Highway Information (e.g., Weather, Speed Limits, Etc.) Patents (Class 340/905)
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Patent number: 9007234Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes a communication device and an in-vehicle device. The communication device acquires posted information and geographical location data indicating the destination of the posted information. Then, the communication device generates map data in which the posted information is displayed at a position specified by the geographical location data which is acquired together with the posted information. In addition, the communication device changes a method of displaying the posted information on the generated map data on the basis of the time elapsed from the posting of the information to the acquisition of the posted information and the category of the posted information. Then, the communication device transmits the map data in which the display method of the posted information is changed to the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device displays the received map data on, for example, a liquid crystal monitor.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Yukisuke Ozaki, Takayoshi Yamashita
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Patent number: 9007199Abstract: A drive mode selection system for a vehicle is provided that includes a drive mode selector that can facilitate selection of a current drive mode from among a plurality of drive modes of the vehicle based at least in part on input from a driver of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of drive modes can be associated with a distinct visual indicator. Additionally, the system can include a mode indication component that can display the current drive mode of the plurality of drive modes by providing the distinct visual indicator associated with the current drive mode. The system can further include a mode recommendation component that can recommend a drive mode of the plurality of drive modes based at least in part on the current drive mode and data received from one or more sensors.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hajime Yamada
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Patent number: 9000946Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting traffic objects. A detector configured to capture radiated energy and to generate data associated with the radiated energy, wherein the radiated energy is radiated from traffic objects. A communicator configured to transmit the data associated with the radiated energy. A power source configured to provide power to the detector and the communicator.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Speed InformationInventor: Doug Finlay
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Publication number: 20150092056Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting safety during operation of a passenger vehicle. Such a system/method may determine positions of rear and sideview mirrors of a passenger vehicle that are optimized for a particular driver of the passenger vehicle to minimize “blind spots” based on the driver and the particular vehicle configuration, and for moving the rear and sideview mirrors into the optimized positions. Alternatively or in addition, such a system/method may collect data corresponding to internal and external conditions of the vehicle, optionally establish a driver profile of typical driving characteristics from the collected data, determine potential risks and/or hazards from the collected data, and warn the driver of the potential risks and/or hazards.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Nemoy Rau, Esha Rau, Hans Rau
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Patent number: 8994558Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automotive augmented reality HUD apparatus and method, which can adaptively change a location and a direction based on the visual field of a driver, thus reducing errors in location matching between virtual object information and real-world information. The automotive augmented reality HUD apparatus includes a viewing angle calculation unit for estimating a line-of-sight direction of a driver using a face direction, detected based on face images of the driver, and center positions of pupils and calculating a viewing angle. A matching unit matches a location of real-world information located in front of a driver's seat with a location of corresponding virtual object information located in front of the driver's seat, based on the line-of-sight direction and the viewing angle. A display unit displays results of the matching by the matching unit, wherein the display unit enables rotation thereof and location change thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Kyong-Ho Kim, Hye-Sun Park, Dae-Sub Yoon, Jong-Woo Choi, Yoon-Sook Hwang, Jong-Hyun Park
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Publication number: 20150084789Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a computer that receives weather information from a weather service provider (“WSP”) server and automatic vehicle locating system (“AVL”) collected information from an AVL server, accesses a material performance specification for at least one treatment material, and determines, based on the weather information and/or AVL collected information and the material performance specification, a treatment recommendation for a selected roadway segment and/or route.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventor: Kevin K. Groeneweg
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Patent number: 8988252Abstract: Information on a traffic event, such as a traffic accident, may be provided to a vehicle equipped with a system for performing a wireless data communication with a traffic event center. The system can determine automatically if the vehicle approaches the traffic event by receiving corresponding information in a wireless data transmission, or by a determination based on the vehicle's current position and a location of the traffic event received in a wireless data transmission. If it is determined by the system that the vehicle has approached a traffic event, the system can automatically acquire image data of the vehicle environment, and transmit the acquired image data to the traffic event center.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventors: Kay-Ulrich Scholl, Andreas Stiegler, Heiko Oehring
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Patent number: 8989920Abstract: Driving condition monitoring system for a vehicle on a travel surface includes stationary mounting structures arranged proximate the travel surface, and sensors located in the mounting structures in a vicinity of the travel surface and apart from the travel surface. The sensors generate information about the travel surface or an environment around the travel surface. An arrangement on the vehicle or associated with the sensors initiates a transmission of the information generated by each sensor to the vehicle when the vehicle is proximate the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.Inventor: David S Breed
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Patent number: 8989699Abstract: Various embodiments include communicating emergency information to a vehicle. A computer may receive one or more emergency notifications issued by a government agency. Additionally, a geographic location of a vehicle may be determined based on GPS data. At least one emergency notification may be selected based on the geographic location of the vehicle and a geographic attribute of the emergency notifications. The selected emergency notifications may be output so that the notification may be presented to a vehicle occupant. In some embodiments, the notification may be output depending on the direction that the vehicle is travelling.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Anthony Hatton, Robert Earl Johnson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150077271Abstract: A method controls vehicular traffic on a one-way roadway. A hardware sensor detects vehicular traffic on a roadway. A hardware traffic control device determines whether the vehicular traffic on the roadway has been moving exclusively in a first direction during a preceding period of time, such that the roadway is a one-way roadway on which current vehicular traffic is authorized to travel only in the first direction. The hardware sensor detects an errant vehicle that is traveling on the one-way roadway in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. In response to determining that the errant vehicle is traveling in the second direction on the one-way roadway, a warning signal is transmitted to vehicles, other than the errant vehicle, on the one-way roadway.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: SHAREEF F. ALSHINNAWI, GARY D. CUDAK, EDWARD S. SUFFERN, J. MARK WEBER
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Publication number: 20150077272Abstract: A system for a vehicle that provides personal convenience reminders to a user of a vehicle. The system accesses an off board system such as a personal electronic device of the user to display the personal convenience reminders. The system can also access various off board applications in response to the personal electronic device of the user to further refine the personal convenience reminders in response to a user selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: James T. Pisz, Jason A. Schulz, Kazutoshi Ebe, Pujitha Gunaratne, Warren Jing Po Chou
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Patent number: 8981963Abstract: Disclosed is an accident/near-miss factor area specifying device capable of specifying accident/near-miss factor areas, the presentation of which is highly required. The accident/near-miss factor area specifying device (100) is used for specifying accident/near-miss factor areas which a driver of a vehicle should be aware of in order to prevent an accident, and the device comprises a viewing area specifying unit (151) for specifying a viewing area of a driver of a vehicle which had a near-miss, immediately before the near-miss occurs, and an unnoticed area specifying unit (152) wherein, when a near-miss object is located in a viewing area, an area corresponding to the position of the object is treated as an unnoticed area which is one of the accident/near-miss factor areas.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koichi Emura, Hayashi Ito
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Publication number: 20150070194Abstract: An apparatus for warning of dangerous passing of a vehicle may include: a vehicle information collector configured to collect vehicle information containing one or more of vehicle speed, traveling direction, and location; a vehicle information transmitter/receiver configured to transmit the vehicle information collected through the vehicle information collector, and receive other vehicle information transmitted from other vehicles; a controller configured to determine the direction of a lane change signal when the lane change signal is inputted, and determine whether to output a warning based on the vehicle information collected through the vehicle information collector and the other vehicle information received through the vehicle information transmitter/receiver; and a warning output unit configured to output a warning according to the determination of the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventor: Jang Hyeon Jo
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Patent number: 8972146Abstract: A device, system and method for controlling speed of a vehicle are provided. The device includes a locational information module for determining location information and speed; a storage module for storing at least one geographic map including at least one route and a speed limit for the at least one route; a processing module configured to receive the location information, retrieve at least one geographic map based on the location information, determine a speed limit based on the location information and compare the speed of the device to the determined speed limit; and a display module for alerting a user if the speed of the device exceeds the determined speed limit. The system and method can be for communicating a subject vehicle's speed to a central server where it can be utilized to analyze traffic congestion patterns or notify selected companies or individuals.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Clayco Research Limited Liability CompanyInventor: Leigh M. Rothschild
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Patent number: 8972076Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus that assists driving of a vehicle, includes: a vehicle speed sensor; a communication unit that obtains traffic light information relating to a change in a display condition of a traffic light disposed in an advancement direction of the vehicle; a position calculation unit that calculates relative position information between the vehicle and a traffic light location where the traffic light is disposed; and a passage assistance control unit. The passage assistance control unit detects an operating condition of the vehicle at an intersection location before the traffic light, calculates a corrected vehicle speed on the basis of the operating condition and a current vehicle speed, and determines whether or not the vehicle is permitted to pass through the traffic light location on the basis of the corrected vehicle speed, the relative position information between the vehicle and the traffic light location, and the traffic light information.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Ogawa
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Patent number: 8970397Abstract: A roadside detection system installed in a vehicle to detect a roadside of a road on which the vehicle travels includes detection results acquiring means, first edge line detecting means and second edge line detecting means. The detection results acquiring means emits light waves or electromagnetic waves to a target detection region in which an object to be measured is detected and acquires an objective distance and a reflection intensity, for each of separate regions obtained by separating the target detection region into a plurality of divisions. The first edge line detecting means detects a first edge line that is a candidate of a roadside based on each objective distance. The second edge line detecting means detects a second edge line that is a candidate of a roadside based on each reflection intensity. A driver assistance system and a roadside detecting method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Nitanda, Takayuki Miyahara
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Publication number: 20150054659Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a traffic information communication system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a message relating to traffic conditions along a thoroughfare from a communication node. The transmitter may be communicatively coupled to the receiver and may be configured to rebroadcast the message within a predetermined amount of time after receiving the message. The traffic information communication system may be implemented in a vehicle traveling along the thoroughfare.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Wei-Peng CHEN
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Publication number: 20150054658Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing traffic information via a navigation module onboard a moving vehicle, comprising the steps of: obtaining geolocalization data of the vehicle; identifying the closest traffic light ahead the vehicle; retrieving, from a remote traffic light server, operational information on the identified closest traffic light; processing the operational information to determine an optimal speed at which the vehicle should move to arrive at the closest traffic light when it is at green phase; and outputting the optimal speed via a user interface of the navigation module.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Aleksandra Kosatka-Pioro
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Patent number: 8963738Abstract: An alert apparatus and related systems. The alert apparatus includes a controller and a wireless receiver connected to the controller and configured to receive data from a transmitter. The alert apparatus includes a packaging containing the controller and receiver and a visual indicator connected to be controlled by the controller and visible from outside of a vehicle on which the alert apparatus is mounted. The visual indicator is controllably activated by the controller based on the received data, and the alert apparatus is mounted on a windshield of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Lamar UniversityInventor: Harley Ross Myler
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Patent number: 8965685Abstract: A feature for a motor vehicle that takes precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network in the vicinity ahead of the vehicle. The feature uses a data representation of the road network extending from the current vehicle position out to an extent. The data representation of the road network is used to identify conditions, if any, that warrant taking a precautionary action. The type of conditions about which actions are to be taken may be identified in a data file. A precautionary action is taken as the vehicle approaches the location of the condition. The precautionary action may be a message provided to the vehicle driver to alert the driver about the condition. Alternatively, the action may be a modification of the vehicle operation, such as slowing down or stopping the vehicle, speeding up the vehicle, changing direction, and so on.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventor: Robert Denaro
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Patent number: 8963740Abstract: Architecture that employs crowd-sourced parking-related information to compute the probability of finding parking spots at specific road segments, parking lots, and/or in larger geographic areas. The crowd-sourced parking-related information can be obtained from geolocation (geographical location) traces. This approach utilizes a method of mining location traces to compute the probability of finding parking spots at specific road segments, parking lots, and/or in larger geographic areas. The location traces can be mined to classify parking areas as public, private, and semi-private (e.g., only for company employees in certain area that also include public parking areas). The location traces can be mined to infer the times and dates (e.g., hours of the day and the days of the week) during which a vehicle is allowed to park at a given location.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Emmanouil Koukoumidis, Brian Beckman, Norm Bryar, Elad Gerson
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Patent number: 8963702Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and method for using street map data broadcasts a warning to a driver, wherein the warning is triggered when a vehicle operating parameter does not comply with a limitation for a current street in a street mapping database. The limitation for the current street is also broadcast to the driver. An indication that the limitation for the current street is incorrect is received from the driver. The warning to the driver may be an audible warning and/or a visual warning to the driver. Broadcasting a limitation for the current street may include displaying the limitation to the driver or playing a spoken message to the driver. The limitation may be a posted speed limit or a traffic direction, for example.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Todd W. Follmer, Scott McClellan
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Patent number: 8958979Abstract: The present invention provides system and method for creation of a road map, the system comprising a plurality of navigation devices; and an application server to receive from the plurality of navigation devices time series of location points, and to create a road map based on the time series of location points. The method comprising receiving location points from plurality of navigation devices, along with respective time stamps indicating the time of recordation of each of the location points; identifying at least one route according to the location points and respective time stamps; and creating a road map based on the at least one route.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Uri Levine, Amir Shinar, Ehud Shabtai
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Patent number: 8957789Abstract: A vehicle support information system mounted in a vehicle, the vehicle support system including: a man-detecting unit; a vehicle-position detecting unit; a communication unit; a man-position/waiting-score calculating unit; a stopping-vehicle determining unit determining whether or not the vehicle should be stopped, based on a man position and a waiting score of an at least one potential-crossing-man; a travelling controller for stopping the vehicle when the stopping-vehicle determining unit determines that the vehicle should be stopped; and a man-crossing-signal display unit displaying information to inform the at least one potential-crossing-man whether or not the at least one potential-crossing-man can safely cross the road, based on an instruction of the stopping-vehicle determining unit, wherein the man-position/waiting-score calculating unit outputs the man-position/waiting-score to the communication unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitaka Hara, Takuya Naka, Saku Egawa, Masashi Koga
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Patent number: 8957764Abstract: An apparatus e firmly writes data to wireless IC tags and embeds the wireless IC tags having been written with data to the object to be embedded. The data writing apparatus includes a radio communication means for writing data to wireless IC tags through radio communication and a wireless IC tag charging member for embedding the wireless IC tags having been written with data to the object to be embedded with wireless IC tags being received in a mixing/kneading tank in the liquid, viscous or semisolid state. The radio communication means writes data to the wireless IC tags and the wireless IC tags having been written with data are embedded to the object to be embedded with wireless IC tags through the wireless IC tag charging member.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Mitomo CorporationInventors: Kikuo Kaga, Shigeo Azhizawa
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Publication number: 20150046055Abstract: A driving support apparatus which performs driving support regarding a traffic signal includes: a communication device which acquires time-series traffic signal information regarding the lighting state of the traffic signal; a time calculating unit which calculates the time remaining until the lighting state changes on the basis of the traffic signal information; and an output device which notifies a driver of lighting time information regarding the time remaining. When the time remaining is equal to or smaller than a threshold value, the output device does not perform notification of the lighting time information so that it can be difficult for the driver to predict the timing at which a red lighting state of the traffic signal will change. Accordingly, it becomes possible to suppress unsafe action by the driver based on the traffic signal information notification received.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuki YAMADA, Hiroshi ONUMA
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Patent number: 8952830Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vehicle safety warning system which enables a warning of a potential or an actual hazard to be transmitted via a signal between two or more vehicles, a device for use in such a system and an improved vehicle rally safety warning and information system.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Status Technologies Pty LtdInventors: Stephen James Sims, Wayne David Maxwell, Jason Edward White, Andrew Philip Perkins, Norman George Ballard
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Patent number: 8947259Abstract: A vehicle wrong-way travel detection device includes a map information storage unit where map information is stored, a decision-making point setting unit that sets, based upon the map information stored in the map information storage unit, the connecting point located ahead along a subject vehicle traveling direction as a decision-making point, a wrong-way travel decision-making area setting unit that sets wrong-way travel decision-making areas for at least one of a plurality of roads connected to the decision-making point, and a wrong-way travel decision-making unit that makes a decision, based upon the direction of traffic flow set for a unidirectional traffic road connected to the decision-making point and the subject vehicle traveling direction, as to whether or not the subject vehicle is traveling against the flow of traffic on the unidirectional traffic road.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Tagawa, Keisuke Mutou, Hajime Kasai, Akihiko Kouzai
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Patent number: 8947261Abstract: This document describes systems and techniques that may be used to aggregate information about open parking spots from various different parking providers or organizations.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Jason Woodard, Joseph Catalano, Ryan Kotler, Adam Richard Rogal
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Patent number: 8947262Abstract: A system and method to capture a plurality of images and store the captured images. The system has multiple camera systems capable of transmitting image data. At least one camera system is equipped with an apparatus for determining location coordinates such as GPS. A computer system monitors location coordinates, retrieves image data from the camera systems, and stores the image data into a file. A contiguous array of location coordinates is entered and the computer system locates camera systems within the contiguous array of location coordinates; retrieves image data from the located camera systems; and files the image data taken from each of the camera systems to obtain a file of image data. The system provides the ability to serially interleave frames or video captured from multiple sources.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Frank Rauscher, Carl E. Werner
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Publication number: 20150029039Abstract: A driving support device performs driving support of a vehicle, which is a host vehicle, based on signal cycle information on a lighting cycle of a signal at a service target intersection. When the signal cycle information is not available, the driving support device estimates the signal cycle information based on infrastructure data, which is surrounding information on the intersection, and performs driving support based on the estimated signal cycle information. This allows the driving support device to perform driving support suitably even when the signal cycle information is not available.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshio Mukaiyama
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Patent number: 8941510Abstract: A system adapted to provide a warning to a vehicle operator of nearby hazards, e.g., that a nearby vehicle has been in a collision or is otherwise inoperable. Embodiments include a detector operable to detect a hazard, a transmitter to transmit a warning signal, a receiver to receive a transmitted warning signal, and a display to warn the operator of an approaching vehicle of the hazard. Some embodiments incorporate feedback from a vehicle's airbag deployment circuitry to provide a trigger effective to broadcast the warning signal. The operator of an approaching vehicle may be provided with a visual and/or an audible warning signal, e.g., via a cellular telephone. Certain embodiments provide such warning to approaching vehicles via the transmitted warning signal and a display and/or speaker carried in the approaching vehicle. Audible and visual warnings may be transmitted directly from the crashed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: BCS Business Consulting Services Pte LtdInventors: Chantal Burnison, Philippe Bensoussan
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Patent number: 8937546Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tony L. Benson, Thomas S. Thompson, Erick C. Jones, Robert J. Dreisewerd, Jr.
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Patent number: 8938224Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for transmitting information to a personal communication device (PCD) is provided. The system includes a communication module for being positioned in a vehicle. The communication module is configured to generate a vehicle status signal indicative of the vehicle being in a moving state and to generate a device name signal indicative of an identity of the communication module in the vehicle. The communication module is further configured to transmit the vehicle status signal and the device name signal to the PCD for limiting the operation of the PCD.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Doron M. Elliott, Thomas Lee Miller, David Anthony Hatton
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Patent number: 8933798Abstract: An electronic display comprises a graphical lap information display portion that comprises a lap time differential indicator and an illuminated portion. The lap time differential indicator is configured to display a differential time value. The illuminated portion is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the graphical lap information display portion in a plurality of different lighting modes. The illuminated portion is operable in the plurality of different lighting modes in response to a rate of change of the differential time value. A vehicle and method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nathaniel C. Ellis
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Patent number: 8928493Abstract: The invention relates to a traffic signal control system for controlling a plurality of signal junctions comprising a signal group oriented multi-agent control scheme, each agent operates independently and represents one or more traffic signals at a signal junction; means for each agent for determining traffic conditions at its signal junction and traffic conditions at neighboring agents; and means for applying fuzzy logic in signal control operations, wherein signal control operation is based on traffic conditions at each agent and one or more neighboring agents, such that the control operation is distributed to each agent to control each of said plurality of signal junctions. An advantage of the system is that this approach in combining the flexible signal group control with the artificial intelligence of fuzzy logic dynamic control is achieved. The operation of the control system is based on detector data input, that is refined to real time traffic situation model.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Road Safety Management Ltd.Inventor: Martin Mantalvanos
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Patent number: 8922388Abstract: A lighting system for the exterior of a vehicle that includes a housing, a sensor, a lamp assembly, and a controller. The sensor is carried by the housing and detects the presence of a hazard in a predetermined region on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The lamp assembly is carried by the housing and has a light source for projecting light onto at least a portion of the region. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the lamp assembly. The controller has a light activation input and, upon receipt of a light activation command at the input, it controls the lamp assembly to project light from the lamp assembly of a first color or other visible characteristic when no hazard is detected by the sensor and of a second color or other visible characteristic when the hazard is detected by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Federal-Mogul CorporationInventor: Todd Nykerk
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Patent number: 8922389Abstract: A system and method for communication between an emitting motor vehicle (Ve) and at least one target, the emitting vehicle (Ve) including at least one light device, the method comprising the step of automatically modulating a light signal (S) emitted by the light device for a communication between the vehicle (Ve) and the target; and the light device being chosen from: a lighting device, a daytime running light (DRL), a position light.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Christophe Dubosc, Zdravko Zojceski
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Patent number: 8917190Abstract: A method of restricting turns at vehicle intersections imposes a policy that is dynamic and congestion based. Vehicle turns are allowed only to the extent that such a maneuver does not cause a hindrance to other vehicles traveling the same direction that are not turning. A hindrance may be defined in a variety of ways based on whether other vehicles are substantially impeded in their progress. In this way, such a “no hinder” turn restriction is dependent on actual driving conditions and allows for more efficient movement of traffic in both heavily congested and light driving conditions. A no hinder turn restriction may be combined with or may replace other types of turn restrictions and may be utilized for both left and right turns and for streets with single or multiple lanes.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventor: Stephen Waller Melvin
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Patent number: 8917188Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and warning against wrong-way drivers, the method comprising the following steps: a) establishing a radio field over a roadway section to be monitored and at least substantially transversely to a predetermined correct driving direction of the roadway section, the radio field having at least two radio field sections that are spaced apart when viewed in the driving direction and have associated reception field strengths; b) detecting attenuations of the reception field strengths of the radio field sections that occur due to radio shadowing during driving through the roadway section; c) determining the sequence of the radio field sections in which an attenuation of the respectively associated reception field strengths has been detected; d) comparing the determined attenuation sequence with the correct driving direction; and e) initiating at least one warning signal if the attenuation sequence runs opposite to the correct driving direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignees: Wilhelm Schroeder GmbH, Technische Universitaet DortmundInventors: Christian Wietfeld, Andreas Lewandowski, Kai Okulla
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Patent number: 8918277Abstract: A method for recognizing road signs in the vicinity of a vehicle and for synchronization thereof to road sign information from a digital map where, in the case of a recognition of road signs, road-sign recognition data are generated, navigation data being provided for localizing the vehicle in digital map data, and the road-sign recognition data being synchronized to the map data. To be able to provide unambiguous and the most accurate possible and thus improved road sign information to be output to the driver in the context of such a method, in the case of a discrepancy between the map data and the road-sign recognition data, the decision is made with the aid of reliability factors for the camera and map as to whether the data from the digital map or the road-sign recognition data are output in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Niem, Philipp Ibele
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Patent number: 8917189Abstract: Provided is a driving assistance device capable of assisting safer driving of a vehicle. A driving assistance device 1 assists the driving in a case where a subject-vehicle C is advancing in the right-turn direction at an intersection where a traffic light S is installed which has a right arrow-indicating green lamplight signal BA and a green lamplight signal B.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshio Mukaiyama
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Patent number: 8914236Abstract: There is provided a mobile object including an input detection unit configured to detect an input from an outside, an acquisition unit configured to acquire environmental information detected by a sensor in a remote location, in accordance with a content of detection performed by the input detection unit, and a control unit configured to control an actuator other than a driving actuator in accordance with the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit, the driving actuator relating to movement of the mobile object.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Kazuyuki Sakoda, Yoichiro Sako, Kohei Asada, Katsuhisa Aratani, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Takatoshi Nakamura, Mitsuru Takehara, Yuki Koga, Hiroyuki Hanaya, Tomoya Onuma, Akira Tange
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Patent number: 8907814Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a traffic information communication system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be configured to receive a message relating to traffic conditions along a thoroughfare from a communication node. The transmitter may be communicatively coupled to the receiver and may be configured to rebroadcast the message within a predetermined amount of time after receiving the message. The traffic information communication system may be implemented in a vehicle traveling along the thoroughfare.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Wei-Peng Chen
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Patent number: 8907813Abstract: A traffic accident prevention service provides a method for improving traffic safety by using beacons. Each vehicle participating in the traffic accident prevention service includes a system for determining the speed of the vehicle, and a terminal connected to the system that has access to a wireless access network. Positioning beacons are located at different points of the road network and communicate via radio with the vehicles circulating close to them. The network warns the terminal of the safety parameters by knowing the position of the vehicle when it passes close to a beacon so that the driver can take appropriate actions.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Vodafone Group PLCInventors: Guillermo Cajigas Bringas, José Carlos Sendra Alcina, Miguel Angel Touset Rios
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Patent number: 8907772Abstract: A computer program product is provided for automatically detecting unsafe driving practices and providing real time driver feedback upon execution by either of a local device which may be embodied in for example a cigarette lighter adapter, or a mobile cellular device such as for example an iPhone. The device upon which the program is embodied is thus configured to receive and store program parameters including predetermined speed limit settings, receive sensor output signals representative of vehicle position and vehicle movement, determine a location of the vehicle based on the position sensor output signals, and determine a safe- or unsafe-driving condition based on the movement sensor output signals and at least a predetermined speed limit setting associated with the vehicle location. A driver alert signal is further generated in response to determining an unsafe driving condition, and notification of unsafe driving conditions may be accordingly transmitted to third parties.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Cyber Physical Systems, Inc.Inventors: William Blease Green, Chris Thompson
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Publication number: 20140354451Abstract: A method performed by one or more processors, comprising: receiving a notification message indicative of an occurrence of an event; determining that a position of a vehicular device that is associated with the one or more processors is located on a boundary of a reachability area surrounding a source of the event; determining that a direction of movement of the vehicular device is towards the source; responsive to determining that the position is on the boundary of the reachability area and that the direction of movement of the vehicular device is towards the source, entering a roadside unit state; detecting one or more vehicular devices that are uninformed of the occurrence of the event and that are located outside of the reachability area; and broadcasting the notification message to the one or more uninformed vehicular devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Ozan K. Tonguz, Wantanee Viriyasitavat
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Patent number: 8902080Abstract: A vehicle-mounted narrow-band wireless communication apparatus includes: information storing/managing section 905 for storing and managing roadside information from a wireless communication unit and operating condition information from an operating condition detection unit 903; an information provision determination unit 904 for determining whether or not information can be provided on the basis of the roadside information and the operating condition information; an HMI output control unit 906 for controlling HMI output on the basis of a determination result from the information provision determination unit 904 and environment information relating to a junction neighborhood obtained from a parameter management unit 907 for managing parameters relating to an HMI; and an information provision output apparatus 901 for performing information provision on the basis of an HMI output request transmitted from the HMI output control unit 906.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Hisashi Sugawara, Shigeki Morita, Takashi Maeda, Hiroshi Araki, Yukio Goto, Yuji Igarashi
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Patent number: 8902288Abstract: A system that runs in web browsers of mobile devices that allows mobile users to take photos of building exteriors and interiors or other real world objects, upload photos, share photos with others, and use the photo images to model the 3D models with the system's image-based modeling interface.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Zhe Fan, Mark Limber, Brian Gammon Brown, Tilman Reinhardt, Matthew Robert Simpson
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Patent number: 8902081Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a computer that receives weather information from a weather service provider (“WSP”) server and automatic vehicle locating system (“AVL”) collected information from an AVL server, accesses a material performance specification for at least one treatment material, and determines, based on the weather information and/or AVL collected information and the material performance specification, a treatment recommendation for a selected roadway segment and/or route.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Concaten, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Groeneweg