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.

Abstract: A system provides stress and/or accumulated damage monitoring on earth moving equipment, such as excavators, trucks, electric rope shovels and drills, hydraulic shovels, wheel loaders and graders. The system includes: strain gauges (51-60), each gauging strain at one of multiple strain gauge locations; a data acquisition unit (41) to acquire real-time strain data from the strain gauges (51-60); a processor and memory (42) to process the acquired real-time strain data to calculate one or more measures of actual accumulated damage and/or actual instantaneous stress; and at least one output device (37) to provide information comparing the measures with corresponding reference values.

Abstract: A load estimator is disclosed for use with a scraper. The load estimator may have a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a performance parameter of the scraper, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a hydraulic pressure associated with a bowl of the scraper, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to classify a current segment of an ongoing work cycle based on the first signal. The controller may also be configured to selectively estimate a load of material contained with the bowl of the scraper based on the second signal only when the current segment is classified as a segment where the load can be reliably estimated.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle information processing apparatus which, in order to link driver operation information to a learning result more smoothly, learns operation information obtained in response to respective vehicle operations performed by the driver in association with locations in which the vehicle operations have been respectively performed. The vehicle information processing apparatus learns a reproducibility of an identical type of operation information in an identical location in accordance with a number of times the identical type of operation information is obtained consecutively in the location.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a road object detection for monitoring a movement of a device; determining a travel state based on the road object detection; identifying a travel sequence involving the travel state; and determining a condition inducing movement based on matching the travel sequence to a predetermined sequence for displaying on the device.

Abstract: A vehicle having a driver statistic system for interfacing with a network includes a wheel speed sensor, an engine control unit, network interface hardware for communicating with a network, and an electronic control unit communicatively coupled therebetween. The electronic control unit includes a processor and memory storing a computer readable and executable instruction set. When the instruction set is executed by the processor, the electronic control unit processes sensor signals received from the wheel speed sensor and the engine control unit to determine fuel consumption of the vehicle. The electronic control unit transmits a vehicle status signal to the network interface hardware, where the vehicle status signal is indicative of the fuel consumption of the vehicle. The network interface hardware transmits the vehicle status signal to the network. The network interface hardware further receives a vehicle performance signal from the network indicative of a driver performance ranking.

Abstract: System and method for providing a website, portal and/or user interface adding, reviewing and editing street mapping data and speed-by-street information. The website, portal and/or user interface allows users to add, review and editing all or selected matters of safety data and street information in a street mapping database. The website, portal and/or user interface also allows the user to select any geographical area and/or any group of vehicles and adjust the system response for any reason, such as weather, traffic, road conditions, etc. The present invention also provides a website, portal and/or user interface that allows a user to register their vehicle and/or vehicle monitoring system hardware so that driver profile information and performance data may be stored on the site and viewed by insurance companies. The insurance companies may bid on drivers they wanted to insure.

Abstract: A vehicle electric power management apparatus calculates a distance from a facility to a destination, from received vehicle-change request information. Distances through which vehicles parked at the facility can travel are calculated and vehicle information on parked vehicles capable of traveling through a distance longer than the distance to the destination are selected as next-useable vehicles in descending order of a residual amount of available battery power. A surplus distance indicating how far in kilometers the selected vehicles can each further travel on beyond the destination away from the facility is additionally calculated and this information is transmitted. After the selection of the next-useable vehicles by a computer of the facility, increment/decrements in the residual amount of available battery power between each selected next-useable vehicle and the vehicle that a user has used to arrive at the facility, and incentive information are calculated and displayed at the computer.

Abstract: A data recorder mounted to a vehicle is disclosed. When detecting a specific behavior of the vehicle, the data recorder determines whether or not a presently-occurring failure detected by a failure detector of the vehicle is a cause of occurrence of the specific behavior. When the presently-occurring failure is not the cause of occurrence of the specific behavior, the data recorder is permitted to record a control data in a non-volatile data storage device. When the presently-occurring failure is the cause of occurrence of the specific behavior, the record processing device is prohibited from recording the control data in the non-volatile data storage device.

Abstract: A tire condition monitoring system stores information representing a number of dual wheels having two tires arranged closely adjacent to each other on, for example, a commercial vehicle. The system measures internal air temperatures of the tires on all of the wheels, and stores temperatures measured when a system reset is executed as reference temperatures. The system determines calculated values based on the temperatures measured for each tire until a measured temperature exceeds the corresponding reference temperature by 20 degrees Celsius or more. The system arranges the calculated values in an order and determines that a number of the calculated values high in the order are calculated values of temperatures of tires mounted on the inside wheel. The number of calculated values corresponding to a dual wheel is equivalent to the number of dual wheels. Thus, the system determines which tires are mounted on an inside wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A drive recorder of the invention includes a trigger judgment circuit that calculates, with respect to acceleration data of a vehicle, first and second moving averages as moving averages of two different time series, and that generates a trigger signal according to a result of comparing a differential value of the first and second moving averages or an absolute value of the differential value with a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: collecting a driving behavior for determining a driving profile of a vehicle; acquiring a compliance indicator for measuring a total usage of the vehicle; calculating a compliance level based on a monitoring usage level and the compliance indicator; generating a driving score based on the driving profile having an assessment event detected based on the driving behavior; and calculating a driving rating based on the driving score and the compliance level for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A system for receiving a driving event comprises an interface and a processor. An interface is configured to receive a portion of data regarding a driving event. A processor is configured to determine whether more data regarding the driving event should be requested and, in the event that more data regarding the driving event should be requested, request more data regarding the driving event.

Abstract: A method of conserving operating data of a vehicle, the method including the steps of collecting the operating data and recording it progressively on board the vehicle, detecting an event, as from a detection, transmitting to at least one external receiver firstly at least some of the data that is being collected and as it is being collected, and secondly at least some of the stored data in a chronological order that is the reverse of the order in which it was recorded, and recording the data received by said external receiver. A conservation system for implementing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A parking pilot method and a device thereof are disclosed. Image detectors capture surrounding images of a vehicle. A speed detector detects speed of the vehicle. A distance detector obtains distance between the vehicle and a barrier. A processor obtains relative coordinates of the vehicle and parking lot and the angle and width of the parking lot with the images, speed and distances. Thereby, the processor creates a preset parking pilot frame and works out a relative position of the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot. Then, the processor designates the preset parking pilot frame and the parking lot on a display. According to the information on the display, the driver moves the vehicle to an initial position and makes the preset parking pilot frame coincide with the parking lot. Then, the processor instructs the driver to manually park the vehicle, or automatically parks the vehicle.

Abstract: A power machine having an operator interface is disclosed. The power machine has a frame, an engine supported by the frame, and a cab supported that defines an operator compartment. The power machine provides an auxiliary power source capable of providing auxiliary power to an implement that is operably coupled to the power machine. Control input devices that are actuable by an operator provide signals indicative of actuation thereof. The implement is in communication with the power machine. The operator interface is accessible within the operator compartment for providing operational information related to control of the implement to the operator. The operator interface receives signals related to the provided operational information that are communicated by the implement.

Abstract: A system for providing at least one of train information and track characterization information for use in train performance, including a first element to determine a location of a train on a track segment and/or a time from a beginning of the trip. A track characterization element to provide track segment information, and a sensor for measuring an operating condition of at least one of the locomotives in the train are also included. A database is provided for storing track segment information and/or the operating condition of at least one of the locomotives. A processor is also included to correlate information from the first element, the track characterization element, the sensor, and/or the database, so that the database may be used for creating a trip plan that optimizes train performance in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the train.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing accidents and/or insurance rates for motor vehicles may include a connection device for connecting to a reverse gear signal corresponding to a backup light, and a recording device for monitoring the reverse gear signal provided by the connection device. The recording device may also record reverse gear occurrence information corresponding to changes in the reverse gear signal. The apparatus may be incorporated into a vehicle and record reverse gear occurrence information corresponding to occurrences of a driver placing a vehicle in a reverse gear. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes an interface that connects to a charging apparatus and exchanges authentication information with a server via a network. The electronic device also includes a control unit that controls charging of a battery of the electronic device based on power received from the charging apparatus. Upon completion of the charging operation, the interface of the electronic device transmits information for calculating a tax based on the charging operation to the server.

Abstract: A remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending therein, and a plurality of vehicle devices communicating over the data communications bus. The system may include a cellular transceiver within the vehicle, and a multi-vehicle controller within the vehicle and coupled to the data communications bus for communication with at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices to perform a remote vehicle function based upon a received remote control signal. The multi-vehicle controller may be enabled to communicate via the data communications bus using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles based upon learning from at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices on the data communications bus and downloading via the cellular transceiver.

Abstract: An automotive electronics system includes an electronic control unit and a trace adapter. The electronic control unit is configured to receive measurement signals and provide control signals. Additionally, the electronic control unit is configured to generate or provide trace signals by replacing original instructions in a binary image with trace instructions. The trace instructions are functionally equivalent, but trigger providing the trace signals. The trace adapter is coupled to the electronic control unit. The trace adapter is configured to obtain the trace signals from the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A method and system for cost-effective management of a plurality of vehicles to be lent or rented, possibly but not limited to a courtesy vehicle fleet. The initial reservation process is divided into two separate stages of reserving a non-specific vehicle and selecting said vehicle, allowing flexibility in selection. The return of the vehicle is efficiently handled through a series of diagnostic checks and damage documentation. Both processes are optionally managed by a series of devices interacting through a network, including a server device which manages data and provides reports on the plurality of vehicles. The overall system and process is tracked and managed through database-driven analytics that give its operators real-time intelligence on fleet status and inventory, as well as customer and billing records.

Abstract: A method for quickly calculating mileage includes the steps: A, receiving report data from a vehicular terminal and updating data center according to the report data; B, receiving an inquiry request which includes a vehicle number, a first time point which is earlier than a second time point and the second time point which are requested to inquire; C, inquiring the data center to acquire a first total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the first time point corresponds and a second total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the second time point corresponds; D, obtaining a running mileage L from the first time point to the second time point by subtracting the first total mileage value from the second total mileage value. A system for quickly calculating mileage quickly is also proposed.

Abstract: A system for identifying a driver comprises an image capturing device, a processor, and a memory. The image is captured during vehicle operation and of an expected driver location. The processor is configured to detect a face of a driver in the image, determine a set of face data from the image, and identify the driver based at least in part on the set of face data. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.

Abstract: A system includes a pedal position sensor that senses a pedal position of a vehicle pedal when the vehicle pedal is in a known position. The system also includes a learn window determination module that selects between a first pedal position range and a second pedal position range that corresponds to the known position. The system further includes a pedal fault determination module that determines a fault in the vehicle pedal based on the pedal position and the selected one of the first pedal position range and the second pedal position range.

Abstract: A combined rescue beacon and flight recorder device for an airplane is ejectable, buoyant and/or provided with flotation devices. The combined rescue beacon and flight recorder device comprises a frame provided with at least one outer side surface having a solar panel. The combined rescue beacon and flight recorder device is configured to be placed in a housing created in an airfoil element of the aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention is a data logger for collecting information about operation of vehicle for monitoring by a parent or supervisor. The data logger includes speed limits for highway and local streets. The data logger includes an algorithm estimating whether the vehicle is being operated on a highway or local street. An alert status is determined when the corresponding speed limit is exceeded. Alert information is recorded for later display and review by the parent or supervisor.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the operation of a vacuum pump in a brake system, the vacuum pump is operated between an activation pressure and a deactivation pressure to generate a vacuum, the evacuation period between the activation pressure and the deactivation pressure being measured and compared with a reference period. An error signal is generated if the evacuation period exceeds the reference period.

Abstract: A tire inflation pressure obtaining unit obtains tire inflation pressure. An inflation pressure storing unit stores a tire inflation pressure after start of travel of a vehicle as an after-travel inflation pressure. A pressure reduction determining unit determines reduction in the tire inflation pressure based on the tire inflation pressure obtained. A reference pressure setting unit sets larger one of the after-travel inflation pressure and a predetermined lowest reference pressure as a reference pressure of tire inflation pressure determination when reduction in the tire inflation pressure is determined, and sets the lowest reference pressure as a reference pressure of tire inflation pressure determination when reduction in the tire inflation pressure is not determined. An alarm unit generates an alarm when the tire inflation pressure becomes below an alarm pressure threshold which is determined from the reference pressure.

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.

Abstract: A system for collecting operating data of a vehicle, including a digital tachograph that can be installed rigidly in the vehicle, and a receiver module for receiving data for controlling the tachograph. The module is removalby connected to the tachograph by way of an interface prescribed by the tachograph. At least one remote control is equipped with a transmitter for operating the tachograph the remote control being adapted to wirelessly transfer data using the receiver module.

Abstract: A method of operating a planter where plot characteristics are input into a controller that is associated with a planter. A distance measuring device associated with the controller senses ground speed and distance traveled and transmits the sensed information to the controller. The controller then automatically adjusts the rotational speed of a seed plate of a row planter mounted to the planter based upon the sensed information to achieve the input plot characteristics.

Abstract: A method for data communication between a vehicle and fuel pump includes storing vehicle operating data on an onboard recorder in the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle operating data from the onboard recorder to the fuel pump. The vehicle operating data includes vehicle identification information.

Abstract: A vehicle biodiesel fuel diagnostic method may include determining a biodiesel fuel concentration of fuel added to a vehicle fuel tank during a fueling event at a fueling location and determining the fueling location. The biodiesel fuel concentration and fueling location may be transmitted to an information system where the concentration and location are stored in a database. The method may further include indicating an abnormal biodiesel fuel condition in the database when the biodiesel fuel concentration is outside of a predetermined range.

Abstract: Self-diagnosis of a system including a travel route and a plurality of traveling vehicles traveling along the travel route in accordance with instructions from a ground controller is performed. The ground controller provides an instruction to the traveling vehicle regarding a position designated for performing detection using an abnormal condition detection sensor based on an absolute coordinate for uniquely identifying a position on the travel route. The traveling vehicle performs detection at the designated position using the abnormal condition detection sensor, and reports detection data including a detection position and detection time to the ground controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods to manage aircraft dispatch information are provided. A particular method includes receiving fault information at a dispatch information computing system. The fault information is associated with an aircraft. The method also includes accessing operational restriction information associated with the aircraft based on the fault information. The method further includes automatically determining a set of bottom line operational limitations of the aircraft based on the fault information and the operational restriction information. The method also includes generating customized checklists for the various users of the information. The method also includes sending output data from the dispatch information computing system to an output device. The output data identifies the set of bottom line operational limitations of the aircraft and tasks to be completed by the various users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring health of one or more subsystems of a vehicle system are disclosed. At least one sensor can be operatively coupled to a vehicle subsystem having an operational signature and a control system is coupled to the at least one sensor. Using information provided by the at least one sensor, the control system is structured to generate a reference signature of the subsystem during a learning phase and an operational signature of the subsystem subsequent to the learning phase. Systems and methods for identifying the particular subsystem exhibiting degraded performance are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a status of a brake actuator of a brake assembly includes sensing one or more activations of the brake actuator, storing the one or more activations in a computer memory, sensing a depth of a parameter of the one or more activations, storing the depth of the parameter of the one or more activations in the computer memory, and determining a status of the brake actuator based on the depth of the parameter of the one or more activations.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus for a vehicle equipped with an occupant protection device includes main and safing sensors for detecting acceleration of the vehicle, a temporary memory section for storing main and safing calculation values respectively calculated from detection results of the main and safing sensors, a control section for controlling the occupant protection device based on the main and safing calculation values and for determining whether a predetermined condition associated with the acceleration is satisfied, and a recording section for recording the main calculation value upon determination of the control section that the condition is satisfied. The recording section records the main calculation value for a first period before the determination and records the main calculation value for a second period after the determination. The recording section further records the safing calculation value for the second period.

Abstract: A Vehicle Disturbance Estimator determines estimates of a vehicle disturbance force according to vehicle operating conditions. The determined vehicle disturbance force estimate can be used, for example, in connection with controlling a cruise control system for the vehicle, in connection with fuel economy evaluations and testing, and in connection with vehicle diagnostics. A plurality of sets of inputs can be used to determine plural vehicle disturbance estimates for time periods during which a cruise control is on, the vehicle is being driven in the highest gear, and the vehicle is not being braked by any brakes. The plurality of vehicle disturbance estimates can be averaged to provide an output corresponding to an average vehicle disturbance estimate over a plurality of sampling time periods. Kalman filtering can be used to determine the vehicle disturbance estimates.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and devices for an improved onboard vehicle diagnostic system. The methods and devices provide for more detailed information and presentation of diagnostic and vehicle performance data for a user. In one example, real time diagnostic and trip system performance data is gathered and displayed relative to time for improved understanding of vehicle performance and operation by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for collecting vehicle diagnostic information. The apparatus for collecting vehicle diagnostic information includes a conversion unit and an optical multiplexing unit. The conversion unit receives a plurality of frames complying with respective different protocols from a plurality of networks for vehicles, which collects vehicle diagnostic information, in electric signal form, and converts the plurality of frames into a plurality of optical signals having respective different wavelengths based on the wavelengths previously assigned to the respective protocols. The optical multiplexing unit generates a wavelength division multiplexed signal by performing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) on the plurality of optical signals, and transmits the wavelength division multiplexed signal via an optical cable.

Abstract: A management system for use at a worksite is disclosed. The management system may have at least one object detection sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a feature of a roadway traversed by the mobile machine, a positioning device configured to generate a second signal indicative of a position of the mobile machine, and at least one performance sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of a performance parameter of the mobile machine as the mobile machine traverses the feature. The management system may also have a controller configured to determine a surface condition of the roadway based on the first signal, index the surface condition to a particular location on the roadway based on the second signal, and generate a map of the roadway providing a representation of the surface condition and the performance parameter.

Abstract: The method of identifying a flight profile of an aircraft, the aircraft including a centralized maintenance system and an item of equipment including a component designed to measure the environmental conditions, comprises: a first step of collecting data measured by a sensor of the component; a second step of comparing values measured by at least one sensor with predefined threshold values so as to store in a resource the values that exceed the threshold values; a third step of comparing at least one set of stored values with at least one predefined flight profile, a flight profile representing a trend of values measured by a sensor according to at least one item of information defining a flight context; a fourth step of identifying the flight profile that is closest to the set of values stored for a sensor.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, circuits, sensors, apparatus, controllers and associated computer executable code and data for monitoring assessing and predicting a mechanical, structural and/or electrical condition (hereinafter collectively referred to as: “Vehicle Health” or “VH”) of a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, motor cycle, etc. According to some embodiments, there may be provided a vehicle health monitoring, assessing and predicting system (VHMS) functionally associated with a vehicle and adapted to monitor, assess and/or predict a VH of the vehicle. A VHMS may be comprised of a set of VH sensors adapted to collect data relating to the VH of the vehicle and processing circuitry adapted to analyze the collected data and determine and/or predict the VH of the vehicle, possibly in real time.

Abstract: Health and usage monitoring systems for aircraft hoist systems are described herein. In some embodiments, a health and usage monitoring system comprises a capacitive load cell and a processing unit for communication with the capacitive load cell, the capacitive load cell comprising a load receiving surface and a capacitive assembly coupled to the load receiving surface, the capacitive assembly comprising parallel electrically conductive plates separated by a reversibly deformable spacer construction wherein the parallel plates comprise aligned apertures providing a passageway through the capacitive assembly for the hoist system cable.

Abstract: An in-vehicle mobile communication and routing apparatus for use with a taxi cab, public safety vehicle, delivery truck, fire truck, emergency vehicle, or any vehicle. Embodiments of the invention include a system incorporating the apparatus and a method for using the same. The mobile apparatus is attachable to a vehicle and includes a plurality of long-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more databases located remotely from the vehicle, and a plurality of short-range transceivers communicatively coupled with one or more devices external to the mobile apparatus and proximally located to the vehicle. An intelligent power supply is structured to monitor a battery condition of the vehicle and initiate a controlled shutdown of the mobile apparatus responsive to at least one of a timer countdown and a voltage threshold of a vehicle battery. Devices external to the mobile apparatus communicate with an in-vehicle processor and one or more remote databases.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aircraft part environmental stress analysis system includes a part failure repository, a part history repository, and a failure analysis engine. The part failure repository is configured to store a plurality of failure records, each failure record identifying a failed aircraft part. The part history repository is configured to store a plurality of part records, each part record storing, for a failed aircraft part, at least one measurement of an aspect of a natural environment of which the failed aircraft part was subject to. The failure analysis engine is operable to compare the plurality of failure records to the plurality of part records and identify at least one potential environmental cause of failure for a plurality of failed aircraft parts based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system for monitoring of vehicles and particularly heavy vehicles and their compliance with specific network (e.g. road) access conditions uses vehicle telematics solutions. The system includes an in-vehicle unit (IVU) associated with a vehicle being monitored. The IVU includes a receiver for receiving positioning signals, a processor for processing a time-marked log of vehicle data, a storage element for storing the time-marked log and a first wireless communication element for communicating time marked data to a Service Provider (SP) processing apparatus. One or more Service Providers operate Service Provider (SP) processing apparatus. The SP processing apparatus include a SP wireless communication element for receiving time-marked data from one or more IVUs and a SP processor for processing received data.