Relative Distence Between Vehicles (e.g., Collision Alert) Patents (Class 340/903)
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Patent number: 8466805Abstract: An emergency vehicle includes a siren signal generator emitting an electronic siren signal. A siren loudspeaker is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits an audible siren sound in response to receiving the electronic siren signal. The loudspeaker has two inputs. An impedance detector is coupled to the two inputs of the loudspeaker and measures impedance across the two inputs of the loudspeaker. The impedance detector outputs a loudspeaker presence signal if the measured impedance is within a predetermined range. A siren signal detector is coupled to the siren signal generator and emits a siren signal presence signal in response to verifying that the electronic siren signal has a set of predetermined siren signal characteristics. Logic circuitry emits an enable signal in response to receiving both the loudspeaker presence signal and the siren signal presence signal. A radio frequency transmitter transmits a radio frequency notification signal in response to receiving the enable signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: William Michael Waymire
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Patent number: 8466807Abstract: A method is provided for rapidly identifying potential collision threats between communicating vehicles in a vehicle communication network for actuating a vehicle control action to mitigate potential collisions between the communicating vehicles. Vehicle boundaries and trajectory path boundaries are constructed for the communicating vehicles for efficiently identifying a potential collision. Prioritized assessments are performed to determine which respective boundaries intersect one another. Based on whether respective boundaries that intersect one another will determine if a control vehicle control action is initiated and which control action is imitated. Once the intersecting boundaries are identified, a location of the potential collision can be rapidly identified by a technique that subdivides and regenerates the intersecting trajectory path boundaries of the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Upali Priyantha Mudalige
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Patent number: 8461975Abstract: An obstacle position indicating apparatus is disclosed. In the apparatus, multiple actuators are arranged in a periphery of a conduction plate so as to give an external force to an end of the conduction plate in a planer direction of the conduction plate. A drive control component determines a ratio of magnitude of amplitude of designated two actuators in accordance with information on a direction to an obstacle and causes the designated two actuators to perform reciprocating motion in accordance with the determined ratio. The conduction plate conducts the vibration, which results from the reciprocating motion of the designated two actuators, to a hand of an occupant touching the conduction plate, thereby providing the occupant with the information on the direction to the obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tsutomu Matsuno, Satoshi Nozoe
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Patent number: 8456327Abstract: An automatic vehicle equipment control system and methods thereof are provided, the system includes at least one imager configured to acquire a continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, a processor, a color spectral filter array including a plurality of color filters, at least a portion of which are different colors, and pixels of an imager pixel array being in optical communication with substantially one spectral color filter, and a lens, wherein the imager is configured to capture a non-saturated image of nearby oncoming headlamps and at least one of a diffuse lane marking and a distant tail lamp in one image frame of the continuous sequence of high dynamic range single frame images, and the system configured to detect at least one of said highway markings and said tail lamps, and quantify light from the oncoming headlamp from data in the one image frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Jeremy C. Andrus, Gregory S. Bush, David J. Wright, Jim L. Schneider, Tom B. Sherman
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Patent number: 8456323Abstract: A lighting-system control method applied to the lighting-system including a light source and an ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device is provided. The method comprises steps of: determining a distance between an object and the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device by the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device according to a flight time of an ultrasonic-wave; changing a first light property of the light source when the object is detected moving toward the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device; and changing a second light property of the light source when the object is detected moving away from the ultrasonic transmitting-and-receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Lite-On It CorporationInventors: Sheng-Fa Hou, Tzu-Nan Chen
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Patent number: 8451141Abstract: An intersection visibility determination device includes an ECU that determines visibility at an intersection. When a host vehicle approaches an intersection with a stop sign, the ECU calculates conflict points at which a trajectory vector of the host vehicle intersects with virtual trajectory vectors of intersecting objects, which are presumed to come from the right side and the left side of the intersection, respectively. The conflict points are calculated based on information on types and traveling positions of the intersecting objects. The ECU sets visibility determination areas at the intersection as viewed from the host vehicle based on the positions of the conflict points, the right-side and the left-side visibility target distances, and the current location of the host vehicle, and calculates, based on the visibility determination areas, visibility distances that are used as visibility parameters indicating whether the visibility at the intersection is good or poor.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaaki Uechi, Kazuya Sasaki, Masumi Kobana, Kazunori Higuchi, Mitsuteru Kokubun
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Patent number: 8451143Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifies a presence of a vehicle by providing easily-perceivable and less uncomfortable notification sound outside of the vehicle. The vehicle presence notification apparatus includes: a speaker and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the speaker to generate the notification sound that simultaneously has (i) at least one fundamental high frequency, which is easily perceivable, but annoying to human ears; and (ii) at least one auxiliary low frequency, which is less than the at least one fundamental high frequency and has a harmonic relation with the at least one fundamental high frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Nakayama
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Patent number: 8452306Abstract: A system for locating an object, comprising one or more of a first GPS receiver and a first long and short range transceiver onboard a subject object at a first location; one or more of a second GPS receiver and a second long and short range transceiver onboard a secondary object at a second location; a control center for transmitting a location query message requesting first location information; the first long range transceiver transmitting the first location information to the control center, or the first short range transceiver transmitting the first location information and a subject object identification to the second short range transceiver, that transmits the first location information and the subject object identification to the control center, or the second long range transceiver transmitting the second location information to the control center when the subject object and the secondary object are within a predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: MU Research & Development Grove, LLCInventors: Murad Qahwash, Madjid A. Belkerdid
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Publication number: 20130127638Abstract: A cyclist proximity warning system comprising one or more cyclist transmitter units each for carrying on a bicycle or motorcycle and one or more in vehicle driver alert devices each driver alert device for carrying in a vehicle. Each transmitter unit is adapted to transmit a signal indicating the location of the transmitter unit and the bicycle or motorcycle carrying the unit. Each in vehicle driver alert device has a receiver adapted to receive a cyclist proximity warning signal indicating presence of a cyclist proximate the vehicle and, in response to receiving the signal, alert the vehicle driver to the presence of a cyclist proximate the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Cameron Harrison
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Patent number: 8447437Abstract: An assistant driving system with video recognition includes a camera array capturing environment images for the environment around the vehicle, an image recognition unit identifying environment objects and their image, location, color, speed and direction from the environment images, an environment monitor and control unit receiving the information generated by the image recognition unit and creating the rebuild environment information for the vicinity of the vehicle as well as judging the space relationship between the vehicle and the environment objects to generate the warning information, a video recognition display unit showing a single image for the rebuild environment information, a vehicle warning unit performing the processes corresponding to the warning information, a vehicle driving unit generating the driving control command based on the rebuild environment information, and a vehicle controlling unit receiving the driving control command to control the throttle, brake or steering wheel of the vehicType: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Yan-Hong Chiang
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Patent number: 8446267Abstract: A communication system, including an apparatus, method and program, is provided for communicating a message from a vehicle to a location. The communication system detects a distance to an object that is located at the location and a speed of the vehicle. A target distance is then calculated on the basis of the detected distance to the object and the detected speed of the vehicle. A determination is made as to whether the object is configured for communication with the vehicle. According to the determination, a message is communicated to the object from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Inventor: Steven Schraga
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Patent number: 8447474Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLCInventor: David S. Breed
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Patent number: 8442726Abstract: A method and device are provided for lessening the consequences of an accident affecting a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision of the vehicle with an obstruction. Before the collision, the absolute speed of the vehicle occupant relative to the obstruction is reduced independently of the traveling speed of the vehicle by way of a reduction of the vehicle occupant's speed relative to the vehicle, without the vehicle occupant experiencing a first displacement movement against the vehicle movement direction beyond his initial destination-related traveling position.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Zimmermann, Christian Gruber
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Patent number: 8441394Abstract: A system, controller, antenna, and method for detecting obstruction and misalignment of a ground vehicle radar having an antenna configured to detect objects in a first direction characterized as being substantially parallel to a horizontal plane about the ground vehicle, and detect objects in a second direction characterized as being toward a roadway surface proximate to the ground vehicle. The second direction radar return from the roadway is expected to have certain characteristics. If the characteristics are outside of a predetermined window, then obstruction and/or misalignment of the first direction and the second direction is likely, and so the radar may not reliably detect an object in the first direction, such as a vehicle in an adjacent lane.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Stephen W. Alland
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Patent number: 8442739Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system is provided that calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between the host vehicle and the preceding obstacle. A first driving assistance control system controls at least one of an actuation reaction force exerted by a driver-operated driving operation device and a braking/driving force exerted against the host vehicle based on the risk potential calculated. A second driving assistance control system controls the braking/driving force of the host vehicle such that a headway distance is maintained between the host vehicle and the obstacle. A transition detecting section detects a transition of operating states of the first and second driving assistance control systems. The control adjusting section adjusts the control executed by the first and second driving assistance control systems when a transition of operating state is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Kuge, Takayuki Kondoh, Akira Onozuka, Tomohiro Yamamura, Yoshiharu Kamisuki
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Patent number: 8436722Abstract: A gateway control apparatus for vehicles includes a receiver configured to receive vehicle state information from vehicle ECUs and a vehicle-to-vehicle distance from an intelligent cruise control unit. The gateway control apparatus also includes a first memory to store the vehicle state information, a calculation unit to calculate a relative velocity and a relative acceleration from the vehicle state information, and to calculate a collision index. A determination unit determines if the collision index exceeds a predetermined value. A vehicle information management unit determines an accident occurrence time point when the collision index exceeds the predetermined value, and allows the first memory to store pre-accident and post-accident vehicle state information. The gateway control apparatus stores the pre-accident and post-accident vehicle state information even in the case of a fender bender or minor collision to use the stored information for post-accident judgment.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Mando CorporationInventors: Seung Hyun Roh, Min Woo Park, Doo Kyum Kim
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Patent number: 8436747Abstract: A vehicle illumination system includes a light source emitting light for illuminating the vehicle surroundings or the vehicle interior or both, and a modulation unit modulating the emitting of light of the light source, where the emitted light is modulated with a frequency that is high enough so that the modulation of the light is substantially not perceivable by a person.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Harald Schoepp
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Patent number: 8417443Abstract: Vehicle speed identification information for identifying vehicle speed of a vehicle on a road is obtained for a plurality of vehicles. Based on a distribution of the vehicle speed identification information, the vehicle speed identification information is classified into groups corresponding to motions of the vehicle. An occurrence probability of a motion of the vehicle is obtained based on the classification.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8416300Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise a system and method for improving visibility of a roadway using an improved visibility system. The method comprising receiving data from a plurality of fog detectors located proximate a roadway and determining, based on the data from the plurality of fog detectors, that fog is present about the roadway. The method further comprising obtaining, after the determining that fog is present about the roadway, a plurality of images of the roadway by activating a plurality of cameras located proximate the roadway. The method further comprising creating a composite image by combining two or more of the plurality of images, wherein the composite image depicts the roadway unobstructed by fog and transmitting the composite image to a display device located in a vehicle traveling along the roadway.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Giuseppe Longobardi
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Patent number: 8410919Abstract: A driving support ECU comprises: a roadside object detection section for detecting, in a case where a lane marking WR on at least one of the right side and left side is detected by a white line detection section and another lane marking WL is not detected, a roadside object GL on the other of the right side and left side; a white line estimation part for estimating a position of a lane marking VL1 on the other of the right side and the left side based on the detected roadside object GL; and an information outputting section for determining a departure from the lane in which the vehicle VC is running, based on the estimated position of the lane marking VL1 on the other of the right side and left side.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Kataoka
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Patent number: 8410956Abstract: A system and method for providing a protocol to maintain a persistent warning message in a region of interest. The protocol begins its operation when a hazardous condition is detected by a vehicle. The detecting vehicle uses a multi-hop geocast broadcasting process to transmit a warning message to other vehicles in the region of interest. When the vehicles in the region of interest receive the warning message, they are prevented from re-broadcasting the message for a first predetermined period of time. After the first predetermined period of time has expired, a contentious timing process is used to determine which of those vehicles will re-broadcast the message to other vehicles entering the region of interest. This process of re-broadcasting continues until a second predetermined period of time expires at which time the message is not re-broadcast.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Fan Bai, Upali Priyantha Mudalige
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Patent number: 8405522Abstract: A method of alerting the driver of a vehicle to a lane departure condition. The method includes operating a lane detection system to detect that the vehicle is experiencing a lane departure condition, operating a sensor to detect background vibration experienced by the vehicle, determining a characteristic making a haptic signal likely to be distinguishable from the background vibration, and operating a haptic signal generator in response to the lane departure condition to deliver to a driver the haptic signal having the characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aric David Shaffer, Prashanth Shankar, Jeffrey Lawrence Laya
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Publication number: 20130069797Abstract: A vehicle operator distress signaling system includes a pair of housings each having a control circuit and a transceiver coupled to the control circuit. A plurality of light emitters is electrically coupled to the control circuit. A plurality of actuators is electrically coupled to the control circuit and each is associated with one of the light emitters. The transceiver of one of the housings emits a distinct radio signal associated with an actuated one of the actuators and the transceiver of the one of the housings turns on the light emitter associated with the distinct radio signal. An effective transmission distance of radio signals between the housings is less than 350 m such that when the receiving transceiver loses radio signals after the effective transmission distance has been exceeded, the light emitters associated with lost ones of the radio signals turn off.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Chad Howe
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Patent number: 8395490Abstract: A blind spot display apparatus presents a situation at a blind spot occurring at an intersection from a driver's viewpoint, in a method of presenting the situation to a driver. The blind spot display apparatus includes: an omni-directional image storage unit storing omni-directional images obtained at different positions; a blind spot model generating unit calculating a position of the object based on each image of the object (in the blind spot) included in the omni-directional images; an own-vehicle model generating unit calculating a position of a vehicle based on images of the vehicle included in the omni-directional images; an own-vehicle viewpoint coordinate transforming unit transforming the calculated position of the object into display coordinates relative to the calculated position of the vehicle; and a display unit that performs display.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventor: Masato Yuda
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Patent number: 8395530Abstract: A traffic control system for converting an intersection into a roundabout during periods of heavy traffic includes a mechanism for monitoring traffic flow through the intersection and about the roundabout. The system also includes a concave opening in and around the intersection and a concrete disc disposed in the cavity, a hydraulic lift is constructed and arranged to elevate the concrete disc above the level of the road and lights provided to alert motor vehicles to enter a roundabout defined by the elevated disc. The system also includes traffic lights for alerting a motor vehicle operator to drive onto the disc or around the disc to use the intersection and/or roundabout.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
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Patent number: 8396655Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle includes: (a) at least one driving data sensor for acquiring driving data characterizing a driving state of the motor vehicle; (b) at least one camera for capturing images of the surroundings; (c) an accident recorder that can record the images of the surroundings in a buffer; and (d) an electronic controller for controlling the driving data sensor, the camera, and the accident recorder. The electronic controller is programmed to trigger an autonomous braking action of the motor vehicle based on driving data and/or images of the surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Karsten Breuer, Thomas Dieckmann, Hartmut Kitterer
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Patent number: 8392103Abstract: A database schema is disclosed that can significantly reduce the quantity of data required to describe the geometry of a train track and the geo-locations of features (e.g., grade crossings, mileposts, signals, platforms, switches, spurs, etc.) along the track. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a railroad track is represented as a plurality of partitions, each of which has its geometry contained within unique track point elements. Multiple track partitions are then joined together by common track point elements at their boundaries to create continuous rail networks. A compact table schema is employed that enables continuous sections of three-dimensional track splines to be rendered accurately in the track database, irrespective of the location of vertical and horizontal curvature along track segments. The data representation scheme also enables efficient storage of the geo-locations of features along a track, as well as the direct reconstitution of accurate three-dimensional track splines.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Thomas J. Meyer, Charles W. Morris
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Patent number: 8392105Abstract: Operating a vehicle includes receiving, by a central controller, positional data related to the vehicle and environmental data related to a current route of the vehicle. The central controller calculates a desired energy allocation based on the positional data and the environmental data, and transmits the desired energy allocation to the vehicle for use in controlling engine function.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Lane David Desborough
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Publication number: 20130049986Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a blind spot indicator. The mirror back plate has a generally planar portion and an indicator mounting portion. The indicator mounting portion of the mirror back plate is angled relative to the generally planar portion, and an aperture is established through the mirror back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element, and a light transmitting portion of the heater pad is generally aligned with the aperture of the mirror back plate. With the light source of the blind spot indicator activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through an indicia element, the aperture and the light transmitting portion and exits the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
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Patent number: 8386146Abstract: In an inter-vehicle distance control apparatus and an inter-vehicle distance control method, object detection information is obtained from a detection portion that detects a first preceding vehicle ahead of a vehicle, and an object ahead of the first preceding vehicle; a first possible target stop position is calculated taking into account the first preceding vehicle, and a second possible target stop position is calculated taking into account the object, based on the object detection information; and a target stop position for the vehicle is set to one of the first possible target stop position and the second possible target stop position, which is closer to the vehicle than the other of the first possible target stop position and the second possible target stop position is.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takao Shirai
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Patent number: 8384533Abstract: A hostless automobile reverse radar warning system installed to an automobile includes a reverse signal light power module for supplying an electric power required by the system, a plurality of distance sensing modules installed to an external periphery of the automobile for performing a distance detection to detect external environment conditions of the automobile, producing a distance detection result, and generating a warning signal based on the distance detection result, and a warning module for receiving the warning signal and producing a sound to alert a driver based on the warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Whetron Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Meng Chien Wang, Sen Wei, Shih-Feng Chiang
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Patent number: 8386119Abstract: A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential, and performs an assist control to restrain disturbance (such as vibration from a road) transmitted to the driver in accordance with the risk potential.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yosuke Kobayashi, Yoshifumi Takigawa, Toshiyuki Murata, Satoshi Tange, Tomoaki Oida, Taku Suzuki, Yuwun Chai, Motoaki Hosaka, Hironobu Kikuchi, Takeshi Kimura
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Patent number: 8384534Abstract: An apparatus for assisting safe operation of a vehicle includes an environment sensor system detecting hazards within the vehicle environment, a driver monitor providing driver awareness data (such as a gaze track), and an attention-evaluation module identifying hazards as sufficiently or insufficiently sensed by the driver by comparing the hazard data and the gaze track. An alert signal relating to the unperceived hazards can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael Robert James, Michael Edward Samples, Steven F. Kalik
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Patent number: 8386158Abstract: A method for providing for the optimized regulation of the relative spacing between aircraft is disclosed. This method can be implemented by a system whose physical architecture can rely mainly on existing computers on board most current aircraft. The method includes a main step of determining the changing trend of the relative spacing, in distance or in time, between a target aircraft (C) and a following aircraft (S).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventors: Xavier Blanchon, François Coulmeau, Manuel Gutierrez-Castaneda
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Patent number: 8378850Abstract: A park assist system for parking a vehicle in a target parking space includes a first sensing system which determines whether there is a sufficient slot length in a target parking space in which to park the vehicle. A second sensing system determines whether an obstacle is located in a predetermined clearance zone on a side of the vehicle opposite the target parking space. A decision regarding whether to recommend parking the vehicle in the target parking space sensed by the first sensing system is dependent upon a determination that an obstacle located in the clearance zone may be avoided by executing a first steering trajectory provided by the park assist system in order to avoid the obstacle before executing a second steering trajectory provided by the park assist system in order to park the vehicle into the target parking space.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Salvador Toledo, Dirk Gunia, Janet Meise
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Patent number: 8378851Abstract: A vehicle warning system that includes: a first camera mounted on the vehicle at a first longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires consecutively in real time a plurality of first camera image frames; a second camera mounted on the vehicle at a second longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires second camera image frames; and a processor configured to use information in both first and second camera image frames to determine whether there is a danger of a collision between the vehicle and an object shown in both the first and second camera images. The first and second longitudinal positions may be at different positions along the length of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Mobileye Technologies LimitedInventors: Gideon Stein, Amnon Shashua, Yoram Gdalyahu, Harel Livyatan
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Patent number: 8380363Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
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Patent number: 8380425Abstract: Autonomous collision avoidance systems for unmanned aerial vehicles are disclosed. Systems illustratively include a detect and track module, an inertial navigation system, and an auto avoidance module. The detect and track module senses a potential object of collision and generates a moving object track for the potential object of collision. The inertial navigation system provides information indicative of a position and a velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module receives the moving object track for the potential object of collision and the information indicative of the position and the velocity of the unmanned aerial vehicle. The auto avoidance module utilizes the information to generate a guidance maneuver that facilitates the unmanned aerial vehicle avoiding the potential object of collision.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: L-3 Unmanned Systems, Inc.Inventors: David S. Duggan, David A. Felio, Craig S. Askew
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Patent number: 8374752Abstract: A device and a method for activating a personal protection device are provided, in which a feature vector with at least two features is formed by an evaluation circuit from at least one signal of an accident sensor system. The evaluation circuit classifies the feature vector in the corresponding dimension using at least one class boundary. The activation circuit generates an activation signal which activates the personal protection device.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Joerg Breuninger, Josef Kolatschek
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Patent number: 8373577Abstract: A vehicle-mounted communication device includes a non-directional antenna provided at a vehicle and having a directional characteristic in all directions uniformly in a horizontal plane, at least one of directional antennas provided at the vehicle and having a directional characteristic in a specific direction, an antenna switching portion switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be sent in a case where the information is sent from the vehicle and switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be received in a case where the information transmitted through the air is received.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kiyokazu Ieda, Yuichi Murakami, Shingo Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8370056Abstract: A collision warning apparatus includes sensors, output devices, memory locations, a GPS device, and a processor. The processor may receive information from the sensors. The processor may also process the information to identify a detected object as a present potential collision object. The processor may compare present GPS coordinates of the vehicle with stored vehicle GPS coordinates saved in memory, to determine whether or not the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object. If the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object, the processor is operable to suppress a potential collision warning.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Patent number: 8369577Abstract: A vehicle position recognition system calculates an estimated position of a vehicle based on satellite positioning and dead reckoning navigation, and calculates a basic error range in which there is a possibility that the vehicle exists. The system calculates an estimated error amount regarding a directional error factor. The directional error factor is an error factor that tends to cause an error in a specific direction with respect to a vehicle traveling direction. The estimated error amount is an estimated amount of the error that is caused by the directional error factor. The system adjusts the basic error range based on (1) a direction in which the error tends to be caused by the directional error factor and (2) the estimated error amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Miyajima
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Patent number: 8370057Abstract: The invention provides six different display modes illustrating interaction and relative locations of two or more aerial vehicles (AVs), with at least one of the AVs being controllable by a ground-based or airborne-based controller of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a pilot of a standard manned aircraft. Some display modes also indicate a predicted distance of closest approach of two AVs, the possibility of conflict or collision, and a remaining time, measured relative to the present time, before this conflict occurs. An audio and/or visual indicator advises the AV controller if this conflict event is likely to occur and recommends an acceleration or deceleration increment that may avoid such conflict.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Inventor: Stanley Robert Herwitz
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Patent number: 8362922Abstract: When a vehicle attempts to enter a priority road from a non-priority road, a visibility determination processing section compares moving object information on the priority road obtained from a first infrastructure facility installed near a stop position with moving object information on the priority road detected by an autonomous sensor mounted on the vehicle, and determines that the visibility is poor if the former does not match the latter or determines that the visibility is good if the former matches the latter. Then, when the former does not match the latter, the driver is informed of intersection support information. When the former matches the latter, the driver is not informed since it is determined that the driver has already recognized the information by visual observation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Azumi Kushi, Shinji Sawada
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Patent number: 8362889Abstract: In a road condition detecting system consisting of a transmitter provided in a sending-side object on a road and adapted to transmit information about road conditions and a receiver provided in a receiving-side object on the road and adapted to receive information about road conditions, the transmitter includes sending-side vicinity information obtaining means for obtaining information about the vicinity of the sending-side object, transmitted information determining means for determining information to be transmitted, from the obtained vicinity information, and transmitting means for transmitting the determined vicinity information, and the receiver includes receiving means for receiving the vicinity information transmitted from the transmitting means of the transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Terumoto Komori
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Patent number: 8362890Abstract: An object detecting apparatus includes a sensor, a noise determining portion, a detected result determining portion and a warning portion. The sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave reflected by an object. The noise determining portion determines existence or nonexistence of a noise signal received by the sensor for a plurality of detecting areas by using a different threshold value for each of the plurality of detecting areas. The detected result determining portion validates or invalidates an object detected result of the sensor for each of the detecting areas based on existence or nonexistence of the noise signal determined by the noise determining portion for each of the detecting areas. The warning portion warns about the object detected result for a detecting area that is validated by the detected result determining portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Masakazu Takeichi, Taketo Harada, Norifumi Matsukawa
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Patent number: 8364370Abstract: When a target yaw moment Ms is computed, an estimated lateral acceleration GH and estimated deceleration GT of a host vehicle are determined beforehand according to target yaw moment Ms, and when the estimated lateral acceleration GH is smaller than a threshold preset on the basis of the estimated deceleration GT the target yaw moment Ms is corrected to a smaller limit value Msm.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Yonezawa, Kou Sato
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Patent number: 8363210Abstract: A combination of location measurement apparatuses to measure in three dimensions the location of an excavator with respect to a job site, and to further measure the location of an excavated or a topographical feature with respect to the excavator by range finding from the excavator in proximity of the feature and contemporaneously recording measurement data on a computer.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: James Leonard Montgomery
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Patent number: 8359150Abstract: A following distance control device (1) that controls a vehicle to regulate a distance to a preceding vehicle to a target following distance, the following distance control device (1) including: detecting unit (30) that detect at least one of acceleration operation (12) or deceleration operation (13) by a driver; a target following distance changing unit that changes the target following distance on the basis of the acceleration operation (12) or the deceleration operation (13) by the driver that is detected by the detecting unit (30); and an inhibition unit that inhibits a changing amount of the target following distance by the target following distance changing unit when the given acceleration operation (12) or the given deceleration operation (13) is executed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Kuze
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Patent number: 8358808Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and tracking objects, such as motor vehicles, within video data. The systems and method analyze video data, for example, to count objects, determine object speeds, and track the path of objects without relying on the detection and identification of background data within the captured video data. The detection system uses one or more scan lines to generate a spatio-temporal map. A spatio-temporal map is a time progression of a slice of video data representing a history of pixel data corresponding to a scan line. The detection system detects objects in the video data based on intersections of lines within the spatio-temporal map. Once the detection system has detected an object, the detection system may record the detection for counting purposes, display an indication of the object in association with the video data, determine the speed of the object, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: University of WashingtonInventors: Yegor Malinovskiy, Yinhai Wang, Yao-Jan Wu