Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080258890 | System and Method for Remotely Deactivating a Vehicle - System and method for remotely deactivating a vehicle, comprising monitoring operations of the vehicle using an on-board monitoring system, detecting when one or more of the operations meet one or more preset criteria, and disabling the vehicle via the on-board monitoring system. | 10-23-2008 |
20080258891 | DRIVING STATE DISPLAY DEVICE AND STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - A driving state display device of a straddle type vehicle has a nonvolatile memory in which operation modes are stored to be readable with a grade point provided for each operation mode, the grade point being proportional to a degree of energy-saving operation or uneconomic operation. A microcomputer calculates the rotational speed and acceleration of an engine to determine the operation mode of the vehicle. The grade point corresponding to the operation mode is read from the nonvolatile memory and accumulated until a predetermined time period has elapsed, after which it is determined whether the accumulated value falls in an energy-saving operation range or an uneconomic operation range without the use of a fuel flow meter or the like, said determined result communicated to a rider of the vehicle via a display. | 10-23-2008 |
20080278301 | Driving operation feedback apparatus and program for same - A safe driving support apparatus in a vehicle is used in a manner that prevents an over-reliance of a driver on a safety device by an application of a technique. That is, for example, an evaluation of driving operation is lowered when the vehicle has been under control of an avoidance control for avoiding an unsafe situation of the vehicle, and the lowered evaluation of driving operation is recorded on a memory medium as well as being notified for the driver after evaluation is being changed. A provision of the avoidance control may result in a suppression of a vehicular function that contributes to a comfort in the vehicle among functions provided by in-vehicle devices. | 11-13-2008 |
20080297335 | DRIVING EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A driving efficiency management apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The driving efficiency management apparatus includes a detection unit, a storage unit, a processing unit, and a display. The detection unit detects the driving condition of a vehicle and generates a driving information. The storage unit receives and stores the driving information. The processing unit compares the driving information and generates an economical performance information and an optimal driving operation information according to the comparison result. The display displays the economical performance information or the optimal driving operation information. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297336 | CONTROLLING VEHICULAR ELECTRONICS DEVICES USING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS - A vehicle network system including at least one sensor, a network server, and a at least one vehicle network device is provided. The at least one sensor is arranged to generate physiological signals of a user, which are received and processed by the network server is configured to receive and process to generate status data indicating the physical condition of the user. The vehicle network device is configured to control the one or more vehicular electronics devices based on the status data from the network server. | 12-04-2008 |
20080316010 | RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING IMAGES OF DRIVING CONDITIONS AND DRIVING IMAGES IDENTIFICATION METHOD - A recording system for capturing images of driving conditions of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a plurality of sensors and an instrument panel for displaying situations of the sensors. The recording system includes at least a first camera module disposed in front of the instrument panel for capturing an image of the instrument panel to generate a first image data. Since the driving conditions are captured in the form of an image, the driving conditions can be easily understood by reading the first image data. A recording method for capturing images of the driving conditions of the vehicle is also disclosed. Furthermore, a driving image identification method for identifying the driving conditions is also disclosed. | 12-25-2008 |
20080316011 | Driver Assistance Device for a Vehicle and a Method for Visualizing the Surroundings of a Vehicle - The invention relates to a driver assistance device for a vehicle and a method for visualising the environment of the vehicle. Said driver assistance device is associated with two sensors for detecting the environment of the vehicle. The sensors have a different resolution and/or the driver assistance device is associated with a display device. Said display device is arranged in the region of the front disk in order to restrict analogic contact on the display which represents attentiveness information. | 12-25-2008 |
20090009308 | Display Device Mounted in Working Vehicle and Display Method For the Display Device - A display device is mounted in a working vehicle equipped with a camera that monitors areas around the working vehicle. The display device includes: a monitor screen; first display means for displaying information about the working vehicle; second display means for displaying an image captured by the camera; first switching means for switching displayed image information; malfunction detection means for detecting a malfunction occured in the working vehicle; warning display means for displaying warning information; operation detecting means for detecting whether the working vehicle is working; and second switching means for automatically switching the image information displayed to the image information input by the first display means, where each referenced display is on the monitor screen. Thus, even if a malfunction occurs in the working vehicle, an operator is made aware of the malfunction in the working vehicle without being hindered from undertaking work while checking the safety. | 01-08-2009 |
20090009309 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND PROGRAM FOR DETECTING ACT OF LOOKING ASIDE - More accurate detection of an act of looking aside is to be achieved. A direction-of-face detection unit detects the orientation of face of a driver, and a direction-of-sight line detection unit detects the orientation of sight line of the driver, based on an image photographed by the photographing unit. A field-of-view detection unit uses the sight line orientation of the driver as a reference to detect a range depending on the difference between the face orientation and sight line orientation of the driver as the field of view of the driver. A judging unit judges that the act of looking aside is going on when the face orientation of the driver is out of the face orientation-judging range. Also, the judging unit judges based on the driver's field of view whether or not the driver is looking aside when the face orientation of the driver is within the face orientation-judging range. The invention is applicable to an apparatus for detecting an act of looking aside by a driver. | 01-08-2009 |
20090040033 | HYBRID VEHICLE BATTERY INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE - A hybrid vehicle battery information display device | 02-12-2009 |
20090058624 | COGNITIVE ALERTER - A system and method for ensuring that an operator remain alert includes monitoring the operator to determine when the operator is actively working the train controls, and, when the operator has not actively worked the controls for a first period of time, displaying a sequence the repetition of which requires cognitive alertness of the operator. If the operator fails to repeat the sequence, or a corresponding sequence, the train is stopped. In some embodiments, the cognitive alerter is inoperative below predetermined speed levels. | 03-05-2009 |
20090066495 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DRIVER EFFICIENCY AND OPERATING MODES IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for determining driver efficiency in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of measuring a hybrid vehicle parameter, and calculating driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the hybrid vehicle parameter. The hybrid vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver. | 03-12-2009 |
20090115589 | Method and Computer Program for Identification of Inattentiveness by the Driver of a Vehicle - A method and a computer program for identifying when the driver of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, is not paying attention. In order to make it possible to make a more reliable statement on the presence of any inattentiveness by the driver, the method observes a steering action following a steering quiescent phase, in addition to detecting the steering quiescent phase. The extent of the steering quiescent phase and of the steering action found are logically linked to one another, and the result of this logical operation is then used as a measure for the severity of the inattentiveness of the driver. | 05-07-2009 |
20090134989 | System for Enabling The Functionality Of A Sequence Control System Stored In A Controller Of A Motor Vehicle - A central check device is provided in a motor vehicle, to which device an enable message emitted by a first controller inside the vehicle or from a location outside the vehicle is supplied via a communication bus of the motor vehicle. The central check device evaluates the received enable message to identify the sequence control system to be enabled and the controller which comprises the sequence control system to be enabled. The central check device sends an enable command to the identified controller via the communication bus of the motor vehicle so as to enable the sequence control system which is to be enabled. | 05-28-2009 |
20090153315 | Method for diagnosing error of vehicle electronic component - A method for diagnosing an error of a vehicle electronic component capable of being performed without an actual driving test by building up a database of unusual waveform data that generates an erroneous operation of a vehicle electronic component is disclosed. The unusual waveform data are obtained through a process simultaneously collecting input and output waveforms of a problematic component in operation in real time in a state where the problematic component is electrically connected to a vehicle; a process analyzing the output waveforms to obtain information on a point in time of generation of an unusual output waveform that causes an erroneous operation of the problematic component; and a process extracting input waveforms during a predetermined time before and after the point of time of generation of the unusual output waveform using the information on the point in time. | 06-18-2009 |
20090160631 | Method and Control Device for Recognising Inattentiveness According to at Least One Parameter Which is Specific to a Driver - A method and a control unit are provided for detecting when the driver of a motor vehicle becomes inattentive. In order to be able to reliably draw conclusions about the presence of inattentiveness of the driver, it is proposed to observe not only a steering inactivity phase but also a steering action which follows the steering inactivity phase. A detected implementation of the steering inactivity phase and of the steering action are logically combined with one another, and the result of this logic combination is then used as a measure of the severity of the inattentiveness of the driver. In addition, the measure of the severity of the inattentiveness of the driver depends on at least one driver-specific parameter which is determined during the execution of the method. The inattentiveness of the driver can also be detected during the time interval in which the at least one driver-specific parameter is determined. | 06-25-2009 |
20090167516 | LOOK-AWAY DETECTING DEVICE, METHOD AND PROGRAM - A look-away detecting system for a vehicle has an image pickup device having a camera configured to capture a face image of a driver, and a look-away detecting apparatus. The look-away detecting apparatus has a sight-line detecting unit configured to detect a direction of the driver's sight-line, a look-away detecting unit configured to detect the driver's look-away in vertical and horizontal directions based on the direction of the driver's sight-line, and to judge a degree of risk due to the driver's look-away, and a vehicle control unit that is configured to indicate the degree of risk to the driver. | 07-02-2009 |
20090174539 | UEI FUEL & DRIVING MONITOR - This invention, UEI FUEL & DRIVING MONITOR, will monitor and record on a SD/Flash memory card, the events that exceed the proprietary software/hardware preprogrammed for acceleration, braking, left and right turns, or swerving. The events will be recorded and retrieved by a PC program for analysis of driving habits. The LED lights will give the driver immediate visual and audio output of their driving and fuel consumption by displaying RED=POOR, YELLOW=FAIR, GREEN=GOOD, by modifying their driving habits to drive mostly in the GREEN=GOOD area they will be able to conserve fuel, be a safer driver and also reduce wear on the vehicle. This is new technology using proprietary hardware and software developed by Universal Energy Innovations, LLC. | 07-09-2009 |
20090243827 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY AND METHOD - An information display for a vehicle includes an indicator arrangement having a visual display configured to provide driver demand information to a vehicle driver. The visual display includes a dynamic target range for operating the vehicle, which includes a first boundary and a second boundary indicating a driver demand that would cause the engine to start. A control system includes at least one controller, and is configured to receive at least one input related to current operating conditions of the vehicle and to provide at least one output to the indicator arrangement to position the target range on the visual display and to indicate to the driver a current level of driver demand. In this way, the visual display indicates to the driver the current level of driver demand relative to the position of the target range. | 10-01-2009 |
20090243828 | VEHICLE EMAIL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method provides vehicle information to an interested party, such as a vehicle owner or driver, regarding the operation of a vehicle. The method includes the step of measuring a parameter of operation produced by the vehicle. A level based on the parameter measured is then calculated. A notification message that includes information concerning the level is constructed. The method then sends the notification message to the interested party via an electronic messaging system. The electronic messaging system can be an email communication system. | 10-01-2009 |
20090251303 | Vehicle display device - A vehicle display device is arranged in a vehicle having an idling stop function that automatically stops an engine when the vehicle temporarily stops. The device includes a control unit that calculates a deviation of a current instant fuel consumption with respect to an average fuel consumption in a past predetermined period of the vehicle; and a fuelometer that indicates fuel consumption information representing whether a current driving state of the vehicle decreases the average fuel consumption. When the vehicle is in the idling stop state, the fuelometer indicates that the deviation is 0 regardless of the instant fuel consumption and the average fuel consumption. | 10-08-2009 |
20090256693 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS TO VALIDATE INSPECTION DATA - Techniques are disclosed for validating that an operator has moved a portable device sufficiently close to an inspection point to enable the operator to perform an inspection. A first exemplary technique employs a first portable device that includes a sensor for detecting the inspection point, a speaker, and stored audible prompts to facilitate the inspection, but no display on which visual prompts for facilitating the inspection can be provided. An alternative second exemplary technique employs a second portable device having a sensor for detecting the inspection point, and a wireless transmitter. This second portable device generates and immediately transmits a signal to a remote receiver indicating that the operator has moved the portable device sufficiently close to the inspection point to enable the operator to perform the inspection. Accordingly, the second portable device need not include a memory for storing the signal. | 10-15-2009 |
20090273458 | METHOD TO MONITOR MANUAL STEERING OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS AND DEVICE - The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for ensuring through active monitoring an attentive manual control of a dynamic system. The method and the arrangement use the tactile ability of the human hand to receive, particularly when the muscles are relaxed, certain types of vibrations through two sets of sensitive corpuscle in the human skin, known as the Meissner corpuscles and the Pacinian corpuscles, and the ability of the brain to provide an immediate response to these signals in the same interface to the object that the two sets of sensitive corpuscle are touching during the control and with immediate feedback from the control device of the dynamical system. | 11-05-2009 |
20090284360 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING AND CHANGE ASSIST SYSTEM UTILIZING ACTIVE MATERIALS - A lane change assist and/or lane departure warning system adapted for use with a vehicle having a module engaged by an operator, wherein the vehicle travels within a lane, and the system includes a steering wheel sensor, at least one sensor operable to detect a lane-marking or an approaching object in adjacent lanes in the direction of host vehicle travel, a warning device including an active material element engaged with the module, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and device and configured to determine a spatial relationship between the vehicle and the lane-marking or approaching object in the direction of host vehicle travel, compare the relationship to a threshold, transmit an activation signal to the element when the relationship exceeds the threshold or when an object is detected and the wheel sensor indicates a turn towards the object, and generate an alert by activating the element. | 11-19-2009 |
20090284361 | Driver scoring system with lane changing detection and warning system - The invention disclosed provides a driver monitoring and scoring system that detects and alerts the driver of erratic movements in order to redirect the attention of the driver so the driver can correct the poor driving. The system has the capability to record the instances of driving behavior and report them either immediately via a wireless network or from stored memory. The invention also displays a scoring system where the driver loses points for erratic driving and gains points for problem free driving. The system can maintain a list of high scores sorted by driver such that the driver can strive for higher scores resulting in better driving habits. The system can be used in the vehicle of the general public or in specific cases such as monitoring of drunk driving repeat offenders or in commercial vehicles such as school buses and public transportation. | 11-19-2009 |
20090322506 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVER STATE DETECTION - In a method and an apparatus for driver state detection, a signal characterizing the driver state is derived from the frequency of minima in the time profile of a variable that represents the lane-holding behavior of the driver, in particular the “time to line crossing,” the time required until the lane marking is crossed. | 12-31-2009 |
20100026476 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING DRIVING ADVICE - A driving advice provision apparatus generates an advice, based on diagnosis performed on multiple diagnosis items regarding the driving condition of the vehicle and based on the diagnosis results from those diagnosis items, and provides the generated advice to the driver. The multiple diagnosis items are classified into different categories according to the diagnosis methods. For the diagnosis items suitable to the comparative evaluation rather than the quantitative evaluation, a diagnosis result A for the previous evaluation section is compared with a diagnosis result B for the current evaluation section for yielding a comparative evaluation and for advice generation, thereby enabling an effective advice generation and provision in terms of diagnosis item category. | 02-04-2010 |
20100033314 | Fuel Enrichment Indicator - A method for signaling a driver of a motor vehicle that the motor vehicle is operating in a stoichiometric air/fuel mode or a non-stoichiometric air/fuel mode is disclosed herein. The method includes providing an air/fuel sensor, the air/fuel sensor providing a signal that is representative of a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio mixture or a non-stoichiometric air/fuel ratio mixture being supplied to or burned by the motor vehicle. The method also includes providing a powertrain control module that is operable to receive the signal from the air/fuel sensor and to energize a light source when a non-stoichiometric air/fuel ratio mixture signal is received. In some instances, the non-stoichiometric air/fuel ratio mixture is a fuel enriched air/fuel ratio mixture. In addition, the powertrain control module can be operable to energize the light source as a function of a plurality of sensor signals, the sensor signals including the air/fuel ratio mixture, exhaust oxygen content, throttle position, mass airflow, engine coolant temperature, intake air temperature, vehicle speed and the like. Regarding the air/fuel ratio signal, this signal can be the result of a powertrain control module commanded air/fuel ratio, or in the alternative an exhaust detected air/fuel ratio. | 02-11-2010 |
20100039249 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DRIVER STATE DETECTION - A method and a device for detecting the state of a driver are described. In the process, the curve of a signal which characterizes the state of the driver is evaluated, and a signal indicating the state of the driver is generated in response to a typical curve. | 02-18-2010 |
20100045451 | Speed reduction, alerting, and logging system - A system for Speed Reduction, Alerting, and Logging is disclosed that determines a vehicle's location and the legal speed limit at any location, then alerts the driver when his or her speed passes a threshold relative to the speed limit. The speed limit and/or thresholds for alerts may be adjusted according to the type of vehicle, time of day, day of the week, date, or local weather conditions. Alerts may be provided through audible, visual, kinesthetic, olfactory, or other sensory means and may be activated individually or in combination. Alerts may be logged and reviewed for the purpose of helping improve the driver's driving habits, including through the use of a map display that shows geographical locations and the severity of alerts. Alerts may also be transmitted to an external organization. A provision for forcing a speed reduction of the vehicle in response to an alert is also included. | 02-25-2010 |
20100045452 | Speed reporting for providing conditional driver treatment - A business process is disclosed whereby the driver of a motor vehicle receives conditional treatment from an external organization based on his or her driving habits as recorded by a speed detection and logging system on the driver's vehicle and then transmitted to the organization. A government organization may provide a provisional or probationary license allowing a driver to operate a vehicle while the driver's driving habits meet certain requirements. An automobile insurance company may use this process to adjust insurance rates for a driver. A rental car company may use this process to offer lower rental rates and/or lower insurance rates to good drivers. A company employing professional drivers may use this process to monitor its drivers. Logs of driving habits, which may take into account weather conditions, may be shown using a map display in order to provide feedback regarding a driver's driving behavior. | 02-25-2010 |
20100073155 | DRIVING SAFETY WARNING METHOD AND DEVICE THEREFOR - A driving safety warning device includes a central processing unit (CPU); an acceleration sensor for sensing an acceleration value of a car having the driving safety warning device installed therein, and sending the sensed acceleration value to the CPU for calculating, so as to obtain a driving speed value; and a gyro sensor for sensing a deviation angular speed value of the car in moving, and sending the sensed deviation angular speed value to the CPU for calculating. When the obtained driving speed value exceeds a preset value, a driving safety warning function is actuated; and when the obtained deviation angular speed value exceeds a preset maximum safety deviation angular speed value or exceeds a preset safety deviation angular speed value for wandering car while a timer is enabled and a reverse sway occurs when the timer is counting, a warning sound is emitted to remind the driver. | 03-25-2010 |
20100073156 | DISPLAY DEVICE - A display device for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine for at least temporarily driving the motor vehicle, and for displaying operating-time-related data of the internal combustion engine. The display device is characterized in that the operating-time-related data are provided as portions of the operation of the motor vehicle with a switched-off internal combustion engine at entities (E, E′, E″, . . . ) occurring earlier on the route of the motor vehicle. The display device is configured to display these data in the manner of a histogram. | 03-25-2010 |
20100085176 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR WARNING THE DRIVER - To warn the driver as a function of the driver condition, a standing acoustic wave is generated. The head of the driver is positioned in this standing wave in such a way that, in a setpoint position of the head, the ears of the driver come to lie in nodal points of the standing wave, and an acoustic warning signal is able to be perceived by the driver in a deviation therefrom. | 04-08-2010 |
20100090818 | FUEL CONSUMPTION SAVING DRIVE SUPPORTING DEVICE - A fuel consumption saving drive supporting device which calculates a mileage of each driver and informs each driver of advice based on an increase or a decrease of the calculated mileage is disclosed. The fuel consumption saving drive supporting device extracts a drive operation of the driver or a drive condition of a vehicle of the driver for increasing the mileage, and informs the driver of the advice in the drive operation or the drive condition corresponding to the extracted drive operation or the extracted drive condition. | 04-15-2010 |
20100097202 | Eco-drive assist apparatus and method - An eco-drive assist apparatus that displays a quantity of eco-drive that indicates a degree of ecology and/or economy in driving in a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine and a motor, includes: a first part configured to calculate the quantity of eco-drive on the basis of a vehicle power generated in the vehicle; and a second part configured to cause the quantity of eco-drive to be displayed in a graphic manner as a relative quantity to an eco-drive judgment threshold value that indicates whether the vehicle is in an eco-drive state and to cause the quantity of eco-drive to be displayed in a graphic manner as a relative quantity to an engine startup threshold value that indicates whether the engine is started up. The second part controls a display of the quantity of eco-drive in the graphic manner as the relative quantity to the engine startup threshold value on the basis of a first display change threshold value that changes the display from a first display showing that the engine has not been started up to a second display showing that the engine has been started up and a second display change threshold value that changes the display from the second display to the first display. The first display change threshold value is the engine startup threshold value. | 04-22-2010 |
20100109856 | Information System - An information system is provided for displaying a residual range of a motor vehicle, and includes devices for determining the filling degree of a power storage device of the motor vehicle, a computing unit for determining the residual range, and a display unit for displaying the residual range, by way of the filling degree of the power storage device. A first estimated value concerning a maximal residual range of the motor vehicle can be determined. A power consumption of at least one additional consuming device of the motor vehicle can be determined and, while the power consumption of the at least one additional consuming device is taken into account, a second estimated value can be determined concerning a reduced residual range of the motor vehicle. The first estimated value can be displayed by the display device simultaneously with the second estimated value and/or a difference between the first and the second estimated values can be displayed simultaneously with at least one of the two estimated values. | 05-06-2010 |
20100117814 | Warning System for a Motor Vehicle - A warning system for a motor vehicle includes sensor devices for detecting a driving situation, a warning device for the output of a warning to a driver of the motor vehicle, a device for detecting the driver's state of attention that includes operating elements of existing vehicle components, and a control device which triggers the warning device as a function of data of the sensor devices and the device for detecting the state of attention. In this warning system, the device for detecting the state of attention infers a reduced degree of driver attention when a total duration of a sequence of several operating actions related to the operating elements exceeds a minimum duration. A conclusion can also be drawn that the degree of driver attention is reduced when operating inputs are triggered that are known a priori as being cognitively demanding, for example, operating a telephone keypad. | 05-13-2010 |
20100127843 | Driver information and dialog system - A driver information and dialog system disposed in a vehicle and relating to driver behavior data and driver condition data, having a data acquisition device and an input/output device, the output device informing the driver about a collecting, storage, use, processing, and or transmission of driver behavior data and driver condition data, and the input device allowing the driver to transmit his decision consenting to or denying the collecting, storage, use, processing, and/or transmission of driver behavior data and driver condition data. Furthermore, a method for informing the driver and for dialog with the driver regarding driver behavior data and driver condition data collected in a vehicle, the driver being informed about the collecting, storage, use, processing, and/or transmission of driver behavior data and driver condition data, and the driver making decisions about the collecting, storage, use, processing, and/or transmission of driver behavior data and driver condition data. | 05-27-2010 |
20100134266 | Vehicular system having a warning system to alert motorists that a mobile phone is in use - This invention relates to a warning system for use on board a motorized road vehicle. The warning system includes an activity detector that detects an RF signal emitted from a mobile phone when a person driving the motorized vehicle is communicating over the mobile phone. The warning system also has a display device in communication with the activity detector, the display device providing a visual indication to a motorist of another vehicle near the motorized vehicle in traffic, in a manner that allows the motorist of the other vehicle to ascertain when the person driving the motorized vehicle is using the mobile phone. | 06-03-2010 |
20100141415 | SLEEP ALERT DEVICE - The present invention relates to a sleep alert device that acts by pressure of the fingers of the user on sensors. The invention includes a limited number of sensors as well as an instant alarm system which prevents accidental problems with previous delay alarm systems. At least one sensor is mounted on the fingers of the user or the steering wheel and with no delay of any kind connected directly or wirelessly to a control panel for control of the pressure sensors. The device has a means for detecting the wearing by the user, such as a pulse detector which can tell if the device is on or off when a pulse is detected respectively. | 06-10-2010 |
20100156617 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND PROGRAM OF DRIVING ATTENTION AMOUNT DETERMINATION - Even when a driver is not directing his or her line of sight to objects in the surroundings, the amount of attention of the driver to the peripheral visual field can be determined, and safe driving assistance in accordance with the result of determination can be provided. A driving attention amount determination apparatus includes: an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a driver; an attention amount determination section for determining an amount of attention of the driver to a peripheral visual field by utilizing an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal, the event-related potential being based on a starting point which is a time point of occurrence of a visual stimulation occurring in the peripheral visual field of the driver; and an output section for calling attention of the driver by outputting a signal based on a result of the determination. | 06-24-2010 |
20100182141 | ADAPTIVE INTERFACE PROVIDING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An adaptive interface providing apparatus and method of setting an individual degree of attention for a specific driver based on an average degree of attention are provided. The adaptive interface providing apparatus includes a statistics database unit which analyze a predetermined statistical population, extracts a context feature including an average degree of attention required when a driving operation, a state of a car, or an external environment changes, a degree of attention required for interface manipulation when a driver manipulates interfaces of a car, and a similarity between the functions of the interfaces using at least one of a sensor, an RFID, and a GPS and stores and manages the context feature; an adjusting unit which senses a change in at least one of the driving operation, the state of a car, and the external environment using at least one of the sensor, the RFID, and the GPS and adjusts an individual degree of attention based on the extracted context feature and the average degree of attention according to the sensed change; and a safety determining unit which determines whether or not a sum of the individual degree of attention and the degree of attention required for interface manipulation when the driver manipulates the interfaces is larger than a predetermined threshold degree of safety attention required for safe driving. | 07-22-2010 |
20100188201 | Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction - A Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee's Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up. A catalog or index of “standardized” motion profiles are accessible for initial comparison to actual vehicle motion characteristics in order to streamline the tuning of the driver risk analysis system. The system determines if and when an offset in Center of Gravity (i.e. from where initialized) has occurred, after which the system responsively tunes the driver risk assessment/prediction/analysis/reporting system. | 07-29-2010 |
20100207751 | System and method for viewing and correcting data in a street mapping database - A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and method for using street map data broadcasts a warning to a driver, wherein the warning is triggered when a vehicle operating parameter does not comply with a limitation for a current street in a street mapping database. The limitation for the current street is also broadcast to the driver. An indication that the limitation for the current street is incorrect is received from the driver. The warning to the driver may be an audible warning and/or a visual warning to the driver. Broadcasting a limitation for the current street may include displaying the limitation to the driver or playing a spoken message to the driver. The limitation may be a posted speed limit or a traffic direction, for example. | 08-19-2010 |
20100238009 | Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log - A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats. Furthermore, by tracking driver identity and other environmental factors, the system may be configured to generate a driver score, a driver log, and a dispatch log. The driver score can be normalized by consideration of environmental factors related to the strenuousness of the driver's driving or the driving challenges experienced by the driver during his or her driving trip. | 09-23-2010 |
20100245068 | Vehicle operation diagnosis device, vehicle operation diagnosis method and computer program - Vehicle operation diagnosis devices, methods, and programs diagnose a driver's vehicle operation determine whether to provide advice relating to the vehicle operation if a result of the diagnosis has met a predetermined provisioning condition. If the predetermined provisioning condition is met, the devices, methods, and programs provide the advice. The devices, methods, and programs compare the driver's vehicle operation before the advice was provided with the vehicle operation of the driver after the advice was provided. The devices, methods, and programs determine whether to provide the advice based on a comparison of the driver's vehicle operation before the advice was provided with the vehicle operation of the driver after the advice was provided. | 09-30-2010 |
20100253495 | IN-VEHICLE IMAGE PROCESSING DEVICE, IMAGE PROCESSING METHOD AND MEMORY MEDIUM - Every time a camera transmits a picked-up face image to an ECU, the ECU detects a face area from the transmitted face image, and corrects an exposure time so as to have brightness most appropriate to determine a facial direction and the condition of eyes at the detected face area. The corrected exposure time is notified to the camera, and the camera picks up an image of the face of a driver at the notified exposure time. Accordingly, the ECU analyzes a face image which is periodically picked up with the most appropriate brightness regardless of a change in an environment, and determines whether or not a driver is doing a hazardous driving. | 10-07-2010 |
20100259374 | ECO-DRIVE ASSIST APPARATUS, ECO-DRIVE ASSIST INFORMATION GENERATING APPARATUS, ECO-DRIVE ASSIST INFORMATION CALCULATION APPARATUS, ECO-DRIVE STATE DISPLAY APPARATUS, ECO-DRIVE ASSIST SYSTEM, AND ECO-DRIVE ASSIST INFORMATION CALCULATION METHOD - An eco drive support apparatus which reports the eco degree of the driving operation of a vehicle by displaying a state relative to a judgment threshold which varies corresponding to the drive state of the vehicle. The apparatus has a power train ECU which computes the judgment threshold and an eco drive state amount expressing a ratio to the judgment threshold on the basis of the drive state of the vehicle and a meter ECU which indicates the eco drive state amount on the basis of information transmitted from the power train ECU. The power train ECU transmits the eco drive state amount to the meter ECU. | 10-14-2010 |
20110001617 | METHOD FOR WARNING THE DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OF INCREASED RISK OF AN ACCIDENT - In a method for warning the driver of a motor vehicle, the yaw rate is altered in the event of an increased risk of an accident, and the change in the yaw rate serves to warn the driver of the increased risk state. | 01-06-2011 |
20110012720 | Integration of Vehicle On-Board Diagnostics and Smart Phone Sensors - An integration between data from the on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle and the sensors contained in a personal communication device or smart phone. The data integration enables improved diagnostic information to be provided to the driver. In addition, data can be distributed to remote systems using the device's network connection for additional analysis and comparison. Remote data can be used in aggregate by 3 | 01-20-2011 |
20110012721 | CONTROL OF A PERSONAL TRANSPORTER BASED ON USER POSITION - An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning. | 01-20-2011 |
20110043348 | Shift Prompt System - A method for providing guidance in shifting gears of vehicle includes obtaining data from a plurality of vehicle sensor, determining at least one shifting range based on the obtained data, the shifting range being represented by an engine speed, and displaying the shifting range to an operator of the vehicle | 02-24-2011 |
20110043349 | Active Wide-band Air Fuel Ratio Indicator - Methods and systems for protecting an engine of a vehicle are disclosed, including reading a throttle position voltage, an engine RPM voltage, and a voltage from an air fuel ratio (AFR) system comprising a wide-band oxygen sensor; converting the voltage from the AFR system to an AFR value; determining whether the throttle position voltage exceeds a preset threshold throttle position voltage; in response to determining that the throttle position voltage exceeds the preset threshold throttle position voltage, determining whether the AFR value exceeds a preset safe lower AFR limit or a preset safe upper AFR limit and whether the engine RPM voltage exceeds a preset threshold RPM voltage; in response to determining that the AFR value exceeds the preset safe lower AFR limit or the preset safe upper AFR limit and the engine RPM voltage exceeds the preset threshold RPM voltage, turning on a visual indicator, turning on an audible indicator, and/or triggering an active component. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-24-2011 |
20110057784 | OPERATION STATE JUDGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A vehicle state determination unit receives vehicle data from a vehicle sensor and position data from a position sensor with a certain frequency. A mode selection unit selects a driving operation mode on the basis of the data received from the vehicle state determination unit and passes the data to a data comparison unit. The data comparison unit reads out model data of the driving operation mode specified by the mode selection unit, from a model data storage unit, compares data received from the vehicle state determination unit and the model data, and passes the comparison result to a driving state determination unit. The driving state determination unit statistically processes the comparison result received from the data comparison unit and passes the result of the determination to a warning display unit. | 03-10-2011 |
20110063098 | STANDARD MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE DISTRACTION PREVENTION AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS - Methods and systems for providing standardized mobile device distraction prevention and safety protocols are disclosed. In particular, an embodiment of a method for activating a distraction prevention or safety protocol behavior in a mobile device when the mobile device satisfies a specific condition is disclosed. The method includes discovering one or more protocol activators configured to transmit discovery information associated with a specific condition. The method further includes activating distraction prevention safety protocol behavior in the mobile device based at least in part on the discovery information. In an implementation, the specific condition may be a specified environment itself and or include an event when the mobile device enters a specified environment or a specified sequence of numbers is dialed from the mobile device. | 03-17-2011 |
20110063099 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING VEHICLE EVENTS AND FOR GENERATING REPORTS CORRESPONDING TO THE RECORDED VEHICLE EVENTS BASED ON DRIVER STATUS - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for recording events in a vehicle based on driver status of a driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device. The device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The device is further configured to receive at least one vehicle event signal corresponding to vehicle events in response to the driver status signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to store the at least one vehicle event signal to record the vehicle events. The device is further configured to generate a report indicating the recorded vehicle events for transmission to at least one of the primary driver and the secondary driver. | 03-17-2011 |
20110090075 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VEHICLE PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION - A method of operating a driver analysis system, the method including receiving vehicle operation data corresponding to operation of vehicles by drivers, identifying a peer group associated with a target driver, processing at least a portion of the vehicle operation data to determine driving performance of the target driver relative to driving performance of the peer group, generating a driving report which identifies the driving performance of the target driver, and transferring the driving report to a target device for viewing by the target driver. | 04-21-2011 |
20110102167 | DRIVER ATTITUDE DETECTION SYSTEM - A driver attitude detection system for a vehicle includes a forward facing imaging sensor for capturing image data of a scene occurring forwardly of and in the direction of forward travel of an equipped vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the forward facing imaging sensor. A control, responsive at least in part to image processing by the image processor of the captured image data, is operable to determine driver performance and generate a control output indicative of driver performance. The driver attitude detection system may include at least one monitoring device for monitoring a vehicle characteristic of the equipped vehicle, and the control may, responsive at least in part to the at least one monitoring device, be operable to determine driver performance and generate the control output. | 05-05-2011 |
20110115617 | WHEEL WATCHER - Disclosed is a vehicle driver safety device that serves the purpose of helping and encouraging drivers to drive attentively and with alertness with a degree of vehicle control that adapts to driver experience, vehicle speed and road conditions. Should the unsafe habits persist the system warns nearby cars and officials and records the incidents for review by a parent or mentor to serve as a deterrent. The new and unique wheel watcher utilizes a steering wheel with sensor arrays that determine the number and position of the drivers hands on the wheel, a vehicle speed and road condition sensor to judge the degree of control that is appropriate, a clock/timer to determine the length a unsafe practice persists and a driver identification device that affects the degree of safety practices that are encouraged by the system. An internal alarm is provided to alert the driver to an unsafe condition and indicators such as lights grouped with the sensors alert the driver to the safe positions for their hands that will satisfy the system that the vehicle is under adequate control. | 05-19-2011 |
20110115618 | System and Method for Detecting Use of a Wireless Device in a Moving Vehicle - A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device. | 05-19-2011 |
20110121960 | DRIVING MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD UTILIZING THE SAME - A driving monitoring device and method includes controlling a camera to capture a face image of a driver, identifying the face image to determine if the driver is awake, and controlling a camera to capture a first image of the steering wheel. The driving monitoring device and method further includes identifying a steering wheel region and two hand regions, confirming one or more sub regions of the steering wheel region corresponding to the two hand regions, determining that the driver drives the vehicle inappropriately if the confirmed sub regions do not match standard positions, and outputting alert signals to prompt the driver. | 05-26-2011 |
20110121961 | Wheel Watcher - A vehicle driver safety device that encourages drivers to drive attentively and with both hands on the steering wheel is disclosed. | 05-26-2011 |
20110128139 | Information presentation apparatus - An information presentation apparatus includes an action determination section to execute a determination as to whether a driver becomes aware of an attention-seeking display sign or an alarm display sign, and an information presentation control circuit to cause a display device to perform a display changeover to change a display mode of an attention-seeking display sign or alarm display sign into an attenuation display mode based on an affirmative result from the determination by the action determination section. Herein, the action determination section executes the above determination based on reference information such as driver action confirmation information or vehicle information, which is a signal generated by a switch manipulation or a driving operation of the driver when noticing the attention-seeking display sign or alarm display sign displayed in the display device. | 06-02-2011 |
20110133919 | STEERING WHEEL HAND POSITION SENSING DEVICE - A system is provided for the detection of user hand position on a steering wheel, the system having: a sensor array disposed on the circumference of the wheel configured to detect contact of first and second user hands with the sensor array; a processor whereby data from the sensor array is received and processed generating user hand size, location and movement data; at least one feedback device whereby a user is alerted to an unsafe hand position. the processor being configured to detect conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of unsafe user hand position, allow a delay for correction of the condition and communicate existence of the condition for a period exceeding the delay to the at least one feedback device; a data logger configured to record the conditions in the size, location, and movement data indicative of the unsafe user hand position; a tamper indicator whereby unauthorized access to the sensor array, the processor, or the at least one feedback device is communicated to authorized noticees; a transceiver communicating with the processor whereby data relating to unsafe user hand positions is transmitted to the authorized noticees. | 06-09-2011 |
20110133920 | Method & Apparatus for Improving Fuel Efficiency of Mass-Transit Vehicles - Vehicles (and particularly mass-transit vehicles) that are powered by internal-combustion engines can realize fuel savings and reduce greenhouse gas and waste heat emissions by moving some of the load of generating electricity for the vehicle's systems to different times in the vehicle's operation. During periods of heavy engine load (e.g., acceleration and hill-climbing) electrical generation may be reduced. During periods of light load, braking, hill-descending and other conversions of kinetic energy to heat, electrical generation may be increased. | 06-09-2011 |
20110133921 | FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, CONTROL DEVICE OF PRIME MOVER, FUEL-SAVING DRIVING RATING DEVICE, AND FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - An accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling determining unit determines whether the number of engine revolutions of a vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether an accelerator opening rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and whether a traveling state is an accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state where a quantity of fuel injection to an engine is 0. When it is determined that the traveling state is the accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state, the traveling distance adding-up unit adds up accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling distances. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each of the added-up values which were added up by the traveling distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of a fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the driver to perform early engine operation by an engine braking, and to enhance the driver's awareness of fuel saving driving. | 06-09-2011 |
20110148614 | DISPLAY AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING AN "ECO" METER INDEX TO BE DISPLAYED FOR THE DRIVER OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A device and method are provided for calculating an “eco” meter index that indicates the driving efficiency and to a display of this “eco” meter index for the driver of a motor vehicle. The display is based on calculating an “eco” meter index in dependence on the accelerator pedal position (Acc Pedal), the engine speed (RPM), the vehicle speed (V | 06-23-2011 |
20110148615 | Method for Determining at Least One Operating State of a Hybrid Vehicle and a Hybrid Vehicle - A method determines at least one operating state of a hybrid vehicle, wherein the at least one operating state is determined by way of at least one time duration. Furthermore, a hybrid vehicle is provided which has a unit for implementing the method. | 06-23-2011 |
20110163863 | Driver's Alert System - A device to aid an operator of a vehicle includes a steering wheel of the vehicle operable to steer the vehicle, a touchscreen mounted on the steering wheel of the vehicle, a detection system to detect the contact of the operator with the touchscreen, and an alarm to be activated in the absence of the contact of the operator and when the vehicle is moving. The alarm may be is an audible alarm or/and the alarm may be a visual alarm. The steering wheel is mounted on a steering column, and the alarm is mounted on the steering column. The touchscreen may be positioned within a circular area, and the touchscreen may be continuous around the steering wheel. | 07-07-2011 |
20110169624 | Assistive Driving Aid - One embodiment of such a method of assisting a driver of a vehicle comprises receiving a command from the driver attesting that the driver has performed one of a plurality of driving requisites; in response to receipt of the command, presenting an audible cue commending the driver for performing one of the plurality of driving requisites; tracking an amount of time that elapses before the command attesting to performance of a respective driving requisite is received; and in response to the amount of time exceeding a threshold for the respective driving requisite, presenting an audible cue intending to remind the driver about the respective driving requisite being tracked that has exceeded the respective threshold. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169625 | COMBINING DRIVER AND ENVIRONMENT SENSING FOR VEHICULAR SAFETY SYSTEMS - An apparatus for assisting safe operation of a vehicle includes an environment sensor system detecting hazards within the vehicle environment, a driver monitor providing driver awareness data (such as a gaze track), and an attention-evaluation module identifying hazards as sufficiently or insufficiently sensed by the driver by comparing the hazard data and the gaze track. An alert signal relating to the unperceived hazards can be provided. | 07-14-2011 |
20110169626 | HAND-HELD DEVICE INTEGRATION FOR AUTOMOBILE SAFETY - A system for aiding a user when travelling in a vehicle with a portable, handheld electronic device includes a sensor that detects an object outside the vehicle and that detects a condition regarding movement of the vehicle with respect to the object outside the vehicle. The sensor is supported in the vehicle for travel with the vehicle. The system also includes a communication system that allows the vehicle and the electronic device to communicate a signal therebetween. The signal relates to the condition detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the system includes an output device included on at least one of the vehicle and the electronic device. The output device is operable to output an alarm based on the signal communicated between the vehicle and the electronic device. | 07-14-2011 |
20110199202 | NEAR-TO-EYE TRACKING FOR ADAPTIVE OPERATION - A method and a system are provided for adaptive vehicle operation. The method includes the steps of sensing a position and an orientation of a near-to-eye display device worn by the vehicle operator, determining a direction of gaze of the vehicle operator in response to the position and the orientation of the near-to-eye display device, and selectively generating an alert signal in response to the direction of gaze of the vehicle operator. | 08-18-2011 |
20110205043 | APPARATUS FOR PROMOTING IMPROVEMENT OF DRIVING SKILL TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY - An apparatus for performing a display indicating a state of fuel efficiency of a vehicle according to a driving operation, detects an operating state of the vehicle according to a driving operation performed by a driver of the vehicle. A score for representing the state of fuel efficiency of the vehicle according to the driving operation is determined. Here, the score is allocated to correspond to the operating state. A display indicating the score is performed as the display indicating the state of fuel efficiency. The allocation of the score to the operating state of the vehicle is changed according to a value obtained by accumulating the score. For example, the allocation of the score to the operating state is changed such that the score is lower as the value obtained by accumulating the score is higher. Thus, a degree of strictness with which the score is marked is higher as the level of the driving skill represented by the accumulated value is higher. | 08-25-2011 |
20110205044 | APPARATUS FOR COACHING A DRIVER FOR DRIVING OPERATION TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY - Advice on fuel efficiency is provided for each driving operation. A storage is provided for, for each driving operation to be performed by a driver of the vehicle and each state of fuel efficiency corresponding to each driving operation, storing at least one advice message indicating an advice about the state of fuel efficiency. For each driving operation performed by the driver of the vehicle, a state of fuel efficiency of the vehicle according to the performed driving operation is determined. In response to any driving operation being selected on a predetermined display screen, the storage is referred to based on the selected driving operation and the determined state of fuel efficiency for the selected driving operation to read and display an advice message corresponding to the selected driving operation and the determined state of fuel efficiency. For each driving operation, a driver can receive an advice on the fuel efficiency of his/her driving operation. | 08-25-2011 |
20110210838 | APPARATUS FOR COACHING A DRIVER FOR DRIVING OPERATION TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY - Coaching for driving operation for improving the fuel efficiency is provided. An instrument panel of the vehicle is structured to be a two-tier panel of an upper level and a lower level. A display means for displaying a color on a display unit disposed in the upper level is provided. If a predetermined driving operation by a driver is detected, a color to be displayed on the display unit is determined based on an operating state of the vehicle according to the detected driving operation. The color displayed on the display unit is changeable between a first color and a second color. The first color is established as a color indicating a fuel-efficient driving operation state. The second color is established as a color indicating a fuel-inefficient driving operation state. The color to be displayed is determined such that the color to be displayed gets closer to the first color as the detected driving operation becomes a more fuel-efficient driving operation state. Thus, for every driving operation, a driver can recognize whether his/her driving operation is fuel-efficient. | 09-01-2011 |
20110221586 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER IN DEVELOPING A FUEL-SAVING DRIVING STYLE - Various embodiments relate to a method and device for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle to develop a fuel-saving driving style. A route section which permits driving at a constant speed may be determined. Further, the constant speed may be determined. An acceleration or deceleration for approaching the constant speed may be determined. The acceleration or deceleration may be displayed to the driver. | 09-15-2011 |
20110227715 | Vehicle Information Display And Method - An information display system includes an information display that communicates relevant information relating to the operation of a vehicle. The information display conveys a score representing lifetime or long-term driving or operating efficiency of the vehicle. The score can be conveyed numerically or graphically using a number of indicators, or both. Each indicator may correspond to a different achievement level attained for efficient driving or vehicle use behavior. | 09-22-2011 |
20110227716 | AMBIENT LIGHTING TO REFLECT CHANGES IN VEHICLE OPERATING PARAMETERS - An interior lighting system which responds to changes in vehicle operating parameters, such as fuel economy, electric power consumption and battery recharging, by changing color of interior lighting. The system includes an engine vacuum sensor associated with the internal combustion engine and, when used on a hybrid vehicle, a motor power draw sensor associated with the vehicle's electric motor and a battery recharging sensor associated with the vehicle's storage battery. An array of color-changing ambient interior lights is provided and is operatively associated with the vehicle system controller. The sensors measure specific changes in driving parameters and send signals to the vehicle system controller for further processing. The vehicle system controller then interprets the received information to identify any changes in operating parameters (fuel consumption, electric power consumption, storage battery recharging), and signals one or more of the ambient lights to change colors and thereby signal the driver (or other occupant) as to a change in operating parameters. | 09-22-2011 |
20110241861 | VEHICLE FUEL EFFICIENCY DISPLAY - A fuel efficiency display for a vehicle includes a scale extending vertically on a screen with a bar superimposed over the scale to represent the instantaneous fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A numerical representation of the instantaneous fuel efficiency of the vehicle is displayed above the scale and the bar. A first marker indicating and a numerical representation of the average fuel efficiency of the vehicle over a pre-selected range is displayed on a left side of the scale and the bar. A second marker indicating a numerical representation of the greatest fuel efficiency achieved by the vehicle over the pre-selected range is displayed on a right side of the scale and the bar. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241862 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENSURING OPERATION OF LIMITED-ABILITY AUTONOMOUS DRIVING VEHICLES - A method for ensuring operation of a limited-ability autonomous driving enabled vehicle includes monitoring a plurality of specific conditions necessary for preferred and reliable use of limited-ability autonomous driving, and initiating a fault handling and degradation strategy configured to maneuver the vehicle to a preferred state if the driver is unable to manually control the vehicle when at least one of the specific conditions is either violated or will become violated. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241863 | DRIVER OPERATION PREDICTION DEVICE, METHOD, AND DRIVER OPERATION PREDICTION PROGRAM - A deviation angle, between a progression direction of a vehicle and a direction of a target destination point after a predetermined forward gaze duration on a target course the vehicle is travelling on, is detected by target destination point deviation angle detection unit. A yaw angular speed proportional to the deviation angle detected by the target destination point deviation angle detection unit is predicted by yaw angular speed prediction unit, as a yaw angular speed realized by steering wheel operation by a driver after a predetermined lag time for matching a timing of change in the vehicle movement with a timing of change in curvature of the target course. By so doing, the yaw angular speed due to steering wheel operation by a driver can be predicted with good precision. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241864 | APPARATUS FOR COACHING A DRIVER FOR DRIVING OPERATION TO IMPROVE FUEL EFFICIENCY - Coaching for driving operation for improving the fuel efficiency is provided. A first region and a second region adjacent to the first region are visually distinguishably displayed in one direction with respect to a predetermined reference position. A third region and a fourth region adjacent to the third region are visually distinguishably displayed in another direction with respect to reference position. The first region is established as a region indicating a fuel-efficient driving Operation, state for an operation for driving the vehicle. The second region is established as a region indicating a fuel-inefficient driving operation state for the operation for driving the vehicle. The third region is established as a region indicating a fuel-efficient driving operation state for an operation for braking the vehicle. The fourth region is established as a region indicating a fuel-inefficient driving operation state for the operation for braking the vehicle. Extensible graphics is provided at the reference position. For each operation for driving and braking the vehicle, the length of the graphics is changed based on an operating state of the vehicle according to the operation, thereby allowing a driver to recognize whether his/her operation is fuel-efficient. | 10-06-2011 |
20110241865 | DRIVING CONDITION EVALUATION DEVICE AND EVALUATION METHOD - A driving condition evaluation device is provided. The device includes a vehicle speed detection portion configured to detect a vehicle speed. A driving force estimation portion is configured to estimate driving force for driving a vehicle generated in accordance with a driving operation performed by a driver. A threshold value setting portion is configured to set a threshold value of the driving force based on the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection portion. A driving force information informing portion is configured to inform the driver of a relationship between the driving force estimated by the driving force estimation portion and the threshold value set by the threshold value setting portion. | 10-06-2011 |
20110254675 | CONTROL UNIT AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY GUIDING A VEHICLE - A control unit for automatically guiding a vehicle, in particular during a parking procedure, has an interface to a monitoring unit of a brake operating unit of the vehicle to ascertain a braking readiness of the driver in such a way that automatic guiding of the vehicle is interrupted if a braking readiness of a driver is not detected. | 10-20-2011 |
20110309926 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A ROUTE FOR EFFICIENT ENERGY CONSUMPTION - Various embodiments relate to determining a route for efficient energy consumption. Data defining one or more routes and one or more consumption influencing parameters which influence a consumption of an energy source of the vehicle along the one or more routes may be received at a vehicle computer. Based on the route data and the consumption influencing parameters, at least one route which minimizes the consumption of the energy source for the vehicle may be determined. For the at least one route, one or more braking strategies may be determined for implementation by a vehicle operator in the vehicle in accordance with reducing the consumption of the vehicle energy source. The one or more braking strategies may be output in the vehicle. | 12-22-2011 |
20120001744 | VEHICLE STATISTICAL MEASUREMENT GAME - A vehicle communication system is operable to calculate and compare vehicle statistics based on information received from a vehicle sensor. This statistic information can be used by the vehicle communication system to execute a plurality of statistic based games. Additionally, relevant statistic information may be transmitted to a remote network for the purpose of playing games against other drivers. The vehicle communication system can report statistical changes to a driver, thus appraising the driver of the driver's success in achieving statistical game goals. Network rankings may also be provided to the driver in a real-time basis by the vehicle communication system. | 01-05-2012 |
20120013456 | System and method for signaling, marketing, and advertising alternative fuel-based vehicles - A system and method for signaling, marketing, and advertising alternative fuel-based vehicles that easily installs into new or pre-existing alternative fuel-based vehicles. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an electronic control unit (“ECU”) installed in the vehicle, which determines whether an internal combustion engine or alternative power source powers the vehicle. The system further comprises a driver display and in-car display both of which are connected to the ECU. The ECU monitors the power status of the vehicle and illuminates vehicle displays and transmits a signal to illuminate exterior advertising displays when the vehicle is operating on the alternative power source or in a fuel-efficient mode. | 01-19-2012 |
20120013457 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM VEHICLE OPERATOR USE OF MOBILE DEVICES - A system and method are provided for monitoring transportation system vehicle operator use of a mobile device. A directional antenna detects a signal produced by a mobile device within a vehicle operator area of a transit vehicle. The signal is transmitted from the directional antenna to an antenna controller. An event signal corresponding to the signal is generated at the antenna controller and the event signal is transmitted from the antenna controller to a logic unit. The logic unit determines a current status of the vehicle. The logic unit stores mobile device use event data in a memory based on the event signal and the current status of the vehicle. | 01-19-2012 |
20120019375 | ALARM OUTPUT CONTROL APPARATUS - An output adjustment ECU ( | 01-26-2012 |
20120056736 | Display device for vehicle - A display device for a vehicle includes an information acquiring unit, a display unit and a control unit. The information acquiring unit acquires vehicle information regarding the vehicle. The vehicle information includes engine information indicating an engine on and off state. The control unit controls the display unit to display the vehicle information when the engine information indicates an engine on state. Further, the display unit controls the display unit to discontinue the display of the vehicle information once when the engine on state of the engine information is switched to the engine off state, and to restart display of the vehicle information. | 03-08-2012 |
20120098657 | Tracking lane marker position through use of information-transmiting device - Detecting position of the vehicle with respect to the lane marker lines through use of information-transmitting devices has been proposed. At least one row of information-transmitting wireless devices is provided for a lane marker line, wherein each of the devices is adapted for transmitting information to a reader usable for detecting the position of the vehicle as it comes in close enough proximity to the wireless device. Each of the devices transmits a digital signal to the reader installed on the body of the vehicle, which contain information of the line styles (dashed, solid etc.), line colors (white, yellow or blue) and locations with respect to the road. The information-transmitting devices may be placed just on the road surface, at some depth of the road surface, on light reflectors, guardrails, traffic cones, or any other devices installed on a road for traffic control or for any other purposes. The information-transmitting devices may be positioned just on or on a side of the marker lines or on the center or in proximity of the center of the traffic lane. The method proposed allows detection of the lane marker line no matter how difficult lightening conditions are and unambiguously determine the nature of the line detected. | 04-26-2012 |
20120112897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING REMOTE VEHICLE DRIVE CONDITION - A remote vehicle drive condition monitoring system and a method thereof are provided. The remote vehicle drive condition monitoring system, includes: a vehicle information center configured to receive a set value for monitoring a vehicle drive condition from a user and report a vehicle drive monitoring result to the user; a vehicle terminal configured to receive the set value from the vehicle information center and transmit the vehicle drive monitoring result to the vehicle information center; and a monitoring unit configured to monitor whether a vehicle violates the set value and output the vehicle drive monitoring result. | 05-10-2012 |
20120161954 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING A DRIVING STATE OF A DRIVER IN A VEHICLE - In a method and system for detecting a driving state of a driver in a vehicle, a face recognition standard corresponding to an environmental condition within the vehicle is established based on a series of image frames generated by capturing consecutively images of the driver upon movement of the vehicle. Upon detection of a variance in the environmental condition during movement of vehicle, the face recognition standard is updated with a corrected face recognition standard corresponding to the environmental condition with the variance. It is determined based on the corrected face recognition standard and the image frames whether the driving state of the driver is a dangerous state, where the driver's face does not face a front windshield of the vehicle or where the driver's face faces the front windshield of the vehicle but one of the driver's eyes is closed. | 06-28-2012 |
20120176231 | Information Display System And Method - An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used. | 07-12-2012 |
20120176232 | PREVENTION OF TEXTING WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A system and method includes sensors configured to measure conditions of a vehicle. A monitoring module is configured to evaluate the conditions input thereto from the sensors. The monitoring module is further configured to determine a state of a mobile device located within the vehicle. Based upon a combination of the conditions of the vehicle and the state of the mobile device, a determination of improper use of the mobile device is made. | 07-12-2012 |
20120200406 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DIRECTING ATTENTION OF AN OCCUPANT OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE TO A VIEWPORT - Methods and systems are described for directing attention of an occupant of an automotive vehicle to a viewport. Interaction information is received for monitoring an operator of an automotive vehicle that includes a first viewport as a first source of visual input for the operator and a second viewport as a second source of visual input for the operator. A detection is made that a first attention criterion is met for the first viewport and that a second attention criterion is met for the second viewport. In response to the detection, a determination is made that the first viewport has a higher priority than the second viewport. In response to the determination, first attention information is sent to present a first priority indicator, via a first output device, to identify the first viewport as a higher priority source of visual input for the operator than the second viewport. | 08-09-2012 |
20120200407 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING ATTENTION OF AN OPERATOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - Methods and systems are described for managing attention of an operator an automotive vehicle. An automotive vehicle having an operator for driving the automotive vehicle is detected. A determination is made the automotive vehicle is transporting a portable electronic device. A user interaction with the portable electronic device is detected during the transporting. Attention information is sent to an output device to present an attention output defined for directing the operator to attend to the driving, in response to detecting the user interaction. | 08-09-2012 |
20120206254 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING OPERATION OF A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Methods and systems are described for managing operation of a portable electronic device. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. Device information, about a portable electronic device configured to perform an operation, is received. An operator of the automotive vehicle is detected to be a user of the portable electronic device, based on the vehicle information and the device information. Operation information is sent, in response to detecting the operator is the user, to prevent the portable electronic device from performing the operation. | 08-16-2012 |
20120206255 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR MANAGING OPERATION OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - Methods and systems are described for managing operation of an automotive vehicle. Vehicle information, about an automotive vehicle, is received. The automotive vehicle has a current operational configuration for constraining an operation of the automotive vehicle. Device information, about a portable electronic device, is received. A detection is made, based on the vehicle information and the device information, that an operator of the automotive vehicle is a device user of the portable electronic device. In response to the detection, change information is sent to change the current operational configuration to alter a constraint on the operation of the automotive vehicle. | 08-16-2012 |
20120218094 | METHOD FOR ROAD GRADE ESTIMATION FOR ENHANCING THE FUEL ECONOMY INDEX CALCULATION - A method is provided of estimating a road grade of a current driven road. A nominal value of a vehicle operating parameter is measured during a nominal vehicle operating condition. The vehicle operating parameter is related to a vehicle thrust power. The nominal value of the vehicle operating condition is comprised of a nominal acceleration corresponding to the nominal value when the vehicle is driven on a substantially non-inclined road. The nominal value and nominal acceleration is stored in a memory. An actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is determined during a current vehicle operating condition. A vehicle acceleration corresponding to the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter is measured. The road grade of the current driven road is estimated as a function of a comparison between the measured acceleration value and the nominal acceleration that would be expected for the actual value of the vehicle operating parameter. | 08-30-2012 |
20120274460 | Field Efficiency Gauge - A field gauge includes an indicator for a present value and an indicator for a comparison value of an operating characteristic, such as field fuel efficiency. | 11-01-2012 |
20120280806 | SAFETY IMPROVEMENT METHOD OF IDLE STOP AND GO FUNCTION - A safety improvement method of an Idle Stop and Go (ISG) function may include: recognizing initial conditions that senses whether an engine is restarted, when the engine is restarted by the ISG, and whether a driver operates a vehicle, and determines whether to warn the driver; warning the driver that makes the driver recognize that the engine is restarted if it is determined to warn the driver in recognizing initial conditions; and stopping the warning that stops warning the driver after warning the drive has been executed. Warning the drive may be achieved by an alarm generated from a buzzer for a predetermined time and a visual screen that is provided for the driver. | 11-08-2012 |
20120299714 | HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE (HMI) AUTO-STEER BASED UPON-LIKELIHOOD TO EXCEED EYE GLANCE GUIDELINES - The described method and system provide for HMI steering for a telematics-equipped vehicle based on likelihood to exceed eye glance guidelines. By determining whether a task is likely to cause the user to exceed eye glance guidelines, alternative HMI processes may be presented to a user to reduce ASGT and EORT and increase compliance with eye glance guidelines. By allowing a user to navigate through long lists of items through vocal input, T9 text input, or heuristic processing rather than through conventional presentation of the full list, a user is much more likely to comply with the eye glance guidelines. This invention is particularly useful in contexts where users may be searching for one item out of a plurality of potential items, for example, within the context of hands-free calling contacts, playing back audio files, or finding points of interest during GPS navigation. | 11-29-2012 |
20120306637 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY ALTERING CONTENT OF A VEHICLE INTERFACE - A vehicle interface is provided that includes a controller configured to selectively alter content presented by the vehicle interface in response to receiving a signal indicative of driver distraction. | 12-06-2012 |
20120326855 | PREVENTION OF TEXTING WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - A system and method includes sensors configured to measure conditions of a vehicle. A monitoring module is configured to evaluate the conditions input thereto from the sensors. The monitoring module is further configured to determine a state of a mobile device located within the vehicle. Based upon a combination of the conditions of the vehicle and the state of the mobile device, a determination of improper use of the mobile device is made. | 12-27-2012 |
20130002417 | BIOLOGICAL STATE DETERMINATION DEVICE - It is possible to determine the biological state of the driver of a vehicle with high accuracy. In a biological state determination device, since a driver biological state which is the biological state of the driver is estimated on the basis of information representing the biological state of the driver, a weight is set for each driver biological state on the basis of information representing the level of possibility of erroneously estimating the driver biological state, and each driver biological state is weighted on the basis of the set weight, the weighted driver biological state becomes information in which the possibility of erroneous estimation is taken into consideration. The presence/absence of an abnormality in the biological state of the driver is determined on the basis of a plurality of weighted driver biological states, thereby improving determination accuracy of the biological state of the driver of the vehicle. | 01-03-2013 |
20130021148 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TUNING THE EFFECT OF VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS ON RISK PREDICTION - A system for evaluating risk in driving comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to determine whether a spacial motion data does not fall within the vehicle profile and, in the event that the spacial motion data does not fall within the vehicle profile, to change class/type assignment associated with the vehicle and to modify a trigger threshold associated with an event detector that monitors the spacial motion data. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. | 01-24-2013 |
20130038438 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING DRIVER SHIFT AIDS - Systems and methods for displaying a driver shift aid are disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic control unit causes a shift indicator to be presented if a need for a shift is detected and vehicle performance after the shift would not be unduly impacted. If the vehicle operator follows the guidance of the shift indicator, vehicle fuel efficiency may be improved while vehicle performance remains adequate. In one aspect, a different indicator may be displayed to prompt the vehicle operator to shift either one gear or two gears. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038439 | VEHICLE STATUS DISPLAY APPARATUS OF HYBRID VEHICLE - A vehicle status display apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a display configured to output a display related to a threshold indicating an engine start criterion under a traveling status using an electric motor; and a processing device. When the threshold changes, the processing device changes the display due to the change of the threshold such that a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to an operation of a vehicle's occupant is different from a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to a factor other than the operation of the vehicle's occupant. | 02-14-2013 |
20130043990 | BLIND SPOT MONITORING SYSTEM - A blind spot monitoring and visual display for a motor vehicle includes a pair of side mounted rear view mirrors with one of the rear view mirrors mounted on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of electronic or ultrasonic sensors with one of the sensors disposed on an outer edge of each of the mirrors and each of said sensors constructed and arranged to monitor the blind spots on each side of the motor vehicle. The system also includes a pair of warning lights with one of the warning lights disposed on an inner edge of each of the mirrors to indicate that there is another vehicle in one of the blind spots. In addition, there is a third sensor for sensing the position of the steering wheel or front wheels of the motor vehicle and an audio alarm for warning a driver that there is another motor vehicle in the area that he is moving into to avoid an eminent accident. | 02-21-2013 |
20130113615 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME INFORMATION USING ANALYSIS FACTOR BASED ON ROAD AND TRAFFIC CONDITIONS - Provided is an apparatus and method for providing real-time information using an analysis factor of road and traffic conditions. The real-time information service apparatus may include a calculating unit to calculate at least one of a topographical factor related to a road and a behavioral factor related to a speed, and a providing unit to provide real-time notification information to a driver based on at least one of the topographical factor and the behavioral factor. The real-time notification information may include at least one of a light signal of an indicator lamp, an alarm signal, a video signal, and an audio signal. | 05-09-2013 |
20130120125 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LANE DEPARTURE WARNING - A method and a system for lane departure warning are provided. The method is as follows. An original image is segmented into a plurality of regional images. Next, characteristics of each regional image are analyzed, and accordingly non-lane line regions are removed from the regional images, so as to obtain a plurality of lane line candidates. Then, a plurality of lane lines are determined from the lane line candidates according to a location of each lane line candidate in the original image. Finally, the lane lines are distinguished into left lane lines and right lane lines, and a variation of an angle between each left lane line and a horizontal line and a variation of an angle between each right lane line and the horizontal line are analyzed, so as to judge whether a vehicle departs from a lane and send a lane departure warning. | 05-16-2013 |
20130120126 | VEHICLE DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - A vehicle operation support apparatus includes an indicator section for indicating an actual value of a parameter and a target value of the parameter for an operator to manipulate the parameter with reference to the target value, wherein the parameter is manipulated by the operator for changing an engine output of a vehicle. In the vehicle operation support apparatus, a change amount of an indication in the indicator section with respect to a unit change amount of the actual value of the parameter is relatively small in a region close to the target value. | 05-16-2013 |
20130135090 | Real-Time Detection of Hazardous Driving - A system is disclosed which provides real-time detection of hazardous driving behavior. The system collects information about the motion of a vehicle along a path, for example, using a global positioning satellite system receiver. Roadside signs along the path are detected and their content determined. That information is compared with information about the motion of the vehicle to provide information with regard to potentially hazardous driving behavior. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135091 | INDICATOR SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A remote indicator for an automotive vehicle includes a sensor unit for determining the value of at least one vehicle operating parameter and for generating a wireless signal corresponding to the sensed value. After wireless transmission to a receiver, an indication of the signal is displayed to an occupant of the vehicle. | 05-30-2013 |
20130135092 | DRIVING BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS AND WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A driving behavior analysis and warning system is adapted to detect the driving behavior of a driver driving an automobile and to provide a warning signal corresponding to the driving behavior. The analysis and warning system receives drive information captured by an external and/or an internal drive system via an information collection unit, and analysis module integrated with a algorithm is then used to analyze the drive information to produce drive safety signals, enabling the driver to determine whether driver driving behavior is normal or not through an output unit, so as to prevent injury caused by dangerous driving. Moreover, this invention also provides a method for analyzing and warning driving behavior. | 05-30-2013 |
20130141228 | SAFETY MONITORING IN SYSTEMS OF MOBILE ASSETS - Systems and methods for safety monitoring are described. Mobile assets may receive safety monitoring notifications responsive to one or more safety criteria being met. A driver or other user of the mobile asset may be prompted to acknowledge the safety monitoring notification. If the user requests assistance or does not acknowledge the safety monitoring notification, notifications may be communicated to other individuals, e.g. supervisors. In this manner, the safety of, e.g. drivers in a fleet of vehicles may be monitored. | 06-06-2013 |
20130278405 | INHIBITING DISTRACTING OPERATIONS OF PERSONAL HANDHELD DEVICES BY THE OPERATOR OF A VEHICLE - A warning system is configured to alert a driver if a mobile electronic device present in the vehicle is located outside a designated area of the vehicle, such that it might distract the driver. The designated area can be any surface or retaining area with an associated sensor that can detect the presence of the mobile device. If the driver removes the mobile device from the designated area while driving, the driver will have a predetermined period of time to return the mobile device to the designated area before an alert is generated. If the mobile device is not returned within the predetermined period of time, the alert is generated. | 10-24-2013 |
20130293370 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE DEVICE - A driving assistance device includes a display unit which displays an energy consumption rate map which shows a distribution of an energy consumption rate during travel of a vehicle, an icon which indicates a current energy consumption rate of the vehicle on the energy consumption rate map, the energy consumption rate being defined by a speed of the vehicle and an acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle, and a direction defining display portion which defines a moving direction of the icon, wherein the energy consumption rate map displays an eco region, which is a region in which the energy consumption rate is lower than a predetermined value, with a color different from those of the other regions of the energy consumption rate map in the display unit. | 11-07-2013 |
20130328673 | DRIVING ABILITY REDUCTION DETERMINING APPARATUS - A driving ability reduction determining apparatus comprising a virtual image display portion, an operation portion, a response detection portion and a driving ability determination portion is disclosed. The virtual image display portion emits a determination-usage display image toward a windshield, thereby displaying to the driver the determination-usage display image as a virtual image through the windshield. The operation portion is operated by the driver when the driver visually recognizes the determination-usage display image. The response detection portion detects a response situation of driver's operation of the operation portion in response to display of the determination-usage display image by the virtual image display portion. The driving ability determination portion determines the driving ability reduction of the driver based on a detection result of the response detection portion. | 12-12-2013 |
20130335213 | LANE DEPARTURE WARNING/ASSISTANCE METHOD AND SYSTEM HAVING A THRESHOLD ADJUSTED BASED ON DRIVER IMPAIRMENT DETERMINATION USING PUPIL SIZE AND DRIVING PATTERNS - A method/system for lane departure warning/assistance that warns the driver that the vehicle is about to leave a current lane and enter an adjacent lane. The driver is identified, and a corresponding profile is accessed. The driver's pupils may be measured and compared to pupil size baseline data stored in the accessed profile. If the difference in pupil size exceeds a pupil size baseline by more than a deviation level, the method/system may adjust a lane departure warning/assistance threshold of a lane departure detector that warns the driver each time the vehicle is getting too close to an adjacent lane, thus alerting the driver that the vehicle may drift into the next lane. Driving patterns, such as steering angles and braking force, may also be used to adjust the lane departure warning/assistance threshold and determine whether the driver may benefit from lane departure warning/assistance. | 12-19-2013 |
20130342340 | DISPLAY DEVICE FOR WORK MACHINE - Disclosed is a display device | 12-26-2013 |
20140015662 | METHOD FOR MONITORING THE POSTURE OF A MOTORCYCLIST - A method for improving the safety of motorcycling. With the aid of a sensor system, it is monitored if a motorcyclist assumes a predefined posture. Using an algorithm on a control unit, if it is detected that the motorcyclist deviates from the predefined posture for longer than a predetermined period of time, a signal transmitter is activated. | 01-16-2014 |
20140015663 | VEHICULAR INFORMATION-PROCESSING DEVICE AND VEHICULAR INFORMATION-PROCESSING METHOD - A vehicular information-processing device and a vehicular information-processing method with which driver operation information can be smoothly linked to learning results are provided. The information-processing ECU learns pieces of operation information, which are obtained in correspondence with various vehicle operations by a driver, in association with the respective spots where the vehicle operations occurred, and, on the basis of the result of learning, provides operation information specific to each spot as driving assistance information. The information-processing ECU determines whether or not the specific operation information provided at the same spot conforms to the driver's vehicle operation at the spot, and learns the repeatability of the specific operation information provided at the spot on the basis of the number of times that it is determined that there is conformity or the number of times that it is determined there is no conformity. | 01-16-2014 |
20140091917 | INTERACTIVE ATTENTIVENESS ENHANCEMENT - A method for interactive attentiveness enhancement of a vehicle driver includes steps of determining that a driver assistance function for semiautomatic control of the motor vehicle is active, detecting a stimulus which may be experienced by the vehicle driver upon an observation of the surroundings of the motor vehicle, detecting an input of the vehicle driver in response to the stimulus, determining a game result based on the input and the stimulus, and outputting a notice concerning the game result. | 04-03-2014 |
20140125474 | ADAPTIVE ACTUATOR INTERFACE FOR ACTIVE DRIVER WARNING - A method, system, device and computer readable medium for adaptively warning a driver includes detecting a behavior of the driver, the behavior including engagement in a secondary activity, which is an activity other than driving a vehicle. Based on the detected behavior, a level of engagement in the secondary activity is estimated, and, based on the estimated level of engagement in the secondary activity, the driver's level of perception of an external hazard is determined. A warning alert for the driver, when the level of perception is below a threshold is actuated. A reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert is determined. Based on the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert, the warning alert is adjusted, and the warning alert is terminated when the level of perception becomes above the threshold because of the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert. | 05-08-2014 |
20140132407 | VEHICLE INFORMATION TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A vehicle information transmitting apparatus transmits information to a driver by optical stimulus, and determines whether or not to change a mode of the stimulus on the basis of at least one of information about the driver, an operation input, and a behavior of a vehicle, the information about the driver, the operation input, and the behavior being obtained after the transmission of the information. The vehicle information transmitting apparatus may change the mode of the stimulus when determining that the information is not considered by the driver. Further, the vehicle information transmitting apparatus may change the mode of the stimulus when determining that a cause that the information is not considered resides in the mode of the stimulus. | 05-15-2014 |
20140145841 | VEHICLE RANGE PROJECTION FOR MULTIPLE DRIVERS OF A SHARED VEHICLE - Vehicle range projection includes detecting, via a vehicle antenna, a key fob within range of the vehicle. The key fob is associated with an individual. The vehicle range projection also includes searching, via a computer processor embedded in the vehicle, a database for a record having an identifier that matches an identifier of the key fob. The record stores historical drive cycle data associated with the key fob and the individual. The vehicle range projection further includes retrieving the historical drive cycle data and calculating a projected electric range value indicative of a distance in which the vehicle is capable of traveling on electric-only power. The projected electric range value is calculated as a function of a distance calculated based on available battery charge that is adjusted based on a driving style of the individual. The driving style of the individual is determined from the historical drive cycle data. | 05-29-2014 |
20140167944 | DISPLAY DEVICE - Each of an accelerator operation amount and a brake operation amount is displayed as an amount of displacement in the same direction (same side) from a reference position. Also, respective boundaries (or ranges) are displayed in the same direction for determining whether or not the accelerator operation amount during accelerator operation is in a fuel efficient region and whether or not the brake operation amount during the brake operation is in the fuel efficient region. With such a configuration, respective target positions (positions of the respective boundaries (ranges) for determining the fuel efficient region) during accelerator operation and during brake operation are in the same side, thus a driver can operate the vehicle without confusion. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167945 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TUNING THE EFFECT OF VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS ON RISK PREDICTION - A Method and System for Tuning the Effect of Vehicle Characteristics on Risk Prediction is disclosed. The system many incorporate many of those driver risk assessment system features previously disclosed by Assignee's Prior Applications. The present system provides a major functional distinction from those prior systems by adding the feature of real-time tuning of the risk assessment/prediction/analysis system in response to ongoing changes in vehicle motion characteristics. Specifically, system monitors the vehicle center of gravity for changes on a real-time basis, and then adjusts the risk prediction/assessment/analysis system responsively. The system executes an initialization feature that implements an initial, or series of initial vehicular motion profiles at the commencement of either a driving trip of the system being powered up. A catalog or index of “standardized” motion profiles are accessible for initial comparison to actual vehicle motion characteristics in order to streamline the tuning of the driver risk analysis system. The system determines if and when an offset in Center of Gravity (i.e. from where initialized) has occurred, after which the system responsively tunes the driver risk assessment/prediction/analysis/reporting system. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167946 | DRIVER AND VEHICLE ANALYSIS - Methods, systems, and software are disclosed for operating a driver analysis system, including receiving vehicle operation data corresponding to operation of vehicles by drivers, identifying a peer group associated with a target driver, processing at least a portion of the vehicle operation data to determine driving performance of the target driver relative to driving performance of the peer group, generating a driving report which identifies the driving performance of the target driver, and transferring the driving report to a target device for viewing by an entity, where the driving report includes an indication of status of a safety device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140184401 | OPTIMAL ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY RECOMMENDATION SYSTEM - An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model. | 07-03-2014 |
20140191858 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING FEEDBACK BASED ON DRIVING BEHAVIOR - Providing feedback based on driving behavior. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: determining an indication of driving behavior of a driver, the determining by: identifying the driver in a vehicle; detecting movement of the vehicle; collecting data related to the driving behavior of the driver; and issuing an alert related to the driving behavior of the driver for the purpose of providing feedback related to the driving behavior. | 07-10-2014 |
20140203927 | MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVING ASSISTANCE METHOD WITH A VIEW TO OPTIMIZING THE USE OF THE POWER SUPPLY - A motor vehicle driving assistance method including at least one electric motor powered by a battery and capable of driving drive wheels of the vehicle, the method including calculating an optimized consumption for the vehicle from an actual power consumption of the vehicle and from values collected by sensors of the vehicle, over a same path that the vehicle is in a process of traveling, the optimized consumption corresponding to a reference driving style; and informing the driver of a distance that he/she could travel using the power supply available on-board the vehicle if he/she were to adopt the reference driving style, or else the driver is informed of energy savings per unit of distance traveled that he/she might obtain if the reference driving style were adopted. | 07-24-2014 |
20140210604 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING DISPLAY DEVICE - A control system for controlling a display device mounted on a vehicle includes: a first control device for controlling the display device to display a first information image corresponding to a specific event when the specific event occurs; and a second control device for controlling the display device to display a second information image corresponding to the specific event after the display device displays the first information image. The second control device changes a display start time of the second information image according to at least one of a driving condition of the vehicle and a driver condition of a driver of the vehicle. | 07-31-2014 |
20140218187 | ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF EMOTIONAL STATE OF A VEHICLE OPERATOR - Devices, systems, and techniques are provided for assessment and management of an emotional state of a vehicle operator. Assessment of the emotional state of the vehicle can include accessing operational information indicative of performance of a vehicle, behavioral information indicative of behavior of an operator of the vehicle, and or wellness information indicative of a physical condition of the operator of the vehicle. In one aspect, these three types of information can be combined to generate a rich group set of data, metadata, and/or signaling that can be utilized or otherwise leveraged to generate a condition metric representative of the emotional state of the vehicle operator. Management of the emotional state can be customized to the specific context of the vehicle and/or the emotional state, and can be implemented proactively or reactively. | 08-07-2014 |
20140218188 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING CONCENTRATION LEVEL OF DRIVER - Provided is an apparatus and method for analyzing a concentration level of a driver, the method including analyzing quantitative data associated with a time at which a line of sight (LOS) of a driver is dispersed and a time at which the LOS of the driver is focused, analyzing a reaction speed of a human machine interface (HMI) when a command based on device input information, voice information, and gesture information is input, and evaluating a degree of LOS dispersion of the driver based on the quantitative data of the driver and the reaction speed of a user interface (UI) of the HMI. | 08-07-2014 |
20140240116 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CALCULATION AND DISPLAY OF PERFORMANCE DRIVING INFORMATION - An electronic display comprises a graphical lap information display portion that comprises a lap time differential indicator and an illuminated portion. The lap time differential indicator is configured to display a differential time value. The illuminated portion is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the graphical lap information display portion in a plurality of different lighting modes. The illuminated portion is operable in the plurality of different lighting modes in response to a rate of change of the differential time value. A vehicle and method are also provided. | 08-28-2014 |
20140253310 | HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE - A method and system provides a human machine interface configured to provide a vehicle driver with an appropriate easy to understand information to perform driving maneuvers safely. The human machine interface provides the driver with safety information for performing a driving maneuver. The human machine interface is further configured to provide a visualization of an environment of the vehicle and a color scheme configured to convey a criticality of an execution of a vehicle maneuver. | 09-11-2014 |
20140266660 | REAL-TIME DRIVER REWARD DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140292504 | DRIVER RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUTOMATED DRIVER LOG - A system for reducing driving risk comprises an event capture device and a processor. The event capture device is to capture a driving event of a vehicle during a driving trip. A processor configured to assign a risk identifier to the driving event, to generate an event score based at least in part on the risk identifier, and to generate a driver score based at least in part on the event score and one or more driver challenge factors. | 10-02-2014 |
20140300458 | STEERING WHEEL COVER DRIVER SAFETY SYSTEM - A steering wheel cover that houses the sensor, indicator, power and communication elements of a driver safety system is disclosed. The objective is to discourage texting, eating, primping one's self and cell phone use that distract drivers and causes accidents. The steering wheel cover is light, easy to install and lock in place but strong and difficult to forcibly remove. The driver safety system senses the positions of the driver's hands on the wheel rewarding safe habits. When the system senses bad habits the driver is warned, incidence is recorded for third party information in addition to alerting and annoying dis-rewards are given. | 10-09-2014 |
20140340211 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROVIDING DRIVER FEEDBACK - The present invention relates to a method of evaluating at least one operating parameter of a motor vehicle. A system variable relating to an operating parameter of the vehicle is measured. A look-up map (A; S; B) associated with the operating parameter is accessed. The look-up map (A; S; B) comprises of one or more sets of threshold values (R | 11-20-2014 |
20150009024 | DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A device for displaying information in a hybrid vehicle comprises a display instrument that has multiple zones for displaying the current operating state of a combustion engine and of at least one electric motor in the hybrid vehicle. The power that the at least one electric motor can generate in a boost mode can be displayed in one of the zones. The display instrument includes a zone that can display the remaining time during which the at least one electric motor can be operated in the boost mode. | 01-08-2015 |
20150029014 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INFERRING THE BEHAVIOR OR STATE OF THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE, USE OF THE METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - The invention relates to a method and system for inferring the behavior or state of the driver of a vehicle, use of the method and computer program for carrying out the method | 01-29-2015 |
20150035666 | PERSONALIZED VEHICLE DRIVING SUGGESTIONS - In many vehicular control contexts, a vehicle may monitor the vehicle input control from a driver to detect warning conditions that entail a warning to the user and/or an automatic mitigating action (e.g., detecting hard braking that causes brake lockup, and automatically activating anti-lock braking). Warning and mitigation techniques may address the instant driving conditions, but may not the user driving behavior that caused the condition (e.g., a driving style of the user that resulted in hard braking, such as excessive speed for current driving conditions). Presented herein are techniques for monitoring the user driving behavior of the user in various driving contexts, and presenting driving suggestions of alternative driving behaviors providing advantages over the current user driving behavior of the user. The presentation of the alternative driving behaviors to the user may facilitate changes in user driving behavior that improve the safety, efficiency, and/or comfort of the driving experience. | 02-05-2015 |
20150042463 | UNEXPECTEDNESS PREDICTION SENSITIVITY DETERMINATION APPARATUS - An unexpectedness prediction sensitivity determining apparatus determines, for each of temporary stop intersections, a standard driving operation level of a driver when entering the each of temporary stop intersections, based on intersection travel information received from plural vehicles. Subsequently, the unexpectedness prediction sensitivity determining apparatus determines the unexpectedness prediction sensitivity of the driver when entering the temporary stop intersection based on the intersection travel information associated with the temporary stop intersections where determined standard driving operation levels of the drivers are identical to one another. | 02-12-2015 |
20150054638 | DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS AND DRIVING SUPPORT METHOD - A driving support apparatus is provided that supports driving of a vehicle that is traveling on a road. In the apparatus, a cruising lane on the road is detected. When the cruising lane cannot be detected, an extrapolation cruising lane formed by extrapolating a previously detected cruising lane is set. A length of time over which the extrapolation cruising lane is set is decided based on the distance between the previously detected cruising lane and the vehicle and/or a lateral speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, whether or not the vehicle will deviate from the detected cruising lane or the set extrapolation cruising lane within a reference time that is set in advance is determined. Driving support is performed based on the determination result. | 02-26-2015 |
20150054639 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MOBILE PHONE USAGE - An apparatus that includes a mobile phone detection system is provided. The apparatus comprises a wearable device having a pulse detection sensor, an RF detection sensor, and at least one processor. The pulse detection sensor is configured to detect a heart beat pulse of a body of a user wearing the wearable device. The RF detection sensor is configured to detect RF radiation signals from the body of the user wearing the wearable device. The processor may be operative responsive: to the pulse detection device detecting the pulse of the user; and the RF detection sensor detecting an RF radiation signal indicative of the user using a mobile phone; to output at least one notification signal indicative of the user using the mobile phone. | 02-26-2015 |
20150070159 | LOW-LEVEL CONSCIOUSNESS DETERMINATION SYSTEM - The low-level consciousness determination system includes curved road determination means for determining whether a road on which the vehicle is traveling is a curved road and determining whether the vehicle is traveling on the outside of the curved road or on the inside of the curved road when the road is the curved road, threshold value setting means for setting different sudden steering determination threshold values when the curved road determination means determines that the road is not the curved road, when the curved road determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling on the outside of the curved road, and when the curved road determination means determines that the vehicle is traveling on the inside of the curved road, and sudden steering detection means for detecting the sudden steering on the basis of the threshold values set by the threshold value setting means after the non-steering state is detected. | 03-12-2015 |
20150077237 | INTERACTIVE VEHICLE WINDOW DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH A SAFE DRIVING REMINDER SYSTEM - A system for a vehicle includes a user identification subsystem operable to detect a driver; and an interactive display subsystem operable to generate output for display on a vehicle window based on detection of the driver, the output associated with a reminder specific to a questionable driving habit of the driver. | 03-19-2015 |
20150084760 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING EFFICIENCY OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY VEHICLE - A method and a system for displaying efficiency of regenerative braking for an environmentally-friendly vehicle to better educate drivers in regards to their braking habits and hopefully teach them how to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle through adjustment of their braking habits while improving the quality of a vehicle by displaying the regenerative braking efficiency in comparison to a total amount of braking during the braking of the environmentally-friendly vehicle on a cluster. In particular, a total amount of braking while the vehicle is braking, and a ratio of the amount of regenerative braking included in the total amount of braking is calculated by a controller. Then the controller determines whether the vehicle is stopped due to braking. Once the vehicle has stopped due to braking, the calculated ratio of the amount of regenerative braking is displayed on a cluster in the vehicle. | 03-26-2015 |
20150084761 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMBATTING DISTRACTED DRIVING - The apparatus is for use with a motor vehicle operated by a driver and includes a scanning device and a computing facility. The scanning device, in use, gathers information about the eye activity of the driver. The computing facility determines, based on the information gathered, whether the driver is watching the road. The determination can include one or more of: ascertaining an orientation of at least one of the driver's eyes; and ascertaining an orientation of the head of the driver. The computing facility can be defined by a microprocessor. If the facility determines that the driver is not watching the road, the facility can trigger an alarm state of the vehicle. The apparatus can be employed for persons convicted of driving while texting in a manner analogous to the manner in which breath alcohol ignition interlocks are employed for persons convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. | 03-26-2015 |
20150097661 | Lane Marking Crossing Warning System - The present invention relates to a lane marking crossing warning system ( | 04-09-2015 |
20150130603 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR WARNING REDUCTION IN FUEL EFFICIENCY OF VEHICLE - An apparatus for warning reduction in fuel efficiency of a vehicle includes a driving sensor configured to sense driving of the vehicle. A window position sensor is configured to sense an opened degree of each window in the vehicle. A controller is configured to enable a fuel efficiency reduction predictor when the window position sensor senses that a window of the vehicle is opened, in the state in which the driving sensor senses the driving of the vehicle, the fuel efficiency reduction predictor predicting reduction in fuel efficiency depending on the opened degree of each window sensed by the window position sensor. | 05-14-2015 |
20150314684 | VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT - A vehicle arrangement includes a display for providing an indication of a status of a first vehicle function, a first operational interface for controlling the first vehicle function, and a control unit connected to the display and the first operational interface, the control unit being adapted for selectively controlling the display for displaying the status of the first vehicle function. The vehicle arrangement further includes an arrangement for detecting an intention to control the first operational interface, and the control unit selectively controls the display for displaying the status of the first vehicle function at and for a predetermined time period following the detection of an intention to control the first operational interface. | 11-05-2015 |
20150314722 | INFORMATION PROVISION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - An information provision device for a vehicle is provided. The information provision device comprises an output device that reports notification information to a driver of the vehicle through an audible or visible message, an information selection unit that selects the notification information from among information items based on content of a driving operation of the vehicle, a preference determination unit that determines a reporting manner of the audible or visual message in the output device based on preference of the driver, and an output control unit that controls the output device in such a way that the notification information, which is selected by the information selection unit, is reported in the reporting manner determined by the preference determination unit. | 11-05-2015 |
20150344038 | Dangerous Driving Event Reporting - Dangerous driving events may be reported by detecting an occurrence of a dangerous event relating to the operation of a vehicle. A notification message of the dangerous event may be generated involving a time of occurrence of the dangerous event, a location of the dangerous event, and an event type of a plurality of event types for the dangerous event. The notification message may then be transmitted to communicate the occurrence dangerous driving event and information related to the dangerous driving event. | 12-03-2015 |
20150352999 | DRIVING CONTEXT GENERATION SYSTEM - In a system, a behavior description generator extracts a feature portion from at least one of segmented behavior-data sequences corresponding to at least one target driving situation included in sequential driving situations, and generates behavior-description information indicative of a description of a driver's behavior associated with the at least one target driving situation. An event description generator sequentially detects traffic events in at least one environmental data sequence indicative of time-series driving environments of a vehicle. The event description generator generates event-description information including a description indicative of each of the detected traffic events. A context description generator extracts, from the sequentially detected traffic events, one target traffic event that is detected immediately adjacent to the feature portion. The context description generator generates context information indicative of a context between behavior-description information and the event-description information about the target traffic event. | 12-10-2015 |
20160075338 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A SAFETY DEVICE FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS - A safety device is provided for motorcycle riders, including a safety helmet and a camera device which is situated on the safety helmet, the safety helmet having a facial area in which the face of a user of the safety helmet is situated when used as intended. It is provided that the camera device is situated on the safety helmet in such a way that it at least partially detects the facial area, the camera device being connected to at least one warning device which outputs a warning as a function of data collected by the camera device. | 03-17-2016 |
20160101787 | DRIVER RISK ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD EMPLOYING AUTOMATED DRIVER LOG - A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats. Furthermore, by tracking driver identity and other environmental factors, the system may be configured to generate a driver score, a driver log, and a dispatch log. The driver score can be normalized by consideration of environmental factors related to the strenuousness of the driver's driving or the driving challenges experienced by the driver during his or her driving trip. | 04-14-2016 |
20160107597 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LANE KEEPING OF VEHICLE - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling lane keeping of a vehicle. An apparatus for controlling lane keeping of a vehicle may include: a sensor module configured to measure a torque value of a vehicle; a control module configured to determine a hands off state based on the measured torque value and generate a warning alarm for the hands off state when the vehicle is in the hands off state and is in a predetermined specific state; and an output module configured to generate the warning alarm. | 04-21-2016 |
20160159366 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM AND DRIVING ASSISTANCE METHOD - A driving assistance system includes a history storage unit, a behavior detecting unit, a state determining unit, and a notifying unit. The history storage unit stores a behavior history which is a past behavior history of a driver. The behavior detecting unit detects a current behavior of the driver. The state determining unit determines an unsafe state by comparing the transition of the behavior detected by the behavior detecting unit with the behavior history of the driver corresponding to a current driving path. If the state determining unit determines the unsafe state, the notifying unit gives notification to the driver. | 06-09-2016 |
20160176410 | DRIVER MONITORING SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160250983 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO DETERMINE AND COMMUNICATE DRIVER PERFORMANCE | 09-01-2016 |
20160375769 | INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An information providing apparatus for a vehicle includes in-vehicle devices, a communication network connected to each of the in-vehicle devices, a storage portion in which a signal change pattern based on the condition of each of the in-vehicle devices is stored in associated state for each situation around the vehicle, a situation determining portion that determines the situation around the vehicle based on the signal change of at least one in-vehicle device and the stored signal change pattern, an information acquiring portion that acquires information on the condition of the in-vehicle device related to the determined situation around the vehicle, an information generating portion that generates notification information on a recommended operation based on the information on the condition of the related in-vehicle device, and an information presenting portion that presents the notification information on the recommended operation. | 12-29-2016 |
20180022356 | VEHICLE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MONITORING | 01-25-2018 |
20180022359 | Control for an Electronic Multi-Function Apparatus | 01-25-2018 |
20190143815 | DRIVE ASSIST DEVICE AND DRIVE ASSIST METHOD | 05-16-2019 |
20190143993 | DISTRACTED DRIVING DETERMINATION APPARATUS, DISTRACTED DRIVING DETERMINATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM | 05-16-2019 |
20190147262 | SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MONITORING DRIVER BEHAVIOR FOR VEHICULAR FLEET MANAGEMENT IN A FLEET OF VEHICLES USING DRIVER-FACING IMAGING DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
20190147263 | SYSTEM AND METHODS OF MONITORING DRIVER BEHAVIOR FOR VEHICULAR FLEET MANAGEMENT IN A FLEET OF VEHICLES USING DRIVER-FACING IMAGING DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
20220135052 | MEASURING DRIVER SAFE-DRIVING QUOTIENTS - Mechanisms, methods, and systems are provided for establishing safe-driving quotients. Output of one or more sensors oriented toward an exterior of a vehicle (such as front-facing cameras) may be used to detect events. Output of one or more sensors oriented toward an interior of the vehicle (such as driver-facing cameras) may be captured, then analyzed to determine behavioral results corresponding with the events. Safe-driving quotients may then be established based on a ratio of the behavioral results to the events. | 05-05-2022 |