42nd week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 50 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140309788 | System and Method with GEO Location Triggering Automatic Action - An apparatus a GPS device that tracks a current location of a user relative to a home of the user and a cloud application that tracks the current location of the user via the GPS device, the cloud application estimates a time period required for the user to travel from the current location to the home and upon detecting that the time is less than a threshold value, automatically sends an activating signal to an HVAC unit in the home of the user to activate the unit. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309789 | Vehicle Location-Based Home Automation Triggers - Methods and systems of a vehicle control system configuring features of a home automation system. The vehicle control system includes a home automation module that can receive information from the home automation system such as a presence of occupants in a home and a state of features of the home. The home automation module can send commands to activate, deactivate, and/or change settings of one or more features of the home automation system based on user profile information. The commands can be modified based on the information received from the home automation system. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309790 | ADJUSTING HOME AUTOMATION COMFORT BASED ON VEHICLE ASSOCIATED USER PROFILE DATA - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309791 | ECONOMIZER CONTROLLER PLUG AND PLAY SYSTEM RECOGNITION WITH AUTOMATIC USER INTERFACE POPULATION - An economizer controller system having a plug and play recognition approach with an automatic user interface population mechanism. A check may be made for sensors connected to the controller. The control type of the sensors may be determined. The menu structure may be repopulated based on the control type. The user interface may then be updated. This approach may be repeated as needed. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309792 | Programmable Thermostat - A thermostat for a climate control system includes an electronic memory in which at least three occupancy settings are stored. The occupancy settings including a pre-defined unoccupied temperature set-point associated with an unoccupied state, a pre-defined occupied temperature set-point associated with an occupied-awake state and a pre-defined sleep temperature set-point associated with an occupied-asleep state. The thermostat's microprocessor is configured to communicate with the memory, and to establish at least three time periods during the day. The microprocessor assigns to each time period one of at least three user-selectable occupancy states including an unoccupied state, an occupied-awake state and an occupied-asleep state. The microprocessor controls operation of the climate control system to maintain the unoccupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the unoccupied state, the occupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the occupied-awake state, and the sleep temperature set-point to any time period assigned the occupied-asleep state. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309793 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SELF-ORGANIZING ACTUATION AND CONTROL - A Self-Organizing Process Control Architecture is introduced with a Sensing Layer, Control Layer, Actuation Layer, Process Layer, as well as Self-Organizing Sensors (SOS), Self-Organizing Actuators (SOA), and Self-Organizing Actuation and Control Units (SOACU). The method and apparatus of SOA and SOACU for process control are presented. A control system as a case example for a gas mixing process is described using the unique SOA and SOACU approaches. A 2x1 Robust MFA (Model-Free Adaptive) controller as a key component of the SOACU is also disclosed. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309794 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF FLUID OPERATIONS FOR MACHINES - Various embodiments of fluid monitoring systems are provided for use in connection with the fluid systems of machines such as engine-powered machines. The fluid monitoring systems may be configured for collecting and processing data associated with fluid refill operations, fluid evacuation operations, fluid purge operations, and other types of fluid operations in connection with different fluid components. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309795 | AUTOMATED SET-UP FOR CELL SORTING - Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309796 | Water Booster Control System and Method - A water booster control system designed with a controller having an algorithm that determines optimum starting parameters for one or more pumps is disclosed. The water booster control system supplies water to a location at specified operating parameters. Water enters a suction manifold, travels through pipes, and into the pumps. The pumps accelerate the water to the desired pressure and/or flow rate and discharge the water through pipes and out of a discharge manifold. One or more of the components of the water booster control system are monitored during use, and data regarding the parameters is displayed locally and/or remotely. Alarms are specified relating to one or more of the operating parameters and the alarm conditions may be displayed locally and/or remotely. A user may make modifications to the system locally and/or remotely through a screen and/or through a remote device using a smart phone application. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309797 | GENERATOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD THAT SELECTIVELY ACTIVATE AT LEAST ONE OF A PLURALITY OF GENERATORS IN A POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A method of determining an operation of at least one of a plurality of generators in a power generation system. The method includes identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate to minimize fuel consumption of the power generation system based on the system parameter. Other methods include identifying a system parameter that is related to operation of the power generation system; and determining which of the plurality of generators to operate by optimizing an operating variable of the power generation system based on the system parameter. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309798 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A TEMPERATURE OF STEAM FOR A STEAM POWER PLANT - A method for controlling a temperature of steam for a steam power plant is provided. A state regulator controls the temperature of the steam at an outlet of a superheater using a feedback of multiple medium states of the steam in the superheater. An aim herein is to achieve a stable and precise control of the steam temperature. This is achieved in that the state regulator is a linear regulator, the feedback matrix of which is ascertained such that the regulator has the control quality of a linear-quadratic regulator. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309799 | REQUEST CONTROL DEVICE, REQUEST CONTROL METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - According to an embodiment, a request control device includes a receiving unit, a generating unit, and a sending unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a first electric power control request issued for purpose of controlling electric power usage. The generating unit is configured to generate a second electric power control request, which is different than the first electric power control request, at least using the first electric power control request. The sending unit is configured to send the second electric power control request. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309800 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF DEVICES - A system is disclosed for managing interactions between a plurality of devices selected from a group consisting of energy sources, energy loads and energy storage devices, the system comprises a control bus; a power bus; a plurality of energy device interfaces, each energy device interface comprising a control bus port for operatively connecting the energy device interface to the control bus, a power bus port for operatively connecting the energy device interface to the power bus and a device port for operatively connecting the energy device interface to a device selected from the group consisting of energy sources, energy loads and energy storage devices and for controlling said device selected from the group consisting of energy sources, energy loads and energy storage devices and a power management unit operatively connected to the control bus and to the power bus, the power management unit comprising a control strategy determining unit for determining a control strategy, the power management unit being adapted for controlling each of the plurality of energy device interfaces according to the determined control strategy to thereby control interactions between the plurality of devices. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309801 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTROL POWER FOR A POWER NETWORK - Method for the provision of control power for a power supply network, wherein the level of the control power provided is determined depending on a deviation of the actual alternating current frequency from a nominal alternating current frequency of the power supply network, wherein the control power is provided in a pulsed manner in order to increase the efficiency, wherein the control energy provided in a specific time period from the pulsed operation corresponds to the control energy to be provided in the same time period in the case of a continuous operation of a control power source. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309802 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUS FOR DATACENTER POWER DISTRIBUTION - Methods, systems, and apparatus for electrical power distribution are described. One or more conditions of power provided from one or more fuel cells and one or more fuel cell bypass devices are monitored. At least one of the one or more fuel cell bypass devices is configured to provide power from a first alternate power source to a first electrical device if the monitored power condition of the one or more fuel cells is not satisfied and to allow power to be provided from at least one of the one or more fuel cells if the monitored power condition of the one or more fuel cells is satisfied. A static transfer switch is configured to provide power based on one or more monitored power conditions. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309803 | SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING ROAD SLOPE - A system for estimating a road slope, includes a signal processor receiving a raw signal including information on acceleration and rotation velocity transmitted from a 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) inertial sensor, a vehicle motion estimator calculating overall angles of a vehicle based on the signals from the 6DOF inertial sensor filtered by the signal processor and on vehicle measurement information transmitted from a vehicle sensor. The system further includes a vehicle suspension angle estimator calculating a vehicle suspension angle based on the signal from the 6DOF inertial sensor and the vehicle measurement information and a road slope estimator determining a difference between the overall angles of the vehicle and the vehicle suspension angle so as to calculate a road slope. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309804 | GLOBAL STANDARD TEMPLATE CREATION, STORAGE, AND MODIFICATION - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309805 | VEHICLE DAMAGE DETECTION AND INDICATION - Methods and systems for vehicle damage detection, identification and communication are disclosed. Specifically, a method to detect damage to a vehicle, identify the extent and location of the damage, and communicate the damage event is provided. In the event of damage to a vehicle, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise notifying authorized users of the vehicle, a maintenance provider, an insurance provider and/or an emergency agency, disabling the vehicle, and emitting a visual or audio alarm. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309806 | INTELLIGENT VEHICLE FOR ASSISTING VEHICLE OCCUPANTS - Methods, systems, and a computer readable medium are provided for maintaining a persona of a vehicle occupant and, based on the persona of the vehicle occupant and vehicle-related information, performing an action assisting the vehicle occupant. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309807 | ESTIMATION OF RECOVERED ENERGY - A method of estimating energy recovered by a vehicle including a regenerative braking mechanism, with at least two energy recovery systems generating at least two respective setpoint values and configured for the regenerative braking mechanism, the method including receiving one of the setpoint values and calculating an energy value on the basis of the setpoint value received. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309808 | REFLEXIVE RESPONSE SYSTEM FOR POPUP THREAT SURVIVAL - Methods and apparatus for assessing threats to a vehicle to facilitate a reflexive response. Threat timeline parameters for a detected threat to the vehicle including a threat mode and a time progression of the threat in the threat mode is determined based, at least in part, on a plurality of information sources. One or more candidate solutions for facilitating the reflexive response to the threat are determined based, at least in part, on the threat mode and the time progression and one or more of the candidate solutions are presented to an operator of the vehicle to enable the operator to mediate the threat. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309809 | SELF-PROPELLED ROBOTIC PALLET VEHICLE - Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a robotic pallet system that provides the ability to move palletized cargo without requiring the use of additional material handling equipment such as forklifts and K-loaders, for example. In some aspects, an integrated system may be used to interact with and control a number of robotic pallets. Such an integrated system may be used to deliver palletized cargo without additional equipment through self-propelled pallets, thereby reducing the number of personnel required to load palletized cargo by reducing the size of the team required to position the pallet inside of the aircraft and removing the need for a k-loader operator. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309810 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED TRAFFIC SIGNAGE - An improved traffic sign is discussed. The traffic sign includes road reflectors, which reflect available light towards a driver indicating road lane divisions. A sensor module coupled with a vehicle can convert the reflected light to a binary word. The sensor module can further convert the binary word into traffic information, wherein a vehicle-mounted display displays information selected from received traffic information based on priority, time of receipt, and relevance. The improved traffic sign can also include an RFID tag configured to transmit traffic information to a vehicle-mounted receiver. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309811 | WIRELESS NETWORK FOR CONTROLLING THE OXYGEN SYSTEM OF AN AIRCRAFT - A control device for activating an oxygen system of a means of transport, in particular an aircraft, a control system having such a control device, an associated method for activating an oxygen system of a means of transport, in particular an aircraft, and a computer program for carrying out the method. Furthermore, a network is provided for a means of transport, in particular for an aircraft. The control device for activating the oxygen system comprises a first activation unit which is configured to activate at least a part of the oxygen system by wireless transmission of a first activation signal. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309812 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING DRIVING USING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK AND SYSTEM THEREOF - A method of allowing a local Driving Assistance Service (DAS) center within a base station to provide a DAS to a vehicle by using a communication network is provided. The method includes receiving, from a vehicle terminal, local DAS information and surrounding information of the vehicle, generating Analyzed-local (A-local) DAS information by using the received local DAS information, and transmitting, when the DAS is provided by using the generated A-local DAS information, the A-local DAS information to the vehicle terminal. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309813 | GUEST VEHICLE USER REPORTING - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309814 | Central Network for the Automated Control of Vehicular Traffic - Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway. The automated control includes the communication of directions and other messages that ensure the proper function of the vehicle while under the guidance of the traffic control system | 2014-10-16 |
20140309815 | Traffic Consolidation Based on Vehicle Destination - Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway. The automated control includes the communication of directions and other messages that ensure the proper function of the vehicle while under the guidance of the traffic control system | 2014-10-16 |
20140309816 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MODIFYING THE CONFIGURATION OF A DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method and apparatus for modifying the configuration of a driving assistance system of a motor vehicle includes, during operation in an autopilot mode, detecting that a vehicle driver makes a control input counter to vehicle control directed by the driving assistance system. Data relating to driving conditions existing when the driver made the control input is logged onboard the vehicle and transmitted to an off-board central communications platform. The central communications platform creates a modified configuration for the driving assistance system based on the data and re-transmits it back to the vehicle where it is loaded into the driving assistance system. The modified configuration causes the driving assistance system to automatically control the vehicle in a manner consistent with the control input if the driving conditions reoccur. The modified configuration may also be transmitted to a driving assistance system of one or more other motor vehicles. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309817 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISPLAYING PROCEDURE INFORMATION ON AN AIRCRAFT DISPLAY - A method for displaying a flight path navigational procedure includes, but is not limited to, detecting with a position detecting system a current location of the aircraft, obtaining from an electronic storage device a plurality of flight path navigation procedures available for a geographic location, determining with a flight path analysis system a preferred flight path that will be taken by the aircraft, and displaying on a display unit a moving map corresponding with the current location of the aircraft and further displaying a depiction of the plurality of flight path navigation procedures on the moving map. The preferred flight path is displayed with a visual cue that visually differentiates the preferred flight path from the other flight paths of the plurality of flight path navigation procedures. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309818 | RAM AIR TURBINE AUTODEPLOYMENT LOGIC - A ram air turbine deployment module includes a normal power module that determines if normal power from an aircraft is available, an air-ground module that determines if the aircraft is off the ground, a ground-maintenance module that determines if the aircraft is presently having maintenance preformed, and decision logic that provides an output to a ram air turbine that deploys the ram air turbine if normal power from the aircraft is not available, the aircraft is off the ground, and the aircraft is not presently having maintenance performed. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309819 | METHODS FOR PREDICTING A SPEED BRAKE SYSTEM FAULT - Methods of predicting a speed brake fault in an aircraft having a speed brake system including multiple control surfaces, a handle for setting the position of the multiple control surfaces, and at least one control surface position sensor, the methods include receiving a position signal from the at least one position sensor, determining a variation in the position signal and predicting a fault in the speed brake system. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309820 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REQUESTING AND RETRIEVING AIRCRAFT DATA DURING FLIGHT OF AN AIRCRAFT - The disclosed embodiments relate to methods for requesting and retrieving aircraft data during flight of an aircraft. This aircraft data can be used to perform additional monitoring of aircraft sub-systems to detect an abnormal condition, and/or to identify one or more sources that are causing the abnormal condition. In one embodiment, aircraft data for one or more relevant parameters can be requested from the ground, measured on-board the aircraft, and stored in a data file that is then communicated back to personnel on the ground. The real-time aircraft data for one or more relevant parameters can then be analyzed to identify the one or more sources that are causing the abnormal condition. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309821 | AIRCRAFT FLIGHT MANAGEMENT DEVICES, SYSTEMS, COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA AND RELATED METHODS - Aircraft flight management devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods are provided. The present subject matter includes devices, systems, computer readable media, and related methods of providing flight management control during abnormal events and/or situations requiring diversion from the present mission. In some aspects, a system for providing flight management may include a computing platform with a processor, a memory, and a flight management application module (FMAM) configured to receive data from multiple servers. The FMAM may also calculate one or more aircraft ranges and/or diversion routes based upon the received data. In some aspects, systems and devices disclosed herein may be configured to provide diversion assistance by selectively displaying information including the map, one or more of the aircraft ranges, a vertical display, and information regarding one or more airports. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309822 | INTERACTIVE SPEED CONTROL - An embodiment of a rail vehicle may comprise at least one passenger receptacle; a device configured to generate a driving and/or braking force; a transmitting device for transmitting the driving and/or braking force onto a circuit; and at least one actuating device configured to exert a control over at least one of the vehicle's speed and acceleration. The transmitting device has a first engagement element configured for positive engagement with a compatible second engagement element arranged stationarily on the circuit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to provide control signals to the device for generating the driving and/or braking force which are independent or dependent from the control exerted through the at least one actuating device. The control signals, at least intermittently, limit or shut off the control via the at least one actuating device or superimpose on the control via the at least one actuating device. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309823 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A MULTI-MODE POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for operating a powertrain system to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline in response to an output torque request includes executing a selection scheme to evaluate operating in a plurality of candidate powertrain states including a pseudo-electric vehicle (EV) range responsive to the output torque request. A respective minimum cost for operating the powertrain system in each of the candidate powertrain states including the pseudo-EV range is determined. A preferred powertrain state is selected, and is one of the candidate powertrain states including the pseudo-EV range associated with a minimum of the respective minimum costs. The powertrain system is controlled in the preferred powertrain state responsive to the output torque request. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309824 | BATTERY CHARGE/DISCHARGE CONTROL APPARATUS - A battery charge/discharge control apparatus for controlling charge/discharge of a battery in a vehicle as defined herein, includes: a battery control portion which is provided for controlling charge/discharge of the battery; a vehicle control portion which controls the inverter and the engine and controls the charge/discharge of the battery based on information from the battery control portion; a failure determination portion which determines whether there is a failure in the battery control portion or not; and an inverter driving state detection portion which detects a driving state of the inverter; wherein: the vehicle control portion controls the charge/discharge of the battery based on the driving state of the inverter detected by the inverter driving state detection portion when the failure determination portion determines that there is a failure in the battery control portion. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309825 | METHOD FOR TRACTION CONTROL IN A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - A motor vehicle has a drive unit with at least one electric machine ( | 2014-10-16 |
20140309826 | PREVENTING OF SLIP IN AN ELECTRICALLY POWERED VEHICLE - A method and arrangement for preventing slip in a wheeled vehicle having two or more driving wheels that are operated with electric motors. The motor of each driving wheel includes a torque limit applicable to limit torque of the motor. For each driving wheel, the method includes setting an angular acceleration limit for the wheel, detecting angular acceleration of the driving wheel continuously, comparing the detected angular acceleration with the angular acceleration limit continuously, if the detected angular acceleration is higher than the angular acceleration limit, reducing the torque limit from its current value until the angular acceleration of the wheel is below the angular acceleration limit, increasing the torque limit at a first rate to a value lower than the value from which it was reduced, and increasing the torque limit at a second rate to the maximum value, the second rate being lower than the first rate. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309827 | MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING TRACTION MOTOR - A motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a smoothing capacitor, a discharge device and a controller. The smoothing capacitor smoothes the electric current that is used to drive the electric motor. The discharge device is capable of releasing the electric charge stored in the capacitor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data that indicates a state of the motor vehicle and determine whether to activate a discharge device, based on the sensor data received. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309828 | VEHICLE - Creep control is performed, in response to an accelerator-off operation, to control a second motor to cause a predetermined creep torque Tcr to be output from the second motor to a driveshaft. First creep cut-off control is performed, in response to a brake-on operation during the creep control, to control the second motor to cause a torque reduced from the creep torque Tcr at a high rate by a predetermined high variation ΔThi to be output from the second motor to the driveshaft. Subsequent to the first creep cut-off control, second creep cut-off control is performed to control the second motor to cause a torque reduced at a low rate by a predetermined low variation ΔTlow smaller than the predetermined high variation ΔThi to be output from the second motor to the driveshaft. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309829 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An electric vehicle is provided with a first operating mode having no limitation relating to power performance, or including a predetermined limitation on power performance, and a second operating mode in which power performance is more limited than in the first operating mode, and in which power consumption is reduced relative to the first operating mode. In the second operating mode, output limiting control is performed for limiting the output of an electric drive motor, a determination is made as to whether a limit discontinuation request has been inputted by the driver to an input device, and when a limit discontinuation request has been inputted from the driver to the input device during travel in the second operating mode, output limiting control is discontinued while the second operating mode is continued. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309830 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POWER TRAIN AND CORRESPONDING CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method for controlling a power train of a motor vehicle having an electric motor includes regulating the currents in the rotor and stator of the electric motor so that they reach required current values using control signals of the electric motor. The currents to be regulated and the control signals being expressed in a rotating reference frame including a plurality of axes. The control signals result from a transformation including a change of variable allowing the dynamic decoupling of the regulation along each of the axes. Regulating each axis includes an application to the current to be regulated of two different linear operators as a function of the value of the current to be regulated of that axis with respect to its required value, the result of the application of the two linear operators having to be substantially equal to the control signal of that axis. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309831 | VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICLE - In a vehicle that includes an engine, a motor, a generator, a battery electrically connected to the motor and the generator, and a transmission provided between the motor and an output shaft coupled to a drive wheel, an ECU executes “battery-less travel control” in which, at the time of a failure of the battery, the battery is isolated from the motor and the generator, the generator is caused to generate electric power by generating a torque, corresponding to an accelerator pedal operation amount, from the generator, and the vehicle is caused to travel by driving the motor using the electric power generated by the generator. The ECU suppresses losing a balance of input and output electric powers between the generator and the motor by filtering the accelerator pedal operation amount when a vehicle speed exceeds a limit vehicle speed during the battery-less travel control. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309832 | HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle according to one of embodiments of the present invention applies, to a drive axel, a torque equal to a user requesting torque determined based on an accelerator operation amount, by controlling a torque generated by an engine and a torque generated by an electric motor while adjusting a power generated by the engine in such a manner that an engine efficiency becomes optimum (i.e., while operating the engine at an optimum engine operation point). Further, the vehicle controls an electric power generated by a first motor generator by varying the power generated by the engine based on a remaining capacity of the battery so as to charge the battery. In addition, the vehicle controls the air-fuel of the engine to a rich air-fuel ratio when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio when the predetermined condition is satisfied. When the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled to be the rich air-fuel ratio, the vehicle sets an upper limit (engine output power upper limit) of the power generated by the engine to a value smaller than a value when the air-fuel ratio of the engine is controlled to be the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309833 | MAPPING ACTIVE AND INACTIVE CONSTRUCTION ZONES FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING - Aspects of the present disclosure relate to differentiating between active and inactive construction zones. In one example, this may include identifying a construction object associated with a construction zone. The identified construction object may be used to map the area of the construction zone. Detailed map information may then be used to classify the activity of the construction zone. The area of the construction zone and the classification may be added to the detailed map information. Subsequent to adding the construction zone and the classification to the detailed map information, the construction object (or another construction object) may be identified. The location of the construction object may be used to identify the construction zone and classification from the detailed map information. The classification of the classification may be used to operate a vehicle having an autonomous mode. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309834 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PARKING ASSISTANCE - An apparatus and a method for parking assistance is provided that include a controller configured to determine an intention to park based on vehicle condition information and environmental information. In addition, the controller is configured to set a parking mode of a vehicle by analyzing the direction of the vehicle and a gear position, when the vehicle stops in an area in response to determining that the vehicle is to be parked. Furthermore, the controller is configured to assist the vehicle in automatic parking into a target parking lot based on the set parking mode. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309835 | PATH FINDING DEVICE, SELF-PROPELLED WORKING APPARATUS, AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - A path finding device includes a search unit, a calculation unit, and a selection unit. The search unit finds paths to reach a goal point from a start point while detouring around a stationary obstacle. The calculation unit calculates, for each of the found paths, an encounter probability that is a probability of encountering a non-stationary obstacle using previously accumulated non-stationary obstacle information. The selection unit selects a path with a lowest encounter probability among the found paths. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309836 | Position Estimation and Vehicle Control in Autonomous Multi-Vehicle Convoys - Techniques are provided for providing position estimations in an autonomous multi-vehicle convoy. Those techniques include initializing a convoy state, selecting a next sensor reading; predicting a convoy state, updating the convoy state, and broadcasting the convoy state to vehicles in the multi-vehicle convoy. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309837 | AUTOMATIC DRIVING CONTROL SYSTEM - Disclosed is an automatic driving control system including a road curvature calculating unit that receives shape information of a road ahead from a navigation to calculate curvatures of the road ahead, an optimum speed calculating unit that calculates optimum speeds on the basis of the curvatures of the road calculated by the road curvature calculating unit and selects speed control points, and a target acceleration calculating unit that receives information from the optimum speed calculating unit and calculates a target acceleration on the basis of the calculated optimum speeds and a current speed of a vehicle. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309838 | SHARED NAVIGATIONAL INFORMATION BETWEEN VEHICLES - A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309839 | Vehicle Registration to Enter Automated Control of Vehicular Traffic - Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway. The automated control includes the communication of directions and other messages that ensure the proper function of the vehicle while under the guidance of the traffic control system | 2014-10-16 |
20140309840 | Trailer Hitch Alignment Systems and Methods - Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309841 | Autonomous Mobile System - The invention includes a shape detector and travel distance detector for measuring whether objects are present in set regions determined by dividing a three-dimensional space into a plurality of segments, a storage device into which map data is stored that indicates a region of the set regions that has been set as having a stationary object in the region, a determining section that determines, from frequency of the object detection by the shape detector during a predetermined time for each of the set regions, whether the object that has been detected in each set region is a stationary object or a moving object, and a localizer that localizes a vehicle “v” by matching the region that the determining section has determined to have a stationary object in the region, and the map data. Thus, highly accurate detection of positions can be realized, even in an environment with moving objects. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309842 | Rental/Car-Share Vehicle Access and Management System and Method - A rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle access and management system and method, in some embodiments, utilizes barcodes, QR codes (or NFC/RFID), GPS, and a mobile app coupled with a wireless network to enable customers to bypass the reservation desk and pickup and drop off reserved RCS vehicles using a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. The QR code, RFID, or NFC communication with the mobile application allows for identification of the vehicle by a mobile application, which, if authorized, can access the vehicle via a temporary access code issued by remote servers. The remote servers and/or mobile application communicates with a control module that plugs into the on-board diagnostics module of the rental/car-share (RCS) vehicle and includes a host processing unit with a processor, an accelerometer, data storage, a GPS with internal GPS antenna; a wireless modem with internal antenna, and CAN bus transceivers connected with the processor, and a USB programmable interface. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309843 | Systems and Methods for Collecting Information from Vehicle Devices Via a Vehicle Data Bus - Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention continuously collecting information via a vehicle data bus, store the information in a database, and retrieve the information in response to requests from remote devices. One embodiment includes a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller spaced apart from the at least one operable vehicle device and connected to the vehicle data bus so that the vehicle data bus extends from said controller to the at least one operable vehicle device. The controller is configured to query the at least one vehicle device via the vehicle data bus and store the information provided in a database, and receive requests for information from a remote device via the wireless communications device, query the database for the requested information and send the requested information to the remote device via the wireless communications device. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309844 | METHOD TO ENABLE VEHICLES TO AVOID WEIGH STATIONS - Method for controlling weighing of a vehicle travelling on a road by means of a weigh station alongside the road includes determining weight of the vehicle using a processor on-board the vehicle and transmitting from the vehicle using a telematics device, the determined weight of the vehicle to the weigh station. Determining the weight of the vehicle may entail processing inertial property data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) into an indication of the weight of the vehicle. The inertial property data from the IMU may be multiple sets of inertial property data obtained over time. The IMU may be calibrated, using the processor, based differential motion of the vehicle over a period of time as determined by a location positioning system. A Kalman filter may also be used. A vehicle transmitting its determined weight avoids stopping at the weigh station. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309845 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPLICATION FOR ESTIMATING PNEUMATIC PRESSURE STATE OF VEHICLE TIRES USING A HANDHELD DEVICE - System method and computer operable application for estimating pneumatic pressure in tires of vehicles, using a handheld device having at least one camera installed therein that allow acquiring an image of a wheel of a vehicle, using the camera of the handheld device, analyzing the acquired image for estimating value of at least one parameter of the tire of the wheel in the image, where the parameter is related to pneumatic pressure of the tire, estimating pneumatic pressure state of the respective tire by using the parameter and presenting an indication of the estimated pneumatic pressure state. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309846 | METHOD FOR PREDICTING A BLEED AIR SYSTEM FAULT - A method of predicting a bleed air system fault in an aircraft having an engine operably coupled to a bleed air system including at least one valve, at least one bleed air system sensor, where the method includes receiving a sensor signal from the at least one of the bleed air system sensor to define a sensor output, comparing the sensor output to a reference value, and predicting a fault in the bleed air system based on the comparison. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309847 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DETECTION THROUGH SENSITIVE VEHICLE SKIN - Methods and systems for vehicle diagnostic detection and identification through vehicle sensitive skin are disclosed. Specifically, a method to monitor the exterior surface skin of a vehicle to enable detection and identification of damage to the vehicle exterior surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, a change in skin condition provides monitoring of vehicle performance and identifies vehicle operating abnormalities. In the event vehicle skin damage is detected, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise notifying authorized users of the vehicle, a maintenance and diagnostics service provider, a security provider, and emitting a visual or audio alarm. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309848 | INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, IMAGE-CAPTURING DEVICE AND METHOD, RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - A feature extracting unit obtains sensor data from a plurality of sensors to calculate each feature. When an event determining unit determines the occurrence of an event based on each feature, a display data constructor generates remote-controller display data for displaying the event, and controls a remote-controller display device to display the remote-controller display data. When a user decision is input from a user input IF based on this display, a control unit controls the sensors to be turned ON or OFF. When an infrared sensor detects an abnormality, a microwave sensor whose power consumption is small after the infrared sensor is turned ON. When the microwave sensor detects an abnormality, a video camera and a microphone are turned ON, and the microwave sensor is turned OFF. A communication unit wirelessly transmits an image signal captured by the video camera and an audio signal processed by the microphone. Then, if the infrared sensor does not detect an abnormality, the video camera and the microphone are turned OFF. With this arrangement, power consumption can be suppressed. The present invention is applied to, for example, a security system, for example, for monitoring outside a vehicle by a video camera disposed in the vehicle when the vehicle is parked. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309849 | DRIVER FACTS BEHAVIOR INFORMATION STORAGE SYSTEM - Methods and systems for tracking user behavior, the user behavior including one or more of: one or more user actions and one or more user interactions with a vehicle. A storage system stores the user behavior, where the tracked user behavior is associated with a driver and the storage system is capable of storing the tracked behavior for the driver from a plurality of vehicles. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309850 | METHOD OF CALCULATING PAYLOAD MATERIAL WEIGHT AND MACHINE USING SAME - A method of calculating payload material weight is executable by an electronic controller of a machine and includes steps of determining a first force on first front and rear struts of the machine in an unloaded condition of the machine, and adjusting the first force based on at least one of an unloaded front strut friction force and an unloaded rear strut friction force to define an unloaded weight. The method also includes steps of determining a second force on the first front and rear struts in a loaded condition of the machine, and adjusting the second force based on at least one of a loaded front strut friction force and a loaded rear strut friction force to define a loaded weight. A payload material weight is calculated by the method based on a difference between the loaded weight and the unloaded weight. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309851 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECOGNIZING ROTATIONAL SPEED / TORQUE FLUCTUATIONS IN A DRIVE DEVICE - A method for detecting rotational speed/torque fluctuations, in particular patterns of such fluctuations, of a drive device, in particular in a motor vehicle, includes the following steps: detecting a critical rotational speed situation by comparing a measured actual rotational speed with specified characteristic rotational speeds; detecting a local rotational speed minimum and a local rotational speed maximum (local rotational speed variables); analyzing the local rotational speed variables by generating local rotational speed characteristic values, such as a local amplitude and a local frequency preferably; directly or indirectly determining the duration of a local vibration time period, wherein substantially constant local rotational speed characteristic values are present within the time period; and describing a local vibration pattern, the pattern exhibiting at least the local amplitude, local frequency, or the local vibration time period. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309852 | AUTOMATIC VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DETECTION AND COMMUNICATION - Methods and systems for vehicle diagnostic detection and communication are disclosed. Specifically, a method to monitor the health of vehicle systems and subsystems and diagnose detected anomalies is provided. In the event an anomaly or unhealthy state is detected within a vehicle, subsystem or component, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise notifying a maintenance provider, a regulatory monitor, and original equipment manufacturer. The system may also maintain a vehicle fleet-wide performance database to enable identification and analysis of systemic fleet-wide data. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309853 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE - Methods and systems for vehicle diagnostics and roadside assistance are disclosed. Specifically, a method to monitor the health of vehicle systems and subsystems and diagnose detected anomalies is provided. In the event a vehicle anomaly is detected or a vehicle user otherwise requests assistance, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise noticing a maintenance provider, emergency personnel and emitting a visual or audio alarm. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309854 | SPEED-BASED FLOW DEVICE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle or other system includes a flow device, component, and controller. The controller executes a method of diagnosing flow performance in the vehicle/system. The flow device is a pump, blower, or fan. A calibrated upper speed limit is commanded from the flow device in response to detected enabling conditions. The device is turned off after maintaining the upper speed limit for a calibrated duration. The speed of the flow device is determined during a coast-down interval defined by a period between command of the upper speed limit and attaining a calibrated lower speed limit. An absolute rate of change of the speed over the coast-down interval is calculated, with the controller executing a control action when a maximum absolute slope of the calculated rate of change falls outside of a calibrated range during the coast-down interval. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309855 | SMART CAR WITH AUTOMATIC SIGNALLING - An intelligent turn signaling system is disclosed which uses trip information and global positioning system data to automatically activate the turn lights for a vehicle. In one implementation, the system can optimize vehicular flow by receiving trip information from nearby vehicles and prepare the vehicle and driver accordingly. In other implementations, the system can also optimize insurance premium for drivers who allow the system to recommend conservative driving techniques. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309856 | Vehicle Velocity Visual Alert System With Discrete and Unambiguous Brake and "Stopped" Status Features to Reduce Rear-End Crashes - The Speed-Orientation-for-Safety Lights System or (SOS Lights), designed to reduce rear-end motor vehicle crashes, is a velocity-contingent rear and interior colored-lights visual alert system which signals real-time information from a lead car to following drivers via a processor-memory-speedometer-brake configuration that shows a lead vehicle's: (1) actual and changing speeds; (2) degree of brake pressure when decelerating and (3) stationary status. The main alert device has a plurality of adjacent speed indicator lights with braking and stopped status elements. A processor memory is configured to store programming and speed and brake look-up tables associating speed ranges with activation of specific colored lights and braking speed with a brake pressure alert subsystem. The processor executes programming via the interconnectedness of the speedometer, accelerator, brake, brake pressure sensor and the main device. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309857 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which a current pedal effort for an accelerator can be varied actively. Pedal effort is set per an operated memory switch when a driver operates the memory switch in a state that a vehicle provided with an accelerator, a pedal effort of which is controllable, and having an electrically powered memory seat, starts-on. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309858 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which the current pedal effort for an accelerator can be varied actively to increase when an engine-off signal for a vehicle in which an accelerator a pedal effort of which is controllable is generated respectively. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309859 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method and system of varying a pedal effort for an accelerator through which the pedal effort for an accelerator is actively varied based on the locations of the accelerator. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309860 | WHEEL LOSS DETECTION ASPECT AND THEFT DETECTION ASPECT SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR VEHICLES - There is provided a warning device for detecting attachment integrity issues of a wheel assembly of a vehicle while the vehicle is in motion, the system comprising: a rigid body having: a first side and a second side to define an axis there between; a plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures extending axially between the first side and the second side, such that a spatial distribution of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures corresponds to a spatial distribution of wheel hub studs configured to receive a rim of the wheel; a plurality of wheel nut mounting locations positioned about each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures on the first side, each of the plurality of wheel nut mounting locations having a mating surface for mating with an underside of a respective wheel nut; one or more rim mounting surfaces on the second side for mating with an outwardly facing exterior surface of the rim; and a plurality of indicators positioned adjacent to each of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures, such that each indicator of the plurality of indicators is uniquely associated with a respective aperture of the plurality of circumferentially distributed apertures. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309861 | HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE - A method of customizing the interface of an infotainment system may include receiving a user profile from a multimedia device, a local store of the infotainment system, or cloud storage, and customizing the interface of the infotainment system based on the received user profile. A system for customising the interface of an infotainment system may include a receiving module configured for receiving a user profile from a multimedia device, a local store of the infotainment system, or a cloud storage, wherein the multimedia device is connectable to the infotainment system, and a customizing module configured for customizing the interface of the infotainment system based on the received user profile. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309862 | USER PROFILE EXCHANGE VIA VEHICLE SUPPORTED COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309863 | PARENTAL CONTROL OVER VEHICLE FEATURES AND CHILD ALERT SYSTEM - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309864 | Configurable Dash Display Based on Detected Location and Preferences - A vehicle control system can determine a location of the vehicle and evaluate laws and rules of the location to determine if changes to an instrument display are required. The vehicle control system can automatically configure the instrument display for the location. The vehicle control system can image and translate traffic signs in the location. The vehicle control system can also determine if the location is associated with an interruption of a communication network, identify an alternate communication network, and automatically transfer to the alternate communication network. An alert may be generated by the vehicle control system that includes information related to traffic rules, languages, and communication networks of the location that are different than a previous location of the vehicle. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309865 | FACIAL RECOGNITION DATABASE CREATED FROM SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309866 | BUILDING PROFILES ASSOCIATED WITH VEHICLE USERS - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309867 | STORING USER GESTURES IN A USER PROFILE DATA TEMPLATE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to create, modify, and maintain profiles associated with users. The user profiles are generated based on selectively collecting data associated with the users. Although each user profile may include settings, preferences, habits, and content associated with an individual user and/or vehicle, some user profiles may represent multiple users. These user profiles can change a configuration of a vehicle to match settings for a user, such as a driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for a user. Further, the user profiles can be transferred from vehicle-to-vehicle and/or user-to-user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309868 | USER INTERFACE AND VIRTUAL PERSONALITY PRESENTATION BASED ON USER PROFILE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309869 | INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM BASED ON USER PROFILE - Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system that provides various outputs based on a user profile and determined context. An output provided by the present disclosure can change a configuration of a vehicle, device, building, and/or a system associated with the user profile. The configurations can include comfort and interface settings that can be adjusted based on the user profile information. Further, the user profiles can track health data related to the user and make adjustments to the configuration to assist the health of the user. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309870 | VEHICLE-BASED MULTIMODE DISCOVERY - Methods and systems for a device discovery daemon that bases access of a communication device to an on board vehicle network on device location are provided. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309871 | USER GESTURE CONTROL OF VEHICLE FEATURES - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309872 | CUSTOMIZATION OF VEHICLE USER INTERFACES BASED ON USER INTELLIGENCE - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309873 | POSITIONAL BASED MOVEMENTS AND ACCESSIBILITY OF FEATURES ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309874 | Synchronization Between Vehicle and User Device Calendar - Methods and systems for a vehicle system that includes synchronizing a calendar with a vehicle control system and generating a smart-alarm based on events in the calendar. A vehicle receives authorization from a device to synchronize a calendar associated with the device with the vehicle. The calendar is synchronized with the vehicle and a smart alarm is provided to a user based on an event in the calendar and a supplemental factor. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309875 | Universal vehicle voice command system - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309876 | UNIVERSAL VEHICLE VOICE COMMAND SYSTEM - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309877 | Information Shared Between A Vehicle And User Devices - Methods and systems for a vehicle system that include configuring a vehicle based upon information from devices accessed by a user. The vehicle system may include a vehicle and a configuration unit. The information may be based on a search performed by a user. The information accessed or generated by the user may be automatically sent to the vehicle for configuration of the vehicle. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309878 | PROVIDING GESTURE CONTROL OF ASSOCIATED VEHICLE FUNCTIONS ACROSS VEHICLE ZONES - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309879 | CONTROL OF VEHICLE FEATURES BASED ON USER RECOGNITION AND IDENTIFICATION - Methods and systems are presented for accepting inputs into a vehicle or other conveyance to control functions of the conveyance. A vehicle control system can receive gestures and other inputs. The vehicle control system can also obtain information about the user of the vehicle control system and information about the environment in which the conveyance is operating. Based on the input and the other information, the vehicle control system can modify or improve the performance or execution of user interface and functions of the conveyance. The changes make the user interfaces and/or functions user-friendly and intuitive. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309880 | VEHICLE CRATE FOR BLADE PROCESSORS - Methods, systems, and a computer readable medium are provided for a vehicle containing multiple blade processors for performing vehicle and/or infotainment tasks, functions, and operations. The blade processors can be included in a crate having a first communication zone defining a trusted network within the vehicle to connect with trusted computational devices and/or modules provided or certified by the vehicle manufacturer but not untrusted computational devices and/or modules provided by vehicle occupants, a second communication zone defining an untrusted network to connect with the untrusted computational devices and/or modules, and a third communication zone providing power and data transmission to the blade processors. A master blade processor can assign a component and/or module requiring a blade processor for execution to a selected blade processor. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309881 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESPONDING TO DRIVER BEHAVIOR - Methods of assessing driver behavior include monitoring vehicle systems and driver monitoring systems to accommodate for a driver's slow reaction time, attention lapse and/or alertness. When it is determined that a driver is drowsy, for example, the response system may modify the operation of one or more vehicle systems. The systems that may be modified include: visual devices, audio devices, tactile devices, antilock brake systems, automatic brake prefill systems, brake assist systems, auto cruise control systems, electronic stability control systems, collision warning systems, lane keep assist systems, blind spot indicator systems, electronic pretensioning systems and climate control systems. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309882 | INTELLIGENT BELT DRIVE SYSTEM AND METHOD - In one aspect, a tensioner that incorporates a fluid actuated cylinder and that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309883 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - A vehicle control device includes a variable-damping-force shock absorber, a sprung vibration damping control device, an unsprung vibration damping control device, a driving state-determining device, a damping force distribution factor-calculating device, and a damping force control device that, when the driving state-determining device determines that the vehicle is traveling in a straight line, controls the damping force of the variable-damping-force shock absorber on the basis of a greater of an unsprung vibration damping control amount and a sprung vibration damping control amount, and that, when the driving state-determining device determines that the vehicle is turning, calculates the damping force control amount on the basis of an unsprung vibration damping control amount so as to maintain the damping force distribution factor, and controls the damping force of the variable-damping-force shock absorber on the basis of a greater of a calculated damping force control amount and the sprung vibration damping control amount. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309884 | REAR COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of and rearward of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. Responsive to image processing of captured image data, the collision avoidance system is operable to determine an approach of a vehicle rearward of the vehicle and to determine an excitation level depending on a difference between the speed of the approaching vehicle and the speed of the equipped vehicle and a distance between the approaching vehicle and the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the determined excitation level, the collision avoidance system may provide an alert to the driver of one or both vehicles, prepare for impact, control a vehicle braking system, vehicle steering system and/or vehicle acceleration system and/or communicate information to the approaching vehicle via a telematics system. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309885 | Control of Vehicle Features Based on Weather and Location Data - Systems and method of determining an operating environment of a vehicle and controlling vehicle features. A vehicle control system can determine if one or more predetermined environmental conditions exist and determine a severity of the predetermined environmental condition. The vehicle control system can control and/or activate features of the vehicle and provide alerts based on the predetermined environmental condition. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309886 | SPLITTING MISSION CRITICAL SYSTEMS AND INFOTAINMENT BETWEEN OPERATING SYSTEMS - Methods and systems for a using different operating systems executing on a common microprocessor for isolating performance of vehicle infotainment from performance of non-vehicle infotainment tasks, functions, and operations. | 2014-10-16 |
20140309887 | TRAILER ANGLE DETECTION TARGET PLAUSIBILITY - According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for determining target plausibility is comprised of an imaging device for imaging a scene and generating image data, sensors for generating hitch angle measurements, steering angle measurements, and vehicle speed measurements. A controller in communication with the imaging device and the sensors, wherein when a driving condition is satisfied, the controller calculates a hitch angle and selects a plausible target from the imaged scene based on the image data and the calculated hitch angle. | 2014-10-16 |