Information device

• US 6,285,279 B1
• Filed: 06/04/1999
• Issued: 09/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (Honda Motor Company)
• Inventors: Yamazaki, Takeshi
• Primary Examiner(s): SWARTHOUT, BRENT
• Application Number:
  US09/325,342
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 340/903, 340/435, 340/441, 340/466, 340/432, 340/936, 340/965, 340/407.1, 340/901, 701/93.96, 180/284, 123/396, 123/397, 123/399
• US Class Current: 340/432
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 26/021 with means for providing feel, e.g. by changing pedal force characteristics
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2530/00 Input parameters relating to vehicle conditions or values, not covered by groups B60W2510/00 or B60W2520/00
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2554/00 Input parameters relating to objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2554/801 Lateral distance
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/12 Motorcycles, Trikes; Quads; Scooters

Abstract

To provide an information device that makes it possible to easily reduce the overall reaction time and makes it difficult to overlook a warning. An information device includes an external force generator for supplying external force to an operator touched by the extremities, the hands or feet, of a driver at the time of operation of the vehicle. A judging member is provided for receiving an external signal and judging traffic conditions. A control member controls the driving of the external force generator based on the judgement result of the judging member.

Claims

1. An information device comprising:

external force generating means for supplying external force for operating means touched by extremities of an operator during operation of a vehicle, said external force generating means supplies external force to a throttle grip of a vehicle with handlebars;

judging means for receiving an external signal and judging traffic conditions; and

control means for control driving of the external force generating means based on the judgement result of the judging means;

said external force generating means comprises at least one of urging means for supplying an urging force to the throttle grip in a direction to reduce the number of engine revolutions and excitation means for supplying vibration to the throttle grip.

2. The information device according to claim 1, wherein the external force generating means supplies external force to an accelerator pedal of a four wheeled vehicle.

3. An information device for reducing the overall response time for an operation of a vehicle contingent upon traffic conditions comprising:

a receiver for receiving a signal responsive to traffic conditions;

a controller for receiving signals from the receiver and for producing an output dependent on traffic conditions;

an operating means for controlling the operation of a vehicle, said operating means being touched by extremities of an operator during operation of a vehicle; and

external force generating means for supplying an external force to the operating means touched by extremities of an operator during operation of a vehicle for providing a warning, said external force generating means supplies external force to a throttle grip of a vehicle with handlebars;

whereby said output of said controller is supplied to said external force generating means for producing a warning to an operator of a vehicle depending on traffic conditions;

said external force generating means comprises at least one of urging means for supplying an urging force to the throttle grip in a direction to reduce the number of engine revolutions and excitation means for supplying vibration to the throttle grip.

4. The information device according to claim 3, wherein the external force generating means supplies external force to an accelerator pedal of a four wheeled vehicle.

5. A method for reducing the overall response time for an operation of a vehicle contingent upon traffic conditions comprising the following steps:

receiving a signal responsive to traffic conditions;

providing a controller for receiving signals from the receiver and for producing an output dependent on traffic conditions;

controlling the operation of a vehicle with operating means being touched by extremities of an operator during operation of a vehicle;

supplying an external force to the operating means touched by extremities of an operator during the operation of a vehicle for providing a warning, said external force being supplied to a throttle grip of a vehicle with handlebars;

whereby said output of said controller is supplied to said external force generating means for producing a warning to an operator of a vehicle depending on traffic conditions; and

said supplying of an external force comprises at least one of urging means for supplying an urging force to the throttle grip in a direction to reduce the number of engine revolutions and excitation means for supplying vibration to the throttle grip.

6. The method for reducing the overall response time for an operation of a vehicle contingent upon traffic conditions according to claim 5, wherein the supplying of an external force supplies external force to an accelerator pedal of a four wheeled vehicle.