22689 results about "Motorized vehicle" patented technology

A system and method for analyzing and evaluating the performance and attitude of a motor vehicle driver. A raw data stream from a set of vehicle sensors is filtered to eliminate extraneous noise, and then parsed to convert the stream into a string of driving event primitives. The string of driving events is then processed by a pattern-recognition system to derive a sequence of higher-level driving maneuvers. Driving maneuvers include such familiar procedures as lane changing, passing, and turn and brake. Driving events and maneuvers are quantified by parameters developed from the sensor data. The parameters and timing of the maneuvers can be analyzed to determine skill and attitude factors for evaluating the driver's abilities and safety ratings. The rendering of the data into common driving-related concepts allows more accurate and meaningful analysis and evaluation than is possible with ordinary statistical threshold-based analysis.

A video-audio surveillance system for a motor vehicle is suitable for observing blind spots as well as for providing security for the vehicle and its contents. The system includes audio-video transmission modules positioned at selected locations on the exterior and interior of the vehicle. An operator or observer either in the vehicle or otherwise monitors the video and audio signals from the modules through a monitoring unit.

A system for transmitting, collecting and displaying diagnostic and operational information from one or more motor vehicles to a central server connected to a wide area network. The system is designed to be used with an existing on-board diagnostic system found in most motor vehicles manufactured today. The system includes a translator device capable of translating the codes from an on-board diagnostic connector into computer readable files such as ASCII files. The translator device may be connected to an on-board computer that includes a wireless modem capable of connecting to a wireless communication network and eventually to a wide area network. A central server is connected to the wide area network which receives and stores information from the on-board computer. Authorized users may connect to central server via the wide area network and request information therefrom regarding selected motor vehicles. All of the information may be presented in a single interface.

A system for instantaneously monitoring traffic congestion including a plurality of monitoring electronic devices located in motor vehicles traveling on roadways in a selected region. Each monitoring electronic device is coupled to a GPS receiver that provides physical location to a wireless modem capable of connecting to a wireless communication network. The system also includes a central computer connected to a wide area network that is able of continuously downloading physical location information from a plurality of monitoring electronic devices also connected to the wide area network. The central computer uses a traffic monitoring software program and a mapping database containing roadway information for a region and the movement information from the monitoring electronic devices to create a continuously updated traffic congestion database. Authorized users of the system are able to log onto the central computer to a portion of the database that contains specific traffic flow and congestion information. Using the system, users are also able to obtain estimated times of arrival for a specific trip, and recommendations on alternative route information. The system can also take into consideration current or anticipated events that may affect traffic congestion.

An improved apparatus and method is provided for operating devices and systems in a motor vehicle, while at the same time reducing vehicle operator distractions. One or more touch sensitive pads are mounted on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, and the vehicle operator touches the pads in a pre-specified synchronized pattern, to perform functions such as controlling operation of the radio or adjusting a window. At least some of the touch patterns used to generate different commands may be selected by the vehicle operator. Usefully, the system of touch pad sensors and the signals generated thereby are integrated with speech recognition and / or facial gesture recognition systems, so that commands may be generated by synchronized multi-mode inputs.

A system for publicly displaying messages includes elements carried by an automotive vehicle. In some embodiments the vehicle carries a publicly visible electronic display; a sensor for sensing the brightness of light in the vicinity of the display; and illumination varying circuitry for varying the brightness of light generated by the display in response to brightness detected by the sensor. In some embodiments the vehicles carries a publicly visible display formed by ganging together a plurality of displays, each having at least 640×480 pixels; and video drive circuitry for causing images to be shown on the ganged display with different portions of individual images being shown on each of the individual displays. In some embodiments the vehicle has an automotive electrical system and carries a publicly visible high-bright display, capable of providing over 1000 NITS illumination and having 640 by 480 or greater pixel resolution; and video drive circuitry causing images to be shown on the display. In some embodiments the vehicle carries a publicly visible electronic display and a computer. The computer has video drive circuitry for causing images to be shown on the display, a memory device capable of storing representations of animated display images represented in vector-based form; and programming for enabling the computer to generate animated images from the vector-based animation representations. In some embodiments the vehicle receives commands and / or information controlling what it is to display via a wireless transceiver.

Vehicle lighting methods and apparatus, in which an LED-based light source is configured to generate at least visible radiation associated with a vehicle. The light source is controlled such that the generated visible radiation has a variable color over a range of colors including at least three different perceivable colors. Examples of vehicles in which such methods and apparatus may be used include, but are not limited to, an automobile, airplane, boat, non-motorized vehicle, etc. The LED-based light source may be disposed inside the vehicle (e.g., dashboard, instrument panel) or outside the vehicle (e.g., brake lights, undercarriage lighting), and may be controlled to generate white light as one of the perceivable colors. A user interface may be employed to facilitate an adjustment of the variable color of the generated visible radiation. Additionally, information relating to at least one condition associated with the vehicle may be employed to control the LED-based light source such that the variable color of the generated visible radiation is based at least in part on the condition associated with the vehicle.

A warning system (12) for a source vehicle (10) is illustrated. A camera (20) generates a plurality of images. A controller (30) is coupled to an indicator (36). The controller (30) generates a size signal and position signal for a rear-approaching vehicle. The controller (30) activates an indicator when a rear-approaching vehicle enters a blind spot (14) in response to the size signal and position signal.

A system and method for measuring impairment in an operator and stopping an impaired operator from operating a vehicle. The method empirically measures an operator's cognitive and motor skills requisite for safely operating a motorized vehicle and verifies the person's identity. The invention includes three interlocking major subsystems. The first subsystem provides generalized impairment measurement unit. The second subsystem interfaces with the impairment measurement unit and a vehicle ignition system and ensures the vehicle does not start if the operator is impaired. The third system determines whether the person blowing into a drug and alcohol analyzer connected to the first system is that person by detecting a various biometric. If the operator is not impaired and their identity is verified the vehicle ignition is enabled. If the operator is indeed impaired beyond a level requisite to safely operate the vehicle the ignition is disabled.

The invention relates to a monitoring device (1) for a motor vehicle (2), consisting of at least one display device (6) located in the interior of the vehicle, and at least one camera (4, 5) arranged in the front and / or rear area of the vehicle (2), with which the area to the sides of the vehicle (2) can be monitored and displayed on the display device (6), whereby the camera (4, 5) is arranged on a carrier unit located centrally on the vehicle (2), and whereby the carrier unit can be withdraw into the bodywork when not in use and can be extended when required.

This invention relates to motor vehicles, and, more particularly, to a rear viewing system for tractor-trailer vehicles. An automated, universal trailer rear viewing system that is integrated in its entirety on the head or pulling portion of a pivotally connected articulated vehicle. The system includes: (a) at least one image capturing device mounted on the tractor designed to tilt, pan and focus on a target object or an area around the trailer; (b) a computer located inside the tractor coupled to the image capturing device; (c) an image capturing and comparative software program loaded into the memory of the computer capable of processing the image file of the target object transmitted from the image capturing device, and capable of generating control commands to the image capturing device so that an image of the target object is maintained as the system is activated; (d) at least one adjustable viewing camera also coupled to the computer that automatically adjusts the viewing camera tilting, panning and focusing according to the movement of the image capturing device; and, (e) at least one display monitor located near the driver that is coupled to the viewing camera so that the image seen thereby may be seen by the driver.

An accessory for a motor vehicle, comprising a rear-view mirror case of either an inside or outside rear-view mirror, a screen attached to one side of the rear-view mirror case without disturbing vision in the rear-view mirror and means for adjusting the orientation of the screen with respect to the mirror. The mirror and the screen are simultaneously and fully visible to a driver of the vehicle. The rear-view mirror case, the screen housing, or both, comprise all or part of electronic elements to display at least one of the following functions on the screen: navigation, radar, map, guidance, traffic instruction.

An improved apparatus and method is provided for operating devices and systems in a motor vehicle, while at the same time reducing vehicle operator distractions. One or more touch sensitive pads are mounted on the steering wheel of the motor vehicle, and the vehicle operator touches the pads in a pre-specified synchronized pattern, to perform functions such as controlling operation of the radio or adjusting a window. At least some of the touch patterns used to generate different commands may be selected by the vehicle operator. Usefully, the system of touch pad sensors and the signals generated thereby are integrated with speech recognition and / or facial gesture recognition systems, so that commands may be generated by synchronized multi-mode inputs.

A mobile telephone or cellular telephone unit and a rear view mirror housing of an automobile are combined to provide an improved telephone apparatus that enables a hands-free use by a driver while operating the vehicle, the improved telephone apparatus includes a rear view mirror housing, the housing including a rear view mirror, telephone and SIM card for sending and receiving telephone calls and instant video image, the image display and SIM card are removably connected thereto. A telephone key pad is cooperatively connected to the telephone for dialing the telephone. An attachment bracket attaches the mirror housing to the vehicle. The housing has the electronic circuitry incorporated therewith to which a telephone and video assembly is connectable. A remote device, and computer process to communicate with the motor vehicle without the need for an automated hub, or Network Operating Center (NOC).

In image display apparatus, method, and program for an automotive vehicle, a surrounding of the vehicle is photographed, a plurality of display images are generated from a photographed data supplied from a photographing section, viewing points of the respective display images and looking down angles thereof being different from one another, one of the images generated is displayed through a display, and the display image generated and displayed through the display is switched to another one of the generated display images.

A host vehicle system includes a blind-spot warning system providing an indication to the host vehicle a target vehicle entering a blind-spot. The system includes a vehicle bus receiving various vehicle control signals, magneto-resistive sensors receiving proximity information as a function of magnetic field variations, a smart algorithm controller analyzing bus signals and sensor signals, and various vehicle collision systems such as passive restraints, optical light guides, and audible warnings operating in response to a threat from a target vehicle.

An autonomous parking procedure of a motor vehicle involves transferring a command to activate the autonomous parking procedure using a communication link between an operator situated outside the motor vehicle and the motor vehicle. Before beginning the autonomous parking procedure of the motor vehicle the target position and / or last driven trajectory of the motor vehicle is stored in a storage device. The motor vehicle then performs the parking procedure autonomously from the start position using the stored data after the first activation of the autonomous parking procedure.

A method and apparatus for collecting, uploading and evaluating motor vehicle operation utilizing on-board diagnostic components (OBDII) and ground positioning satellite (GPS) systems whereby operator identifiable behavior can be rated for driving safety and other characteristics.

An apparatus for capturing and storing medical emergency information under the adverse circumstances of the emergency scene, without relying on multiple computers and remote communications for support during use. To accomplish data capture and storage, use of a single ruggedized hand held computer with a graphical user interface employing a touch sensitive display screen, and pen stylus for simplifying documentation of patient demographic, history and medications data, focal patient complaints and problems, vital signs, physical exam findings, medication administration, routes and quantities, motorized vehicle crash history, case disposition, emergency crew, and case review and notes. Collection of focal patient complaints and problems is simplified through a body graphical user interface. Easily accessed reference databases for drugs and protocols support the emergency medical technician. Handwriting recognition, signature capture and numerical data entry enable obtaining of necessary crew and patient signatures and other data, including patient refusal of care. Through the use of a variety of secure communication interfaces, printing or transfer of all data collected is provided to other systems. Full compliance with NHTSA and Utstein minimal data reporting set requirements.

Warning apparatus (2) for a motor vehicle (1) having an indicator system (6) for indicating a change of lane comprising at least one signal display (7) arranged in the field of view of the driver and having a sensor system for detecting obstacles in the blind spot (4), wherein the sensor system generates a warning signal in the event of detection of an obstacle, wherein the signal display (7) of the indicator system (6) is connected to the sensor system such that the warning signal is reproduced in visual form via the signal display (7).

In information presentation controlling apparatus and method, a detecting section detects a running state of a mobile body and a running environment thereof, a mental fatigue calculating section calculates a mental fatigue that an operator of the mobile body (specifically, a vehicle driver) suffers due to an operation of the mobile body (an automotive vehicle) from a result of detection by the detecting section, a producing section produces the information to the operator of the mobile body, and an information presentation controlling section controls the information to be produced to the operator of the mobile body through the producing section in accordance with the mental fatigue calculated by the mental fatigue calculating section.

A system and method determines a vehicle valuation by obtaining actual vehicle sales price data pertaining to automobile dealer or private individual sales from a local, state or federal government agency, such as a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), a Department of Revenue (DOR), an Internal Revenue Service (IRS), etc. and uses this actual sales price data to determine a market value for a particular automobile. The system and method may include determining, from sources other than the government agency, information about a particular comparable vehicle, such as the mileage, the options, the equipment, and the condition of a particular comparable vehicle prior to a sale of the vehicle and then attaching an actual sales price for the particular comparable vehicle as obtained from the government agency after the sale of the particular vehicle to thereby create a comparable vehicle within a database. If desired, the actual sales price data, as obtained from a government agency, may be used in conjunction with or instead of other vehicle pricing data obtained from other sources, such as the list price, an advertised price or a take price to determine a valuation for a particular vehicle.

The present invention provides a method for preventing a driver of a motor vehicle from using a cellular telephone while the motor vehicle is in motion. The invention comprises a step of determining a position of the gear shift lever in such motor vehicle and generating a first signal when the position of such gear shift lever is moved to and remains in one of drive, overdrive, second, low, and reverse. Another step involves transmitting such signal generated in a previous step to a means disposed in a predetermined location on such motor vehicle for generating a reverse phase signal. Another step involves generating such reverse phase signal when such first signal is received by such means. A next step is transmitting such reverse phase signal for a predetermined radius from such predetermined location. A last step is preventing any cellular telephone transmission within such predetermined radius when such reversed phase frequency signal is being transmitted.

Described herein are a system and method of training a motor vehicle operator in crash-avoidance skills. Critical crash-avoidance skills comprise actively scanning a driving environment to identify, recognize, and remember what is seen; adjusting vehicle speed and position to accommodate road conditions, visibility, and traffic; proactively identifying and responding to potential hazards before the potential hazards become immediate hazards; recognizing, assessing, and responding to driving risks; creating a space cushion in order to identify and maintain possible escape routes; and identifying and minimizing visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Training comprises at least one interactive driving simulation in which use of technology by a motor vehicle operator impacts performance of the motor vehicle operator. The training comprises computer-based learning tutorials, interactive point-of-view driving simulations, and conjoint experienced driver mentor / inexperienced trainee activities, as well as objective testing of motor vehicle operators on skills and driving knowledge.

A method is provided for preventing a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. The method uses a camera and a processor mountable in the motor vehicle. A candidate image is detected. Based on a change of scale of the candidate image, it may be determined that the motor vehicle and the pedestrian are expected to collide, thereby producing a potential collision warning. Further information from the image frames may be used to validate the potential collision warning. The validation may include an analysis of the optical flow of the candidate image, that lane markings prediction of a straight road, a calculation of the lateral motion of the pedestrian, if the pedestrian is crossing a lane mark or curb and / or if the vehicle is changing lanes.

A power train for a motor vehicle includes a combustion engine, a clutch or other torque-coupling device, a transmission, and an electro-mechanical energy converter that is operable at least as a motor and as a generator. The electro-mechanical energy converter is coupled to the output shaft of the combustion engine through a torque transfer device with at least two rpm ratios that automatically set themselves according to whether the vehicle is operating in a start-up mode or in a driving mode.

Damage caused by accidents that occur during autonomous driving of a motor vehicle should be reliably detected. For this purpose, a transport facility with a driving area which can be autonomously driven by a motor vehicle, has a detection device for detecting a first state of the motor vehicle in an entrance area outside the driving area and for detecting a second state in an exit area located within the driving area. In addition, transport facility has an evaluation device for determining a possible difference between the second state and the first state relating to damage of the motor vehicle.

In system and method for improving operator driving assistance of an automotive vehicle, at an indication of acceleration timing and magnitude and the lane change timing, a lane change necessity is calculated and a lane change trigger signal is produced while the host vehicle is operated on a road that has at least three lanes and, at the calculation of the lane change necessity and at the production of the lane change signal, a new lane change trigger signal is prohibited to indicate until a forward lane change operation is deemed to be completed, in a case where the vehicle is traveling on a multiple number traffic lane road.