Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a charger configured to charge a battery of a vehicle from an external power supply source. A controller is configured to be activated when the charger starts charging in an ignition off state of the vehicle and blocks a high voltage system of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle receives a shock from outside the vehicle by using positional information transferred from a motor position sensor of a driving motor.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining a type of collision of a vehicle includes: receiving acceleration information items, via a reception interface, representing the accelerations of the vehicle in a vehicle longitudinal direction and a vehicle transverse direction; determining a first resultant acceleration information item from a first and a second acceleration information item; determining a second resultant acceleration information item from a third and a fourth acceleration information item; combining the first and second resultant acceleration information items to obtain at least one evaluation information item; and determining the collision type based on the at least one evaluation information item.

Abstract: A flexible electro-resistive impact detection sensor is mounted on an outboard portion of the front bumper for signaling an offset rigid barrier impact event to a forward corner of a motor vehicle and deployment of a small offset rigid barrier airbag mounted on the front rail. The airbag, is attached proximate a distal end of a front rail. The flexible electro-resistive impact detection sensor, attached to a rear surface of an outboard portion of the front bumper, generates a signal upon a corner impact event, whereby a controller processes the signal generated by the impact detection sensor and electrically actuates an inflator upon a predetermined impact severity. The airbag in the inflated condition acts against the offset rigid barrier to generate a lateral force against the offset rigid barrier to push the motor vehicle away from the barrier and thereby redirect impact energy by lateral movement of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a transmit power of a multi carrier transmitter in a mobile communication system includes providing at least two data streams, each data stream to be transmitted on a separate carrier frequency, and determining a transmit signal adaptation metric separately for each of the at least two data streams. The method further includes calculating a combined transmit signal adaptation metric based on the separate transmit signal adaptation metrics, combining the two data streams carried on the two carrier frequencies to an overall transmit signal, and adjusting the transmit power of the overall transmit signal based on the calculated combined transmit signal adaptation metric.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for protecting a passenger of an automobile, including: an automobile body; a biaxial FIS sensor mounted at a front center of the automobile body to sense decelerations on an X axis which is in a length direction of the automobile body and a Y axis which is in a width direction of the automobile body during an automobile impact; a deceleration meter sensing a first deceleration during the automobile impact; and a controller determining an airbag splaying time based on a displacement value and a predicted displacement value moving forward from an initial position of the passenger calculated based on the first deceleration, and an X-axial velocity variation and a Y-axial velocity variation measured from the biaxial FIS sensor.

Abstract: Steering wheel hand detection systems are disclosed herein. The systems can optionally be used with a system for identifying the presence and/or location of a driver's hands on the steering wheel. The systems include a sensor mat including a plurality of sensor loops arranged in the steering wheel to achieve multiple sensing zones. Because the systems include a sensor mat including a plurality of sensor loops, the systems can be implemented in steering wheels having different designs. The systems can also be implemented to achieve different numbers and/or types (e.g., tap detection, swipe detection, grip detection, etc.) of sensing zones. Additionally, the systems can be implemented in a way that reduces the likelihood of crosstalk due to wire routing.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a triggering element for passenger protection arrangement, a first connection is established from an energy source to the triggering element via a high-side control circuit, and a second connection is established from the at least one triggering element to ground via a low-side control circuit, and an ignition current is regulated to a predefined nominal value. The ignition current is continuously detected and compared with a predefined first threshold value, first phases being determined in which the ignition current falls below the first threshold value after reaching the nominal value, and second phases being determined in which the ignition current again reaches the nominal value after falling below the first threshold value. The control rate is increased if the number of alternations between the ignition current phases reaches a predefined second threshold value.

Abstract: An object determination apparatus includes: a sensing device that is mounted in a host vehicle, and that sends detection wave and receives the detection wave reflected from an object, and that detects the object; a detection unit that detects the state of reflection intensity of the detection wave received by the sensing device which changes with the distance to the object; and a determination unit that determines that the object is a vehicle other than the host vehicle when a peak of the reflection intensity exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Peaks of the reflection intensity change in accordance the distance to the object, but the peaks regarding vehicles tend to be higher than the peaks regarding on-road structures. Hence, by comparing a peak of the reflection intensity with the predetermined threshold value, it can be determined whether the detected object is a vehicle other than the host vehicle.

Abstract: An on-vehicle apparatus is provided to reduce damage from collisions. In the apparatus, an object located in a field in a travel direction of a vehicle is detected and a time to collision (TTC) is detected. A controller performs automatic intervention braking in the vehicle when it determined that the time to collision is equal to or shorter than a first threshold time. Further, when it determined that the time to collision is equal to or shorter than a second threshold time shorter than the first threshold time and meets a preset actuation condition, a protection controller makes a protection device active for vehicle protection. A collision speed is also estimated based on an deceleration of the vehicle caused by the automatic intervention braking. The preset actuation condition is a condition that the estimated collision speed is equal to or higher than a preset threshold speeds.

Abstract: A disclosed safety system for a vehicle is discloses and includes at least one sensor for sensing movement and forces on the vehicle indicative of an impact along a first sensing axis parallel with a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a second sensing axis angled relative to a lateral axis of the vehicle. An electronic control unit is in communication with the at least one sensor and derives movement and force along the different axes from the information obtained relative to movement and forces along the second sensing axis. The electronic control unit uses the derived information to determine if a safety response is required based upon movement sensed by the at least one sensor and the information derived from information relating to movement along the second sensing axis.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting an imminent rollover of a vehicle. The method comprises taking a series of images of the surroundings of the vehicle, in particular of the road ahead, with a camera; determining and tracking point features in the series of images; eliminating point features which are located on objects that move relative to the stationary surroundings of the vehicle; and computing at least one parameter of the rotational movement of the camera (roll, pitch and/or yaw rate) taking into account the remaining point features.

Abstract: A system for keeping a driver alert by employing a thermal grill that includes warm and cool regions. The system includes an alert module that configures the thermal grill to a heat sink configuration and a heat source configuration. The thermal grill in the heat sink configuration extracts heat from the driver's body, lowers the driver's temperature, and keeps the driver alert. The thermal grill in the heat source configuration raises the driver's temperature and avoids vasoconstriction. The alert module also monitors at least one of the driver's biomarkers like blood flow in the driver's fingers. The alert module monitors the driver's biomarkers to determine when to reconfigure the thermal grill to a configuration other than the heat sink configuration. If the monitored biomarkers indicate that the driver is in a vasoconstricted state, the alert module can reconfigure the thermal grill.

Abstract: A fuel-saving driving diagnostic device stores an external power amount which indicates an amount of power charged by an external device and an internal power amount which indicates an amount of power charged by vehicle driving. The fuel-saving driving diagnostic device calculates a driving power amount which indicates an amount of power required for vehicle driving based on the stored external power amount, stored internal power amount, and an amount of power a vehicle currently has, and makes a diagnosis of fuel-saving driving based on the calculated driving power amount and the stored external power amount. As a result, sufficient information is calculated for prompting the driver of a plug-in hybrid car to do the fuel-saving driving.

Abstract: A method for removing noise from an electrical signal in an alarm system using a software filter, the method including the steps of converting the electrical signal from an analog signal into a digital signal, wherein the digital signal includes a series of sampled values, entering a most recent of the sampled values into a circular index containing a number of previously sampled values, multiplying each of the values in the circular index by a predetermined filter coefficient, and summing products of each of the multiplied circular index values and filter coefficients to arrive at a filtered digital signal value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining vehicle rolling direction and road grade are disclosed. In one example, a vehicle rolling direction is determined from a correlation coefficient. The vehicle rolling direction is applied to a kinematic equation to determine road grade.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for the detection and identification (and/or differentiation) of objects for use in vehicles (stationary usage is also conceivable, e.g. to combat crime, building protection), wherein objects are detected and identified via ultrasound signals. In particular, the differentiation of pedestrians and cyclists from cars and fixed obstacles such as walls is of key focus. Ultrasound sensors are hereby used. By processing the signals and comparing them with reference signals, a differentiation between living and non-living objects is possible.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine for providing propulsion forces to wheels of the vehicle. In an electric-only propulsion mode, the engine is disabled and the electric machine acts as the power source for the wheels. In a hybrid propulsion mode, the engine is activated to act as an additional power source for the wheels. At least one controller along with a plurality of sensors and positional information devices activate an active safety control signal in response to objects surrounding the vehicle that pose a threat to a potential collision event. In response to the active safety control signal, the engine can be either automatically started or stopped to provide additional available power or a reduced available power, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a driver assist navigation system for a primary vehicle may include at least one image capture device configured to acquire a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the primary vehicle; a data interface; and at least one processing device. The at least processing device may be configured to: receive the plurality of images via the data interface; identify a target object within the plurality of images; monitor, via the plurality of images, a motion of the target object and a distance between the primary vehicle and the target object; determine an indicator of an intercept time between the primary vehicle and the target object based on the monitored motion and the distance between the primary vehicle and the target object; and cause a response in the primary vehicle based on a comparison of the intercept time to a plurality of predetermined intercept thresholds.

Abstract: A method for controlling a reversible belt tensioner of a safety belt in a motor vehicle includes detecting a time profile of at least one state variable and/or at least one variable relating to the surroundings of the motor vehicle, identifying a predetermined driving maneuver and/or a value characterizing the attentiveness of a driver from the time profile of the at least one detected state variable and/or variable relating to the surroundings, and controlling the reversible belt tensioner based on the identified driving maneuver or on the basis of the value characterizing the attentiveness of the driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an occupant protection system and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for detecting a vehicle rollover event using and enhanced sensor input architecture that uses both a roll over sensor and an electronic stability control system.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for activating at least one driver's cab actuator element and/or at least one seat actuator element and/or at least one steering column actuator element of a commercial vehicle.

Abstract: In an external airbag deployment method, a detection area located in front of a vehicle is set. A target object is selected from among objects detected in the detection area by comparing relative velocities, overlaps, and Time To External Airbag (TTE) values of the detected objects. It is determined whether the vehicle is stable or unstable by comparing a predicted yaw rate of the vehicle with a measured yaw rate. It is determined whether a relative velocity and an overlap of the target object, predicted at a time when the target object is assumed to collide with the vehicle, are greater than predetermined levels. The external airbag is deployed if it is determined that the vehicle is stable and the predicted relative velocity and overlap of the target object are greater than predetermined levels.

Abstract: A simplified method and device for sensing water level is disclosed. In particular applications the invention may be used for activating a fill valve or other control circuitry in order to maintain an average level in a reservoir or provide notification of a low fluid level. By incorporating a standard rectifier circuit as a biasing network for a solid-state circuit control driver on one side of a probe network, the level of the water may be determined when contact is made with the probes. AC current drawn across metallic probes provides a DC bias at the output of the rectifier that may be incorporated into various control circuits.

Abstract: An explosion countermeasure system is provided including a first sensor device with a plurality of accelerometers configured to detect vertical acceleration of a vehicle; a countermeasure; a safe and arming device configured to impede activation of the countermeasure; and a processor in communication with the first sensor device and the safe and arming device. The processor may be configured to process acceleration signals received from the first sensor device and to make ready the safe and arming device and initiate the countermeasure based on results of processing the acceleration signals. Making ready the safe and arming device may be based on an initial acceleration exceeding a first threshold, and initiating the countermeasure may be based on the initial acceleration exceeding a second threshold and a velocity change exceeding a third threshold.

Abstract: A system for controlling a first machine performing a turn includes a controller configured to identify a desired turn for the first machine. The desired turn is formed by two adjacent traffic lanes. The two traffic lanes include a first traffic lane and a second traffic lane. The controller is further configured to receive information regarding a second machine and determine whether to control the first machine to follow a lane crossing path for performing the desired turn based on the received information. The lane crossing path includes a portion of the first traffic lane and a portion of the second traffic lane such that the first machine changes between the first traffic lane and the second traffic lane to perform the desired turn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described whereby invisible camera illuminators may be readily identified and located. In one embodiment the method of detecting the presence of an imaging system producing an invisible illuminator includes introducing a first optical filter capable of blocking energy from an LED infrared illuminator band source and allow energy from broadband visible light source to pass with minimal attenuation; and introducing a second optical filter that permits most of the energy from said infrared illuminator to pass and blocks a substantial portion of said broadband visible light; wherein said filtered LED infrared illuminator and said broadband visible light blink on and off.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for detecting reflective markers at long range are provided. An example method includes receiving laser data collected from successive scans of an environment of a vehicle. The method also includes determining a respective size of the one or more objects based on the laser data collected from respective successive scans. The method may further include determining, by a computing device and based at least in part on the respective size of the one or more objects for the respective successive scans, an object that exhibits a change in size as a function of distance from the vehicle. The method may also include determining that the object is representative of a reflective marker. In one example, a computing device may use the detection of one reflective marker to help detect subsequent reflective markers that may be in a similar position.

Abstract: A system for classifying moving objects during video-based surveillance comprising: capturing a silhouette image of a moving object, resizing the captured image, computing an average height to width ratio and a center of gravity for the object in the resized image, dividing the resized image, comparing the average height to average width of the object and further comparing the variance of center of gravity with a predetermined threshold value to classify the object in the captured silhouette into predetermined classes.

Abstract: A symmetric object in an image is identified by (a) converting an edge map of the acquired image into a binary image map including binary pixel values; (b) dividing the binary image map within a scanning window into multiple bins; (c) summing binary pixel values in each bin; and (d) identifying the symmetric object based at least in part on the summed binary pixel values in the bins.

Abstract: Traffic management reports are created from data provided by vehicle sensor devices placed at different fixed locations in a region. Data of vehicles that pass each of the vehicle sensor devices are captured and communicated to a central computer database. At the central computer database, traffic management reports are periodically created from the vehicle data. Each traffic management report incorporates vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle data is for a plurality of previous, non-current times so as to allow for analysis of past vehicle data.

Abstract: A method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The method ensures that the wheelchair is blocked from moving by fixating the wheelchair to the vehicle floor and ensures that the wheelchair passenger is secured in his wheelchair by a safety-belt system. Prior to transport the method includes sensing if the wheelchair is correctly fixed to the vehicle floor and sensing if the safety-belt system is applied correctly. In a second aspect, a method for ensuring the safety of a wheelchair passenger in a transport vehicle is provided, by instructing the operator of the securing procedure to be followed. The safety of a wheelchair passenger in a vehicle is ensured by allowing the wheelchair user to indicate his status of safety.

Abstract: A driver condition determination device determines whether a driver of a host vehicle has degraded consciousness. A main component for distribution of an accelerating operation condition with respect to proximity when tailgating a preceding vehicle is analyzed (S16), all data is origin-shifted (S18), and the accelerating operation condition of the driver when the driver has consciousness is created as a normal traveling model (S20). The likelihood of the accelerating operation condition, a likelihood average, a likelihood variance, and a likelihood threshold value are calculated (S22 to S26), and it is determined whether the likelihood of a current driving operation is lower than the likelihood threshold value (S28). When the likelihood is lower than the likelihood threshold value, the driver is determined as being in degraded consciousness.

Abstract: A method for checking the visibility of a camera for surroundings of an automobile is proposed which includes receiving a camera image and a step of dividing the camera image into a plurality of partial images. A visibility value is determined based on a number of objects detected in the particular partial image. A visibility probability is subsequently determined for each of the partial images based on the blindness values and the visibility values of the particular partial images.

Abstract: A CPS dampen, dissipation, deflection and isolation control system includes a first structure comprising at least one chamber 121; a second structure comprising at least one chamber 122, wherein the chamber of the first structure 121 and the chamber of the second structure 122 are interposed by an elastic element 130, wherein the first structure 121 is moveably attached by signal to the second structure 122, wherein an intruding vector is identified for a qualified gait, wherein the first structure is configured in isolation of a vector intrusion of the second structure, whereby inertia dissipation of the first structure and substantial isolation of the intruding vector of the second structure is performed in a degree of freedom of the embodiment datum.

Abstract: Airbag inflator system includes an inflatable airbag, e.g., a side curtain airbag, a housing, a gas generating system arranged apart from the housing for generating gas, and a conduit leading from the gas generating system to the housing to provide gas to the housing, e.g., to a lateral end of the housing. A filter may be arranged between the gas generating system and the housing, possibly in the conduit. A nozzle may be arranged between the gas generating system and an interior of the airbag, which nozzle is varied as a function of temperature. The housing may be movably arranged relative to a fixed base and mounted to vary its relation to the base as a function of temperature, e.g., via elastic or deformable supports which support the housing on the base.

Abstract: A steering wheel in a vehicle can be in one of an operating position and a stowed position. Crash sensor data is monitored to detect a first and second frontal collision. Upon detecting the first frontal collision, a selected one of a first airbag and a second airbag is deployed depending on whether the steering wheel is in the stowed position or the operational position. When the steering wheel is in the operational position and a second collision is detected both the first and second airbags may be deployed.

Abstract: A flexible optical impact detection sensor is mounted on an outboard portion of the front bumper for signaling an offset rigid barrier impact event to a forward corner of a motor vehicle and deployment of a small offset rigid barrier airbag mounted on the front rail. The airbag is attached proximate a distal end of a front rail. The flexible optical impact detection sensor, attached to a rear surface of an outboard portion of the front bumper, generates a signal upon a corner impact event, whereby a controller processes the signal generated by the impact detection sensor and electrically actuates an inflator upon a predetermined impact severity. The airbag in the inflated condition acts against the offset rigid barrier to generate a lateral force against the offset rigid barrier to push the motor vehicle away from the barrier and thereby redirect impact energy by lateral movement of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle collision damage mitigation system includes: a vehicle having a crashable zone on a front side of a dash panel in a vehicle longitudinal direction; a body airbag device that inflates a body airbag that is provided on a front surface of the dash panel by a pressure of gas generated by a gas generating device; a detector that detects whether a mode of a frontal collision of the vehicle is a full-overlap collision or another collision; and a control unit that operates the gas generating device when detecting a collision other than the full-overlap collision on the basis of a detection result of the detector and that does not operate the gas generating device when detecting the full-overlap collision.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a load detection device placed at a front and a rear of one of a right-left pair of the attachment members so as to be spaced apart from each other, the load detection device measuring a load applied to a seat to distinguish an existence of a passenger and a type of a passenger, a detection influence determination device determining an existence of an influence on a passenger determination performance of the load detection device in a case where a collision load value detected by the load detection device in the case of a collision of the vehicle corresponds to a detected value between a preset first collision load value and a preset second collision load value, and a collision influence alert device outputting an alert in a case where the detection influence determination device determines that the passenger determination performance is influenced.

Abstract: Advanced supplemental restraint system associated with occupant detection and weight responsive classification system operable for controlling resistance of the supplemental restraint system such that in an accident, an occupant of the vehicle impacts the supplemental restraint system without injury. The supplemental restraint system is associated with a weight-sensing unit mounted to one or more seats positioned between the seat mounting frame and the floor of the vehicle for sensing the weight of a sitting occupant and for classifying the occupant accordingly, a computerized system is configured for calculating an operating weight value corresponding to the classified weight value, and an airbag system is disposed, comprising one or more airbags in association with a deployment unit configured to inflate the airbags with a deployment force and acceleration that is proportionate to the operating weight value when a collision force is sensed above a predetermined collision force value by a collision sensor.

Abstract: A predictive method of detecting the depth of water ahead of a wading vehicle comprises providing a wading sensor and an attitude sensor on the vehicle, and using this information to estimate the depth of water at a location ahead of the direction of vehicle movement. Corresponding apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle collision determination apparatus includes a sensor disposed on a mounting surface in a cabin of a vehicle, and a determining part that determines whether or not a collision of the vehicle has occurred, on the basis of an output from the sensor. The output from the sensor includes first acceleration in a direction vertical to the mounting surface, and when energy based on an amplitude of the first acceleration or a physical quantity correlating to the energy exceeds a threshold, the determining part determines that the collision has occurred. The output of the sensor further includes second acceleration in a rearward direction of the vehicle, and when a value, which is determined by the energy or the physical quantity correlating to the energy and an integrated value of the second acceleration, exceeds the threshold, the determining part determines that the collision has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a monitoring area of a remote monitor according to the present disclosure comprises a storage for storing a viewing angle and an irradiation angle of the remote monitor depending on a type of a road. A road determiner determines the type of the road on which a vehicle drives. A controller searches the viewing angle and the irradiation angle corresponding to the type of the road determined by the road determiner in the storage. A viewing angle adjuster sets the viewing angle searched by the controller as a reference viewing angle. An irradiation angle adjuster sets the irradiation angle searched by the controller as a reference irradiation angle.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for outputting items of information regarding a vehicle, in particular regarding a vehicle function. In order to impart the driver an improved knowledge of the vehicle functions, a first storage device, with which the items of information can be retrievably stored, a first device, with which a workload of the driver can be determined, a second device with which an associated priority can be provided to each item of information, and an output device are provided. If the determined workload undershoots a predeterminable limit workload, the item of information with the highest priority is output via the output device. The second device is embodied and equipped in such a manner, that following outputting of an item of information through the output device, the priority of this item of information is reduced.

Abstract: A configuration is adopted where elastic members made of expanded rein beads and having a size covering air cushions are disposed between a skin member and the air cushions of a human body supporting device. By arranging a plurality of elastic members made of expanded rein beads and in a stacking manner, preferably, arranging two elastic members made of expanded resin beads, spring constants of the elastic members obtained from load-deflection characteristics when they are pressed to a deflection amount of 1 mm by a pressing plate with a diameter of 30 mm being higher than that of the air cushion and being different from each other, a biological signal can be transmitted to the air cushions without damping the biological signal, though the elastic members made of expanded rein beads and are provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a processor-implemented method for disabling at least one text application on a mobile device may comprise: processing an image captured in a vehicle by a mobile device to identify a seat belt in the image; determining a slope of the seat belt relative to a horizon, wherein the horizon is determined using information pertaining to a position and an orientation of the mobile device relative to a frame of reference at a time when the image was captured; determining a speed of the mobile device; and disabling at least one text application on a mobile device based, on the slope of the seat belt and the speed of the mobile device.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of controlling a dynamometer mode operation of a vehicle that includes requesting the dynamometer mode; monitoring for at least one non-dynamometer vehicle operating condition; if at least one of the non-dynamometer vehicle operating conditions is detected, prohibiting dynamometer mode; and if none of the non-dynamometer vehicle operating conditions is detected, operating the vehicle in dynamometer mode.

Abstract: A vehicle collision determination apparatus includes: a first sensor provided in a front section of the vehicle; and a determination section which determines, on the basis of output of the first sensor, whether there has occurred front collision of the vehicle. The output of the first sensor has first acceleration in a backward direction of the vehicle and second acceleration in a rightward direction and/or a leftward direction, and the determination section determines severity of the front collision by use of an integrated value of the first acceleration and an integrated value of the second acceleration.

Abstract: A system and method uses a combination of sensors and electronics to reliably remind forgetful or negligent caregivers when they have or are about to leave one or more helpless occupants inside a vehicle, in addition to functioning as a traditional car alarm. One or more detectors sense the presence of the helpless occupant and the departure of the driver, at which time an ascending level of alarms are executed.

Abstract: A vehicle collision determination apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor provided in a cabin of a vehicle, and a determining portion that determines severity of a frontal collision of the vehicle based on the difference between an output from the first sensor and an output from the second sensor. The output from the first sensor includes a first acceleration in a backward direction of the vehicle, and the output from the second sensor includes a second acceleration in the backward direction of the vehicle. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged along the backward direction.