Vehicle Equipment Position Control (e.g., Seat, Mirror, Door, Window, Headrest, Or Headlamp) Patents (Class 701/49)
-
Patent number: 10598500Abstract: Systems and methods for handover of activities between a vehicle and a wearable device involve pairing the wearable device and a vehicle device with a wireless telephone. The proximity of the wearable device and the intention of a wearer of the device are determined and used to transfer information between the wireless telephone and the wearable device and/or the vehicle device in a seamless manner. Depending upon whether the wearer is in the vehicle or outside of the vehicle an activity, such as navigation, will be performed either by the vehicle device or the wearable device.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: DAIMLER AGInventors: Sameer Gupta, Rigel Smiroldo, Thomas Winkler
-
Patent number: 10596954Abstract: To provide a technique capable of accurately obtaining the attitude of a vehicle in the pitch direction. A control device for a vehicular lamp which controls the optical axis of a vehicular lamp in accordance with an attitude change in pitch direction of the vehicle is disclosed. The device includes an angle calculation part which obtains a first and a second acceleration by eliminating the gravitational acceleration component from each acceleration in the vertical and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, calculates a vehicle traveling direction acceleration based on the accelerations, and obtains a vehicle attitude angle based on the correlation between the vehicle traveling direction acceleration and the first and the second accelerations. The angle calculation part obtains the attitude angle of the vehicle when it determines that the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating based on the determination on the basis of each acceleration difference at the predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: STANLEY ELECTREC CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigekatsu Nakamura, Yusuke Hirai
-
Patent number: 10562415Abstract: A seat apparatus includes: a seat on which a passenger of a vehicle sits; an inputter which is operated by the passenger; a fixer which fixes a position of the seat until the inputter is operated by the passenger and allows the position of the seat to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the inputter is operated by the passenger; and a restrictor which restricts the movement of the seat when a predetermined condition related to a traveling state of the vehicle or an external environment of the vehicle is satisfied in comparison with a case in which the predetermined condition is not satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Muneatsu Minato, Hajime Ishihara, Kenta Hirayama, Manabu Matsumoto, Yosuke Nishimura
-
Patent number: 10553058Abstract: System and techniques for a secure wireless lock-actuation exchange are described herein. After receiving a request to actuate a lock from a device, a controller can calculate a challenge counter and then perform verification iterations until an end condition is met—which is a failure of a verification iterations or the number of iterations reaches the challenge count. If the verification iterations reach the challenge count (e.g., there are no failed iterations), then the controller actuates the lock. Each iteration includes an exchange between the device and the controller that the device validates by signing a message with a private key shared by the device and the controller. The exchange also includes a freshness value integrated into the device validation to prevent replay attacks.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Alberto Troia, Antonino Mondello
-
Patent number: 10543759Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat apparatus for a vehicle capable of executing a manual steering mode in which a vehicle occupant steers the vehicle by using a steering device and an automatic steering mode in which steering of the vehicle is controlled without intervention of the occupant. The vehicle seat apparatus includes a seat back, an arm rest, and a controller. The seat back is configured to support a back of the occupant. The arm rest is configured to support an arm of the occupant. The controller is configured to moves at least one of the seat hack and the arm rest. During a transition period of the vehicle from the automatic steering mode to the manual steering mode, the controller performs control to move the seat back in a direction to raise the seat back and performs control to move at least a portion of the arm rest forward.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Isamu Nagasawa
-
Patent number: 10538203Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror casing, a mirror reflective element disposed at the mirror casing, and an indicator disposed at the mirror reflective element. The mirror reflective element and mirror casing are adjustably mounted at an interior portion of a vehicle via a mounting structure. The indicator includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, with each light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes being individually operated to emit light of a particular color. Responsive to one of a plurality of triggers, the indicator electrically powers a particular one or particular ones of the light emitting diodes for that trigger. The indicator electrically powers the particular one or ones of the light emitting diodes to emit light of one or more colors to convey colored information associated with that trigger to a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Mitchell J. Wesley, Kenneth C. Peterson
-
Patent number: 10513217Abstract: A control unit of an optical axis control device for a headlight calculates a first vehicle angle (??) and a second vehicle angle (??) at different timings in traveling of a vehicle, and calculates a third vehicle angle (?s) at which a difference between acceleration signals in a front-rear direction (?X) is zero. The control unit calculates a representative value (?S) based on a distribution of a plurality of third vehicle angles (?s), and generates a signal for operating an optical axis of the headlight based on the representative value (?S).Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Ohsawa, Wataru Tsujita
-
Patent number: 10507740Abstract: A control device for the comfort equipment of a passenger transport vehicle seat module includes a casing having a control unit and an USB port, a transmitter/receiver having an electrical plug to be plugged into the USB port, the transmitter/receiver to receive an adjusting command and to transmit the received adjusting command to the control unit, the control unit to transmit the received adjusting command to the one piece of comfort equipment. The control device further includes a locking device having a maneuvering member. When the maneuvering member is actuated, the locking device prevents the transmission of the adjusting command from the transmitter/receiver to the piece of comfort equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: ZODIAC ACTUATION SYSTEMSInventor: Pascal Gordiet
-
Patent number: 10504309Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing a relay-attack on a smart key system, and in particular, provides an advantage of preventing a vehicle and equipment stored inside the vehicle from being stolen by using predetermined information transmitted and received when the SMK UNIT of the vehicle and a FOB Key wirelessly communicate with each other and enabling a holder of the FOB Key to make the relay-attack once the holder secures visibility from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: SEOYON ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sang Kyu Choi, Shim Soo Kim, Gyu Ho Kim
-
Patent number: 10471850Abstract: A system and a method are provided for controlling a rotating type seat of a self-driving vehicle. In particular, seat position and bolster volume are adjusted based on a pressure rate in response to a vehicle turning when seat of the self-driving vehicle is rotationally adjusted in a desired direction. Accordingly, body displacement due to a centrifugal force and inertia is supported and a stable seating feeling is provided to the passenger.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Baek Hee Lee, Min Hyuk Kwak, Jin Hee Lee
-
Patent number: 10458174Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomously closing an open door of a vehicle are disclosed. A door closing system for a vehicle includes a sensor system and an autonomous driving system. The sensor system determines if a door of the vehicle is open and determines if a surrounding of the vehicle is free of obstacles in a predetermined range. The autonomous driving system instructs the vehicle to move if a door of the vehicle is open and if the predetermined range of the surrounding of the vehicle is free of obstacles, such that the door is closed as a result of the movement of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Frank J. Dusina, Aaron S. Pfau, Scott M. Damman
-
Patent number: 10442334Abstract: Various examples of tilting a human support surface in a vehicle are disclosed. A frame is attached to the surface of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes rotation system mounted between the frame and a vehicle surface. The rotation system can be controlled to tilt a human support surface of the frame towards a direction of acceleration associated with a driving maneuver as the driving maneuver is executed.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Danil V. Prokhorov, Richard M. Sullivan, Paxton S. Williams
-
Patent number: 10441086Abstract: In one example, this disclosure describes a method including receiving, at a central controller of an air mattress system, a plurality of air pressure value, determining a plurality of average values using the plurality of the received air pressure values, calculating a difference value between a first one of the plurality of average values and a second one of the plurality of average values, comparing the difference value to a threshold value, determining, based on the comparison, whether a user of the air mattress system moved.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignees: Sleep Number Corporation, Select Comfort Retail CorporationInventors: Rob Nunn, Wade Daniel Palashewski, Matthew Wayne Tilstra, Steven Jay Young, Carl Hewitt, Yuri Zhovnirovsky
-
Patent number: 10434900Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a seat (41) on which an occupant of a vehicle sits, a first protruding mechanism (45) configured to move a pushing member (45A) provided inside the seat to adjust a protruding position and a displacement of the seat, a second protruding mechanism (46) configured to inject a gas or liquid into a bag-like member (46B) provided inside the seat to adjust the protruding position and the displacement of the seat, and a seat control unit configured to control the first protruding mechanism to cause at least a part of a contact portion between the occupant and the seat to protrude in a case that the vehicle performs a first driving mode having a degree of automated driving less than a predetermined reference and to control the second protruding mechanism to cause at least a part of the contact portion between the occupant and the seat to protrude in a case that the vehicle performs a second driving mode having a degree of automated driving equal to or higher than the predetermined reType: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kenta Hirayama, Hajime Ishihara, Manabu Matsumoto, Muneatsu Minato, Yosuke Nishimura
-
Patent number: 10437262Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: STEMCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Patent number: 10438587Abstract: 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: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: X Development LLCInventor: Daniel Alex Lam
-
Patent number: 10429855Abstract: A method of determining the optimum vehicle gap distance for a vehicle in a platoon, the vehicle having a cooling fan and a coolant-based cooling system. The vehicle's vehicle control system determines a base gap distance, based on safety considerations related to platoon operation. A gap control process stores a fan turn-on threshold temperature, which is less than the coolant temperature that will result in the vehicle's cooling fan becoming activated. During vehicle operation, the gap control process receives a current coolant temperature value, and compares that value to the fan turn-on threshold temperature. If the coolant temperature is at or above the fan turn-on threshold temperature, the vehicle is operated to increase the base gap distance.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2018Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Thomas E. Reinhart
-
Patent number: 10399463Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising: a seat cushion; a seat back; an actuator capable of changing an orientation of the seat back laterally by moving a pressure-receiving member; and a controller configured to exercise control over the actuator. The controller includes a posture control unit configured to execute, during turning of a vehicle, a seat posture control under which the actuator is caused to move the pressure-receiving member from an initial position to an advanced position to cause the seat back to orient toward a turning direction. The posture control unit is configured to activate, when an execution time of the seat posture control has become equal to or greater than an execution time threshold value, a control under which the actuator is caused to move the pressure-receiving member from the advanced position to an intermediate position to reversely change the orientation of the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinji Sugiyama
-
Patent number: 10399462Abstract: An apparatus includes a mode switching unit configured to switch a driving mode of a vehicle from a first driving mode to a second driving mode different from the first driving mode, or from the second driving mode to the first driving mode; and a changing unit configured to (i) change a position of a first seat of the vehicle, in a case in which the first driving mode is switched to the second driving mode by the mode switching unit, and (ii) change the position of the first seat to a position which is occupied by a second seat different from the first seat during the second driving mode, in a case in which the second driving mode is switched to the first driving mode by the mode switching unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2017Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshinori Yamada
-
Patent number: 10392075Abstract: Provided is an inverted pendulum type vehicle including a drive wheel and a boarding part on which a rider rides in a standing position, the inverted pendulum type vehicle including: a detection unit configured to detect a drive torque of the drive wheel to maintain an inverted state; and an output unit configured to generate torque information about an ankle torque based on the drive torque detected by the detection unit and output the generated torque information, the ankle torque being applied to the boarding part by the rider.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Nobuhisa Otsuki, Masahiro Takahashi
-
Patent number: 10397459Abstract: This disclosure relates to an autonomous intelligent vehicle, including: a vehicle body and two eye lamps located in the front of the vehicle body and spaced apart from each other, wherein the eye lamp comprises a light emitting device and image acquiring device spaced apart from the light emitting device; the light emitting device is used to emit light to light the object in front of the vehicle, the image acquiring device is used to acquire and process the image of the object, and send the processed result to the advanced driver assistance system.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: Tai-Ming Gou
-
Patent number: 10377270Abstract: A seat position adjustment apparatus for a vehicle may include fixed rails fixed on a bottom plane; first sliding rails configured to slide in forward and backward directions on the fixed rails respectively, and provided with cushion links rotatably coupled to the cushion frame; second sliding rails configured to move with the first sliding rails and slide on and protrude from the first sliding rails, and formed to support the cushion frame with the cushion links; a driving device mounted to the first sliding rails or the second sliding rails and configured to transmit power to the first sliding rails and the second sliding rails; and a seat back link rotatably mounted on the bottom plane or the fixed rails and rotatably coupled to and supporting a seat back frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Dae Won San Up Co., Ltd.Inventors: Il Hong Park, Eun Sue Kim, Dae Ig Jung, Keun Sig Lim, Byoung Su You, Jong Ho Lim, Sang Yong Koo, Sun Ho Hur, Dong Hwi Kim, Young Cheol Jang, Tae Hyung Kim
-
Patent number: 10369923Abstract: An operation method of an adaptive driving beam headlamp system includes: in response to receipt of a sequence of images, when it is determined that a nearby vehicle is in the sequence of images, determining whether the nearby vehicle is in a first condition moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of a driving vehicle and approaching the driving vehicle, or is in a second condition moving ahead of the driving vehicle in the moving direction of the driving vehicle; calculating a area into which the nearby vehicle is projected to move based on whether the nearby vehicle is in the first or the second condition; and controlling a headlamp to dim a part of a high beam pattern that corresponds with the area.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Yi-Cheng Chen, Hung-Pang Lin, Yu-Lung Chang, Chun-Yao Shih
-
Patent number: 10365653Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: obtaining ride preference information associated with a user, identifying a current vehicle pose, determining a motion plan for the vehicle along a route based at least in part on the ride preference information, the current vehicle pose, and vehicle kinematic and dynamic constraints associated with the route, and operating one or more actuators onboard the vehicle in accordance with the motion plan. The user-specific ride preference information influences a rate of vehicle movement resulting from the motion plan.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sohrab Haghighat, Gautier Minster, Kevin Chu, Kyle Vogt
-
Patent number: 10328827Abstract: Systems and methods for actively isolating a payload from a disturbance. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure including an actuator configured to move the seat about a pivot axis at a command angle, a sensor positioned to detect vehicle movement, and a controller configured to determine a vehicle roll angle based on an input from the sensor, generate a variable gain based at least on a vehicle roll acceleration determined from the input, wherein the variable gain modulates a gain of a band-pass filter having a fixed bandwidth, generate a command signal based at least on the vehicle roll angle, the controller configured to adjust a magnitude of the command signal relative to an amplitude of the input and apply the band-pass filter, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat at a desired command angle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: ClearMotion Acquisition I LLCInventor: Lawrence D. Knox
-
Patent number: 10322625Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes two doors, a weatherstrip, a moving device and a control device. The two doors are disposed adjacently at a vehicle side portion with no pillar therebetween. The weatherstrip is provided at one of the doors and is disposed to change a distance between the weatherstrip and the other door. The moving device moves the weatherstrip in a direction of putting the weatherstrip into contact with and a direction of separating the weatherstrip from the other door. When it is determined that the two doors are closed and neither is opening or closing, the control device controls movement of the moving device to put the weatherstrip into contact with the other door. When a single door is closed and the counterpart door is opening or closing, the control device controls movement of the moving device in the direction of separating the weatherstrip from the other door.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kosuke Sakakibara, Masanobu Ohmi, Kazuki Sugie
-
Patent number: 10308144Abstract: A seat position adjustment apparatus for a vehicle may include fixed rails fixed on a bottom plane; first sliding rails configured to slide in forward and backward directions on the fixed rails respectively, and provided with cushion links rotatably coupled to the cushion frame; second sliding rails configured to move with the first sliding rails and slide on and protrude from the first sliding rails, and formed to support the cushion frame with the cushion links; a driving device mounted to the first sliding rails or the second sliding rails and configured to transmit power to the first sliding rails and the second sliding rails; and a seat back link rotatably mounted on the bottom plane or the fixed rails and rotatably coupled to and supporting a seat back frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Dae Won San Up Co., Ltd.Inventors: Il Hong Park, Eun Sue Kim, Dae Ig Jung, Keun Sig Lim, Byoung Su You, Jong Ho Lim, Sang Yong Koo, Sun Ho Hur, Dong Hwi Kim, Young Cheol Jang, Tae Hyung Kim
-
Patent number: 10300823Abstract: A method for controlling and selecting massage functions of a motor vehicle seat and include the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; scrolling through massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner, wherein the massage functions that are organized in a block-by-block manner include a specific massage zone per block; confirming a selection of the massage block by way of a user selection; and terminating the selection mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeroen Lem, Steve Michell, Florian Golm, Stefan Wolter, Johnathan Andrew Line
-
Patent number: 10293664Abstract: A vehicle includes a vision system configured to output a signal indicative of exterior conditions in a vicinity of the vehicle and a temperature sensor configured to output a signal indicative of an interior temperature of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a plurality of articulable openings arranged to allow fluid flow communication between an interior and an exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a controller programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward an open position in response to the interior temperature exceeding a temperature threshold. The controller is also programmed to adjust at least one articulable opening toward a closed position in response to detection via the vision system of a threat condition in the vicinity of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiujie Gao, Jinsong Wang, Wende Zhang, Xinhua Xiao, Jie Yin, Donald K. Grimm, Jeffrey A. Bozeman
-
Patent number: 10295658Abstract: An active optical detection system includes an optical transmitter configured to transmit light in a signal pattern and an optical receiver configured to receive light and determine a correlation between the received light and the signal pattern. The correlation of the received light and the signal pattern is indicative of range to an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: The Johns Hopkins UniversityInventors: William E. Torruellas, Robert L. Fry, Isaac N. Bankman, David M. Brown, Gil Tadmor, Thomas Raphael Clark, Jr.
-
Patent number: 10296797Abstract: A method and an apparatus for identifying occupancy of a seat use a camera. In order to achieve permanently reliable identification of the occupancy of a seat, the camera is oriented such that it captures at least one area of interest of the seat. An evaluation apparatus is used to identify the area of interest in a picture taken by the camera and to store a position for the area of interest. The evaluation apparatus selects the area of interest in pictures subsequently taken by the camera at the stored position and compares the area of interest with at least one stored picture sample. A result of this comparison is taken as a basis for identifying the seat as being occupied. In addition, an apparatus having a camera and an evaluation apparatus is described for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbHInventor: Roland Porsch
-
Patent number: 10286810Abstract: A vehicle adjustment assembly including sensors for adjusting the position of an auxiliary component of the vehicle is disclosed. The sensor is connected to the vehicle and is configured to detect a user's characteristics. The sensor generates data regarding the user's characteristics, and a computer receives the data generated by the sensor related to the user's characteristics. The auxiliary system is adjusted via input signals from the computer in response to the data generated by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Colin Stevens, Geoffrey D. Young, Christopher Eckert
-
Patent number: 10286833Abstract: To provide a technique capable of accurately obtaining the attitude of a vehicle in the pitch direction. A device controls the optical axis of a vehicular lamp in accordance with an attitude change in pitch direction of the vehicle having (a) an angle calculation part which obtains a first acceleration value, a second acceleration value, and a vehicle speed, at each predetermined time intervals respectively, calculates vehicle traveling direction acceleration based on the vehicle speed, further obtains a first slope and a second slope from the correlation between the vehicle traveling direction acceleration and the first and the second acceleration value respectively, and a vehicle attitude angle based on the ratio between the two slopes, and (b) an optical axis setting part which generates a control signal for controlling the optical axis of the lamp based on the vehicle attitude angle, and provides the control signal to the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Shigekatsu Nakamura, Yusuke Hirai
-
Patent number: 10273734Abstract: A smart opening system is provided. The smart opening system includes a vehicle defining an aperture, a door coupled to the vehicle to assume a first position at which the aperture is closed and multiple second positions at which the aperture is open and to move between the first and second positions, a sensor disposed to sense obstructions surrounding the vehicle and a processing element coupled to the sensor and configured to determine whether any of the obstructions are within a range of motion of the door.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Yuk Lung Chan, Heidi Lagares-Greenblatt, Deepti M. Naphade
-
Patent number: 10270873Abstract: A function command is transmitted between a motor vehicle and a device outside the vehicle, in which the function command is transmitted via an interface apparatus which is outside the vehicle and provides a communication connection between the motor vehicle and the device. The interface apparatus provides an interface which is used to provide a plurality of valid function commands. The function command is compared with the plurality of valid function commands, and the function command is forwarded only if this function command conforms to the interface, and the function command is transmitted between the motor vehicle and the device only via the interface.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Matthias Tauber
-
Patent number: 10262211Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for mitigating glare from a windshield of an automobile. Plurality of images, captured from plurality of image capturing devices placed at predefined locations of automobile, are collected. Various image processing techniques are applied on the plurality of collected images to identify line of sight of driver of the automobile, presence of glare on the windshield and position of glare. A free floating opaque matter placed within the windshield is moved to the position of glare on windshield, thereby preventing the glare from affecting the driver. Movement of opaque matter on to the position of the glare is achieved by varying electrostatic potential to be applied across metal frame encircling the windshield. The windshield disclosed hereinabove is capable of adaptively positioning the opaque matter over the position of the glare without requiring any intervention from the driver, thereby facilitating in a smooth drive of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: WIPRO LIMITEDInventor: Sathish Govindasamy
-
Patent number: 10246141Abstract: Disclosed are active variable-width aerodynamic spoiler assemblies, methods for making or for operating such active spoiler assemblies, and vehicles equipped with such active spoiler assemblies. A disclosed active spoiler assembly for modifying the aerodynamic performance of a motor vehicle includes a main body rigidly mounted to the vehicle body, extending transversely across the vehicle. The main body has an elongated construction with opposing longitudinal ends. First and second fins are each movably attached to a respective one of the opposing longitudinal ends of the main body. Also, first and second fin actuators are each attached to the vehicle body and attached to a respective one of the movable fins. The first fin actuator is selectively actuatable to independently move the first fin between respective retracted and extended positions, whereas the second fin actuator is selectively actuatable to independently move the second fin between respective retracted and extended positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Caleb J. Potvin, Jason D. Fahland
-
Patent number: 10239537Abstract: A vehicle traveling control apparatus of the invention stops a vehicle by causing a braking force applying device to apply a braking force to the vehicle after determining that a driver is under an abnormal state. When a stop of a control for maintaining a vehicle at a stopped state is requested while a shift lever is set at a range other than parking and neutral ranges, the apparatus limits a driving force requested for a driving force supplying device to supply to drive wheels, to a value smaller than a driver's requesting driving force.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hirotada Otake
-
Patent number: 10232773Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a seat and a seat belt, is provided. The system comprises one or more haptic output devices positioned at or attached to the seat belt. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive a sensor signal from a sensor that is configured to sense information associated with the vehicle's environment or the vehicle's condition. The system is further configured to determine whether to generate a haptic effect based on the sensor signal, and to output a haptic control signal and communicate the haptic control signal to the one or more haptic output devices in response to a determination to generate the haptic effect. The one or more haptic output devices are configured to generate the haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: IMMERSION CORPORATIONInventors: Ali Modarres, Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Danny A. Grant, Neil Olien
-
Patent number: 10214128Abstract: A seat cushion of a vehicle seat includes a cushion made of foam and at least one motor assembly located in the cushion. The at least one motor assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion, and one of the first portion and the second portion includes a meltable feature located near a location of contact of the first portion and the second portion. The meltable feature melts to secure the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing to retain a motor within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Christopher Mark Rockwell, Michael David Franz, Alice Knoebel, Douglas J. Krueger, Jr., Anup Viswanathan, Daniel Jerome Wiegand
-
Patent number: 10202103Abstract: A motor vehicle management system provides theft prevention based on contextual information. The motor vehicle management platform includes sensing equipment that can provide input data to determine a context of the vehicle and an operator of the vehicle. The context can include location information of the motor vehicle and an identity of the operator of the motor vehicle. Based on permissions for the operator, the system can determine if a context of the vehicle violates permissions for the identified operator.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Tamir D. Munafo, Lital Shiryan, Yuli Barcohen, Varada Tarun Rao, Suraj Sindia
-
Patent number: 10173625Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for detecting hazards in anticipation of opening vehicle doors. Vehicle sensors (e.g., rear viewing cameras) can be used to detect and classify traffic, for example, as pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters, wheel chair, etc., approaching on the side of a vehicle. When there is a possibility of a vehicle occupant opening a door into approaching traffic, a warning can be issued in the vehicle cabin to alert vehicle occupants of the approaching traffic. In one aspect, a vehicle prevents a door from opening if opening the door would likely cause an accident.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Scott Vincent Myers, Mohamed Ahmad, Lisa Scaria
-
Patent number: 10155551Abstract: A front air dam assembly for a vehicle includes a translatable front air deflecting panel for altering an airflow beneath the vehicle, a deploying mechanism for translating the front air deflecting panel between a raised position and one or more deployed positions, and a rapid raising mechanism for rapidly raising the front air deflecting panel from the one or more deployed positions. A controller in operative communication with the deploying mechanism and the rapid raising mechanism controls the operation thereof. At least one sensor is included for sending a signal indicative of a road or vehicle condition to the controller. A locking mechanism under the control of the controller is provided for locking the front air deflector panel in the raised or the one or more deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, Daniel Mark Schaffer, Christopher James Hocking
-
Patent number: 10128893Abstract: A multifunction electronic key is provided with at least one wireless communication interface that can function as an access control key to unlock an electronic lock when the key is placed in proximity of an electronic lock that has been previously configured to allow temporal access to the said electronic key, and at least one of the following functions: a) Measure the electric field experienced by the device, process it and optionally send it to a second wireless device; b) A physical button to communicate a distress signal to a second wireless device, in response to which the second wireless device estimates the position of the electronic key and generates a system alarm indicating the identity of the electronic key that generated the alarm and its position estimate; c) Measures the device's motion, process it and optionally send it to a second wireless device; d) One or two way audio communication via the wireless link; e) Measures ionizing radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: SecureALL CorporationInventors: Arun Kumar Sharma, Michael Wurm, Richard Schaffzin, Prajakta Setty
-
Patent number: 10112526Abstract: A light distribution control apparatus for the headlights of a vehicle acquires positional information of a forward vehicle from a forward position sensor detects a turn angle of the own vehicle after a time point at which the forward position sensor detects conditions ahead of the own vehicle, based on signals acquired from a behavior sensor that detects the behavior of the own vehicle corrects the positional information of the forward vehicle based on the detected turn angle, and controls the light distribution of the headlights of the own vehicle based on the corrected positional information of the forward vehicle. The light distribution control apparatus is capable of reducing tracking delays in light distribution.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hajime Kasai, Tatsuya Takagaki, Kazuhiko Nakashima
-
Patent number: 10098543Abstract: System for demonstrating oculomotor abnormalities in a eukaryote, the system including: —elements for capturing (13) the eye movements made by the eukaryote while the eukaryote is stimulated with at least one image in accordance with at least one instruction, wherein the capture elements (13, 14) supply a capture signal, —an analysis module (18) for calculating the value of at least one predetermined parameter by analysis of the capture signal, and —elements (22) for determining an abnormality as a function of the calculated value at least one predetermined value for each of the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: SURICOG, SASInventors: Serge Kinkingnehun, Mickael Maillard, Mathieu Argudo, Sophie Rivaud-Pechoux
-
Patent number: 10099603Abstract: A pitch angle calculation device includes a first acceleration acquisition unit that acquires an acceleration Gx in a longitudinal axis (x) direction of a vehicle; a second acceleration acquisition unit that acquires an acceleration Gy in a vertical axis (y) direction of a vehicle; a third acceleration acquisition unit that acquires an acceleration ? in an advancement direction of a vehicle; and a pitch angle calculation unit that calculates a pitch angle ? formed between the longitudinal axis direction and the vertical axis direction by using the acceleration Gx, the acceleration Gy and the acceleration ?.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Ryu Mizuno
-
Patent number: 10077006Abstract: A method and system for securely holding an object in a vehicle that include providing a command to enable an automated holder. The method and system also include determining a physical profile of the object placed upon a surface of the automated holder upon enablement of the automated holder, wherein determining the physical profile includes evaluating information pertaining to physical dimensions of the object. The method and system further include modifying a configuration of the surface of the automated holder to securely hold the object based on the physical profile of the object.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Harinkumar Anilkumar Vashi
-
Patent number: 10071777Abstract: An aerodynamic control system of a vehicle includes a utilization module that, based on a longitudinal force on a tire in a longitudinal direction and a latitudinal force on the tire in a latitudinal direction, determines a utilization force on the tire of the vehicle and a direction of the utilization force. A maximum module, based on the direction of the utilization force, determines a maximum force of the tire for maintaining traction between the tire and a road surface contacting the tire. A difference module determines a difference between the utilization force on the tire of the vehicle and the maximum force on the tire. An aerodynamic actuator control module selectively adjusts a position of an aerodynamic actuator of the vehicle based on the difference.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Braden J. Swantick, Edward T. Heil, Kevin Irwin, Jeffrey A. Mosher, Hualin Tan
-
Patent number: 10059305Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a vehicle mounted device equipped to a vehicle, a mobile device carried by a user and performing a wireless communication with the vehicle side communication unit, a mobile terminal carried by the user and performing a wireless communication with the mobile device. The mobile terminal acquires a parking position of the vehicle when the user gets off the vehicle, detects a position of the mobile terminal, and calculates a distance between the parking position and the mobile terminal based on the parking position and the position of the mobile terminal. When the calculated distance falls within a predetermined range, the mobile terminal transmits, to the mobile device, distance information including the calculated distance. When receiving the distance information, the mobile device transmits, to the vehicle mounted device, approach information including the distance information.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hikaru Imamura