle, and identifies a projected intersection between a path of the emergency responder vehicle and a path of the client vehicle based on the emergency vehicle message and the updated navigational information of the client vehicle. The mobile device generates an alert signal to a user of the mobile device based on the identification of the projected intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Thomas CARR
  • Publication number: 20110012753
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the reporting of an environmental condition to vehicles prior to encountering the environmental condition. According to various embodiments described herein, local environment data corresponding to the environmental condition is collected from sensors on a vehicle. The local environment data is used to determine that the environmental condition exists at the current location of the vehicle. A notification that includes the geographic location of the environmental condition is created and provided to one or more other vehicles in the vicinity of the environmental condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Edgar Shrum, JR.
  • Patent number: 7873474
    Abstract: A mapping block locates the own vehicle and another vehicle on a map DB. Another-vehicle intersection detecting block detects intersections located on a traveling path of another vehicle. An own-vehicle intersection detecting block detects intersections located in front of the own vehicle. A collision-intersection identifying block identifies an intersection that is identical to each other as the possible collision intersection by comparing the intersections detected. An information providing block conducts information provision based on calculations of an arriving time of another vehicle by using a distance to the possible collision intersection and a vehicle speed. Accordingly, the collision possibility with another vehicle can be accurately determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Yamamoto, Youhei Iwashita, Tomokazu Okugi
  • Patent number: 7872591
    Abstract: A head of train device is configured to examine messages received from end of train units other than the end of train unit attached to the same train and to alert an operator to the presence of an end of train unit from another train that indicates that the end of train unit from the other train has stopped. The indication can take the form of a zero brake pipe pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Invensys Rail Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edward Kane, James Francis Shockley
  • Publication number: 20110006913
    Abstract: A method of controlling a wireless communication device that is installed in a moving vehicle. The method comprises receiving roadway topology information and vehicle traffic pattern information, receiving vehicle and wireless communication device performance information from a plurality of other moving vehicles, determining current position information for the moving vehicle; determining a first set of metrics for a performance of the wireless communication device installed in the moving vehicle, estimating at least one second metric related to the performance of the wireless communication device or an ad-hoc network which includes each wireless communication device and changing an operation or routing parameter for the wireless communication device based upon the estimation. The second metric is based upon at least a sub-set of the first set of metrics, the received information and the determined current position information for the moving vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicants: TELCORDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC., TOYOTA INFOTECHNOLOGY CENTER U.S.A., INC.
    Inventors: Wai Chen, Jasmine Chennikara-Varghese, Taek-Jin Kwon, Ryokichi Onishi, Rama Vuyyuru
  • Patent number: 7865310
    Abstract: An information provision apparatus mounted in a driver's vehicle, including a vehicle approach determiner configured to execute a vehicle approach determination process to determine whether or not an opponent vehicle is likely to approach the driver's vehicle at a future time, based on driving information including information as to whether a blinker of the driver's vehicle is in an on-state or in an off-state at a current time, and driving information including information as to whether a blinker of the opponent vehicle is in an on-state or in an off-state, and a notification device configured to inform a driver driving the driver's vehicle of an opponent vehicle that is likely to approach the driver's vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakano, Akira Nakaya
  • Patent number: 7864047
    Abstract: A monitoring system is provided, by which alarm information and location data from a wireless personal tracking device carried by an individual is transmitted to an administrative hub for processing and action according to defined rules, including dispatching optimum assistance in the event of an alarm. Simultaneous monitoring of a plurality of individuals with diverse tracking units and effective event recording and reporting can be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Omnilink Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Aninye, Yoganand Rajala
  • Patent number: 7852233
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for alerting a driver that a potential hazard is in the vicinity of the driver's vehicle. In general, activation signals transmitted from a vehicle are received at a potential hazard, and hazard signals are, in response, transmitted from the potential hazard to the vehicle. The hazard signals provide an indication of the potential hazard to the driver so that he may be aware of the potential hazard and react accordingly. The indication may be provided to the driver visually, such as on a display of the vehicle, and/or audibly, such as in the form of an audible alert issued by a speaker. The hazard signals may also include one or more characteristics of the potential hazard to provide more information about the potential hazard to the driver, such as the type of potential hazard and/or the degree of danger associated with the potential hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk E. Cemper
  • Patent number: 7825790
    Abstract: A lighting subsystem and a light bar structure upon which the lighting subsystem is mounted. The lighting subsystem has a display that incorporates both warning signal lights and a programmable message display and is configured to enable the positioning of the lighting subsystem in multiple positions, including a low-profile position and a higher profile position. In one embodiment, the lighting subsystem utilizes an LED matrix display which includes interleaved message-display LEDs and warning-signal LEDs. The system may be positioned at an aerodynamic pursuit angle, and the LEDs may be oriented to maximize forward intensity of the emitted light in the pursuit position. In the low-profile position, the lighting subsystem may be retracted into a recessed compartment in the roof of an emergency vehicle. The message display may be configured to display preprogrammed messages or user-programmed messages, and may be operable by a user outside the vehicle using a remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lonestar Inventions, LP
    Inventor: Gerald G. Tallinger
  • Patent number: 7825824
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the reporting of an environmental condition to vehicles prior to encountering the environmental condition. According to various embodiments described herein, local environment data corresponding to the environmental condition is collected from sensors on a vehicle. The local environment data is used to determine that the environmental condition exists at the current location of the vehicle. A notification that includes the geographic location of the environmental condition is created and provided to one or more other vehicles in the vicinity of the environmental condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Edgar Shrum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100253539
    Abstract: A substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision through the windscreen. A method to display a graphic describing traffic information based upon vehicle-to-vehicle communication upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display of a host vehicle includes monitoring the vehicle-to-vehicle communication, determining the traffic information based upon the vehicle-to-vehicle communication, determining the graphic describing the traffic information for display upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display, and displaying the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Seder, Joseph F. Szczerba, Dehua Cui
  • Patent number: 7808401
    Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. The traffic control preemption system has a receiver with a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse. A threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. Control circuitry is coupled to a light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and the control circuitry controls the frequency of light pulses in each burst and the frequency of the bursts to cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schwartz, Charles Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100245123
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and method are provided for detecting a slip condition between a vehicle tire and a road surface, processing contemporaneous vehicle data, such as torque or brake pressure applied, to determine a force of friction, and calculating a coefficient of friction. The coefficient of friction and location of the slip are broadcast to other vehicles driving in the proximity of the slip. The broadcasts may be utilized to notify drivers of slippery driving conditions at or ahead of the vehicle, and/or to limit torque and braking pressure applied to vehicle wheels to enhance traction and avoid slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Christoph Arndt
  • Patent number: 7804423
    Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time traffic information using a wireless vehicle-to-vehicle communications network. A vehicle includes a plurality of sensors that detect other vehicles around the vehicle. The wireless communications system on the vehicle uses the sensor signals to calculate a traffic condition index that identifies traffic information around the vehicle. The vehicle broadcasts the traffic condition index to other vehicles and/or road side infrastructure units that can present the information to the vehicle driver, such as in a navigation system, and/or rebroadcast the traffic information to other vehicles. The traffic condition index can be calculated using the speed of the surrounding vehicles, posted speed limits, the distance between the surrounding vehicles and the traffic density of the surrounding vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Upali Priyantha Mudalige, William C. Lin, Rami I. Debouk, Cem U. Saraydar
  • Patent number: 7804395
    Abstract: A mobile radio communication system estimates the positional relationship between an own moving terminal and another moving terminal around a view obstruction. If the absolute value of the difference between detected reception power levels is lower than a first power threshold value, the own moving terminal determines that the other moving terminal is positioned within the visual range of the own moving terminal, the distance from the own moving terminal to the other moving terminal being shorter than a predetermined distance BP, or that the other moving terminal is positioned outside thereof, the distance to the visual range of the own moving terminal being shorter than the predetermined distance BP. Also if the absolute value is higher than or equal to the first power threshold value, the own moving terminal determines in a similar manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo
    Inventors: Junya Muramatsu, Satoshi Makido, Junji Imai, Kenji Ito, Yukihiro Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 7797108
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system adapted for use with a rearward traveling host vehicle, and by an operator, in a preferred embodiment includes an object locator sub-system configured to determine at least one condition for a plurality of objects, wherein the objects include infrastructure, appurtenances, and remotely traveling equipped vehicles, and pedestrians, a intra-vehicle condition sensor, and a control unit configured to assess collision threats based on the object and host vehicle condition data, and alert the operator or autonomously cause a braking mechanism to be actuated, when a collision is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald K. Grimm
  • Patent number: 7791499
    Abstract: A monitoring and notification system detects and informs vehicle occupants of sirens. The system may adjust radio, phone, or other device settings in the vehicle in conjunction with the notification. The notification may take an audible or visual form, and the monitoring system may perform its analysis across multiple types of sirens. In addition, the system may adapt its processing based on location to take into account locally expected siren formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: QNX Software Systems Co.
    Inventors: Glenn Andrew Mohan, Phillip Alan Hetherington
  • Patent number: 7782227
    Abstract: A dynamic ‘vehicle grid’ system provides the ability for drivers to be automatically warned to the conditions of other vehicles in the vicinity. In this grid system, a motor vehicle would be equipped with a transmitter, receiver, computer and a selection of sensors. Other adjacent vehicles are also contain the same of equipment for transmitting and receiving signals. When the sensors in a vehicle detect a change such as hard braking (rapid deceleration) or very slow speed (blockages), it automatically sends this information via the transmitter over a wireless communication channel to any other receivers in the vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Jensen Boss, Christopher James Dawson, Barry Michael Graham, Rick Allen Hamilton, II, Timothy Moffett Waters
  • Publication number: 20100201543
    Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle communications system that employs a challenge/response based process to ensure that information received from a vehicle is reliable. The subject vehicle transmits a challenge question to the suspect vehicle to determine whether the suspect vehicle is a reliable source of information. The process increases a number of tokens in a token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is correct, and decreases the number of tokens in the token bucket for the suspect vehicle if the response to the challenge question is incorrect. The subject vehicle accepts a message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is greater than a predetermined upper threshold, and discards the message from the suspect vehicle if the number of tokens in the bucket for the suspect vehicle is less than a predetermined lower threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rajeev Shorey, Anitha Varghese, Bhargav Ramchandra Bellur
  • Patent number: 7769498
    Abstract: When there is a preceding vehicle in a traveling direction of a subject vehicle, an ECU computes a driver condition coefficient that represents degree of change in the size of an image of the preceding vehicle as viewed from the driver is computed. The driving condition of the driver is detected from this driver condition coefficient and used to provide an alarm indicative of the driving condition and to control vehicle travel condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Isaji, Naohiko Tsuru
  • Patent number: 7769544
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Ansaldo STS USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Blesener, Gordon M. Melby
  • Patent number: 7760110
    Abstract: A method for vehicular communications and information reporting. First and second wireless Internet connections between respective first and second vehicles and a web-server are provided. First and second event information is transmitted, to the web-server, from the first and second vehicles. The first and second event information relates to the same event in visual range, respectively, of occupants of the first and second vehicles. The web server may transmit, to the first and second vehicles, confirmed event information derived from the first and second event information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Strategic Design Federation W, Inc.
    Inventor: Garth Janke
  • Patent number: 7750823
    Abstract: An apparatus allocates a channel used for inter-vehicle communications according to a traveling direction. The apparatus includes a traveling direction determiner for determining whether or not a traveling direction of a vehicle is changed; and a channel allocator for allocating the vehicle a previously allocated channel or a new channel based on a determined result of the traveling direction determiner. Further, a method allocates a channel used for inter-vehicle communications according to a traveling direction. The method includes the steps of determining whether or not a traveling direction of a vehicle is changed; and allocating the vehicle a previously allocated channel or a new channel based on a determined result in the above step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin Kyeong Kim, Nae-Soo Kim, Cheol Sig Pyo
  • Patent number: 7751945
    Abstract: In a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system, when moving image information is transmitted between vehicles, a delay time acquisition unit determines a delay time that occurs when the moving image information is transmitted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, and an applicability determination unit determines whether the moving image information transmitted with such a delay time is applicable to an application program running on an in-vehicle apparatus installed in the second vehicle. This makes it possible to transmit only moving image information which is usable by the in-vehicle apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Kijuro Obata
  • Patent number: 7747360
    Abstract: An aircraft cockpit display device for information concerning surrounding traffic includes devices to receive information coming from outside the aircraft, to know the flight parameters of the aircraft, to calculate projected trajectories of the aircraft and of a detected aircraft in the immediate vicinity, and to display a representation of the surrounding traffic through symbols and potential messages based on instructions received. A display command device is connected to an on-board calculator to know the flight phase of the aircraft. The display command device has a filtering device to define for each flight phase and/or crew task the nature and the level of information to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Simona Canu-Chiesa, Guillaume Fouet
  • Publication number: 20100156667
    Abstract: A system and method that, upon connection of a trailer to a tow vehicle, recognizes the trailer and applies a stored trailer configuration in a controller. In one embodiment, tire pressure sensors transmit RF signals that are received by the tire pressure monitoring system. Transmissions from the sensors are decoded in a controller and processed to identify, or create a particular trailer configuration as well as implement tire pressure monitoring automatically calibrated to the particular trailer configuration based on the sensor identifications for the tire pressure sensors. In another embodiment, the trailer configuration includes a pulse width modulated gain control for the trailer brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Thomas Michael McQuade, Ibrahim Issa
  • Patent number: 7706963
    Abstract: A probe-vehicle traffic information system for and method of gathering traffic data utilizing a host probe vehicle having onboard exterior sensors. The host vehicle is configured to detect at least one condition from at least one traveling target vehicle, aggregate and process the condition data, and report only the processed data to a traffic information center, so as to reduce the number of simultaneous communication channels typically required to report condition data from a plurality of probe vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayendra S. Parikh, Hariharan Krishnan, Martin A. Ferman
  • Patent number: 7701363
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring and traffic enforcement system in which a wireless communication device is associated with motor vehicles. The device will transmit vehicle identification data which is relayed to a database which maintains current information concerning insurance law compliance, motor vehicle registration and licensing compliance, traffic citations and other information. If a violation or compliance failure is noted, this is transmitted to a law enforcement agency and a nearby law enforcement vehicle. A law enforcement officer may be required to pursue the vehicle depending on the violation and traffic conditions. The system uses GPS and GIS technology to provide law enforcement with a real time display which will not only show the vehicle being tracked but also a map of the area showing roads, traffic conditions and even the location of other law enforcement or emergency vehicles so that officials may make a safe and fast response to situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Milan Zlojutro
  • Publication number: 20100066562
    Abstract: A method for issuing warnings in vehicles about hazardous situations as a function of their location, wherein the respective vehicles which are involved in the method have means for exchanging information, means for outputting warning signals and means for determining their own location coordinates, wherein the means for outputting warning signals in a first vehicle is activated and via the means for exchanging information, the position of the first vehicle is transmitted as first information and the actuated warning signal is transmitted as second information to the surrounding vehicles and in at least one further vehicle, the information is received via the means for exchanging information and the first information is compared and evaluated with further information relating to the position of the further vehicle and in the event of a hazardous situation for the further vehicle, corresponding measures for minimizing the hazardous situations are initiated in the further vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ulrich Stählin, Adam Swoboda
  • Patent number: 7675431
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for detecting sound frequency signals emitted by warning devices of emergency vehicles. A sensor may sense a selected frequency signal spectrum and may be in communication with an initial detection stage to detect a frequency of approximately 600 Hz and approximately 1400 Hz within a specific time interval. A signal identification stage may be in communication with said initial detection stage and may have a digital signal processor programmed to identify a wail and yelp warning signal to compare said warning signal to a histogram stored in a memory to estimate the distance from the sound frequency signal. The signal identification stage may be maintained in a power save mode until activated by said initial detection stage upon detection of a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: James Caouette, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100052944
    Abstract: Vehicle having a surroundings-sensing system which makes available information on the surroundings to a closed-loop and open-loop control unit of the vehicle, and a closed-loop and/or open-loop control process changes the driving behavior as a function of the acquired information on the surroundings, wherein the vehicle has a registration information system which receives the registration information for vehicles in the surroundings, and in that the registration information system compares the received registration information with the registration information acquired by a surroundings-sensing system and changes the closed-loop and/or open-loop control process as a function of the result of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Stefan Lüke
  • Publication number: 20100045481
    Abstract: A vehicle information communication method is provided in which at least one of host vehicle probe data and surrounding vehicle probe data is collected in a host vehicle. After collection, the data is transmitted to a carrier vehicle. The carrier vehicle then disassociates identifying information from the data before sending the data to an external communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: C/O NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Tengler, Ronald Heft
  • Patent number: 7663504
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle transmits a Vehicle Present Signal when in transit on public roads responding to an emergency. The signal can include information relating to the type of emergency vehicle, local highway and terrain data, and the location, speed and direction of travel of the emergency vehicle. When the Vehicle Present Signal is detected by a first vehicle, a functional circuit within the first vehicle calculates the distance between the emergency vehicle and the first vehicle. If the vehicles are within a predetermined distance, a warning signal activates one or more warning systems, thereby notifying the driver of the first vehicle that an emergency vehicle is in the vicinity. A dead-band defined by first and second predetermined distances can be incorporated to prevent rapid cycling of the warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Sean Robert Votaw, Ronald Raymond Shea
  • Patent number: 7660668
    Abstract: A device and a method for triggering at least one deceleration device and/or one output-determining actuator element of a vehicle propulsion system, in particular for automatic longitudinal vehicle regulation, a first surroundings sensing device being provided, which delivers longitudinal value-optimized measured values, a second surroundings sensing device being provided, which delivers object lateral dimension-optimized measuring values, and an analyzer device being provided, which receives the output signals of the first and second surroundings sensing devices and the measured values of the first and second surroundings sensing devices being used for object identification. The device and the method are furthermore suitable for initiating or performing vehicle deceleration for collision avoidance or for alleviating the severity of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Lucas, Marcus Lorei, Hermann Winner, Martin Heinebrodt, Ulrike Ahlrichs
  • Patent number: 7656285
    Abstract: A system in which one or more alarm sources (10), can wirelessly communicate with a receiver (30), to activate an alarm and does not contain any identification that indicates the communication's source (10). The system may include “repeaters” (40), whose function is to relay the communication from one station to another over distances longer than can be reached by a single transmitter (10), Apparatuses for transmitting (10), repeating (40), and receiving (30), are also disclosed, as well as a communication system comprised of various elements of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.v.
    Inventors: Kim Johnnie Hansen, Carlton B. Morgan, Thomas Dean Lyster
  • Publication number: 20100019932
    Abstract: A driver-initiated warning device is described for communicating descriptive vehicle-to-vehicle warning messages. The device can be deployed within an automobile and can include an interface that receives input from a driver or passenger of a vehicle. The device also includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communications component that generates anonymous messages upon having received the input and broadcasts the anonymous messages to other vehicles within range. The anonymous messages have embedded electronic data regarding an event observed by the driver or passenger, such as location information of a road hazard. Based on receiving the messages, the device can make decisions as to whether to alert the driver of any upcoming dangers or other events. The location information contained in the messages can be used to filter the messages based on relevance. The messages can also be relayed to other vehicles in order to optimize information diffusion between moving automobiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: TELE ATLAS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Cecil Wayne Hilton Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7629898
    Abstract: A method for providing an emergency vehicle alert to an occupant of a second vehicle includes: receiving an alert signal at a receiver device on the second vehicle from the emergency vehicle; and, responsive to the received alert signal, automatically warning the occupant of the second vehicle that the emergency vehicle may be approaching and/or is in a vicinity of the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Mark Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 7620812
    Abstract: An authentication system authenticates remotely generated optical control signals. A remote optical emitter transmits an optical control signal from a remote location. A remote authentication device collocated with the remote optical emitter receives an authentication challenge signal and transmits a compatible authentication response signal. A control optical signal processor positioned at a first location receives the optical control signal from the remote optical emitter and generates a control output signal in response to detection of a valid optical control signal. An authentication device is coupled by a real time data communications link with the optical signal processor and with the remote optical emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Tomar Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott T. Sikora, William H. Conley, III
  • Patent number: 7620394
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: ATC Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander H. Good, Charlene J. King, Eric A. Swank, Monish Kundra, Peter D. Karabinis
  • Patent number: 7616128
    Abstract: An audio identifying device which can transmit with certainty audio information which is important for a user, according to an importance level of input audio information which varies depending on the action of the user includes: a checking unit 104 which judges a type of inputted audio; a user action obtainment unit 108 which detects an action of the user; an output mode determination unit 106 which determines an output mode of an audio identification result regarding the input audio by checking, with output mode definition information stored in the output mode definition information storage unit 107, the result judged by the checking unit 104 and the result detected by the user action obtainment unit 108; and the audio identification result output processing unit 110 which outputs the audio identification result on which processing according to the output mode determined by the audio identification result has been performed by checking the judgment result determined by the output mode determination unit 106
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Ohno, Shinichi Yoshizawa, Tetsu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7605842
    Abstract: Described are a vehicle optical communications system and network to exchange high bandwidth optical data between vehicles or between a vehicle and a stationary host. The vehicle optical communications system includes a communications module and a sensor having pixels for detecting an image in a field of view. Each pixel can generate a pixel data signal responsive to an incident optical data signal that includes vehicle data transmitted from a remote optical transmitter. The communications module provides remote data in response to the pixel data signals. The vehicular communications system optionally includes an optical transmitter to enable bi-directional communication. Data can be transmitted through a multi-node network of vehicular communication systems deployed in vehicles or on stationary hosts located between or around the data transmitter and intended data receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Clifton Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Wilsey, Dale E. Martin, Darryl S. Dieckman, Fred R. Beyette, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090243879
    Abstract: Systems and methods for notification of presence of emergency vehicles are described. The system includes an acoustic receiver to be mounted on a car, and a detection circuit connected with the car radio receiver. As soon as the detection circuit detects presence of an emergency vehicle near the car, it lowers the volume of the car radio receiver, thus allowing the car's driver to be alerted of the presence of the emergency vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Eduardo VILLALOBOS, Ramon Villalobos
  • Publication number: 20090231158
    Abstract: In V2V or other networks in which multiple video feeds are available to a participant, the participant's ability to select a particular video feed for display can be eased through the use of guided scanning. A guided scanning strategy is built based on operator inputs and used to select a particular set of video feeds that are initially shown as a video “slideshow” on the display used by the participant. Each video feed appears only for a limited period of time to enable easy participant review. Once the participant sees a particular video feed of interest, that video feed to can be selected for persisted presentation on the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Travis M. Grigsby, Steven Michael Miller, Pamela Ann Nesbitt, Lisa Anne Seacat
  • Patent number: 7586405
    Abstract: A motorcycle awareness system for use when a motorcycle is in operation in conjunction with vehicular traffic is disclosed. The motorcycle awareness system includes an infrared light emitter that is located on the front of a motorcycle, with the infrared light emitter having an internal oscillating motor that is attached to an emitter. The emitter continually emits infrared light in a forward manner once it is turned on and emits this light in a sweeping manner. Vehicles would be equipped with an infrared light receiver, which, when infrared light is received, would activate a number of lights that are attached to the receiver. The lights are preferably either yellow or blue to distinguish these lights from other vehicular lights. When activated, the lights signify the presence of a motorcycle in close proximity to the vehicle, thereby notifying the driver to pay extra attention while driving so as to not endanger the motorcyclist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jerry D. Brandenburg
  • Publication number: 20090212972
    Abstract: A communications system that includes techniques for protecting the transmission of data and information between vehicles so as to prevent a second automakers from using information developed by a first automaker. The communications system employs a layered protocol network. Sensors on the vehicle provide various information, some of which is sent to each layer in a network protocol and some of which may be broadcast. One or more encrypting algorithms is provided at suitable locations in the protocol, such as between the various layers or at the output of the sensors, that prevents data from being used by the second automaker's vehicle transmitted from the first automaker's vehicle who does not include a decryption algorithm to decrypt the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Carroll C. Kellum
  • Publication number: 20090179774
    Abstract: A monitoring and notification system detects and informs vehicle occupants of sirens. The system may adjust radio, phone, or other device settings in the vehicle in conjunction with the notification. The notification may take an audible or visual form, and the monitoring system may perform its analysis across multiple types of sirens. In addition, the system may adapt its processing based on location to take into account locally expected siren formats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: QNX SOFTWARE SYSTEMS (WAVEMAKERS), INC.
    Inventors: Glenn Andrew Mohan, Phillip Alan Hetherington
  • Patent number: 7561064
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20090174572
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described to improve emergency vehicle deployment by automatically alerting all other nearby vehicles on the road as to the presence and intention of the emergency vehicle. Since the use of audible sirens has somewhat marked effectiveness, in selecting the most practical automated method to notify most drivers a review is given of the various data-links that are available today, including plans for new standards. The invention focuses on the ubiquitous cellular telephone and methods are described to relay an emergency vehicle's siren through the device to help clear the road ahead for the emergency services vehicle. Furthermore, the method uses techniques to determine which cell users are in the path of the vehicle and targets only those cell devices to relay the siren. The relaying is virtual as it may use siren or similar ring-tones that respond to the emergency notification to the user's cell phone number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Alexander E. Smith