Abstract: A shutter unit for a vehicle, capable of properly determining failure of a shutter without using a sensor which directly detects a position of the shutter. The shutter unit includes a return spring for returning the shutter to a predetermined initial position by urging the shutter, and a rotating machine configured to be capable of converting input motive power to electrical power and input electrical power to motive power by electromagnetic induction action. The rotating machine drives the shutter by the motive power obtained by conversion. The shutter unit executes return control that stops supply of electric power to the rotating machine to return the shutter to the initial position by urging of the shutter by the return spring, and determines failure of the shutter based on a rotating machine induced voltage of the rotating machine, detected during execution of the return control.

Abstract: In a rotation control device for rotating a rotation motor at speed in accordance with a boom raising operation amount, at the time of a combined operation for simultaneously performing a rotation action and a boom raising action, a limitation value of rotation torque in accordance with the boom raising operation amount is determined by rotation torque limitation value setting means of a controller, the limitation value serving as a rotation torque limitation value is sent to rotation speed control means, and a command value of the rotation torque is torque-limited by rotation torque limiting means.

Abstract: A controller for a lift, includes a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit data relating to the personnel operating and operating conditions of a lift to a remotely located station. The remote station wirelessly sends satisfaction or non-satisfaction messages to the lift controller in response to received input data or sensed conditions relating to the operation of the lift. The lift controller includes circuitry for obtaining and/or storing the sensed conditions and received input data, where the communication module then transmits this information to a remote station using a wireless network either public or private depending on the desired application. In accordance with one implementation, the sensed conditions can include a lift state, a motion of the lift, a load applied to the lift, a lift temperature, a hydraulic fluid pressure, a wait time for recharging a hydraulic pump, an operator safety condition and a number of cycles of operation of the lift.

Abstract: An object 10 includes an electric actuator system 11 and a method 12. The object 10 may be a vehicle that includes wheels 18-21. The system 11 and method 12 include microprocessor based controllers 32, 33 and 37, electric actuators 22-25, 38 and 39, and a user interface 34 with an integrated level sensor and temperature sensor. The system 11 and method 12 operate to automatically or manually move the vehicle 10 from a not level attitude to a level attitude when the vehicle 10 is parked. The system 11 and method 12 in a preferred embodiment (FIGS. 4-6) may be configured to utilize any number of substantially identical controllers and actuators. The system 11 and method 12 sense the load carried by each actuator, to assure the wheels of the vehicle are not carrying more than a desired amount of the load when the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes an electric motor, a homing control section, a distance determination section, and a forbiddance section. The electric motor moves a control object equipped to a vehicle at least between two positions. The homing control section executes a homing control for controlling the electric motor to move the control object so that the control object press-contacts a stopper wall when an initialization condition is satisfied. The distance determination section determines whether a user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle at a distance greater than a predetermined distance. The forbiddance section forbids the homing control during a period, which starts at a time of the homing control execution and ends at a time when the user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle farther than the predetermined distance, even when the initialization condition is satisfied during the period.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the tilting of a load-carrying implement of a movable work machine that includes a frame and the implement, pivotally connected to the frame, and a tilting arrangement for tilting the implement in relation to the frame. The system includes a control for controlling the tilting of the implement based upon a sensor-registered movement of the movable work machine, and for controlling the tilting of the implement such that the implement counteracts the inertia of a load carried by the implement.

Abstract: A hatch control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and having a rearward field of view that encompasses a region at the rear of the vehicle that is swept by a hatch or liftgate or deck lid or door of the vehicle as the hatch is opened and closed, such as via a powered hatch opening/closing system. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to determine if an object is present in the region that is swept by the hatch to determine if the hatch may collide with the detected object when the hatch is being opened/closed. Responsive to determination of a potential collision of the hatch with a detected object, the vehicle hatch control system may stop movement of the hatch and/or may move the hatch to a holding position.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to examine one or more vehicle settings having been changed after a driver enters a vehicle. Also, the processor is configured to compare the examined settings to settings associated with currently stored driver profiles and verify the driver as a previously stored primary vehicle driver based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: An opening/closing body control device has a controller that controls a driving operation of a motor for carrying out an operation for opening/closing an opening/closing body of a vehicle, a load detector that detects a load of the motor; a deciding part that compares a variation in the load detected by the load detector with a predetermined threshold, thereby deciding presence of insertion of a foreign substance into the opening/closing body during the operation for closing the opening/closing body, an engine state detector that detects a stopping state of an engine of the vehicle, a receiver that receives a closing command for the opening/closing body which is transmitted from a remote control machine, and a changing part that changes the threshold.

Abstract: In the case of the process for controlling functions in a motor vehicle having neighboring operating elements, the functions in each case being activatable by the operation of a defined operating element assigned to each function, the functions assigned to two neighboring operating elements receive a different priority. The higher-priority function can be activated immediately if the operating element assigned to it is operated before or within a defined time period after the neighboring other operating element.

Abstract: In a method and a device (12) for actuating a door or flap (1) of a vehicle (10), the door or flap (1), if it is closed, is automatically opened or, if it is open, is automatically closed if a movement of an object with at least one change in direction is detected outside the vehicle (10) and at the same time a key (6) assigned to the vehicle (10) is detected.

Abstract: A display in the mirror glass is proposed, which is established in a simple way by a light module and a structured mirror surface. A process is employed that engraves the icon, which is to be shown, into the glass mirror layer with a laser beam.

Abstract: A door latch system of a vehicle includes a fork bolt lever engagable with a striker and is movable between a latched position for securing the striker and an unlatched position. A detent is movable between an engaged position in which the detent engages with the fork bolt lever to hold the fork bolt lever in the latched position and a disengaged position in which the detent is disengaged from the fork bolt lever to permit the fork bolt lever to move to the unlatched position. A motor, controllable by the controller, is coupled to the detent lever to move the detent lever between the engaged and disengaged positions. A switch may send an unlatch command to the controller. The controller actuates the motor to position the detent in the disengaged position such that the detent is held in the disengaged position until a predetermined condition occurs.

Abstract: A bicycle seat position indicator has a controller and an indicating device. The controller provides an output signal indicative of a current height position of an adjustable bicycle seatpost. The indicating device is operatively coupled to the controller to receive the output signal and provide information representing the current height position of the adjustable bicycle seatpost based on the output signal from the controller.

Abstract: A power seat device includes a motor, an adjustment operation member, a Hall sensor, an ECU, a memory, and a single request operation member. The adjustment operation member adjusts a seat position. The Hall sensor detects a seat position. The ECU drives and controls the motor in accordance with an operation of the adjustment operation member to adjust the seat position. The memory stores two seat positions adjusted by the adjustment operation member. The request operation member sequentially retrieves the two seat positions stored in the memory when pushed. The ECU drives and controls the motor to reinstate the seat position retrieved by the operation of the request operation member. The ECU automatically stores a seat position before the reinstatement of the retrieved seat position is started in the memory.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly is provided with a support structure and a head restraint supported by the support structure and being movable relative to the support structure between a first position and a second position. An actuator is connected to the head restraint for moving the head restraint, and a controller is in communication with the actuator. A sensor array is supported by one of the support structure and the head restraint and in communication with the controller. The sensor array has a first region and a second region. The sensor array is configured to sense an input of the first region and second region being sequentially activated. The sensor array communicates the input to the controller, and the controller causing the actuator to move the head restraint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for actuating a closure element arrangement in a motor vehicle, wherein the closure element arrangement has a closure element, a drive arrangement associated with the closure element, a control arrangement and a sensor arrangement having at least one sensor element that is particularly in the form of a proximity sensor, wherein operator control event monitoring involves the control arrangement being used to monitor sensor events in the sensor measured values from the sensor arrangement for whether a predetermined operator control event is occurring, and the result of the operator control event monitoring is taken as a basis for actuating the drive arrangement. It is proposed that the operator control event monitoring is based on at least one operator control event model stored in the control arrangement and that the operator control event model is produced and/or parameterized during use compliant with normal operation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a position detection device and a control device. The position detection device detects a piece of position information that describes the position of at least one occupant of the motor vehicle and/or of a mobile terminal, particularly a mobile telephone, that is associable or associated with the occupant within the motor vehicle by taking account of a position of the mobile terminal and/or of a piece of registration information delivered by the mobile terminal. The control device is designed to set at least one operating parameter of a vehicle system by taking account of a piece of control information delivered by the mobile terminal and of the position information and/or to transmit at least one piece of operating information that influences at least one function of the mobile terminal to the mobile terminal on the basis of the position information.

Abstract: A rearview mirror control system for a vehicle that changes the rear viewing angle of an interior rearview mirror to eliminate blind spots. The control system receives inputs from a vehicle steering angle sensor, a vehicle yaw rate sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a turn signal sensor, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and map information and the vehicle operator's use of a switch housed on the vehicle's steering wheel apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control system (110) and method operable to control at least one vehicle subsystem (120, 130, 140, 150, 160) to operate in a selected one of a plurality of subsystem configuration modes. The control system is operable in a plurality of driving modes in each of which it is arranged to select the subsystem configuration mode of the at least one vehicle subsystem in a manner suitable for a respective type of driving surface. The control system uses the output of an imaging device (115) capturing the driving surface on which the vehicle is driving or will likely be driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a flap arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap arrangement has a flap wing and a control arrangement, wherein a flap drive which is assigned to the flap wing and by which the flap wing can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position in an adjustment process is provided, wherein at least one predetermined flap operator control event is detected by means of the control arrangement and the flap drive is actuated as a technical control reaction to a flap operator control event. It is proposed that by means of the control arrangement the technical control reaction of stopping or continuing an adjustment process, which is due to two successive flap operator control events, is suppressed if at least one suppression condition is detected.

Abstract: In an undazzled-area map product stored in a computer-readable storage unit, information indicative of a relationship between a boundary distance and each of a plurality of divided sections of a rectangular area to be picked up by a pickup unit is included. The pickup unit is provided in a reference vehicle with a headlight and working to pick up an image of the rectangular area ahead of the reference vehicle. The boundary distance is defined as a maximum distance between the reference vehicle and a target person such that, when a distance between the reference vehicle and the target person is within the maximum distance, the target person is estimated to be undazzled by the headlight of the reference vehicle.

Abstract: The recognizability of a vehicle peripheral environment may be enhanced. A vehicle periphery monitoring device is to monitor the periphery of a vehicle. The vehicle periphery monitoring device includes an imaging unit that obtains a plurality of peripheral images by imaging the periphery of the vehicle, a display unit that displays the plurality of peripheral images imaged in the imaging unit, and an image control unit that controls the plurality of peripheral images displayed in the display unit. The image control unit varies a distance between the plurality of peripheral images displayed in the display unit. As a result, sensory understanding of a vehicle peripheral environment by a driver may be enhanced, thereby enhancing the recognizability of the vehicle peripheral environment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for controlling a side step operation for a vehicle. The technique includes detecting, by a controller, whether an obstacle is present in a space where left and right side steps are configured to be released, before ejecting release operation thereof is performed. The technique additionally includes releasing, by the controller, the side step only when the obstacle is not present. When the side step is not released due to an obstacle, a warning mode for re-parking or mobility parking is displayed to a user.

Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus includes a wheelchair control device sensitive to motion and adapted to attach to a user's head, and includes a wheelchair interface device in communication with the wheelchair control device and adapted to manipulate a control system of a motorized wheelchair in response to communication from the wheelchair control device. Among other things, a method includes causing a motorized wheelchair to change velocity in response to changing a position of a head-mounted wheelchair control device.

Abstract: A process for identifying a vehicle driver according to a pre-determined hierarchy. The process includes determining, in a first determination act, whether a first sub-process, of a group of multiple sub-processes, can be used to identify the vehicle driver. The first sub-process is pre-determined to be a most reliable sub-process of the group for identifying the vehicle driver. The process also includes determining, in a second determination act, only if the first determination act has a negative result, whether a second sub-process of the group can be used to identify the vehicle driver. The second sub-process is pre-determined to be a second-most reliable sub-process of the group for identifying the vehicle driver.

Abstract: In a method and a device for learning the neutral position of the accelerator pedal of a motor vehicle, the lowest pedal voltage is determined during a first drive cycle, the voltage remaining constant over a specific period of time and repeating itself several times within the drive cycle. A minimum pedal value is confirmed and set on the basis of the determined lowest pedal value that has been confirmed in at least one succeeding drive cycle. Finally, a plausibility check on the confirmed lowest pedal value is performed. The method and the device are characterized by particular robustness.

Abstract: A vehicle seat drive system, in particular an airplane passenger seat drive system, not requiring special software. The systems will be adaptable to new conditions over the course of the life of the installation thereof. The systems is monitorable at any time, and is capable of automatically reporting the occurrence of system faults. To accomplish this a direct link to a network that can be connected to the internet is provided.

Abstract: An impact detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine impact criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the impact criteria to determine a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.

Abstract: A pedestrian protection system from a vehicle utilizes GPS data to reduce the number of false positive detections for impacting an object determined to be a pedestrian. The GPS data is used to focus on area of increased and/or decreased pedestrian presence to alter a reaction threshold for the vehicle. Additionally, the GPS data can be used for more accurate analysis of the likelihood of an impact.

Abstract: A method for detecting a smart key around a vehicle includes; searching a smart key around a vehicle by emitting a registration request message at each preset emission period; when a response message to the registration request message is received from the smart key, checking whether or not the reception of the response message is maintained during a predetermined time; when the reception of the response message is maintained during the predetermined time, emitting an authentication request message containing encryption information for authenticating the smart key; and when an authentication message to the authentication request message is received from the smart key, authenticating the smart key based on the authentication message.

Abstract: A tire air pressure monitor device is provided for monitoring air pressure in tires using pressure sensors, which are installed in the tire of each wheel. Each wheel has a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the air pressure information along with a sensor ID when the wheel is at a predetermined rotation position. A vehicle body has a receiver for receiving the wireless signals. A wheel speed sensor is provided on a vehicle body for each wheel to determine the wheel rotation position. A TPMS control unit acquires the wheels rotation position when a wireless signal containing a certain sensor ID is transmitted. The TPMS control unit accumulates wheel rotation position data, and determines the wheel position corresponding to the wheel rotation position data having the smallest degree of dispersion from among the wheel rotation position data as the wheel position for the transmitter corresponding to the sensor ID.

Abstract: A turning guide assistant system relates to automotive vehicles, and more particularly to advanced driver assistance systems and active safety systems for automotive vehicles. The turning guide assistant system provides a plurality of projected beams located along the vehicle. When a turning maneuver for the vehicle is performed the beams will clearly display the path of the vehicle on the road. The path will be easily visible to those proximate to the vehicle helping them to stay outside or move outside the path of the vehicle. The turning guide assistant system may include audio and visual alarms external to the vehicle for those in the proximity to reduce the number of accidents. Additionally, the system will alert and warn the driver of any objects detected in the vehicle path.

Abstract: A braking system may include a first brake, a parking brake, a warning system, and a control system. A parking brake system may allow an operator to selectively engage the parking brake. The control system may include a first brake detector that indicates when the first brake is engaged, a parking brake detector that indicates when the parking brake is engaged, and a door state detector that indicates when a door open. The control system may selectively activate a portion of the parking brake system when the first brake is engaged, activate the warning system when the door is open and the parking brake is engaged, and activate the warning system when the door is open, the parking brake is engaged, and the first brake is engaged. A speed sensor may be used to prevent the parking brake from engaging above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling transport of a heavy load by which a transport vehicle smoothly transports a heavy load such as a rotor blade of a wind power generator, which has a high weight and a large length, without collisions or interferences by controlling movement of the heavy load according to a facility around a road or a peripheral environmental condition in a process of transporting the heavy load on the road with the transport vehicle, a transport vehicle, and a method of controlling transport of a heavy load. The apparatus includes: an adjusting unit configured to control rotation or movements of the heavy load so that collision or interference of the heavy load with a facility around a road or a peripheral environmental condition is prevented in a process of transporting the heavy load after the heavy load is fixedly mounted to the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A controller and control method for an automatic vehicle door movement control system which includes a plurality of signaling devices and at least one door actuator for opening and closing at least one vehicle door in accordance with an instruction signal from the signaling devices is configured to selectively mask a redundant instruction signal. The redundant instruction signal is an instruction signal received after the receipt of a primary instruction signal and prior to the completion of an automatic door movement operation. The redundant instruction signal is masked when it is determined to be against an ascertained user intent or when the primary instruction signal is determined to be more indicative of the ascertained user intent.

Abstract: A danger sensing apparatus includes a data collecting unit disposed at each of a side rear-view mirror of the vehicle and an inner portion of the vehicle to collect image data of a side region of the vehicle and a situation of a door region of the inner portion of the vehicle as data; a data analyzing unit analyzing the data collected from the data collecting unit to analyze a danger object approaching an outer side of the vehicle and the situation of the door region of the inner portion of the vehicle; and a controlling unit controlling operations of a drive train of the vehicle and the door based on a signal analyzed from the data analyzing unit.

Abstract: A shape of a boundary line between a forward view in a forward field of vision of a driver and a vehicle structural part that blocks a lower end of the forward view, i.e., the shape of a so-called visible edge of a vehicle hood, a shape of a visible edge of a vehicle instrument panel, or a shape of a top edge of a ceramic line formed at a windshield glass is made to be a curve. The curve may be expressed by hyperbolic function y2=Ax2+2Bx+C, where x is a depression angle, y is an azimuth angle, A is a constant expressed by a sum of a ratio of a distance between a viewpoint height and a roll axis with respect to the viewpoint height and a reciprocal of a product of a roll rate and the viewpoint height, B is a constant expressed by a reciprocal of the roll rate, and C is a constant expressed by the constant A, the constant B and a depression angle of a sight-line direction of a driver.

Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle having a tiltable rider mounting section includes a first travel operation unit and a second travel operation unit, which are disposed with an interval provided therebetween in the longitudinal direction and which are capable of traveling in all directions. In a situation wherein a predetermined representative point of the vehicle or the first travel operation unit is to be moved rightward or leftward, the traveling operations of the first travel operation unit and the second travel operation unit are controlled such that the travel velocity of the first travel operation unit and the travel velocity of the second travel operation unit in the lateral direction are different from each other so as to cause the vehicle to turn about a turn center at the rear of a ground contact point of the first travel operation unit.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and system for enabling a device function of a vehicle. A speech input stream is received at a telematics unit. A speech input context is determined for the received speech input stream. The received speech input stream is processed based on the determination and the device function of the vehicle is enabled responsive to the processed speech input stream. A vehicle device in control of the enabled device function of the vehicle is directed based on the processed speech input stream. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for enabling a device function of a vehicle.

Abstract: An object detection system for a first machine is disclosed. The object detection system may have at least one transmitter configured to generate a laser beam directed onto a ground surface in proximity to the first machine, and a receiver configured to detect the laser beam and generate a corresponding signal. The object detection system may also have a controller in communication with the at least one transmitter and the receiver. The controller may be configured to generate an electronic terrain map based on the signal. The controller may also be configured to make a determination that a second machine is operating within a range of the first machine, and to adjust operation of the at least one transmitter and receiver based on the determination to reduce undesired interactions caused by operation of the second machine.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus includes a mode selector switch, a plurality of direction switches and a parking pattern selecting unit. The mode selector switch selects one of a first mode of assisting parking and a second mode of executing a function other than parking assist. The direction switches includes a pair of right and left direction switches that are disposed on the right and left and a pair of front and rear direction switches that are disposed at the front and rear. In a case in which the first mode is selected, when one of the right and left direction switches is operated, a right or left parking pattern associated with the right or left position is selected, and when one of the front and rear direction switches is operated, an adjacent or parallel parking pattern associated with the front or rear position is selected.

Abstract: A method for controlling one or more remote vehicles may comprise manipulating remote dexterous manipulators, translating movement of the remote dexterous manipulators into movement of the one or more remote vehicles, and providing a sliding work window allowing control of the one or more remote vehicles' entire range of motion without sacrificing control resolution.

Abstract: A user interface is provided. The interface can be used to control an electronic system that is in communication with a vehicle. The interface includes a fingerprint reader, and a push-button switch mounted to the fingerprint reader. The switch is configured to detect a user pressing upon a surface of the fingerprint reader. The interface includes a controller. The controller is configured to detect the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader using the push-button switch, and, after detecting the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader, capture fingerprint data of the user using the fingerprint reader.

Abstract: A vehicle having a wading sensor may include a control unit adapted to implement an alternative or modified vehicle control strategy during wading. The wading strategy may change many vehicle functions, alone or in combination, and may be further responsive to depth of wading.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a vehicular lamp includes: a reference information retaining portion configured to retain reference information indicative of a positional relationship of an acceleration sensor axis, a vehicle axis, and a road surface, wherein the reference information is obtained in a predetermined initialization process; a correction ratio generating portion configured to, after the initialization process, calculate an acceleration ratio of an amount of change in a longitudinal acceleration to an amount of change in vertical acceleration of the vehicle while traveling, and derive a correction ratio for correcting a positional relationship of the road surface and at least one of the acceleration sensor axis and the vehicle axis in the reference information, using the obtained acceleration ratio; and a control portion configured to output a signal for adjusting an optical axis position of the vehicular lamp, using the acceleration ratio, the reference information, and the correction ratio.

Abstract: An active suspension seat for use in a vehicle incorporates a swivel enabling the active suspension seat to be rotated about a vertical axis towards and away from a position appropriate for use in driving the vehicle, and incorporates a seat controller operating a brake to prevent such rotation away from that appropriate position in response to an indication that the vehicle is in motion, and limiting the active suspension to being enabled only when the seat is in the appropriate position for use in driving.

Abstract: An object detection system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The object detection system may have a first array of laser beam transmitters configured to generate a first plurality of grid lines on a ground surface, and a second array of laser beam transmitters configured to generate a second plurality of grid lines on the ground surface and produce a plurality of intersections with the first plurality of grid lines. The object detection system may also have a receiver configured to detect the plurality of intersections and generate a signal used to create an electronic terrain map based on the detection. At least one of the first and second arrays of laser beam transmitters may be selectively movable during operation to change a location of the plurality of intersections.

Abstract: A method to reduce refreezing of meltable snow includes configuring a wiper arm to wipe the meltable snow from an ambient-facing surface of a window positioned on a vehicle. The method also includes configuring a sensor coupled to the wiper arm to gather and transmit a parameter on the vehicle and environment. The method also includes configuring a processor to receive the parameter, determine refreezability of the meltable snow based on the parameter, and define an action to be performed by the wiper arm.

Abstract: A method and system for adjustment of headlamps for motor vehicles, comprising a step for calculating a headlamp angle. The method furthermore comprises the steps of detecting a target vehicle, calculating a lateral position of the target vehicle with respect to the motor vehicle, calculating a lateral angular offset with respect to the said lateral position of the target vehicle and adjusting the headlamps as a function of the headlamp angle and of the lateral angular offset.