Showing papers on "Dashboard published in 2009"

Programmable tactile touch screen displays and man-machine interfaces for improved vehicle instrumentation and telematics

Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and apparatus particularly suited for applications in a vehicle, to provide a wide range of information, and the safe input of data to a computer controlling the vehicle subsystems or “Telematic” communication using for example GM's “ONSTAR” or cellular based data sources. Preferred embodiments utilize new programmable forms of tactile touch screens and displays employing tactile physical selection or adjustment means which utilize direct optical data input. A revolutionary form of dashboard or instrument panel results which is stylistically attractive, lower in cost, customizable by the user, programmable in both the tactile and visual sense, and with the potential of enhancing interior safety and vehicle operation. Non-automotive applications of the invention are also disclosed, for example means for general computer input using touch screens and home automation systems.

A Novel Active Heads-Up Display for Driver Assistance

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a novel laser-based wide-area heads-up windshield display which is capable of actively interfacing with a human as part of a driver assistance system. The dynamic active display (DAD) is a unique prototype interface that presents safety-critical visual icons to the driver in a manner that minimizes the deviation of his or her gaze direction without adding to unnecessary visual clutter. As part of an automotive safety system, the DAD presents alerts in the field of view of the driver only if necessary, which is based upon the state and pose of the driver, vehicle, and environment. This paper examines the effectiveness of DAD through a comprehensive comparative experimental evaluation of a speed compliance driver assistance system, which is implemented on a vehicular test bed. Three different types of display protocols for assisting a driver to comply with speed limits are tested on actual roadways, and these are compared with a conventional dashboard display. Given the inclination, drivers who are given an overspeed warning alert reduced the time required to slow down to the speed limit by 38% (p < 0.01) as compared with the drivers not given the alert. Additionally, certain alerts decreased distraction levels by reducing the time spent looking away from the road by 63% (p < 0.01). Ultimately, these alerts demonstrate the utility and promise of the DAD system.

Driver assistance system for automobile, has input device including manually operated control element that is arranged at steering wheel and/or in area of instrument panel, where area lies in direct vicinity of wheel

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver assistance system (15) for a vehicle (2), in particular a motor vehicle (3) having a display device designed as a head - up display (HUD) (16) for displaying information (17) on a windshield (5) of the vehicle Vehicle (2) and with an input device (14) having at least one manually operated control element for inputting data, or which is manually operable to input data, wherein it is provided that the operating element on the steering wheel (6) and / or in an area of a dashboard (7) lying in the immediate vicinity of the steering wheel (6), or in that the input device (14) has at least one non-contact sensor (10) having a vehicle interior area (13) for registering the hand of the data input - and / or finger trajectories of the driver (4) recorded. The invention further relates to a method directed to the operation of such a driver assistance system.

Writing to your car: handwritten text input while driving

Abstract: For in-car navigation, information and entertainment systems, text input is increasingly important. We investigate handwriting as a text input modality and assess where to best position the input surface and how to provide feedback. For this purpose, we created different prototypes that allow text input on the steering wheel and in the central console, as well as visual feedback on the input surface and on the dashboard. The results of the study indicate that handwritten text input on the steering wheel is well-received by the users and that the visual feedback should be presented in the dashboard area or on the steering wheel. We also observed that the number of corrective actions and the remaining errors were significantly smaller (25% less) on the steering wheel than in the central console and that entering text while driving made people drive slower.

Vehicle communication system

Abstract: A vehicle has a dashboard, a windshield, a driver area with a steering wheel. A transceiver transmits and receives digital data for both text messages and voice messages. A voice activated wireless electronic device with a keyboard and a screen is built into the dashboard. A voice assembly includes a speaker and a microphone. A text assembly includes a display mounted in the dashboard. A joystick is adapted to allow a driver to manipulate data on both the screen of the electronic device and the display. A central processing unit operatively couples the transceiver, electronic device, speaker, microphone, and joystick.

Front vehicle body structure

Abstract: Dashboard panel, partitioning between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment, includes a reinforcing frame structure or connection member that extends, through the interior space of the dashboard panel, to linearly interconnect a horizontal rear end portion of each of left and right front side frames and a front end portion of a corresponding one of left and right side sills.

Frictional dash mount for a global positional system

Abstract: A frictional holding device in combination with a dashboard or console of a vehicle and receives and secures a global positioning system thereon. The combination includes a dashboard or console of a vehicle. A pad has different top and bottom surfaces. The bottom surface is disposed on and frictionally clings to the dashboard or console of the vehicle. A global positioning system is removably coupled to the pad.

Optoelectronic display system for transport vehicles

Abstract: Optoelectronic Display System for Transport Vehicles is suggested providing simultaneous representation of visual information of different form and content relating to parameters of driving on windscreen and at dashboard plane. To form said visual information unified image creator based on two LCD matrixes is used and image intended for representation on windscreen in collimated form is created on their upper parts and on lower parts—for representation at dashboard plane. To improve operate reliability the system is provided with control device of image creator operation. In case one of LCDs is out-of-service the device is switching other (operable) LCD into mode of parameters ‘minimum number creation required for safe driving.

Dynamic dashboard display

Abstract: A dashboard for use in a vehicle is provided. The dashboard comprises a dashboard display screen and a processor. The dashboard display presents a plurality of information components to a vehicle occupant and the processor determines a condition. The condition is comprised of at least one of a fuel condition, a brake fluid condition, a speed condition, a tire pressure condition, an oil condition, an engine condition, an instrument condition, a washer fluid condition, an anti-lock brake system condition, a traction control system condition, a windshield wiper motor condition, a safety restraint system condition, and a weather condition. The processor adapts a first display signal based on the condition and sends the first display signal to the dashboard display screen to command presentation by the dashboard display screen of the information components. Adapting the first display signal comprises at least one of changing size, changing location, and changing the scale of at least one information component presented on the dashboard display screen.

Display screen mount

Abstract: A display screen mount for mounting a display screen to a vehicle dashboard having a generally planar portion, the generally planar portion having attachment features for receiving a display screen on a first side, the display screen mount further including at least one mounting arm projecting away from the generally planar portion on a second side of the generally planar portion.

Arrangement for displaying information inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for displaying information for the driver (12) and/or passengers inside a passenger compartment (14) of a motor vehicle that has at least one windscreen (16), arranged in front of the driver, and a dashboard (20) with an upper part (22) located in the vicinity of a lower area (24) of the windscreen (16), of the type that comprises at least one display area, located in the vicinity of the upper part (24) of the dashboard (16), which is intended to show to the driver and/or passengers information representing the operation of the vehicle and/or its equipment, said arrangement being characterized in that it comprises an information projector (28) designed to project the information onto an opaque coating covering at least part of the lower area (24) of the windscreen (16).

Method for continuous monitoring of medical condition of driver of motor vehicle, involves continuously displaying physiological parameters of occupant on LCD display at dashboard of motor vehicle

Abstract: The method involves detecting, determining and/or evaluating a physiological signal (S) of physiological parameters (P, P') e.g. frequency of heartbeat and/or breathing rate, of an occupant of a motor vehicle, a vehicle parameter and/or an environmental parameter (U). The physiological parameters are continuously displayed on a LCD display at a dashboard of the motor vehicle. The physiological parameters are recorded and/or stored in a storage unit (5), and are transmitted from a transmitting device (6) to a receiver device that is arranged outside the vehicle.

Dashboard support, and method of making a dashboard support

Abstract: A dashboard support for a motor vehicle includes a tubular cross member for installation between A-pillars of a vehicle body, and a holder joined to the cross member for attachment of functional vehicle components. The cross member has at least one slot, oriented in a direction transversely to a longitudinal axis of the cross member, for receiving a limb of the holder such as to allow adjustment of a position of the holder in relation to the cross member by sliding and/or turning the limb before the holder is being joined to the cross member.

Apparatus for holding and receiving navigation for vehicle

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and receiving a navigation device for a vehicle is provided to offer convenience by horizontally tilting the navigation device on a dashboard after use. An apparatus for holding and receiving a navigation device for a vehicle comprises: a main case consisting of a base member(110) and a cover member(120) and accepting the navigation device inside; a navigation holder(200) whose upper part is hinge-coupled at the upper part inside the cover member with a second hinge shaft and lower part is slid forward and backward on the base member; a first rotary driving unit upwardly operating the cover member from the base member; and a second rotary driving unit forwardly operating the navigation holder from the cover members.

Dash assembly for golf cars or similar vehicles

Abstract: A dash assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle body defining an access opening includes a dashboard configured to extend across and generally obstruct the access opening. The dashboard includes a mounting tab configured to engage a portion of the vehicle body adjacent to the access opening. The dash assembly also includes a retainer having an elongated body configured to connect to the vehicle body. The elongated body extends at least partially about a perimeter of the access opening such that the mounting tab of the dashboard is sandwiched between the retainer and the portion of the vehicle body to secure the dashboard to the vehicle body.

Navigation system for delivery vehicles

Abstract: A onboard navigation system for delivery vehicles used in conjunction with the GPS system to facilitate the delivery process with daily delivery route instructions, directions, and updates includes a navigation device mounted to the vehicle's dashboard and which includes a touch screen divided into a map display screen portion and a message display screen portion, operational and functional buttons, and electrical components that allow for the interchange and exchange of instructions, data, and information with the delivery driver's PDA so that the driver can download all the instructions, data, and information pertaining to that day's delivery schedule.

The evaluation of the safety benefits of combined passive and on-board active safety applications.

Abstract: One of the objectives of the European TRACE project (TRaffic Accident Causation in Europe, 2006-2008) was to estimate the proportion of injury accidents that could be avoided and/or the proportion of injury accidents where the severity could be mitigated for on-the-market safety applications, if 100 % of the car fleet would be equipped with them. We have selected for evaluation the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) applications. As for passive safety systems, recent cars are designed to offer overall safety protection. Car structure, load limiters, front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, pretensioners, padding and non aggressive structures in the door panel, the dashboard, the windshield, the seats, and the head rest also contribute to applying more protection. The whole safety package is very difficult to evaluate separately, one element independently segmented from the others. We decided to consider evaluating the effectivenessof the whole passive safety package, This package,, for the sake of simplicity, was the number of stars awarded at the Euro NCAP testing. The challenges were to compare the effectiveness of some safety configuration SC I, with the effectiveness of a different safety configuration SC II. A safety configuration is understood as a package of safety functions. Ten comparisons have been carried out such as the evaluation of the safety benefit of a fifth star given that the car has four stars and an EBA. The main outcome of this analysis is that any addition of a passive or active safety function selected in this analysis is producing increased safety benefits. For example, if all cars were five stars fitted with EBA and ESC, instead of four stars without ESC and EBA, injury accidents would be reduced by 47.2% for severe injuries and 69.5% for fatal injuries. Language: en

Crossbar for dashboard of an automobile and automobile including such crossbar

Abstract: The invention relates to a crossbar (10) for the dashboard of an automobile The dashboard crossbar of the invention can be used in vehicles having different bodyworks In order to do so, the dashboard includes two segments (11, 12), ie a segment (12) common to all vehicles and a segment (11) specific for each vehicle The crossbar (10) includes a member (19) for linking said two segments This linking member includes a junction (22) in which the common segment of the crossbar is inserted and secured, and another junction (24) in which the specific segment of the crossbar is inserted and secured, which allows an easy matching to different dashboard heights depending on the vehicle model or other specific features that vary from one model to the other

Vehicle instrument panel with rear projection system

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a vehicle dashboard using rear projection system. A vehicle dashboard using rear projection system of the present invention preferably includes: a screen that provides a visual image; a printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the provision of a graphic image to the screen; and an projection system projection system that is controlled by the printed circuit board, and is installed at a rear side of the printed circuit board and irradiates a light to the screen.

A movable steering-wheel system for car driving at older ages

Abstract: We propose a new cabin design for cars in use by older adults with disabilities. By using a steer-by-wire system the steering wheel can be retracted in the dashboard and an electric auxiliary seat could function on both the driver and passenger positions to help persons with disabilities and older persons to easily access the vehicle.

Intelligent vehicle dashboard

Abstract: A two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes at least one vehicle, at least one vehicle data collection point, at least one operations data supply system, and at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof. A method of monitoring a vehicle using a two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes: providing at least one vehicle, providing at least one vehicle data collection point, providing at least one operations data supply system, and providing at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to and communicates with the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof.

Dashboard Crossbar Assembly for a Motor Vehicle, and Corresponding Dashboard Device, Motor Vehicle, and Manufacturing Method

Abstract: An assembly includes: two crossbars extending substantially in parallel to each other; and two securing members for securing onto the vehicle body, each securing member being secured to one end of each crossbar so as to connect the two crossbars together. The two securing members are made of the same material as the two crossbars.

Display for automobile

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display 10 for an automobile for suppressing reflection which lowers visibility of a transparent display 11 while keeping high visible light transmittance of the transparent display 11. SOLUTION: The display 10 for the automobile installed in a dashboard 30 of the automobile includes the transparent display 11, and a protection cover 12 installed on a display surface of the transparent display 11 and composed of transparent resin which suppresses scattering of light. An installation angle θ0 of the transparent display 11 is an angle at which the ceiling 40 of the automobile is reflected on the protection cover 12 to be viewed from a driver sitting on a seat 20. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Warning indicator for long vehicles

Abstract: A warning indicator system for a long vehicle comprising a string of marker lights 2a, 2b and a controller configured to communicate with the indicator light switch on a vehicle dashboard whereby on operation of the indicator light switch, the marker lights 2a, 2b are caused to flash in a pattern which simulates the pattern displayed by a vehicle indicator light 1a, 1b.

Real-Time Camera Link for Driver Assistance Applications

Abstract: With the increasing demand on driver information and multimedia content, displays and video signalling are getting more and more attention in the automotive industry. The requirement of transmitting video signals includes applications like infotainment displays, dashboard and head-up displays, but also driver assistance systems requiring real time video streams. The Automotive Pixel Link (APIX) Technology has been specifically designed to address the different requirements for video transmission in automotive applications. Optimized for low EMI, the APIX technology offers the ability to combine high speed real-time video data, full-duplex sideband channels and the power supply over a single cable. Especially on multicamera applications, the video information needs to be provided with minimum delay, with special requirements on synchronization and image processing. This article provides an introduction on the APIX technology, followed by the discussion of various requirements of implementing camera based driver assistance systems in the automotive environment.

Multifunction control for motorcycle

Abstract: In order to allow the motorcycle driver to handle easier and make more intuitive the usual control functionalities, a rotary wheel (1) is placed in the handlebar lever (2), either in the clutch lever or the brake lever, so the driver can modify, by means of the wheel turning, the magnitude rank for the selected parameter to adjust. A push button (3), located next to the grip, is activated through the thumb, so that the driver can select the control function to manage by means of the rotary wheel turning. Furthermore the vehicle dashboard has a set of lighting indicators (4) to show the available functions to be controlled by the system, and the selected function too.

Switch attachment assembly

Abstract: An assembly for installation of a switch in the dashboard of a vehicle without the use of any tools. The assembly comprises a housing, a resilient member such as a washer spring, and a bezel. The switch is secured to the housing and subsequently inserted into the bezel which is integrated with the dashboard. The installation of the switch, which is secured to the housing is then completed through the interaction of a profiled wall on the bezel and a flange on the housing with the washer spring interposed between.

Front passenger seat arrangement for vehicle, has support device with airbag arranged in dashboard-free area, where airbag is arranged in dashboard-free area linear to vehicle longitudinal direction before passenger seat is unfolded

Abstract: The front passenger seat arrangement (1) has a front passenger seat (2) and partial dashboard-free front seat passenger side. A support device (3) with an airbag is arranged in the dashboard-free area. The airbag is arranged in the dashboard-free area linear to vehicle longitudinal direction before the passenger seat is unfolded and in vehicle longitudinal direction before the passenger seat. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a front passenger seat for the passenger seat arrangement; and (2) a vehicle with front passenger seat arrangement.

Bringing design considerations to the mobile phone and driving debate

Abstract: Though legislation is increasingly discouraging drivers from holding on to their mobile phones while talking, hands-free devices do not improve driver safety. We offer two design alternatives to improve driver safety in the contexts of voice-based user interfaces and mobile phone conversations in cars' side tones (auditory feedback used in landline phones) and location of speakers. In a 2 (side tone: present vs. not) x 2 (location of speakers: headphones vs. dashboard) between-participants experiment (N=48), we investigated the impact of these features upon driver experience and performance on a simulated mobile phone conversation while driving. Participants became more verbally engaged in the conversation when side tones were present, but also experienced more cognitive load. Participants drove more safely when voices were projected from the dashboard rather than from headphones. Implications for driver user interface design are discussed.

Rearview mirror with etc device

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that an integrated ETC can easily come within sight of a driver to obstruct securement of the driver's view because the integrated ETC is mounted on a dashboard by all means and that, on the other hand, a separate ETC having possibility of causing some trouble in driving because a communication antenna of the separate ETC is mounted on a windshield or the dashboard to obstruct securement of the driver's view and the main body is mounted under the dashboard being apt to be touched by the driver with the hands and feet. SOLUTION: An ETC device body (2) and a communication device (3) are mounted on a conventional mirror part (1) of a rearview mirror of a vehicle, and a holder of an ETC card (4) is equipped on a side. Accordingly, there are not uncomfortableness owing to subsequent attachment of the ETC device, impairment of securing the driver's view, and touch with the hands and feet in a drive operation. Furthermore, in a high-class vehicle and the like, there is not impairment of a quality appearance owing to subsequent attachment. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT