Vehicle Equipment Position Control (e.g., Seat, Mirror, Door, Window, Headrest, Or Headlamp) Patents (Class 701/49)
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Patent number: 11102415Abstract: A camera adjustment system includes a camera, an actuator, an inertial-measurement-unit, and one or more controller-circuits. The camera renders an image of lane-markings of a roadway traveled by a host-vehicle. The actuator is operable for controlling an aim-direction of the camera. The inertial-measurement-unit detects relative-movement of the host-vehicle. The one or more controller-circuits are in communication with the camera, the actuator, and the inertial-measurement-unit. The one or more controller-circuits determine whether a range-of-detection of the lane-markings in the image is less than a detection-threshold and adjust the aim-direction based on the relative-movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Mohamed A. Moawad, Ehsan Samiei, Walter K. Kosiak
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Patent number: 11094145Abstract: A device for detecting a driving event of a vehicle, having a triaxial acceleration sensor and a processing unit. The device may be fixedly installed on the vehicle. The processing unit is configured to detect a plurality of acceleration values within a specific time span using the acceleration sensor, carry out a wavelet transform of the acceleration values to determine first coefficients, and compare the first coefficients at least to stored second coefficients. The second coefficients represent a predefined driving event. The processing unit is configured to detect the driving event represented by the second coefficients as an occurred driving event when the first coefficients are in agreement with the second coefficients, and is configured to determine characteristic parameters of the detected acceleration values, to ascertain a specific mother wavelet as a function of the characteristic parameters, and to carry out the wavelet transform based on the ascertained mother wavelet.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Nils Larcher, Henar Martin Rodriguez, Peter Bakucz
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Patent number: 11067667Abstract: A radar detection system for activation of a powered closure member of a vehicle and corresponding method are provided. The system includes a radar sensor assembly having a radar transmit antenna for transmitting radar waves and a radar receive antenna for receiving the radar waves after reflection from an object in a detection zone. The radar sensor assembly outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the motion of the object in the detection zone. An electronic control unit is coupled to the radar sensor assembly and includes a data acquisition module to receive the sensor signal and a plurality of analysis modules to analyze the sensor signal to detect extracted features and determine whether extracted features are within predetermined thresholds representing a valid activation gesture. The electronic control unit initiates movement of the closure member in response to the extracted features being within the predetermined thresholds representing the valid activation gesture.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Wassim Rafrafi, Samuel R. Baruco
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Patent number: 11061248Abstract: A noncontact operation detecting device includes a detecting means configured to be able to detect whether or not an object is present at each of a plurality of points to be observed, which are set in a space, an operation decision section configured to determine, on the basis of a detection result detected by the detecting means, whether or not a gesture operation has been performed, and an aerial image displaying device configured to be able to display an aerial image showing locations of the plurality of points to be observed, in the space.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignees: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD., UTSUNOMIYA UNIVERSITYInventors: Yuichi Tsunekawa, Kazuhito Kawamura, Hirotsugu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11052786Abstract: A vehicle includes: a driving seat; a pair of doors; a seat moving mechanism configured to move the driving seat between a driving state and a receiving state, the driving seat in the driving state being positioned at a vehicle width direction center and facing a vehicle front, and the receiving state satisfying at least one condition of: the driving seat being positioned closer to one door of the pair of doors than in the driving state or the driving seat facing further toward the one door than in the driving state; a detection unit configured to detect a portable device in a detection area in a vicinity of the vehicle and outside a passenger compartment; and a seat control unit that controls the seat moving mechanism so as to move the driving seat into the receiving state.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 11046271Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically responding to at least partial submersion of a vehicle in water. The system includes a sensor configured to detect sensor data indicating whether the vehicle is at least partially submerged in water. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) connected to the sensor. The ECU is configured to determine that the vehicle is at least partially submerged in water based on the sensor data. The ECU is also configured to adjust at least one feature of the vehicle in response to the determination that the vehicle is at least partially submerged in water.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.Inventor: Emily S. Lerner
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Patent number: 11022971Abstract: Various embodiments relate to recording event data to identify and resolve anomalies associated with control of driverless vehicles. Some examples include computing vehicular drive parameters to facilitate driverless transit, monitoring control signals, detecting an event, triggering storage of event data, determining transmission control criteria, and transmitting the event data based on the transmission control criteria. Other examples include receiving event data via a communications network from an autonomous vehicle, identifying a computed vehicular drive parameter, extracting sensor data associated with the event, detecting application of control signals, analyzing the control signals, the sensor data, and the subset of computed vehicular drive parameters to identify a type of event, and generating update executable instructions responsive to the type of event.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Mauro Della Penna
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Patent number: 11008104Abstract: An aircraft device includes at least one control and/or regulation unit which is configured for controlling an aircraft passenger seat unit, and of a PED in which at least one operating program is stored, wherein the control and/or regulation unit is configured to receive control signals from the PED for controlling the aircraft passenger seat unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Streckert, Juergen Mehmel, Michael Gerngross, Joerg Laubenberger, Michael Hoppe
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Patent number: 10997451Abstract: A vehicle service system incorporating a set of imaging sensors disposed in an inspection lane through which a vehicle is driven. A processor is configured with software instructions to capture a set of images from the set of imaging sensors and to evaluate the captured images according to a set of rules to identify images in which a license plate is visible on an observed surface of the vehicle. The processor is further configured with software instruction to extract license plate information from the identified images, assign a figure of merit to the extracted information, and generate an output in response to the assigned figures of merit.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Philip G. Grunzinger, Jr., Timothy A. Strege, Kevin V. Schoemehl
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Patent number: 10974773Abstract: An air resistance-reducing device (1) for a vehicle (12) includes a first air guide element A (3) and a second air guide element B (4) which can be adjusted between a rest position and a travel position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance by an actuator (6). The air resistance-reducing device (1) includes connecting element (7) with a coupling element 8, which connects the actuator (6) to the at least one connecting element (7), a first leg (9), which connects the coupling element (8) to the first air guide element A (3), a second leg (10), which connects the coupling element (8) to the second air guide element B (4), and a third leg (11), which connects the first leg (9) to the second leg (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: WABCO Europe BVBAInventors: Umut Gencaslan, Gandert Marcel Rita Van Raemdonck
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Patent number: 10970952Abstract: A user identification system includes: a detection unit that detects prescribed motions of a person when the person boards or alights from a vehicle; an acquisition unit that acquires types of boarding information indicating that one of users boards or is on board the vehicle when one of the motions is detected; a memory that stores association information in which identification information of the users is associated with the types of boarding information corresponding to the users; a probability calculating unit configured to calculate a probability that each of the users boards or is on boarded the vehicle based on the types of boarding information and the association information; and an identification unit that identifies a user who boards or is on boarded the vehicle among the users based on the probability calculated by the probability calculating unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryuta Atsumi
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Patent number: 10940872Abstract: A system providing tactile sensations. The system comprises a seat back of a seat, the seat back having a left side and a right side separated by a center-line of the seat back. A first plurality of electroactive transducers are arranged along the center-line of the seat back and provide tactile sound to a user. A second plurality of electroactive transducers in the seat back provide tactile alerts or feedback. The second plurality of electroactive alert transducers comprise a left-side electroactive transducer at the left side of the seat back and right-side electroactive transducer at the right side of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: SUBPAC, INC.Inventors: John Thomas Alexiou, Todd Christopher Chernecki, Sarosh Sultan Khwaja, James Andrew Kimpel, Mark Elard Seeger, Peter R. Williams
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Patent number: 10945199Abstract: A vehicle-mounted gateway apparatus according to an embodiment includes a communication device including an external communication interface for connection to the network outside the mobile body with each of a plurality of different external communication schemes and an internal communication interface for connection to each of the plurality of data sources within the mobile body; and a control device configured to transmit data collected from each of the data sources through the internal communication interface to the network outside the mobile body. The control device includes a communication channel selection section configured to select a communication channel from the plurality of external communication schemes for each of the data sources, and a monitoring control section configured to monitor data output from each of the data sources and to transmit the data to the network outside the mobile body over a selected one of the communication channels associated with the data source.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA DIGITAL SOLUTIONS CORPORATIONInventors: Masayuki Omiya, Kazuhiro Gotou, Masashi Uemoto, Daichi Soshi, Kazunori Hashimoto, Hirokazu Ikeyama, Yousuke Ujihara, Satoru Iwahashi, Akifumi Ohno, Kei Sakamoto, Ken Ishii, Shion Itou
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Patent number: 10933805Abstract: An automatic driving system includes a vehicle control calculator, a f recognizer, a passerby recognition calculator, and a notifier. The vehicle control calculator causes an vehicle to perform automatic traveling along a traveling route. The recognizer acquires information on a traveling environment ahead of the vehicle. The passerby recognition calculator recognizes a passerby ahead of the vehicle based on the information on the traveling environment. The notifier notifies the passerby of a recognition state that the passerby is recognized, when the passerby is recognized by the passerby recognition calculator. The passerby recognition calculator examines whether the recognized passerby is facing a direction of the vehicle based on information on the passerby, acquired by the recognizer, and specifies the passerby as a notification target passerby when recognizing the passerby facing the direction of the vehicle. The notifier notifies the recognition state to the notification target passerby.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Keisuke Motegi, Hikaru Yoshikawa, Shota Yoshimura, Masatoshi Minakawa, Kazuki Takahashi, Shingo Ugajin
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Patent number: 10936341Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system includes a processor(s) intercepting an instruction, upon receipt on the instruction, by the one or more processors in the computing device on a communications network, prior to execution of the instruction by the processor(s) in the computing device. The processor(s) determines a state of the computing device and based on the state of the computing device and a portion of the instruction, the processor(s) determines that the instruction is precluded from executing on the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael Bender, Rhonda L. Childress, Rahul Gupta
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Patent number: 10933770Abstract: A power seat device is configured to acquire a target associated position of a tilted position, corresponding to a current position of a seatback for allowing the seatback to reach an end position in a reclining range, and a seat to reach an end position in a tilting range simultaneously. Outputs of a reclining motor and a tilting motor are adjusted so that the tilted position coincides with the acquired target associated position.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignees: IMASEN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsutoshi Goto, Hiroyuki Kojima, Takanari Matsumoto, Kenichi Katsube, Daisuke Tanaka
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Patent number: 10926773Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to mitigating effects of motion sickness on a passenger in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes analyzing sensor data about the passenger to produce a passenger state that characterizes a current physical condition of the passenger while riding in the vehicle. The method includes determining whether the passenger state correlates with symptoms of motion sickness in the passenger. The method includes controlling, in the vehicle, a vehicle component to adjust a current configuration relative to the passenger when the passenger state correlates with the symptoms.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., Denso CorporationInventor: Victor George Vulcu
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Patent number: 10914110Abstract: A detection system and method of operating the detection system are provided. The system includes a power supply unit and at least one sensor for sensing at least one of an object and a motion. A communication unit is electrically coupled to the power supply unit for communicating with a plurality of vehicle system controllers. A microprocessor is operable in a plurality of modes and electrically coupled to the power supply unit and the at least one sensor and the communication unit. The microprocessor is configured to determine which of the plurality of modes should be active based on communication with the vehicle system controllers and to receive and process the data from the at least one sensor. The microprocessor is also configured to initiate movement of the closure panel in response to processing the data corresponding to the at least one of the object and the motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventor: J. R. Scott Mitchell
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Patent number: 10913397Abstract: An automated retractable step system has at least one linkage subassembly for attachment to a vehicle frame. A step is attached to the linkage subassembly and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuator is coupled with the linkage subassembly for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions. A sensor subassembly includes a sensing electrode and a reference electrode disposed adjacent to the sensing electrode and a driven shield electrode extending generally parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the sensing electrode and to the reference electrode and to the driven shield electrode. The controller is also electrically connected to the actuator for controlling the actuator to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to the signal from the sensor subassembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventor: Mirko Pribisic
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System for managing space available and seats for passengers for use of a passenger transport system
Patent number: 10899371Abstract: A system for managing space available and seats for passengers in a passenger transportation system comprising at least one train including a plurality of cars, each car having a corresponding predetermined number of seats, is described. The system comprises sensors for sensing the occupancy of the space available to passengers, a processor for managing the space available to passengers, and display devices for displaying the availability of free space for passengers, capable of signaling the availability of free space for passengers or signaling the unavailability of free space for passengers in a different first or second signaling mode, in connection with each predetermined section of the train.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: ITALDESIGN-GIUGIARO S.P.A.Inventors: Marziella Lequio, Marco Bergero -
Patent number: 10899267Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, vehicles, and methods that are configured to illuminate and image a wide field of view of an environment. An example optical system includes a camera having an optical axis and an outer lens element disposed along the optical axis. The optical system also includes a plurality of illumination modules, each of which includes at least one light-emitter device configured to emit light along a respective emission axis and a secondary optical element optically coupled to the at least one light-emitter device. The secondary optical element is configured to provide a light emission pattern having an azimuthal angle extent of at least 170 degrees so as to illuminate a portion of an environment of the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Giulia Guidi
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Patent number: 10899363Abstract: A portable electronic device for repositioning adjustable fixtures in vehicles. The portable electronic device includes a communication module, a processor, and a memory that stores computer program instructions that cause the processor to receive a first configuration setting that is specific to the first vehicle, the first configuration setting describing a preferred position of a first adjustable fixture in the first vehicle, translate the first configuration setting into a second configuration setting that is specific to a second vehicle, and transmit, to the second vehicle using the communication module, the second configuration setting to the second vehicle for use in moving a second adjustable fixture in the second vehicle from an initial position to an adjusted position that is based on the preferred position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Thomas Ethan Lowry
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Patent number: 10899262Abstract: One example of a vehicle seat assembly includes a seat back, a seat bottom coupled to the seat back, and a bladder support system coupled to at least one of the seat back and the seat bottom. The bladder support system includes air cells and a pump fluidly connected to the air cells to selectively inflate the air cells when the pump receives an activation signal. A valve system defining flow paths fluidly connected between the pump and the air cells. The valve system includes at least three control valves, with each control valve generating a control valve output when receiving the activation signal. The valve system also includes passive valves movable to an open position to inflate the corresponding air cell when receiving at least three control valve outputs. A controller is configured to send the activation signal to the control valves and the pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: KA Group AGInventor: Douglas J. Wheeler
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Patent number: 10894545Abstract: A vehicle is configured to perform at least one action (e.g., control of acceleration or navigation of the vehicle) based on analysis of data that is collected regarding a user of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the data is collected from various sources (e.g., computing devices associated with the user) prior to usage of the vehicle by the user. For example, data may be collected from an intelligent appliance located in a building or other fixed structure in which the user lives, or in which the vehicle is stored or charged. The data collected from the fixed structure may relate to activities performed by the user while inside the fixed structure and/or relate to data associated with electronic communications of the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Robert Richard Noel Bielby
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Patent number: 10879897Abstract: A method for detecting stray contacts on at least one approach or contact sensor integrated into a door handle, the handle including two electrodes whose capacitances are measured, a locking electrode, an unlocking electrode, the method includes detecting simultaneity in the crossing of the noise tolerance limits by the two capacitance value signals, and then in detecting the presence, on at least one signal, of a peak having a predetermined amplitude, the simultaneity and the peak being representative of stray contact on at least one of the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Inventors: Gabriel Spick, Olivier Elie
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Patent number: 10855938Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to eye tracking systems and methods which track eyes by illuminating the eyes using a light source and detecting the eye illuminations using a sensor. Implementations of the present disclosure may utilize wide angle lighting via a plurality of individual light sources which are each oriented in different orientations. A wide area may be illuminated by the different light sources, and these light sources may be selectively turned on and off based on a current location of a user.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventor: Eric J. Larsen
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Patent number: 10843726Abstract: In a vehicle, an amount of change of a turning angle of a turning mechanism to an amount of change of a steering angle of a steering input device is defined as a transfer ratio, the turning mechanism is rotationally driven by a turning drive unit, and a driver's body posture parameter is detected by a body posture parameter detector. An apparatus for steering the vehicle includes a controller that executes an automatic steering mode that determines a target value for the turning angle of the turning mechanism based on a travelling condition of the vehicle and/or information about a road on which the vehicle is travelling, and controls the turning mechanism to adjust the turning angle of the turning mechanism to the target value. A transfer ratio adjuster adjusts the transfer ratio in accordance with the body posture parameter during execution of the automatic steering mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yosuke Hirate, Daiji Watanabe, Hisaya Akatsuka
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Patent number: 10840837Abstract: A power seat system includes: a motor that changes a position of a power seat by performing a rotational operation; a Hall sensor that senses a change in Hall voltage according to the rotation of the motor and outputs a pulse signal; and a motor reverse rotation detection unit that monitors outputs from the motor and the Hall sensor, and detects an occurrence of a reverse pulse according to a motor reverse rotation when a motor current overshooting section and a change in pulse signal value are simultaneously detected in accordance with stop of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATEDInventors: Ho Cheoul Lee, Deuk Kyu Byun, Jin Woo Lee, Min Jin Kim
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Patent number: 10829978Abstract: A method for opening a vehicle door may include capturing a first image when a first condition is met and capturing a second image when a second condition is met. The first condition is one of the vehicle is parked, or the door is locked. The second condition is one of the vehicle is deactivated, or the door is unlocked. The method may further include detecting an object outside based on the first and second images, determining whether the detected object is within a projected path of the door moving from a first position to a second position, and controlling operation of an actuator configured to move the door, such that if the detected object is determined to be within the projected path of the door, the actuator does not move the door according to the projected path.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE INC.Inventors: Hong S. Bae, Pei Chen
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Patent number: 10821909Abstract: A method of supporting a mobile computing device in a vehicle comprising: providing a seating assembly disposed in an interior of a vehicle, the seating assembly comprising a seatback and a headrest adjustably coupled to the seatback; placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest; and adjusting the headrest relative to the seatback such that the seatback and the headrest support the mobile computing device. The seatback can further comprise a first lower support member including an upward extension, wherein, placing a mobile computing device between the seatback and the headrest includes placing the mobile computing device adjacent and forward the upward extension of the first lower support member; and wherein, the upward extension of the first lower support member further supports the mobile computing device. The method can further comprise connecting the mobile computing device to a connection port on the seating assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Enrique Gonzalez, Jose Ricardo Trolle Lara, Adrian Romero Regalado
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Patent number: 10768074Abstract: A method of controlling an active aerodynamic system of a vehicle includes calculating a first spring force estimated value from at least one sensed vehicle handling characteristic, and a second spring force estimated value from a nominal spring characteristic curve. When a difference between the first and second spring force estimated values is equal to or greater than a spring threshold value, a nominal spring characteristic curve is adjusted to define an adjusted spring characteristic curve, and the active aerodynamic system is controlled using the adjusted spring characteristic curve. When the difference between the first and second spring force estimated values is equal to or greater than the spring threshold value, a signal may also be engaged to provide a service recommendation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: SeyedAlireza Kasaiezadeh Mahabadi, Seyedeh Asal Nahidi, James H. Holbrook, Jin-Jae Chen, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Hualin Tan
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Patent number: 10752163Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a headlamp control apparatus including a first determination unit configured to, when information regarding a distance from a speed breaker from a detection device included in a vehicle, determine whether the distance from the speed breaker is smaller than a predetermined first threshold distance; a second determination unit configured to, when information regarding an inclination is received from an inclination detection device included in the vehicle, determine whether the inclination is a predetermined first inclination corresponding to an entry into the speed breaker or a predetermined second inclination corresponding to moving off of the speed breaker; and a control unit configured to control a high-beam lamp or adjusting brightness of the high-beam lamp not to shine forward with respect to when it is determined that the distance from the speed breaker is smaller than the first threshold distance, configured to control a general-beam lamp or adjusting brightness of the gType: GrantFiled: August 8, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Hyun Soo Kim
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Patent number: 10738525Abstract: A vehicle opening/closing body control device includes: an assist control unit that applies a voltage to a motor which drives an opening/closing body of a vehicle so as to perform an assist opening/closing actuation that assists a manual operation force with respect to the opening/closing body for performing an opening/closing actuation of the opening/closing body; and an actuation finish determination unit that determines whether or not a finish condition of the assist opening/closing actuation is satisfied, based on a change amount of an opening/closing speed of the opening/closing body per unit time, in which the assist control unit stops applying the voltage to the motor in a case where the finish condition of the assist opening/closing actuation is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryu Goto, Ryo Asano, Ryujiro Akizuki
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Patent number: 10732682Abstract: A passenger control unit (PCU) network is provided for a passenger aircraft having passenger seats in a plurality of zones, each zone having at least one column of seats, and each column having at least one row of seats. The PCU network includes a direct current (DC) power distribution system, and a plurality of wired PCUs, one PCU associated with each passenger seat and coupled to the DC power distribution system. Each PCU has a processor and system memory and a standard data and power interface, the processor being programmed for differential peer-to-peer communication with adjacently interconnected PCUs throughout the PCU network and with an external system of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Yakentim M. Ibrahim, Kevin S. Callahan
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Patent number: 10730512Abstract: Systems and methods related to dynamic map layers for autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles and allowing real-time (e.g. latency of less than one second) updates utilizing a plurality of available surrounding sensors (e.g., collaborative sensors), including roadside sensors and sensors of other nearby vehicles. When a vehicle detects an obstruction to a field of view of a sensor, the vehicle may request sensor data from other vehicles to fill the gap in sensor data of the vehicle. This allows the vehicle driver or vehicle illumination system to be focused on the obstructed area.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: PCMS HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Matti Kutila, Mikko Tarkiainen, Pertti Peussa, Ari Virtanen
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Patent number: 10717432Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for park-assist based on vehicle door open positions. An example vehicle includes a door, a door sensor, a range-detection sensor, and a controller. The controller is to determine, via the door sensor, a preferred angle of an occupant for opening the door and detect, via the range-detection sensor, a spot that is unoccupied. The controller also is to predict a maximum angle for opening the door within the spot. The example vehicle also includes an autonomy unit to perform park-assist into the spot responsive to the maximum angle equaling or exceeding the preferred angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Markus Krekel, Ahmed Benmimoun
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Patent number: 10710479Abstract: An occupant support includes a seat coupled to a seat base. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. Motion-sickness mitigation means facilitates relative movement between a support surface of the seat and the seat base.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventors: Cedric Ketels, Rod Goodrich, Matthew K. Benson, Alfred H. Bransdorfer
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Patent number: 10699323Abstract: A device receives user rendering data for a 3-D rendering of a user. The 3-D rendering is a proportional representation of the user and the user rendering data is available via an application. The device determines user characteristics of the user. The device receives an indication that a user device has submitted a vehicle search request. The device identifies vehicles to recommend to the user based on an analysis of: the user characteristics, and vehicle characteristics for a collection of vehicles being offered via the application. The device causes vehicle description data for the vehicles to be displayed via an interface of the application. The device receives user interaction data that indicates a user selection of vehicle. The device causes, based on receiving the user interaction data, the interface of the application to display a placement of the 3-D rendering of the user into a 3-D rendering of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Capital One Services, LLCInventors: Qiaochu Tang, Geoffrey Dagley, Micah Price, Avid Ghamsari, Jason Hoover
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Patent number: 10688885Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller programmed to identify a seating position in the vehicle corresponding to each of a plurality of nomadic devices in communication with the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive at least one seating profile from each of the nomadic devices and adjust seating parameters for each of the seating positions according to the seating profile received from the corresponding nomadic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Amanda Perkins, Jason Shomsky, Paul James Novak
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Patent number: 10683195Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for detecting and correcting errors when picking up and lowering a payload coupled to a tether of a winch system arranged on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, the winch system may include a motor for winding and unwinding the tether from a spool, and the UAV's control system may control the motor to lower the tether and monitor an electric current supplied to the motor to determine whether a payload has detached from the tether. This process of lowering the tether and monitoring the motor current may be repeated up to a predetermined number of times, at which point the control system may operate the motor to detach the tether from the spool, leaving both the tether and the payload behind.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Wing Aviation LLCInventors: Trevor Shannon, Andre Prager
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Patent number: 10675976Abstract: A vehicle display assembly may comprise a transparent element defining a viewing surface, a display element disposed behind the transparent element, and a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the display element. The display element is configured to generate an image visible through the transparent element. The vehicle display assembly may be in communication with at least one of a vehicle sensor and a vehicle computer. The images appearing in the display element may change orientation based on the presence or absence of a vehicle occupant.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Eric S. Lundy, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Neil J. Boehm, Sebastien C. Jaeger, David J. Cammenga, Brian D. Jewell, Blake R. Adams, Gregory M. Ejsmont, William D. Short, II, Karri M. Kluting, William C. Schenk, Mark R. Roth, Andrew D. Weller, Jonathan A. Morey
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Patent number: 10672398Abstract: Systems and methods are described include a robot and/or an associated computing system that can use various cues about an environment of the robot to apply a bias to increase the accuracy of speech transcription. In some implementations, audio data corresponding to a spoken instruction to a robot is received. Candidate transcriptions of the audio data are obtained. A respective action of the robot corresponding to each of the candidate transcriptions of the audio data is determined. One or more scores indicating characteristics of a potential outcome of performing the respective action corresponding to the candidate transcription of the audio data are determined for each of the candidate transcriptions of the audio data. A particular candidate transcription is selected from among the candidate transcriptions based at least on the one or more scores. The action determined for the particular candidate transcription is performed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: X Development LLCInventor: Daniel Alex Lam
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Patent number: 10647250Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described herein. A request to meet a person at a location can be received by the autonomous-driving vehicle. The autonomous-driving vehicle can be driven to the location. The person at the location can be identified by the autonomous-driving vehicle. Once identified, the autonomous-driving vehicle can send a directed alert notification to the person. The directed alert notification can comprise a directed acoustic signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Pony AI Inc.Inventors: Peter G. Diehl, Cheng Jin
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Patent number: 10635911Abstract: In an apparatus for recognizing a travel lane of a vehicle, a deviation determiner is configured to, if two or more shape change points are extracted by a shape change point extractor and the second derivative value of curvature of an extracted boundary line at at least one of the two or more shape change points is inverted in sign, determine whether or not the extracted boundary line and an estimated boundary line estimated from travel lane parameters estimated by a travel lane parameter estimator are deviating from each other beyond a predetermined allowable range. A driving aid is configured to, if it is determined that the extracted boundary line and the estimated boundary line are deviating from each other beyond the predetermined allowable range, perform control upon deviation to prevent occurrence of undesirable situations that may be caused by deviation between the extracted boundary line and the estimated boundary line.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, SOKEN, INC.Inventors: Shunya Kumano, Naoki Nitanda, Akihiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 10625584Abstract: A lower structure of a vehicle includes a rear bumper cover, a rear floor cover serving as an under cover that is provided at a lower side, in an up-and-down direction of the vehicle, than a floor panel of the vehicle and at a front side of the vehicle relative to the rear bumper cover, and a kick sensor having a signal line which extends in a width direction of the vehicle and a sensor part placed on the signal line. The kick sensor is placed inside a closed cross-section space surrounded by a connected structure of the rear bumper cover and the under cover and formed on the side of the floor panel, isolated from an outside of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KYUSHU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Linzhong Li, Kenichi Tatsuguchi
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Patent number: 10618589Abstract: A bicycle seatpost assembly comprises an electric actuator and a seatpost controller. The electric actuator is to change a state of the bicycle seatpost assembly between a lock state where a total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is invariable, and an adjustable state where the total length of the bicycle seatpost assembly is variable. The seatpost controller is configured to control the electric actuator to maintain the adjustable state during an adjustment period selectable from a plurality of predetermined adjustment periods.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: SHIMANO INC.Inventors: Nobukatsu Hara, Hiroshi Matsuda
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Patent number: 10613810Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes an operating unit which a passenger can operate, and a display unit which displays various types of images based on an operation input at the operating unit. The operating unit and display unit are disposed separated from each other. The operating unit is situated between the eyes of a driver performing the operation input and the display unit, and overlays the display unit on the line-of-sight direction of the driver performing the operation input.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Naoki Wakamoto, Makoto Niwa, Daigo Konno
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Patent number: 10612450Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes a grille shutter ECU that is connected to a LIN communication line and controls driving of a grille shutter, and an engine ECU that is connected to the LIN communication line so as to be able to establish communication with the grille shutter ECU. In the case of detecting an abnormality in the communication, if a predetermine threshold time or more has elapsed since a start of the vehicle, and if cumulative time that a detection result of a vehicle speed sensor is equal to or more than a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value, is equal to or more than a cumulative threshold value, and a number of starts of the vehicle is equal to or more than a predetermined trip number, the engine ECU determines that the detected abnormality is a failure in the LIN communication.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideo Nishioka, Shuichi Morie, Yoichi Onishi, Masafumi Nakamine
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Patent number: 10611305Abstract: A camera monitor system includes: left and right capturing devices; left and right displaying devices; and a control device detecting an abnormality of each of the left and right capturing devices and controlling a displaying state of each of the left and right displaying devices based on the detected abnormality. The control device individually controls each of the left and right displaying devices to be in a low power consumption state in accordance with a mode of the detected abnormality.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Mitsuharu Mano, Kosuke Mitani, Naoki Tatara
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Patent number: 10604197Abstract: Disclosed are downforce feedback systems for active aerodynamic devices, methods for making/using such systems, and vehicles equipped with a closed-loop downforce feedback system to govern operation of the vehicle's active aero device(s). A feedback control system for operating an active aerodynamic device of a motor vehicle includes one or more pressure sensors for detecting fluid pressures in one or more pneumatic or hydraulic actuators for moving the active aero device. A vehicle controller receives fluid pressure signals from these sensor(s), and calculates an actual downforce value from these signal(s). The controller retrieves a calibrated downforce value from mapped vehicle downforce data stored in memory, and determines if the actual downforce value differs from the calibrated value. If so, the controller determines a target position for a target downforce value for a current vehicle operating condition, and commands the actuator(s) to move the active aero device to the target position.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Samantha J. Bray, Timothy D. Demetrio, Philip C. Lundberg, Joshua R. Auden, Jason D. Fahland