Including Vehicle Location Determination Patents (Class 701/32.3)
  • Patent number: 9380249
    Abstract: A power conservation circuit for a hand-held motion-sensing device and a method for conserving power on such devices are provided. The present disclosure provides for sensing the movement of device by a sensor and outputting a sense signal in response to the movement, processing the sense signal output of the sensor by a processing circuit, selectively enabling and disabling power to the processing circuit (404) by a power management circuit and providing a signal by a motion detect circuit to the power management circuit for enabling power to the processing circuit based on the sense signal from the sensor. The motion detect circuit differentiates the sense signal from the sensor and provides a power enable signal to the power management circuit if the differentiated sense signal exceeds a signal threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventor: Ronald Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 9363841
    Abstract: A vehicle telematics system includes a local area communication interworking device and a telematics terminal. The local area communication interworking device is configured to receive a mobile terminal identification information from a mobile terminal and provide a telematics terminal identification information to the mobile terminal through a first local area wireless communication connection. The telematics terminal is configured to search for the mobile terminal and establish a P2P connection with the mobile terminal by requesting a second local area wireless communication connection to the searched mobile terminal, when the mobile terminal identification is received from the local area communication interworking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Geon Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9160559
    Abstract: A system includes a bus system, such as a LIN bus system. A number of components are connected to the bus system. A first component of the components is configured to detect a direction of a current to detect a location of the first component in the bus system. Each of the components can have a unique address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies, AG
    Inventors: Jens Barrenscheen, Ansgar Pottbaecker, Fabrizio Cortigiani
  • Publication number: 20150142253
    Abstract: In order to realize at least one application program for a vehicle, data of the vehicle is transmitted by the vehicle to an administrative unit via a wireless interface. Each application program acquires the data of the vehicle from the administrative unit via an interface of the administrative unit. Each application program thus executes a function in accordance with the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael NOLTING, Teodor BUBURUZAN, Andereas EBERT
  • Publication number: 20150142258
    Abstract: A mining machine management system includes: a position information detection unit detecting position information related to a position of a mining machine; and a determination unit determining a second route corresponding to a plurality of pieces of the position information is identical to a first route based on at least whether a position of each node corresponds with the position information, the node being a piece of information related to a position of the first route that is a route taken by the mining machine departing a predetermined first position, passing a second position at which a load is loaded, and moving to a third position at which the load is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Motohide Sugihara, Koutarou Hori
  • Patent number: 9020688
    Abstract: A communication system in a mining environment customizes messages and responses to both conserve radio bandwidth and to accommodate different communication terminal types in use. Messages to a loader with a communication terminal having a four line display and four keys may be tailored to the capabilities of the terminal, while a similar message to a foreman terminal with a full keyboard or a tablet touch screen display may include both more detail and a richer set of responses. To save bandwidth, common messages and responses can be pre-loaded onto the communication terminals so that many messages and responses can be transmitted using only the message identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Veronica Jericho, Glen Blanchard, Nicolas Noben
  • Publication number: 20150112557
    Abstract: Leading vehicle position information can be used to determine a location and heading of one or more implements of a trailing vehicle in an implement train that includes the leading vehicle. In an example, the leading vehicle pulls one or more trailing vehicles, and information about the leading vehicle position or heading is used to update a function of one or more implements associated with trailing vehicles of the implement train. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a heading of a trailing vehicle based on its initial location, an intermediate location, and a destination location. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a speed of one or more points on a trailing vehicle. In some examples, the present subject matter includes determining a location, heading, or speed of multiple implements associated with multiple trailing vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Leonard Nelson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150105969
    Abstract: A method for detecting evaporative emissions system leaks, comprising: adjusting a leak detection threshold based on a vehicle geographical location including jurisdiction borders; and indicating a leak based on the adjusted threshold. In this way, a vehicle may perform OBD EVAP leak tests in accordance with local regulations. This method allows for a single PCM to be installed in all vehicles of a certain model during manufacturing regardless of the jurisdiction where the vehicle will be sold, thereby reducing part complexity and simplifying the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20150094904
    Abstract: System and method for using forecast ocean currents to improve the prediction of an underwater vessel's trajectory as compared to using a simple dead reckoned path determined by vessel commanded heading and speed through the water. System and method for position-tagging long-term underwater time series data collected by a submerged mobile vehicle, and locally storing and uploading the position-tagged data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF NAVY
    Inventors: Brian S. Bourgeois, Samantha J. Zambo
  • Patent number: 8996210
    Abstract: A vessel monitoring and control system. Data indicative of operational conditions for vessel systems is transmitted from the vessel to one or more remote sites and commands are received from the one or more remote sites for controlling the vessel systems. Multiple transmitting and receiving components are available on the vessel for communicating with a variety of different communications systems at the remote sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sea-Watch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Loretta Kish, Lamar McBryde
  • Patent number: 8989957
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior data storage control system is disclosed. The system includes a storage control device and an electronic control unit (ECU). The storage control device determines whether or not an unexpected behavior has occurred based on a behavior data. When the ECU determines that a change in the behavior data is attributed to control performed by the ECU, the ECU transmits a determination result to an in-vehicle network. At a time when the storage control device determines that the unexpected behavior has occurred, the storage control device records the behavior data at this time in the memory. When determining that the unexpected behavior relates to the control performed by the ECU, the storage control device deletes or permits overwriting the behavior data stored in the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kitagawa, Masayoshi Kondoh
  • Patent number: 8989954
    Abstract: A method in one example embodiment includes identifying a power state and a battery level of a vehicle. The method also includes allocating power to critical applications (for example) in response to determining that the battery level is above a reserve threshold while the power state of the vehicle is engine-off. The method also includes allocating remaining power in excess of the reserve threshold to non-critical applications according to a power management policy. The power management policy may comprise at least one of a user power preference index and an application power preference index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sateesh K. Addepalli, Lillian Lei Dai, Raghuram S. Sudhaakar, Chin-Ju Chen
  • Patent number: 8989955
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for vehicle control, tracking, and reporting. In an aspect, vehicle parameters that describe the current operation of the vehicle are compared to profile parameters of a driver. If the vehicle parameters are not within the operational limits defined by the profile parameters, an out of profile parameter process is performed. The out of profile parameter process includes wirelessly sending a violation report to an administrator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Hart
  • Patent number: 8983657
    Abstract: A system and a method of managing one or more vehicles deployed in a worksite are provided. The system includes a battery management module which may receive, via a data network, battery health information and/or location co-ordinates from at least one vehicle. The battery management module is configured to issue a battery changing command, via the data network, to a battery-changing device based at least on the battery health information and the location co-ordinates of the vehicles. The battery-changing device may be configured to change at least one battery on the at least one vehicle with charged batteries based on the issued command. The battery-changing device is configured to return each of the changed battery to a central station to recharge the changed battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Evan E. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8977410
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an apparatus and method for operating an unmanned and autonomous vehicle includes a sensor management module configured to direct sensors as to what function they are to provide; a mission management module configured to provide execute function capabilities; an effects management module configured to provide launching and directing weapons to their target capabilities; a vehicle management module; a situation awareness management module configured to provide correlate sensor data of objects, threats, targets, geographic points of interest that the pilot requires in the immediate environment; a communications management module; an information management module configured to provide a database of intelligence-related data; a middleware module configured to interface with the sensor management module, the mission management module, the effects management module, the vehicle management module, the situation awareness management module, the communications management module, and the inf
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Joanne E. Wood, Jamil R. Hashimi, Fred G. Thourot, Stephen P. Johnson, Russell W. Goff, Douglas Carroll
  • Patent number: 8972094
    Abstract: An information collection device transmits a position information request command for requesting transmission of position information of a dump truck at a predetermined point in time via a second wireless communication device and determines a state of at least one of the dump truck, a relay that relays communication from a first wireless communication device included in the dump truck to the second wireless communication device, and a travel route of the dump truck based on a response to the position information request command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Itoi, Tadashi Taninaga, Hisataka Fukasu, Takahiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 8965627
    Abstract: A server that delivers a control program for an on-vehicle apparatus detects a distance between a vehicle and a user of the vehicle, and instructs the on-vehicle apparatus to update the control program by use of an update program when the detected distance is equal to or longer than a prescribed distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Masahiko Murakami
  • Patent number: 8954223
    Abstract: A charge guidance apparatus includes a history creation retaining unit 23 for creating history information about a charging spot, charge start time and charging duration of a battery 14 of a vehicle 1; a learning processing unit 24 for learning a usual charging spot and charging period of time of the vehicle 1 from the charging spot, charge start time and charging duration of the battery 14 of the vehicle 1 with the frequency of charges executed being not less than a prescribed number of times, which are extracted from the history information; a decision processing unit 25 for deciding whether to give charge guidance or not based on whether the vehicle 1 is in the usual charging spot and charging period of time; and a charge guidance processing unit 26 for giving charge guidance in accordance with a decision result of the decision processing unit 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Hoshihara, Kazuyuki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150039178
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a resistance estimation apparatus includes a first detection unit, a second detection unit, a third detection unit and a first calculation unit. The first detection unit detects, as an output value, an output of a driving source of a vehicle. The second detection unit detects, as a braking value, a strength of a braking force. The third detection unit detects a speed of the vehicle. The first calculation unit calculates a traveling resistance resulting from a road surface that the vehicle has traveled during a traveling period, using a vehicle characteristic, the output value, the braking value and the speed, the traveling period including a period from a first time point when the vehicle starts and the speed changes from zero to a second time point when the vehicle stops and the speed changes to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ena ISHII, Mitsunobu YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20150032373
    Abstract: A road surface management system is capable of detecting road surface conditions that tend to damage dump trucks and displaying the positions of such road surfaces. When the traveling speed of the dump truck is higher than or equal to a preset threshold value, the server judges whether or not each of the pressures of suspensions of the dump truck detected by pressure sensors is within a reference range which has been set corresponding to each suspension. The server judges that the road surface at the position of a dump truck is in a poor condition if one of the pressures of the four suspensions of the dump truck is judged to be outside the reference range and the remaining three pressures are judged to be within the reference range. The positions of the road surfaces judged to be in the poor condition are displayed on an indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Takanobu Ikari
  • Publication number: 20140379205
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for detecting vehicle efficiency and recognizing a vehicle defect. A vehicle operating parameter may be measured and recorded at a specific vehicle location. The measurement may be compared to prior measurements of the same operating parameter at the same location previously recorded for the same vehicle or a comparable vehicle. A vehicle defect may be detected where the measurement shows a statistical deviation from previous measurements. The vehicle's operator, owner, lessee, or lessor may be notified of the defect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald Muetzel, Thomas Roesch
  • Publication number: 20140371979
    Abstract: A riding yard maintenance vehicle may include a positioning module. The positioning module may be configured to store position information indicative of a position history of the vehicle responsive to operation of the vehicle defining a route. The positioning module may include a user interface, a memory for storing data received via one or more sensors, and processing circuitry in communication with the user interface and the memory. The processing circuitry may be configured to control operation of the positioning module and generate feedback via the user interface. The feedback may be provided to an operator based on the position information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Husqvarna AB
    Inventors: Bernard Drew, Sean Dwyer
  • Patent number: 8914196
    Abstract: Electronic crash sensor system for a vehicle including at least one inertial measurement device arranged on the vehicle to measure an inertial property of the vehicle, a processor that incorporates or executes a crash sensing algorithm that determines whether the vehicle is sensing a crash based on the inertial property measured by each inertial measurement device and a positioning system arranged on the vehicle to provide its position. The inertial property measured by each inertial measurement device is modified based on the position and then provided to the crash sensing algorithm such that the crash sensing algorithm determines whether the vehicle is sensing a crash based on the modified inertial property measured by each inertial measurement device. Self-testing of each inertial measurement device is not performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S Breed, Olexander Leonets
  • Patent number: 8909415
    Abstract: A portable multi-modal physics and environmental based signature information collection, analysis, and alerting apparatus, device and method capable of operating independently of vehicle diagnostic or alerting systems. Device uses algorithms and models to calculate, determine, and detect signature anomalies from accelerometer and other imbedded sensors for anomaly response to individual situations within the Automotive Global Information Grid. Wireless infrastructure provisioning of uniquely identified publisher and subscriber Automotive Network Centric Enterprise Services host subscriber and device holder as a persistent publisher presenting signature information on operational and environmental status and conditions. Onboard signature collection and anomaly detection device supports ISO MME and manufacture defined data formats, standard crash analysis algorithms based on ISO, SAE, FMVSS, CMVSS, EuoNCAP. Communications infrastructure is multi-modal providing auto alert capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Chadwick Todd Hawley
  • Publication number: 20140350777
    Abstract: An apparatus for diagnosing driving behavior includes a storage unit that stores ideal running information defining a relationship between a vehicle speed and a vehicle position corresponding to a road situation, a generation unit that generates actual running information expressing a relationship between an actual vehicle speed and an actual position when a vehicle passes through a road, a condition identification unit that identifies a matching condition where the degree of correlation of the actual running information with the ideal running information exceeds a predetermined value, and a diagnosis unit that diagnoses a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle, based on a degree of similarity between the ideal running information and the actual running information under the matching condition identified in the condition identification unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Kawai, Toshiaki Ando, Katsutoshi Yano
  • Patent number: 8874305
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle is provided. In one aspect, the system and method determines the amount of wear on a component of the vehicle and, based on the amount of wear and information derived from the environment surrounding the vehicle (e.g., another vehicle in the path of the vehicle or a requirement to stop at a particular location), maneuvers the vehicle to mitigate further wear on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Patent number: 8868289
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector to an on board diagnostic (OBD) port of a vehicle, wireless communications circuitry, a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor the ignition state of the vehicle, and upon detecting an ignition off state, reporting at least the off state to a network-enabled communications appliance wirelessly paired for wireless communication with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Automatic Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ljubinko Miljkovic, David Theron Palmer, Ramprabhu Jayaraman
  • Publication number: 20140309843
    Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention continuously collecting information via a vehicle data bus, store the information in a database, and retrieve the information in response to requests from remote devices. One embodiment includes a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller spaced apart from the at least one operable vehicle device and connected to the vehicle data bus so that the vehicle data bus extends from said controller to the at least one operable vehicle device. The controller is configured to query the at least one vehicle device via the vehicle data bus and store the information provided in a database, and receive requests for information from a remote device via the wireless communications device, query the database for the requested information and send the requested information to the remote device via the wireless communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Gallin Chen, Radhakrishnan Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8849503
    Abstract: A method for detecting leakage within an Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) of a vehicle continuously obtains the weather information and the weather forecast for the geographical location that the vehicle is currently in. Based on the weather information, an average time required for the fuel within the fuel-tank of the vehicle to cool off to a pre-determined temperature is calculated. The powertrain control module of the vehicle is activated at a specific instant, based on the average time, to perform the leakage detection within the EVAP system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 8842004
    Abstract: A radar detector accesses a network interface module that enables communication of data to and from a server. The server executes analysis algorithms that analyze data received from multiple radar detectors to develop predictions about the likelihood of future alerts or threats in geographic locations. The server communicates the predictions to each of the radar detectors based on the geographic locations corresponding to each of the radar detectors. Each radar detector communicates alert levels as needed to its corresponding radar detector user based on predictions that correspond to the geographic locations corresponding to each of the radar detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cobra Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Byron Kabler, Robert Ryan Brandys, Monica Marie Vondruska
  • Publication number: 20140277919
    Abstract: A method for providing vehicle configurations, the providing of at least one vehicle configuration is a function of a local position of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Nikolas LENTZ
  • Publication number: 20140277957
    Abstract: A system for determining a ripping path includes a position sensing system, a work implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a plurality of positions of the machine as the machine moves along an operating path and the work implement moves a volume of material and sense the material characteristics of at each of the plurality of positions along the operating path. The controller is further configured to determine the ripping path based upon the material characteristics sensed at the plurality of positions and store the ripping path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Clar, Seth J. Redenbo, Brian G. Funke
  • Publication number: 20140257626
    Abstract: A system for assisting in docking of a machine at a loading location is provided. The system includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is configured to generate a signal indicative of one or more loading locations associated with a loading machine. The second controller is communicably coupled to the first controller, a position detection module, a sensor and a display unit. Based on the signals received from the first controller, the position detection module and the sensor, the second controller compares the received signals and selects an exact loading location of the one or more loading locations. The second controller then determines when the current position of the machine crosses a predefined threshold distance and displays, on the display unit, a zoomed-in top view of the machine on the worksite and the exact loading location, based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Liu, Brian G. Funke, Mathew Chacko
  • Patent number: 8825277
    Abstract: System and method for collecting and using vehicle data. Crash data is received from a plurality of vehicle monitoring devices and added to a crash data database. The database is updated with additional information gathered from specific crashes. The crash data is correlated based upon a vehicle type parameter. Crash data parameters associated with one or more injury severity thresholds are identified. Alternatively, crash data parameters associated with one or more vehicle damage severity thresholds are identified. Injury and property damage estimates for subsequent crashes are made based upon the information collected in the crash database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: inthinc Technology Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott McClellan, Todd Follmer
  • Publication number: 20140244098
    Abstract: In a management system of the mining machine, a management device collects operation information about the dump truck via a management-side wireless communication device. Routes along which the dump truck travels are identified based on position information, included in the operation information about the dump truck, about at least four locations included in a route along which the dump truck moves to a location where the dump truck unloads a load, to a location where the dump truck loads a load, and to a location where the dump truck unloads the load again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Ueda, Koutarou Hori, Tadashi Taninaga, Hisataka Fukasu, Takashi Itoi
  • Patent number: 8805592
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for fluid identification and tracking. At least one embodiment of a method includes determining that a vehicle is discharging a fluid, determining an ingredient of the fluid, and determining a first vehicle location. Some embodiments include determining, based on the ingredient, whether discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is allowable and in response to determining that discharge of the fluid at the first vehicle location is not allowable, performing, by a computing device, a first preventative measure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Cascades Coal Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W Booth, Tony Anderson
  • Patent number: 8798851
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile crane having means for wireless reception or for the determination of data identifying the location of the crane as well as having transmission means which are in communication with these means or can be connected to them, wherein the transmission means are configured such that they transmit the data identifying the location of the crane from the crane to a receiver in a wireless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Patent number: 8798850
    Abstract: A method and a measurement system are specified for localizing at least one wheel on a motor vehicle. In this case the operating situation of the motor vehicle and the wheel load of the at least one wheel and/or a variable dependent on this is determined. Then the at least one measured value of the wheel load is compared with a value assigned to the operating situation. As an alternative or in addition, the comparison of at least one parameter dependent on at least two measured values can be undertaken with at least one of the parameters assigned to this operating situation. Finally the point on the motor vehicle at which the wheel is mounted is determined on the basis of the comparison results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Fink, Thomas Haas, Gregor Kuchler
  • Publication number: 20140214264
    Abstract: A system to provided coordinated data transmission triggers is disclosed. The system may be termed as Vital Information Management System (VIMS). The VIMS may operate on the basis of certain data transmission triggers. The VIMS may further use a cellular, satellite or Wi-Fi network for the wireless communication of vehicle information. The data transmission triggers may include data transmission triggers based on time and/or time independent data transmission triggers. Examples of the data transmission triggers may be a trigger based on vehicle speed parameter, a trigger based on proximity to specified location(s) and the like. The time based data transmission triggers may send the one or more data signals after a predefined time interval. Whereas the time independent data transmission triggers may send one or more data signals as soon as the event associated with the data transmission triggers is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Campagna, Ryan N CHURN
  • Patent number: 8792910
    Abstract: A method and service-related nodes for providing a deferred distance notification for at least two user devices. A Location-based gateway receives a request for a deferred distance notification for user devices, and sends a request to a Location enabler for the location of the user devices. The gateway receives location data from the Location enabler, and monitors the fulfillment of user device distance-related event criteria. When a user device distance-related event criterion is fulfilled, the gateway triggers the deferred distance notification, and sends the notification of the user device distance event to an application node. The application node sends a location request after which the Application node receives the notification. Distance notification can thus be provided to a user requesting a location-deferred service, such that the location of entire groups of users can be revealed to the requesting party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Kermit Qiu, Bjorn Andersson, Vitomir Ilic, Johan Bolin, Ake Busin
  • Patent number: 8792913
    Abstract: A user, either in a vehicle with a telematics device, at a home having a computer device, using a handheld wireless device, or other type of communication device, can request services such as to repair a flat tire, unlock a locked door, repair cable television service, etc. using the communication device. The user's communication device sends a request message over the communication network to a second server. The second server creates a request for service record and forwards the message to a first server that determines a resource to dispatch to the user's location. The first server sends resource information, including location information, to the user's device, and either the device, or a device coupled to the user's communication device, displays the current location of the service resource on a map as the resource makes its way toward the user's location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Richard E. Bennett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8756007
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for providing a location of an individual are described herein. One or more device embodiments include a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to concurrently provide a location of an individual at least two different points in time, a time identifier for each of the at least two different points in time, and an uncertainty associated with the location of the individual at each of the at least two different points in time to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Huseth, Tom Plocher
  • Publication number: 20140156166
    Abstract: An operations support system is provided for an engine. The system includes a diagnostics module configured to receive engine data from the engine and to generate diagnostics data based on the engine data using a thermodynamic model, the thermodynamic model being based on component maps associated with the engine; an acoustics module coupled to the diagnostics module and comprising an acoustics calculation unit, the acoustics calculation unit configured to receive the diagnostics data and to determine an acoustics level for the engine based on the diagnostics data; and a graphical user interface coupled to the acoustics module and configured to display the acoustics level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Moeckly, Richard Ling, Chuck Royalty
  • Publication number: 20140149004
    Abstract: A mobile construction device sensor unit comprises a point-to-point radio ranging system and a position determining component. The point-to-point radio ranging system is configured to couple with a mobile construction device. The position determining component is coupled with the point-to-point radio ranging system and is configured for determining a position of the sensor unit in at least two dimensions based on communications between the point-to-point radio ranging system and a plurality of tags respectively located at a plurality of knowable locations within an operating environment of the mobile construction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Gregory C. Best, Kurtis L. Maynard, John F. Cameron
  • Patent number: 8731768
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed herein to determine an insurance premium discount based on telematics data. The system includes a computer memory and a processor in communication with the computer memory. The computer memory stores data indicative telematics data received from a sensor within a vehicle, including at least one of geo-position information of the vehicle and vehicle kinematics data. The processor is configured to identify safety events and associated safety event locations based on the telematics data. The processor is further configured to display to the driver indications of the safety events on a map display along with indications of safety events associated with other drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hartford Fire Insurance Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Fernandes, Steven R. Feero
  • Patent number: 8731741
    Abstract: A system and method that enables a user of a telematics-equipped vehicle to initiate security services by activating their vehicle keyfob. If a user senses an emergency situation, such as a person breaking into their home, they can engage a panic button on their vehicle keyfob. This causes the vehicle to send a wireless warning signal to a call center which already has emergency contact numbers on file. The call center can then call the user to see if they require assistance from a police department, fire department, ambulance, etc. In one embodiment, the method also determines if the vehicle is currently located within a certain proximity of one or more designated locations (usually the user's home or work) before contacting the user. This can reduce responses to non-emergencies, such as when a user simply presses their panic button in order to locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventor: Christopher L. Oesterling
  • Patent number: 8725596
    Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: I.D. Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Ehrman, Michael L. Ehrman, Jeffrey M. Jagid, Joseph M. Pinzon, Yaron Hecker, Leonard Pimentel
  • Patent number: 8725344
    Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Marvin R. Hamrick, R. T. Mitchell Ingman
  • Patent number: 8717193
    Abstract: A method is provided for warning mobile users of traffic conditions. One or more sensor messages are monitored from a plurality of mobile devices transported by a plurality of vehicles. A traffic condition is determined based on the one or more sensor messages. Location of the traffic condition is also determined based on position information of one or more of the plurality of mobile devices. The mobile devices that are within a predetermined proximity to the location of the traffic condition are selected. An alert message is generated in response to the traffic condition. The selected mobile devices are notified with the alert message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: Umashankar Velusamy
  • Publication number: 20140111325
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Valerie Dawn Gardner, Dwayne Van'tZelfde, Erick Paul Staszak, Norbert Hubert Mueller, David William Andrews