Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201032 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC CODE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING DIAGNOSTIC DATA UTILIZING THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC CODE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A vehicle diagnostic code communication device and a method for transmitting diagnostic data utilizing the vehicle diagnostic code communication device are provided. The vehicle diagnostic code communication device includes a diagnostic link connector configured to receive signals indicating a diagnostic code associated with vehicle operation and a microprocessor operably coupled to the diagnostic link connector. The microprocessor is configured to determine at least one of diagnostic textural data and diagnostic audio data based on the diagnostic code and to induce an RF transmitter to transmit a first RF signal having at least one of the diagnostic textual data and the diagnostic audio data. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201033 | Sensing misalignment detection and estimation system - A misalignment detection sensor assembly is provided, which includes a forward-looking sensor having a sensing direction along a first axis and an inertia sensor configured to sense acceleration along a second axis, the second axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the first axis. A misalignment detection system uses the misalignment detection sensor assembly and a signal processing system to calculate a misalignment angle between the first axis and the direction of forward motion of the sensor assembly. A method of detecting angular misalignment of a forward-looking sensor assembly is also disclosed, which includes measuring acceleration along an axis having a fixed relationship with respect to the sensing axis of the forward-looking sensor assembly and comparing the acceleration measurement with a predetermined threshold. | 08-21-2008 |
20080201034 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes: a fuel injector; a cooling fan of a radiator that radiates the heat of coolant in a coolant passage in the internal combustion engine; a flow rate control mechanism that variably controls the flow rate of the coolant; an abnormality detector that detects an abnormality of the cooling fan; and a controller that controls the amount of fuel injected from the fuel injector to the internal combustion engine and the operation of the flow rate control mechanism in accordance with the result of the abnormality detector. | 08-21-2008 |
20080208403 | Automotive scan tool with enhanced audio, video and voice recognition functionality - A diagnostic tool for a vehicle, includes a signal translator communicating with the vehicle in at least one protocol, an input unit for inputting information, a processor controlling a software according to the input information from the input unit and communication with the vehicle from the signal translator, the processor controlling a reception of diagnostic data of the vehicle through the signal translator, an input and output unit receiving and transmitting audio and video signals controlled by the processor, a memory storing a software controlled by the processor, the memory storing audio and video information, and transferring the audio and video information through the input and output unit; and a display unit displaying information according to the received and processed audio and video signals stored in the memory. | 08-28-2008 |
20080208404 | MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A comparator compares the total intake air amount accumulated by an accumulator with a reference value obtained via a selector. If the total intake air amount is smaller than the reference value, the CSS control is determined as being abnormal and a CSS-abnormality signal is output. If the number of times an atmospheric pressure learning value has been updated is equal to or larger than a threshold that is set large enough to determine that the accuracy of the calculated atmospheric pressure learning value is sufficiently high, a reference value is output from a characteristic storage to the comparator. Conversely, if the number of times the atmospheric pressure learning value has been updated is smaller than the threshold, an initial reference value is output from an initial reference value storage to the comparator. | 08-28-2008 |
20080215205 | DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A diagnostic device of an internal combustion engine diagnoses a condition of a differential pressure sensor. The sensor in a normal condition detects a differential pressure of an exhaust gas between upstream and downstream sides of a diesel particulate filter disposed in an exhaust system of the engine. The sensor in a fault condition detects no differential pressure of the exhaust gas. The device has a block obtaining a first signal from the sensor when the engine is operated in a low flow rate region of the exhaust gas and obtaining a second signal from the sensor when the engine is operated in a high flow rate region of the exhaust gas. A diagnostic block of the device judges from a difference between levels of the first and second signals whether the sensor is in the normal or fault condition. | 09-04-2008 |
20080221747 | Control System For a Motor Vehicle - A control system for a motor vehicle having a manual actuating device with a plurality of degrees of freedom of adjustment for selecting and/or activating entries from a menu structure and a screen display ( | 09-11-2008 |
20080221748 | Control Device for a Motor Vehicle - A control device for a motor vehicle has a microcontroller as well as a monitoring circuit for the microcontroller. The monitoring circuit has a clocked counter, with a reset input of counter being coupled to a diagnostic output of the microcontroller, a first counter output being coupled to a diagnostic trigger input of the microcontroller and a second counter output being coupled to a reset input of the microcontroller such that when the microcontroller functions correctly, a signal at the first counter output generates a diagnostic process of the microcontroller and a signal at the diagnostic output of the microcontroller resets the counter. However, when the microcontroller malfunctions, the counter is not reset, so that the counter continues to count and generates a signal for resetting the microcontroller at the second counter output. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228336 | METHOD AND MEANS FOR SELF CALIBRATING A VALID OPERATING RANGE - A method of calibrating a valid operating range. The method includes loading a default calibration limit and then monitoring an input for new calibration limits provided by an input device. An algorithm then detects if the new calibration limits provide a fault and if not the algorithm rescales the output based upon the new calibration limits to increase the valid operating range. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228337 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE UNDER LOW VOLTAGE CONDITIONS - A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228338 | AUTOMATED ENGINE DATA DIAGNOSTIC ANALYSIS - A method for diagnosing potential faults reflected in operational data for a turbine engine includes the steps of generating a diagnostic pattern for the operational data and comparing the diagnostic pattern with a plurality of historical patterns, to thereby identify one or more likely potential faults reflected in the operational data. The diagnostic pattern comprises a plurality of scalars. Each scalar represents an arithmetic relationship between values of the operational data and values predicted by a baseline thermodynamic model. Each historical pattern is linked to one or more specific faults. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228339 | Apparatus and Method for Determining Remaining Transmission Oil Life - An improved method for predicting the remaining useful life of transmission oil and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: detecting if the transmission has completed a new shift; if yes, determining a total shift count; determining accumulated distance and accumulated time parameters; determining a transmission temperature degradation factor; detecting if the lockup clutch is open and if the transmission is in range; if yes, determining a converter degradation factor; determining a total degradation factor based at least in part upon the transmission temperature degradation factor and converter degradation factor; determining an oil life time limit and oil life distance limit; determining if either the accumulated time parameter is greater than the oil life time limit or the accumulated distance parameter is greater than the oil life distance limit; if yes, activating a service indicator to notify vehicle occupants that transmission oil service is required. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228340 | Apparatus and Method for Predicting the Health of a Power Transmission - An improved method for predicting the health of a power transmission and an apparatus for practicing the same are provided. The method includes: monitoring a total number of converged shifts after a first shift has converged; determining if the total number of converged shifts is greater then a calibrated number of completed converged shifts; if yes, determining an initial clutch volume, an initial free running clearance, a free running clearance, and a free running clearance per face and monitoring a change in free running clearance per face; determining if either the free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated free running clearance per friction surface for failure or if the change in free running clearance per face is greater than a calibrated change in free running clearance per friction surface for failure; if yes, activating a service indicator configured to warn vehicle occupants that transmission service is required. | 09-18-2008 |
20080228341 | Vehicle diagnosis system and method - A method for determining a fault condition of a fuel system of an engine, the engine comprising at least one cylinder (C | 09-18-2008 |
20080228342 | Vehicle diagnosis device and method - A diagnostic unit for determining the operational status of a fuel delivery system of an engine, the engine comprising a plurality of cylinders, each one of the cylinders comprising a combustion chamber into which fuel is injected by an associated fuel injector and within which, in use, combustion events repeatedly occur to define a combustion cycle of the cylinder between successive combustion events, the diagnostic unit comprising: inputs for receiving data related to engine rotation; processing means arranged: (i) to determine, from the data received at the inputs, a first engine rotation parameter for a cylinder under test at a first point within the combustion cycle of the cylinder and to determine a second engine rotation parameter for the cylinder under test at a second, different point within the combustion cycle of the cylinder; and (ii) to compare the two engine rotation parameters for the test cylinder in order to identify the operational status of the fuel delivery system associated with the cylinder under test. | 09-18-2008 |
20080234887 | Method and device for monitoring an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine - A method and a device are described for monitoring an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, which allow a diagnosis of the oil supply to an exhaust gas turbocharger. In at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine, a variable that is characteristic for the rotational speed of the exhaust gas turbocharger is ascertained. A variable that is characteristic for the rotational speed of the exhaust gas turbocharger is ascertained in the at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine. An operating state which is characterized by a change in the exhaust gas mass flow, which is linked to a change in the variable that is characteristic for the rotational speed of the exhaust gas turbocharger within a predefined tolerance range, is selected as the at least one operating state. A fault is recognized if one or more values outside the predefined tolerance range are established for the change in the variable that is characteristic for the rotational speed of the exhaust gas turbocharger in the selected operating state. | 09-25-2008 |
20080243326 | Information Output System for a Vehicle and Associated Information Output Method - An information output system of a vehicle senses the driving state and/or the surroundings state of the vehicle, of outputs information using at least two sensory channels, and evaluates and controls collected data, to actuate the output of information as a function of the data evaluation. At, least one of the at least two sensory channels can be selected for the outputting of information. The evaluation and control unit evaluates the collected data to determine, whether a collision with the outputting of a second information item occurs with the sensory channel selected for outputting a first information item, and when a collision is detected changes over the sensory channel to outputting the first or the second information item, or when the first and the second information item is output using the same sensory channel the time required for outputting the first and second information items is determined and the outputting of the information item with the longer time requirement is delayed compared to the outputting of the information item with the shorter time requirement. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243327 | Vehicle Safety System With Advanced Tire Monitoring - A control system ( | 10-02-2008 |
20080243328 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING FAULTS IN A PARTICULAR DEVICE WITHIN A FLEET OF DEVICES - A method for diagnosing faults in a particular device within a fleet of devices is provided. The method comprises receiving performance data related to one or more parameters associated with a fleet of devices and processing the performance data to detect one or more trend shifts in the one or more parameters. The method then comprises detrending the one or more parameters to derive noise-adjusted performance data related to a particular parameter associated with a particular device. The method further comprises generating a fleet-based diagnostic model based on trend patterns and data characteristics associated with the fleet of devices. The fleet-based diagnostic model comprises one or more fuzzy rules defining one or more expected trend shift data ranges for the one or more parameters associated with the fleet of devices. The method then comprises computing one or more scaling factors for the particular parameter associated with the particular device and scaling the one or more of fuzzy rules defined for the one or more parameters in the fleet-based diagnostic model, based on the one or more scaling factors, to generate a personalized diagnostic model for the particular parameter associated with the particular device. The method finally comprises evaluating the personalized diagnostic model against the one or more trend shifts detected for the one or more parameters, to diagnose a fault associated with the particular device. | 10-02-2008 |
20080243329 | Detection and Compensation of Periodic Disturbances in a Motor Vehicle Steering Device - A method and device for the detection and compensation of periodic disturbances in the steering device of a motor vehicle in which a speed-dependent target frequency is determined, and that a Fourier analysis of a time profile of the steering force and/or of the steering torque is carried out for the determined target frequency or a multiple of the target frequency. The method and device also include obtaining amplitudes that are plotted as a function of the vehicle speed, and a model function may be adapted to the curve, the adapted parameter of which model function then constitutes a robust measure for the disturbances. As a function of the parameter, the disturbances can then be suppressed by means of targeted action on a power assistance arrangement of the steering. | 10-02-2008 |
20080249677 | Method and apparatus for determining TDC for each cylinder of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine - True Top Dead Center (TDC) of an engine piston is determined through determination of the Location of Peak Pressure (LPP) using either of two simplified algorithms. A Heat Loss Offset (HLO), drawn from a look-up table based on engine speed, molar mass of the air being compressed, and heat loss rate to the cylinder walls, is added to the calculated LPP to provide a corrected and true TDC position for each piston, which corrects for errors in target wheel tooth location of a camshaft position sensor and for any misalignment in the target wheel during installation on an engine. Preferably, such a calculation is carried out for each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine during operation thereof, thus further correcting for machining errors in the crankshaft and for crankshaft bending during the life of the engine. The invention thus allows for more accurate combustion calculations for each individual cylinder. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249678 | Aircraft Failure Diagnostic Method and System - The present invention relates to an aircraft failure diagnostic method and system. The method includes one configuration phase defining the possible correlations between the detectable faults. Each of these correlations are associated with data pertinently describing the circumstances of the malfunction and appropriate failure-repair operations. A phase of correlating the detected fault is performed phase of recovering the data describing the circumstances of the malfunction and a phase of determining failure-repair operations is then performed. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255717 | Method and Device For Activating Additional Functions in Response to a Rollover Procedure of a Motor Vehicle - A method for activating additional functions in response to a rollover procedure of a vehicle, using at least one sensor and one control unit, the sensor supplying at least one unidirectional acceleration signal, having the following method steps: analyzing at least one acceleration signal in its characteristics as a function of time; processing analyzed values of the at least one acceleration signal; establishing the plausibility of the processed values using a second signal value; and activating at least one additional function in response to a rollover procedure of the vehicle in the light of the values whose plausibility has been established; as well as a control device using this method. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255718 | VEHICLE MONITOR - A system and method is disclosed for monitoring a motor vehicle. The system includes a sensor unit for collecting at least one vehicle statistic and a portable device for displaying the vehicle statistics. The portable device requests the vehicle statistics from the sensor unit at regular intervals or in response to a particular event and displays statistics on a built-in display screen. In one embodiment, the portable device may be attached to the keys used to operate the vehicle being monitored. | 10-16-2008 |
20080255719 | Method for detecting decompression of tires and device thereof, and program for judging decompression of tires - A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved. | 10-16-2008 |
20080262670 | System and method for monitoring vehicle parameters and driver behavior - System and method for monitoring the operation of a vehicle, comprising a housing having an accelerometer unit, and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted in a window of the vehicle, and wherein the system is adapted to be powered by an on-board diagnostic system of the vehicle. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262671 | Vehicle Quality Analyzing System and Plural Data Management Method - Image data ( | 10-23-2008 |
20080262672 | ABNORMAL NOISE INSPECTION METHOD FOR ANTI-VIBRATION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE USE - In an abnormal noise inspection method for a anti-vibration device for vehicle use, it is determined whether, during travel of a vehicle in which a supported member is supported to the vehicle body by an anti-vibration device, abnormal noise occurs or not in the passenger compartment owing to the anti-vibration device. The method includes: an input step of mounting to a shaker the anti-vibration device before assembled into the vehicle and then inputting vibrations in a predetermined pattern to a supported member-side mounting part of the anti-vibration device; a measurement step of measuring, during the inputting of vibrations, a transmission force output from a vehicle body-side mounting part of the anti-vibration device; an analysis step of frequency analyzing time-series data on the measured transmission force to obtain the power spectrum of the transmission force; and a determination step of estimating, based on the power spectrum of the transmission force and according to a predetermined evaluation criterion, whether a vehicle produces abnormal noise in the passenger compartment when it runs with the anti-vibration device mounted thereon. | 10-23-2008 |
20080269974 | Method for Controlling the Driving Dynamics of a Vehicle, Device for Implementing the Method and Use Thereof - Disclosed is a method of controlling the driving dynamics of a vehicle, in which a nominal value ({dot over (ψ)} | 10-30-2008 |
20080269975 | Method of flash programming scan tools and pass thru devices over wireless communications - A diagnostic tool and method are provided wherein the diagnostic tool includes a wireless communication circuit to retrieve diagnostic software from a remote computing device. When operated, the scan tool can determine if the loaded diagnostic software is appropriate for the vehicle under test. If not, the diagnostic tool can retrieve the appropriate diagnostic software from the remote computing device. The retrieved or second diagnostic software is then operated to reprogram the diagnostic tool to remove the previously loaded software and allow a user to service a vehicle. | 10-30-2008 |
20080269976 | Control System for Vehicles - A control system for a vehicle ( | 10-30-2008 |
20080275603 | Method and Control System for Stabilizing a Vehicle - In order to adapt a method of stabilizing a vehicle, in particular for stabilizing the vehicle with respect to tilting movements, to the load condition of the vehicle, it is disclosed to perform a control method for the vehicle stabilization depending on a load condition of the vehicle, and the load condition of the vehicle is determined by way of a vehicle mass that is established due to a balance of forces that act on the vehicle, and/or by way of a characteristic speed of the vehicle. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281482 | System for estimating vehicle states for rollover reduction - A system and method for estimating vehicle states, such as vehicle roll-rate, vehicle roll angle, vehicle lateral velocity and vehicle yaw-rate, for use in rollover reduction. The system includes an extended Kalman filter observer responsive to a steering angle signal, a yaw-rate signal, a roll-rate signal, a speed signal and a lateral acceleration signal that calculates an estimated yaw-rate signal, an estimated roll-rate, an estimated roll angle and an estimated lateral velocity. The system also includes a lateral velocity estimation processor responsive to the roll-rate signal, the estimated roll angle signal, the estimated lateral velocity signal and the lateral acceleration signal that calculates a modified lateral velocity estimation signal when the vehicle is operating in a non-linear region. | 11-13-2008 |
20080281483 | Singular Value Decomposition-Based Method for Optimal Estimation of Turbofan Engine Thrust and Other Unmeasurable Parameters - A new linear point design technique is presented for the determination of tuning parameters that enable the optimal estimation of unmeasured engine outputs such as thrust. The engine's performance is affected by its level of degradation, generally described in terms of unmeasurable health parameters related to each major engine component. Accurate thrust reconstruction depends upon knowledge of these health parameters, but there are usually too few sensors to be able to estimate their values. In this new technique, a set of tuning parameters is determined which accounts for degradation by representing the overall effect of the larger set of health parameters as closely as possible in a least squares sense. The technique takes advantage of the properties of the singular value decomposition of a matrix to generate a tuning parameter vector of low enough dimension that it can be estimated by a Kalman filter. A concise design procedure to generate a tuning vector that specifically takes into account the variables of interest is presented. An example demonstrates the tuning parameters' ability to facilitate matching of both measured and unmeasured engine outputs, as well as state variables. Additional properties of the formulation are shown to lend themselves well to diagnostics. | 11-13-2008 |
20080288133 | Fast fuel adjustment system diagnostic systems and methods - A control system for diagnosing a fuel system of a vehicle is provided. The system generally includes a correction term module that estimates a fuel correction term based on a first fuel correction value and a second fuel correction value, wherein the first fuel correction value is based on a first period and the second fuel correction value is based on a second period, and wherein the first period is longer than the second period. A diagnostic module diagnoses the fuel system of the vehicle based on the fuel correction term. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288134 | Load control apparatus and method for processing diagnosis signal for the same - A load control apparatus outputs a PWM signal to a switching element to control a load. The switching element is connected between a power supply and a grand in series with the load. An abnormal increase detecting unit outputs an abnormal increase detection signal when detecting abnormal increase in applied voltage, which is applied to the load, relative to target voltage. An abnormal decrease detecting unit outputs an abnormal decrease detection signal when detecting abnormal decrease in the applied voltage relative to the target voltage. An operating state monitoring unit outputs a normally operating signal when the load normally operates. A signal combining unit generates a combined signal by combining the abnormal increase detection signal, the abnormal decrease detection signal, and the normally operating signal and outputs the combined signal via a common signal output terminal. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294310 | CONTROL METHOD FOR A MOTORIZED VEHICLE IN THE CASE OF A FAULT THAT ADVISES/IMPOSES DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH REDUCED PERFORMANCE - Control method for a vehicle with an engine in the case of a fault that advises/imposes driving the vehicle with reduced performance; the control method provides for the phases of: diagnosing the fault, limiting the maximum performance of the vehicle by degrading the performance of an engine of the vehicle and giving the driver of the vehicle advance warning of the imminent operation of performance degradation on the engine before effectively degrading the performance of the engine. | 11-27-2008 |
20080294311 | Fault Diagnostics - A fault diagnostics technique for use with an engine controller and a hydromechanical device including a memory device comprises the steps of using diagnostics characteristics data stored in the memory device to modify a fault diagnostics algorithm of the engine controller, and using the modified fault diagnostics algorithm in conjunction with real time operating data from the hydromechanical device to determine whether the hydromechanical device is operating correctly. | 11-27-2008 |
20080300746 | System for preventing damage to a vehicle - A system for preventing damage to a vehicle, such as a truck, is provided. A sensor may be operable to measure a parameter relating to a component in a vehicle and to provide a parameter signal indicative of the measured parameter. A processor may be in communication with the sensor and operable to receive the parameter signal from the sensor. The processor may be further operable to analyze the parameter signal. The processor may be further operable to initiate a damage prevention process including a reduction of heat generation in the vehicle based on the parameter. | 12-04-2008 |
20080300747 | REAL TIME TRANSMISSION SHIFT QUALITY DETECTION AND EVALUATION UTILIZING TRANSMISSION OUTPUT SHAFT ACCELERATION - A shift quality error detection system for an automatic transmission includes a vehicle acceleration determination module to determine a vehicle acceleration. An acceptance window module defines upper and lower limits of a desired vehicle acceleration. The shift quality error detection module compares the determined vehicle acceleration to the upper and lower limits of the desired vehicle acceleration. A shift quality error detection module selectively provides a shift quality error based on the comparison. A method of detecting shift quality error of an automatic transmission comprises determining a vehicle acceleration during a transmission gear shift. The method also includes comparing the vehicle acceleration to an acceptance window of desired vehicle accelerations and outputting an error signal based on the acceleration comparison. | 12-04-2008 |
20080306645 | Methods and Systems for Providing Open Access to Vehicle Data - A method for providing open access to vehicle data is disclosed From a vehicle under service, the method receives vehicle-diagnostic data in a manufacturer-specified format at a vehicle-service tool, and converts the vehicle data in the manufacturer-specified format into vehicle data in an open format. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306646 | System and Method for Using Vehicle Attributes to Identify a Vehicle Under Service - A system and method directed to determining vehicle attributes associated with a vehicle under service so as to eliminate the need for a user of a vehicle service tool to enter the vehicle attributes or to reduce the quantity of vehicle attributes that the user has to enter in order for the vehicle service tool to identify the vehicle under service and, in turn, to retrieve vehicle reference data associated with the vehicle under service. The vehicle service tool may include vehicle service applications for servicing various systems and/or components of the vehicle under service. A vehicle service application selected by the user may function as a requester application that queries other applications and/or data storage for the vehicle attributes needed by the requester application to identify the vehicle under service. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306647 | IN-VEHICLE NETWORK SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an in-vehicle networks system and a method of controlling the same. The in-vehicle network system includes a first actuator and second actuators; shared sensors outputting a sensing value according to a sensing result; a first sub ECU controlling the driving of the first actuator and outputting a first sub sensing value corresponding to the sensing value from the shared sensors; a second sub ECU controlling the driving of the first actuator and outputting a second sub sensing value corresponding to the sensing value from the shared sensors; and a main ECU communicating with the first sub ECU and the second sub ECU according to a TDMA-based communication protocol, and determining that any one of the first ECU and the second ECU is abnormal in case that a difference between the first sensing value and the second sensing value is out of an error tolerance. | 12-11-2008 |
20080306648 | Abnormality diagnosis system and control system for internal combustion engine | 12-11-2008 |
20080312783 | Systems and Methods for Health Monitoring of Complex Systems - Systems and methods for health monitoring of complex systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a plurality of signals indicative of observation states of plurality of operating variables, performing a combined probability analysis of the plurality of signals using a diagnostic model of a monitored system to provide a health prognosis of the monitored system, and providing an indication of the health prognosis of the monitored system. In some embodiments, the monitored system may be an onboard system of an aircraft. | 12-18-2008 |
20080312784 | System for Controlling a Motor Vehicle Handling - The invention concerns a motor vehicle ( | 12-18-2008 |
20080319599 | ENGINE GLOW PLUG DIAGNOSIS USING CRANKSHAFT SENSOR DATA - A motor vehicle engine ( | 12-25-2008 |
20080319600 | Intake air temperature rationality diagnostic - A method of determining whether a fault condition of an intake air temperature (IAT) sensor of an engine is present includes estimating a first manifold absolute pressure (MAP) based on a previously estimated first MAP and an estimated first mass air flow (MAF) as a function of the previously estimated first MAP and estimating a second MAP based on a previously estimated second MAP and a currently measured MAF. An IAT difference is determined based on the first MAP and the second MAP. Whether the fault condition of the IAT sensor is present is determined based on the IAT difference. | 12-25-2008 |
20080319601 | ENERGY-SAVING DRIVING PROMOTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An energy-saving driving promotion system includes: a vehicle state detecting device; a current value calculating device that calculates a current value associated with an accelerator operation amount or a vehicle drive power; a recommended value calculating device that calculates a recommended value associated with the accelerator operation amount or the vehicle drive power; an indicator device that indicates a relationship between the calculated recommended value and the calculated current value; and an acceleration intention determining device that determines whether a driver intends to accelerate. If the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver intends to accelerate, the recommended value calculating device calculates a larger recommended value when the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver intends to accelerate than when the acceleration intention determining device determines that the driver does not intend to accelerate. | 12-25-2008 |
20090012668 | In-Vehicle Component Assessment System - A center control unit ( | 01-08-2009 |
20090012669 | Vehicle Control Device - A driving/braking force manipulation control input of a k-th wheel, which denotes one or more specific wheels among a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, is determined such that a required condition concerning a relationship among a road surface reaction force that may act from a road surface on the k-th wheel on the basis of the detected values or estimated values of a side slip angle and a friction characteristic of the k-th wheel, a feedback control input related to the driving/braking force of the k-th wheel for bringing a difference between a state amount of the vehicle and a reference state amount close to zero, a driving/braking force feedforward control input based on a drive manipulated variable supplied by a driver of the vehicle, and a k-th wheel driving/braking force manipulation control input is satisfied. This arrangement makes it possible to properly control a motion of an actual vehicle to a desired motion while properly considering the characteristics of a road surface reaction force acting from a road surface on a wheel. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012670 | Safety Concept in Electronic Throttle Control of Internal Combustion Engine Controllers - In a method for monitoring a function computer in a control unit which controls the generation of torque by an internal combustion engine, a maximum acceptable torque value is determined from a driver request. A torque actual value is determined from operational characteristic variables of the internal combustion engine and is compared with the maximum acceptable value. The air supply is limited when there is an unacceptably large actual value. The method is distinguished by the fact that the limitation takes place when a fault counter reading exceeds a threshold value. The fault counter reading is increased if the torque actual value is higher than the maximum acceptable torque value and is reduced by a predetermined value if the torque actual value is lower than the maximum acceptable value. In addition, a control unit which is configured to carry out the method is presented. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012671 | Method and Device for Operating an Internal Combustion Engine - During a first driving cycle, a combustion process is controlled in at least one combustion chamber for the purpose of performing a check on an emission reduction system of an internal combustion engine. During a second driving cycle following the first cycle, a check is performed to establish whether an error in the emission reduction system was detected during the first cycle. An idle time between the first and the second cycles is determined, in the event of an error of the emission reduction system detected during the first cycle. During the second cycle, the combustion process in the at least one combustion chamber is only controlled for the purpose of the check on the emission reduction system, in the event of an error detected in the emission reduction system during the first cycle and in the event of the idle time being longer than a pre-determined repair time. | 01-08-2009 |
20090012672 | Method for Identifying a Defective Control Device - In a method for identifying a defective control device in an internal combustion engine, especially a control element of an intake manifold with a variable length, a swirl flap, or a tumble flap, or generally a control element in the air path of the internal combustion engine, instead of using a return message acknowledging the position of the control device, a regulating signal is detected following the successful switching of the control device, in order to use any deviations of said regulating signal above a defined threshold value to identify a defective control device. | 01-08-2009 |
20090018718 | Method of Estimating Life Expectancy of Electric Mining Shovels Based on Cumulative Dipper Loads - An operational life of an electric mining shovel is determined by monitoring cumulative dipper loading, both above and below a benchmark weight set by a manufacturer over a time period, such as an operating shift. The running shovel life score is increased when a dipper payload is less than the benchmark weight and increased when the dipper payload is greater than the benchmark weight. The shovel life may be tracked over a time period such as an operator's shift or a thirty day period. The shovel life is used by the operator to operate the shovel in a manner consistent with the manufacturer's ratings. | 01-15-2009 |
20090024268 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC LISTENING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR - A diagnostic listening device for a vehicle uses at least one input device to retrieve audible signals from the vehicle. Diagnostic circuitry is coupled to the at least one input device to allow a user to listen to the audible signals retrieved and to isolate out certain frequencies to aid in the diagnosis of the vehicle. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024269 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - Methods for determining the height, horizontal position, and lateral position of the centre of gravity of a vehicle are disclosed. The methods comprise constructing a plurality of models of vehicle behaviour, each model including a plurality of parameters that determine vehicle behaviour including parameters that define the position of the centre of gravity. The method then measures actual vehicle behaviour during operation of the vehicle. The actual behaviour and the behaviour predicted by the models are then compared to determine which of the models most effectively predicts behaviour of the vehicle. The model that is most effective in predicting the actual behaviour of the vehicle is then assumed to include amongst its parameters an estimate of the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle. | 01-22-2009 |
20090024270 | Method for estimating the suspension stroke of a vehicle and apparatus implementing the same - The present invention refers to a method for estimating the suspension stroke of a vehicle comprising the steps consisting of: a) determining a variability law ( | 01-22-2009 |
20090024271 | Fault Diagnosis System in Load Driving Arrangement and Fuel Pump Control System - In a fault diagnosis system ( | 01-22-2009 |
20090037042 | Detection of valve deactivation failure by monitoring exhaust temperature - An internal combustion engine having valve deactivation capability for at least one cylinder, or for an entire bank of cylinders in a multiple-bank engine, is provided with a temperature probe in the exhaust stream of that cylinder or cylinder bank. The temperature probe is connected to an Engine Control Module programmed to determine the rate of temperature change during valve deactivation, to compare the determined value to an acceptable range of rates, and to signal,when the rate exceeds an acceptable range. When the valves of a cylinder are properly deactivated, the temperature in the exhaust pipe decreases slowly. However, when valve deactivation fails, the cylinders pump non-combusted air from the intake manifold into the exhaust manifold, resulting in a relatively rapid decrease in exhaust temperature. This abnormal rate of temperature decrease thus can be used as an indicator of failure of the VVA system. | 02-05-2009 |
20090037043 | Visual Information Apparatus for Real-Time Demonstration of Braking Behaviour of Motorcycles - Visual information apparatus for real-time demonstration of braking behaviour of a motorcycle, the motorcycle is provided with elastically suspended front wheel and rear wheel ( | 02-05-2009 |
20090043441 | Information Management and Monitoring System and Method - Information management and monitoring system and method for monitoring components on an apparatus during its operation includes a monitoring system including sensors for monitoring the components operation thereof, and a processing module arranged on the apparatus and to receive and process data about the monitored components from the sensors. The module derives information from the data about the monitored components to determine whether any component is operating in a non-optimal manner and/or to forecast failure of any component prior to such failure. The system also includes at least one remote entity interested in the operation or failure of any component. A wireless communication system is arranged on the apparatus and coupled to the module for enabling wireless communications of derived information from the module to each entity during operation of the apparatus, including information about the presence and identity of any non-optimally operating component or component forecast to fail. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043442 | Automated diagnostics for crawler transmission hydraulic circuits - A diagnostic system and method for diagnosing problems in a hydrostatic transmission of a vehicle including a transmission control unit that has a monitor and pressure sensors and at least one temperature sensor connectable between diagnostic hose ports coupled to the transmission and inputs on the transmission control unit. A symptom or problem area is selected on the monitor; and a test sequence is initiated by command input on the monitor. The transmission control unit performs calculations based upon input data from the pressure sensors to determine a hydraulic problem, and provides directions for adjustments or replacing parts on the hydrostatic transmission. The monitor may provide instructions to relocate existing sensor connections for the test sequence selected. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043443 | VEHICULAR STEERING ANGLE ESTIMATING APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS MOUNTED THEREWITH - A vehicular steering angle estimating apparatus including wheel rotational speed sensors for detecting rotational speeds of left and right wheels of a vehicle, provided with a steering angle estimating portion for estimating and outputting a estimated steering angle | 02-12-2009 |
20090043444 | System and method for interfacing between an on-board diagnostic output and a distance measuring instrument input - A method and system for interfacing and communicating between an in-vehicle device such as an on board diagnostic (OBD) system in a vehicle and an existing distance measurement instrument (DMI) are provided. In one embodiment, the interface may send a plurality of vehicle speed requests to the OBD system to obtain a plurality of vehicle speed measurements, uses the plurality of vehicle speed measurements and time stamps associated therewith to compute a distance travelled during a time interval, converts the distance travelled to a series of pulses, and sends the series of pulses to the DMI. | 02-12-2009 |
20090048728 | Water-in-Fuel Detection Using Duty Cycle Calculation - A method for operating a vehicle having a fuel system that may be contaminated with water is described. The method includes, adjusting an operating parameter in response to a relative amount of high and low readings from a water-in-fuel sensor coupled in the fuel system. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048729 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING THE OPERATIONAL STATE OF A VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION (VVA) DEVICE USING A KNOCK SIGNAL - A method for determining whether a variable valve actuation (VVA) device or subsystem is operating in an improper mode of operation is performed in real-time by an embedded engine or powertrain controller configured to monitor and evaluate an already-available knock sensor output signal. The knock sensor output is captured during a predefined sampling window, defined to include a valve closing event when the VVA device is operating in a proper mode. The captured knock sensor output signal is processed to detect the presence (or absence) of a valve closing event. The absence of a valve closing event when one is expected is indicative of a malfunctioning VVA device. | 02-19-2009 |
20090048730 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLANNING REPAIR OF AN ENGINE - A method for planning repair of an engine is provided. The method comprises monitoring an engine having a plurality of engine modules and determining one or more module-specific health estimates for one or more of the engine modules, based on a plurality of engine parameters. The method further comprises planning repair of the engine based on one or more of the module-specific health estimates determined for one or more of the engine modules. | 02-19-2009 |
20090055039 | Method and Apparatus for Providing Diagnostics of a Lifting Magnet System - An apparatus for providing diagnostics of a work device includes an electric crane including an operator cabin and a derrick that supports a lifting magnet; a diagnostic panel disposed proximate the operator cabin; a device that provides one or more operating parameters associated with an operation of the electric crane; and a logic controller in communication with the device and diagnostic panel. The logic controller receives the one or more operating parameter. The diagnostic panel provides one or more quantifiable diagnostics of the electric crane and/or magnet according to the one or more operating parameters received by the PLC. A method is also disclosed. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055040 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING TIRE SLIP ANGLE AND A TIRE WITH SENSORS MOUNTED THEREIN - Deformation of a tire is measured by a paired sensor | 02-26-2009 |
20090055041 | RAIL VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND PROCESSING - A solution for further automating the identification and processing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and data is acquired for the rail vehicle. Identification of each rail vehicle can be implemented using a set of electromagnetic beams that are emitted and detected across a set of rails in such a manner as to enable the reliable identification of individual rail vehicles. Data acquisition for the rail vehicles can include evaluation of one or more parts of the rail vehicle, particularly the rail wheels, for the presence of one or more defects. Data on the part(s), such as rail wheels, can be reliably assigned to a corresponding rail vehicle by also accounting for changes in the direction of movement of the rail vehicle in locations such as a classification yard. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055042 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING DIAGNOSIS OF A POSSIBLE BREAKDOWN IN A VEHICLE - A method for diagnosing a possible breakdown of a vehicle component. The method stores a first distance covered by the vehicle at a time when an event related to the breakdown occurs, and stores at least another covered distance, and then makes the diagnosis based on the stored covered distances. | 02-26-2009 |
20090055043 | RAIL VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION AND PROCESSING - A solution for further automating the identification, processing, and/or routing of rail vehicles is provided. Each individual rail vehicle in a series of rail vehicles is identified and measurement data is acquired for the rail vehicle. The measurement data is analyzed and the rail vehicle is automatically routed based on the analysis. The rail vehicle can be routed to an outbound track based on a destination, to a maintenance shop for repair, and/or to a local track for repair and/or re-measurement. The solution can further incorporate expert systems and data mining to reduce the number of rail vehicles that are unnecessarily routed for repair and/or inadvertently allowed to pass with one or more unsafe conditions. | 02-26-2009 |
20090062976 | DUEL CONTROL SOLENOID CIRCUIT - A solenoid control system for a vehicle comprises a primary controller, a failover controller, and a failover control module. The primary controller generates a first solenoid drive signal based upon a control signal. The failover controller selectively generates a second solenoid drive signal based upon the control signal. The failover control module receives an operating signal that indicates whether the primary controller is functioning properly and selects the second drive signal to drive a solenoid when the operating signal indicates that the primary controller is not functioning properly. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062977 | METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING A COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE - A method for diagnosing a component of a vehicle, which presents the steps of: identifying a series of classes, each of which is associated to a given mode of operation of the component; identifying at least one control signal of the component; providing a mathematical model of the component designed to classify an evolution in time of the control signal, assigning a respective class to the evolution in time of the control signal itself; detecting a number of evolutions in time of the control signal; classifying each evolution in time of the control signal by means of the mathematical model of the component; and determining a diagnosis of the component on the basis of the classification of the evolutions in time of the control signal. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062978 | Automotive Diagnostic and Estimate System and Method - The method provides users with estimates for vehicle repairs. The user, typically the vehicle owner, provides details sufficient to identify the vehicle, and location details to enable the system to locate suitable mechanics and replacement parts, and determine labor costs and times. The user may provide symptoms of the problem, and the system provider automatically determines the likely cause of the symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been generated, local labor and replacement auto part prices are automatically located, and a repair estimate automatically calculated. The estimate, along with a list of local mechanics with interest or expertise in the particular type of repair, is then automatically communicated to the vehicle owner. | 03-05-2009 |
20090069969 | TIRE SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tire sensor system includes a first sensor and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor. The first and second sensors are mounted to a tire. A processor receives input signals from the first and second sensors, and is programmed to determine the length of a contact patch of the tire in response to the input signals. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069970 | COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Disclosed are a system and a method for identifying components in an assembly. The system comprises an assembly including one or more components and a power harvesting device, and a reader. The power harvesting device provides power to the one or more components and queries component identification information from the one or more components. The one or more components provide the power harvesting device with the component identification information which is relayed to the reader by the power harvesting device. The system allows determination of the components of the assembly while precluding the need for dismantling the assembly or powering on the assembly to run diagnostic software. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069971 | DRIVING FORCE CONTROLLER OF VEHICLE - A driving force control apparatus includes a driver model which is a functional block adjusting characteristics relevant to human senses and a powertrain manger which is a functional block adjusting vehicle's hardware characteristics. The driver model includes a target base driving force calculation unit (static characteristics) calculating a target driving force from an accelerator pedal position using a base driving force map or the like, and a target transient characteristics addition unit calculating a final target driving force from the target driving force using transient characteristics represented by a transfer function. The powertrain manager includes a target engine torque and AT gear calculation unit and a characteristics compensator compensating for response of the vehicle. | 03-12-2009 |
20090069972 | GPS TRIGGERED NARRATION AND RECORDING FOR DRIVE EVENTS - Automatically presenting content to an occupant of a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route (e.g., during a test drive or other drive event). Content items are associated with GPS coordinates the route. A GPS device on the vehicle identifies the vehicle location as the vehicle traverses the route, and content item associated with particular locations is presented to the occupant of the vehicle. In an embodiment, audio and/or video of the occupant is captured and stored on a computing device remote from the vehicle. The captured audio and/or video represents feedback from the occupant during the drive event. | 03-12-2009 |
20090076675 | Reminder Device for Eliciting Behavioral Response in a Vehicle - A reminder device for alerting or triggering the memory of a vehicular occupant includes one or more visual, auditory and tactile indicators which the occupant associates with the presence of a person, pet, plant or inanimate object located in the vehicle. | 03-19-2009 |
20090076676 | INPUT APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An input apparatus for a vehicle, the apparatus being used for operation input to various vehicular electronic devices, sets position input permission areas on a two-dimensional operation surface of an operation input device discretely by control of a main controller. In control modes of a reaction force, a guide input mode where position indication operations to the areas on the operation surface by the operation input device are guided along unique paths defined in the respective area and an arbitrary mode where the position indication operations are not guided but performed freely can be changed. The guide input mode is set at least during a vehicle travel. | 03-19-2009 |
20090088918 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A control means for controlling actuators of a vehicle creates a time series of a future behavior of the vehicle using a vehicle model. A state amount of the vehicle model is initialized on the basis of a state amount of the vehicle, and the future behavior is created starting from the initial state amount. The future behavior is created such that operation commands of the actuators in the vehicle model at the current time coincide with or approximate basic values based on operation of a manipulating device, such as a steering wheel of the vehicle. It is evaluated whether vehicle motion, road surface reaction force, and wheel sliding, in the created future behavior satisfy predetermined restrictive conditions. Based on the evaluation result, the operation commands of the actuators are successively decided. This permits ideal travel of the vehicle to be achieved by properly predicting future behaviors of the vehicle. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088919 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A drive force control portion ( | 04-02-2009 |
20090088920 | VEHICLE LOAD BACKUP CIRCUIT - A load backup device includes an abnormality detection part which detects an abnormal operation of a processing part, and a backup driving part which drives a load based on an output from the abnormality detection part when the abnormality detection part detects the abnormal operation of the processing part. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088921 | MODULE FOR DETECTING A VEHICLE CRASH AND AN AIRBAG DEPLOYING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - Embodiments of the present invention may provide a module for detecting a vehicle crash. The module includes a housing mounted to a vehicular frame member at one end portion thereof. The module includes first and second rods housed in the housing. The first rod is contacted to the frame member at one end thereof through the one end portion of the housing. The second rod is contacted to the opposite end of the first rod and being disposed between the first rod and the opposite end portion of the housing. The module includes first and second sensors mounted to the first and second rods respectively for detecting a crash by sequentially measuring stress wave caused by the crash. The first sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the first rod and outputting a signal. The second sensor detects a stress wave propagating through the second rod and outputting a signal. The module includes a biasing member disposed between the second rod and the opposite end portion of the housing for biasing the first and second rods toward the frame member. A magnitude of impedance of the first rod is larger than that of the second rod and the magnitude of impedance of the second rod is larger than that of the biasing member. The module can remarkably reduce the elapsed time required for detecting a crash by measuring a stress wave, which propagates very rapidly through a vehicular frame member. | 04-02-2009 |
20090088922 | Method to detect mechanical faults and dynamic instability in rotor systems of helicopters, tilt rotor aircraft, and whirl towers - This method uses revolution to revolution blade track height and timing data to determine mechanical and dynamic stability, mal-adjustment, and faults in a vertical lift aircraft rotor system with a plurality of blades. Raw data are processed from tracking devices to improve their resolution then sorted in a way as to remove the chaotic character of the data and provide coherent and/or relatively linear data sets. Faults and failure can be discovered in a plurality of ways including graphic displays presentations of the data. Graphic displays provide a significant amount of information to even those with little experience in the art. Data collection and analysis is very rapid. The data can be used within moments after collection. Most of the data required to access the rotor system can be taken at hover and/or on the ground. Significant operational, safety, and cost saving are achieved. | 04-02-2009 |
20090093923 | Status Indicator, System, and Method of Use - A system comprises a status indicator comprising a persistent display. The System allows unidirectional or bidirectional data transmission from a status computer to allow visual status indication of a predetermined status. In an embodiment, insurance policy status, e.g. in force or expired, is displayed on the persistent data display of a status indicator attached to a visible portion of a vehicle. | 04-09-2009 |
20090093924 | Vehicle State Quantity Predicting Apparatus and Vehicle Steering Controller Using the Same, and a Method for Predicting a Vehicle State Quantity and Vehicle Steering Controlling Method Using the Same - A vehicle state quantity prediction apparatus has sensors such as a GPS receiver that observe prescribed state quantities representing a movement state of a vehicle and a Kalman filter that inputs the state quantities observed by the sensors into a model of the movement state of the vehicle to predict a state quantity including the prescribed state quantities representing a movement of the vehicle. The reliability of the prescribed state quantities observed by the sensors is evaluated, and the degree to which the prescribed state quantities are reflected in the Kalman filter is set based on the evaluated reliability. | 04-09-2009 |
20090099718 | Device And Method For Determining the Center of Gravity Of A Vehicle - A device and a method for determining the height of the center of gravity of a vehicle, including a determining device which determines a pitching dynamics variable which represents the dynamic pitching behavior of the vehicle, and an evaluation unit to which the determined pitching dynamics variable for calculating a center of gravity height variable which represents the height of the center of gravity of the vehicle is fed. The determining device also determines a wheel force variable which represents a wheel force which occurs at at least one wheel of the vehicle, wherein the evaluation unit calculates the center of gravity height variable as a function of the determined pitching dynamics variable taking into account the determined wheel force variable. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099719 | Method for vehicle suspension wear prediction and indication - A vehicle suspension wear prediction and indication method includes processing data inputs from a suspension system and converting the data inputs into a cumulative wear estimate. The data inputs are selected to model a magnitude factor and a duration factor related to the operation of the suspension system. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099720 | MONITORING THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES - A system for monitoring the operation and maintenance of vehicles. The system comprises a plurality of sensors attached to various vehicle modules that need to be monitored. The sensors are operatively connected to a control module, which in turn is operatively connected to a scheduler and to a communication module. Upon operation, the sensors present the control module with indicators relating the current operation of various modules of a vehicle. The scheduler presents the control module with user-defined schedule of operation and maintenance of said vehicle. The control module performs a matching between the schedule and the sensor indicators and alerts the user via the communication module of any mismatch between the indicators relating the current operation of various modules of a vehicle and said user-defined schedule of operation and maintenance of said vehicle. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099721 | Abnormality reporting device for vehicle and control program - There are provided an abnormality reporting device that can generate vibration which can be easily perceived by a driver even when the driver is in a vibrating vehicle during running, and a control program therefore. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099722 | INTERNAL-COMBUSTION-ENGINE IGNITION DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND INTERNAL-COMBUSTION-ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS - The internal-combustion-engine ignition diagnosis apparatus is configured in such a way that the first duration setting unit sets the first detection duration in a predetermined duration including a time instant when the spark discharge is generated, the second duration setting unit sets the second detection duration after the first detection duration, the diagnosis unit determines normality of the spark discharge, based on a signal state in the second detection duration, and regardless of the signal state in the second detection duration, determines abnormality of the spark discharge, based on a signal state in the first detection duration. | 04-16-2009 |
20090099723 | Method for optimizing vehicles and engines used for driving such vehicles - The invention relates to methods for optimizing vehicles and engines that are used for driving such vehicles, comprising the following steps: measurements are taken during real operation of the vehicle ( | 04-16-2009 |
20090105897 | VEHICLE FEEDBACK METHOD AND SYSTEM - A feedback method and system. The method includes identifying by a computing system, a user. A vehicular feedback software application is enabled for the user. A feedback software application in the computing system monitors a group of vehicle operation functions currently being executed by the user with respect to a vehicle. The feedback software application analyzes the group of vehicle operation functions with respect to a profile associated with the user. An analysis report is generated in response to the analysis. The analysis report is presented to the user. The computing system monitors a response to the first analysis report from the user. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105898 | METHOD FOR MONITORING A MOTOR SPEED SENSOR - A method for detecting speed faults in a hybrid powertrain having engine and electric machine speed inputs includes directly sensing the engine and machine speeds and performing comparisons of sensed engine speed with engine speed determined based upon the machine speeds. | 04-23-2009 |
20090105899 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING VEHICLE ROLLOVER USING EHANCED SENSOR INPUTS AND PROCESSING ARCHITECTURE - The present invention relates to an occupant protection system and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for detecting a vehicle rollover event using and enhanced sensor input architecture that uses both a roll over sensor and an electron stability control system. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112389 | Condition Detection and Display System, Condition Detection and Display Method, Control Program for Condition Detection and Display System, and Storage Medium Storing the Control Program - In a condition detection and display system ( | 04-30-2009 |
20090112390 | Method and System for Detecting Installation of an Unmonitored Tire on a Vehicle - A tire pressure monitoring system includes sensors respectively associated with tires normally installed on a vehicle. Each sensor transmits a sensor signal indicative of a parameter of the associated tire to a controller. The signal strength of each sensor signal as received by the controller varies over time when the tire is rolling and remains constant over time when the tire is stationary. The controller generates a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signal indicative of the signal strength of each sensor signal as received by the controller. The controller processes the RSSI signals along with a speed signal indicative of whether the vehicle is moving or is stationary to determine if any tire is stationary while the vehicle is moving, and generates a warning indicative of an unmonitored tire installed on the vehicle in place of a tire upon determining that the tire is stationary while the vehicle is moving. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112391 | RETARDER CONTROL DEVICE FOR WORKING VEHICLE - A retarder control system for a working vehicle includes: an input shaft revolution speed detector ( | 04-30-2009 |
20090112392 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING PROCESSOR INTEGRITY IN A DISTRIBUTED CONTROL MODULE SYSTEM FOR A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for monitoring a main control module operative to command first and second motor control processors of a hybrid powertrain system includes signally connecting a programmable logic device to the main control module and the first and second motor control processors, communicating a first seed signal from the programmable logic device to the main control module, and determining an invalid key signal in the main control module in response to the first seed signal. The invalid key signal is communicated to the programmable logic device. | 04-30-2009 |
20090118891 | METHOD OF CALCULATING DEFLECTION OF ROTATING TIRE, METHOD OF ACCUMULATING DATA OF ROTATING TIRE, METHOD OF CALCULATING CONTACT LENGTH OF ROTATING TIRE - A method of calculating deflection of a rotating tire, through high speed data processing, based on measurement time series data of acceleration on a tire tread portion has the following steps. A step of acquiring measurement time series data of acceleration on a tire circumference in a radial direction of a rotating tire; a step of extracting acceleration data in a vicinity of a contact region from the acquired measurement data and subjecting the extracted acceleration data to least-square regression using a second-order differential function expression of a deflection function expression that represents a peak shape having a peak value and a curve gradually approaching to zero on both sides thereof, whereby a deflection function parameter values are determined; and a step of calculating a contact deflection from the deflection function expression determined by the deflection function parameter values. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118892 | Rollover Judging Device - A rollover judging device adjusts the magnitude of an angular velocity component ω of a vehicle in a direction of a rollover, which is measured by an angular velocity sensor | 05-07-2009 |
20090118893 | METHOD OF INTEGRATED DETECTION FOR AUTOMOBILE INSTRUMENTS - This Invention Makes Known by a Method of Integrated Detection for automobile instruments. Its characteristic is that the program-controlled signal generator sends out the signal. Then the signal is sent to the automobile instruments which need to be detected after power amplifying and amplitude regulation. Resistance signal system is composed of resistance flashboard and resistance control board. And it also sends the signal to the automobile instruments which need to be detected. Then the signal of the automobile instrument is detected by output voltage detection system to determine whether the automobile instrument is qualified or not. The efficiency of the automobile instruments detection is improved enormously by the above method. The method eliminates the error and miss phenomena which are produced by human factors, so that the automobile instruments will have quality assurance. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118894 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING THE CONDITION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TYRES - The invention concerns a method for diagnosing the condition of tires of a front wheel and of a rear wheel of a motor vehicle arranged on the same side of the vehicle and connected to the body shell thereof via suspension means. Said method includes a step ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090118895 | Mobile Object Monitoring Device - The present invention reduces power consumption as much as possible when an engine is off state. A mobile object monitoring device | 05-07-2009 |
20090118896 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AT LEAST ONE VOTED FLIGHT TRAJECTORY OF A VEHICLE - A method for generating a voted trajectory of a vehicle in a first vehicle. First trajectory data is received from at least one second vehicle in a receiver in the first vehicle. Trajectory data is calculated in a trajectory calculator in the first vehicle. The calculated trajectory data and the received first trajectory data concern a determined vehicle. The determined vehicle is determined from a group including the first and the second vehicles. The voted trajectory of the determined vehicle by a voting process based on the calculated trajectory data and the received first trajectory data. | 05-07-2009 |
20090118897 | Method for damage forecast of components of a motor vehicle - The invention relates to a method for forecasting the damage of components of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps:
| 05-07-2009 |
20090118898 | Radio Communication System For Controlling a Vehicle - A radio control system for controlling a vehicle includes a transmission node for transmitting vehicle control data, the vehicle control data including at least one of a measured value of a vehicle state or a driver's manipulated variable and a control target value of a control actuator in the vehicle, a reception node for receiving the vehicle control data, and a plurality of radio communication routes between the transmission node and the reception node. A radio communication route that satisfies communication limit time of transmission data including the vehicle control data and satisfies lowest required reliability of the transmission data is selected from among the radio communication routes. | 05-07-2009 |
20090125176 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE ALTERNATOR-STARTER - A method for operating a reversible polyphase rotating electrical machine ( | 05-14-2009 |
20090125177 | Driving assistance apparatus - A driving assistance apparatus that performs accurate driving assistance in accordance with actual road environment is provided. An electronic control unit (ECU) acquires shape information and vehicular swept path information about a subject vehicle and a nearby vehicle, representing vehicles and movement thereof as rectangular solids. A three-dimensional space is formed as a vehicular swept path for the rectangular solid and a road map generated based on the formed three-dimensional space. A notification is provided if the subject vehicle runs outside a space. Control support is provided to return the subject vehicle to an area indicated as safe. | 05-14-2009 |
20090132109 | Method and Control Device Recognising, Specific to a Driver, Inattentiveness of a Driver of a Vehicle - A method and a device are provided for detecting when the driver of a motor vehicle becomes inattentive. A steering inactivity phase and a subsequent steering action are detected in this context. A steering inactivity phase is detected if the absolute value of the steering wheel angle, of its change over time, or both, during a predefined time threshold value, does not exceed a first threshold value. A steering action is detected if the absolute value of the steering wheel angle, of its change over time, or both, exceeds a second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value are modified in a driver-specific fashion. | 05-21-2009 |
20090138152 | METHOD FOR ESTIMATING THE DERIVATIVE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WHEEL SLIPPAGE AND COMPUTING UNIT FOR PERFORMING SAID ESTIMATION - A method for estimating the derivative of a motor vehicle wheel slippage including: a) inputting data concerning speed of the wheels, engine torques applied on the wheels, braking pressures, engaged gearbox ratio; b) estimating acceleration of each wheel while performing a discrete derivation and a filtering of the speed of each wheel; c) estimating the torque applied to each wheel taking into account the braking pressure, engaged gearbox ratio, and clutch status; d) estimating inertia of the wheels for each of the vehicle front and rear axles; e) performing a geometric transformation of the estimate of the acceleration of each wheel estimated in b); f) estimating the derivation of the slippage of each wheel, based on the values estimated in c), d) and e). | 05-28-2009 |
20090143933 | Detection device for side collision of vehicle and passenger protection system having the same - A detection device for side collision of a vehicle includes: an outer plate of a vehicle side door; an inner plate of the side door arranged separately from the outer plate; a reinforcing member arranged between the outer plate and the inner plate and having a bending rigidity higher than a bending rigidity of the outer plate; a detection subject member provided by at least one of the inner plate and a member fixed to the inner plate; a sensor detecting a separate distance between the detection subject member and the reinforcing member; and a determination element determining that the vehicle collides with an object based on an output value of the sensor. | 06-04-2009 |
20090143934 | Eco-drive support device and method - An eco-drive support device that notifies a driver of the eco-friendliness of a vehicle driving operation being performed by the driver includes: an operating unit that calculates eco-drive support information that indicates the eco-friendliness of the vehicle driving operation being performed by the driver; and a notification control unit that controls a notifying unit to notify the driver of the eco-drive support information, if there is a request from an input unit for notification of the eco-drive support information. In this device, the notification control unit controls the notifying unit to notify the driver of the eco-drive support information though there is not a request from the input unit for notification of the eco-drive support information, if a predetermined condition for providing the eco-drive support information is satisfied. | 06-04-2009 |
20090150018 | Friction Plausibility Detection Algorithm For a Steering System - A system and method for detecting and identifying friction in a vehicle having an electric power steering system comprising the steps of measuring predetermined vehicle states, estimating vehicle states using predetermined signals to define idealized vehicle states, calculating a confidence factor to be applied to the idealized vehicle states to determine valid idealized vehicle states, comparing the measured predetermined vehicle states to the valid idealized vehicle states to isolate signal data of interest and define an estimate of friction present in the steering system, applying friction boundaries to the estimate of friction present in the steering system, qualifying the estimate of friction, and setting an internal software flag for the purpose of acknowledging the presence of high friction in the event the estimate of friction exceeds the friction threshold boundaries for a predetermined time. | 06-11-2009 |
20090150019 | VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine 1 and a rotating electric machine | 06-11-2009 |
20090150020 | METHOD FOR THE GENERATING OPERATING SOFTWARE ON A CONTROL DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AS WELL AS CONTROL DEVICE - A method for generating operating software on a control device for a motor vehicle by executing control software in a production line end computer or in the control device, has the following steps: a) Executing a diagnosis function in the motor vehicle, with which the configuration of the motor vehicle can be established so that the functions to be performed by the control device ( | 06-11-2009 |
20090150021 | Methods for Detecting Vehicle Rollover - An automobile rollover detection system comprising a control module to receive a first set and a second set of signals, to determine a first threshold in response to the first set of signals, to determine a second threshold in response to the second set of signals, to provide a first signal in response to the first threshold, to provide a second signal in response to the second threshold, and to provide a control signal in response to the first and second signals. The control signal may activate an occupant restraint system in response to the detection of an automobile rollover event. Other embodiments are also claimed and described. | 06-11-2009 |
20090157248 | MULTIDIMENSIONAL VEHICLE HEALTH GRAPHICS - A method of displaying a vehicle's information, includes measuring a set values of the vehicle, comparing the set of measured values with a set of related normal values of a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle being measured, and operating within a preset normal range, and displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the normal set of values of the same type of vehicle. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157249 | SECTION OVERSPEED WARNING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM - In a section overspeed regulating method of determining whether a vehicle overspeeds on the basis of whether an average speed of the vehicle in a regulation section exceeds a speed limit, the section overspeed warning apparatus and system determine whether the current speed of the vehicle traveling on a regulation section exceeds the speed limit, and warn a driver. Whether the speed of the vehicle traveling on the regulation section exceeds the speed limit of the section is determined depending on a travel distance from a starting position of the regulation section to a current position of the vehicle, a travel time taken for the vehicle to travel by the travel distance, and a remaining distance from the current position of the vehicle to an end position of the regulation section. If it is determined that the current position of the vehicle will exceed the speed limit of the section, overspeed warning messages are output in the form of text, voice, or warning sound. Further, the section overspeed warning apparatus and system recommend the maximum speed, which allows the vehicle not to violate the speed limit of the section at the current position, to a driver as a recommended speed. | 06-18-2009 |
20090157250 | METHOD FOR LOCATING THE LONGITUDINAL POSITION OF WHEELS OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for locating the longitudinal position, either on the front end or on the rear end of a vehicle with engine, of wheels ( | 06-18-2009 |
20090171524 | Method and Device for Controlling a Drive Unit of a Vehicle - A method and a device for controlling a drive unit of a vehicle are provided in which, starting from the comparison of a first acceleration variable, which is calculated at least from the operating state of the drive unit, and a second acceleration variable, an error is detected. The second acceleration variable includes a first component, in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis, and a second component, perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal axis. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171525 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING DEVICE - In a tire pressure monitoring device, a receiving apparatus | 07-02-2009 |
20090171526 | Vehicle Control Device - A basic required manipulated variable Mfbdmd_a is determined on the basis of a state amount error, which is the difference between a state amount of a motion of an actual vehicle | 07-02-2009 |
20090177346 | Dynamic estimation of vehicle inertial parameters and tire forces from tire sensors - A method of estimating vehicle inertial parameters for use in a vehicle stability control system including the steps of obtaining measurements of tire normal forces, calculating an estimated total vehicle mass, calculating an estimated mass proportioned between axles, and performing a vehicle stability control calculation using an estimated vehicle inertial parameter. In a second aspect of the method, a method of estimating vehicle inertial parameters using measurements of tire lateral forces. In a third aspect, a method of predicting tire forces including the steps of obtaining measurements of tire normal or tire lateral forces, calculating a corresponding set of expected tire forces, blending the measured tire forces and said corresponding set of expected tire forces to produce a set of blended tire forces, calculating a second set of expected tire forces of the other kind, combining the set of blended tire forces and second set of expected tire forces to produce a set of predicted tire lateral forces for each tire of the vehicle, and performing a vehicle control calculation using the set of predicted tire lateral forces. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177347 | Vehicle driver assistance system and method - A driver assistance system includes a sensor for sensing the speed of a first vehicle equipped with the system, a sensor for detecting a vehicle traveling ahead, a sensor for determining the speed of the vehicle ahead, at least one driving-data sensor for sensing driving data characteristics, and an electronic controller programmed to trigger autonomous braking of the first vehicle when predetermined brake-trigger driving data exist, and to end the autonomous braking when predetermined driving data for terminating braking exist. In effecting termination of autonomous braking, the electronic controller is programmed to determine whether the sensor for detecting vehicles ahead is transmitting signals (i.e., is operational) but is not detecting any vehicle traveling ahead, and, if the sensor is operational and no vehicle traveling ahead is detected, to terminate autonomous braking when the speed of the first vehicle is less than the most recently determined speed of the vehicle ahead. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177348 | VEHICLE WITH A VARIABLE REAR TOE ANGLE - In a vehicle provided with a rear wheel toe angle varying device for individually varying toe angles of rear wheels, upon detection of a failure to steer one of the rear wheels, the rear wheel of a healthy side is steered in a direction to enable the vehicle to travel straight ahead. Preferably, a control unit of the rear wheel toe angle varying device steers the rear wheel of a healthy side in parallel to the rear wheel of the faulty side, and the vehicle is enabled to travel straight ahead even though the traveling direction of the vehicle is at a certain angle with respect to the longitudinal line of the vehicle body. At this time, front wheels are typically steered at the same angle as the rear wheels. The device may further comprise a toe angle estimating unit. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177349 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING TRACTOR/TRAILER VEHICLE SYSTEMS - A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor. | 07-09-2009 |
20090177350 | Systems, methods and devices for a telematics web services interface feature - A telematics system is disclosed that includes a web services interface in communication with a secondary software system, wherein the web services interface comprises at least one processor configured to retrieve, receive, analyze and/or transmit data in response to a request from the secondary software system. In addition, the telematics system includes a gateway system configured to transmit data through a network to an in-vehicle telematics device and receive data from the in-vehicle telematics device, wherein the data comprises diagnostic data and/or location-based data associated with a host vehicle. The telematics system also includes a database in communication with the gateway system and the web services interface, wherein the database is configured to receive and store data transmitted from the gateway system and/or the web services interface. | 07-09-2009 |
20090182465 | DAMAGE DETECTION SYSTEM - A damage detection system for a vehicle, a machine, and/or another type of structure may comprise a processor, and a plurality of connected transmitters communicatively connected to the processor. The plurality of connected transmitters may be adapted to be attached directly to a vehicle, a machine, and/or another type of structure. The plurality of connected transmitters may each be independently configured to only send a coded damage signal to the processor when at least one neighboring transmitter is damaged, and not to send a damage signal to the processor if no neighboring transmitter is damaged. The processor may be programmed to identify a vehicle location of any transmitter which sends a damage signal indicating that at least one neighboring transmitter is damaged. The damage detection system may analyze the damaged area and report potentially affected sub-systems to users of a vehicle, machine, or other structure equipped with the damage detection system. | 07-16-2009 |
20090182466 | VEHICLE POWERTRAIN, CONTROLLER THEREOF, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - When a hybrid ECU determines that a malfunction in which a moment-adding flywheel cannot be connected to an engine occurs, an engine ECU controls a rotational speed of the engine to a value higher than that in a normal operation. Further, when the hybrid ECU determines that a malfunction in which the moment-adding flywheel cannot be disconnected from the engine occurs, a control is executed so that a ratio of a torque of a first motor to a torque of the engine is higher than that in the normal operation. | 07-16-2009 |
20090187300 | Integrated vehicle computer system - An integrated vehicle computer system is provided. The features of the integrated vehicle computer system include a video based vehicle/driver security system that delivers immediate incident notification, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, live visual traffic grids with links to live freeway cameras, internet access and mobile wireless hub capability, email, internet music service navigation, internet radio station navigation, and MP3 or digital file library selection. One of potential application of the integrated vehicle computer system is to passage vehicles. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187301 | Detection of Engine Intake Manifold Air-Leaks - A method of determining an engine intake air leak may include measuring an air flow rate into an internal combustion engine, comparing the measured air flow rate to a first predetermined air flow limit, calculating an estimated air flow rate into the engine when the measured air flow rate is less than the first predetermined air flow limit, comparing the estimated air flow rate to second and third predetermined air flow limits, and indicating an air leak when the estimated air flow rate is greater than the second predetermined air flow limit and less than the third predetermined air flow limit. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187302 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law | 07-23-2009 |
20090192662 | METHOD OF MONITORING CANBUS INFORMATION - The specification and drawing figures describe and show a method and system of monitoring CANbus information across an integrated wireless equipment management system and a mobile wireless communications system. The CANbus, mounted in a vehicle, provides communication and diagnostic information among vehicle components that, because the CANbus also is operatively connectable to the integrated wireless equipment management system, may be transmitted across that system. The CANbus includes one or more original parameters associated with sensors that are converted into virtual sensors to provide selective vehicle information to a terminal of the integrated wireless equipment management system. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192663 | HYBRID CONTROLLER EMPLOYING SYSTEM REMEDIAL ACTION FUNCTION - A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) employing a hybrid system using both an internal combustion engine and a second motor/generator as a propelling power source for vehicle propulsion, and also employing a first generator driven by the engine for power generation, an integrated HEV control system is provided to control the engine, and the first and second motor/generators. The integrated HEV control system is also operable for detecting the presence of system failures and thereafter selecting at least one remedial action responsive to the system failures such that the system failures are corrected or minimized. The selected remedial action is also verified as being appropriate, monitored and thereafter executed. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192664 | Method for Determining the Mass of a Motor Vehicle - A method for determining a motor vehicle mass which is implemented in conjunction with shifting an automated shift transmission from a current gear to a desired gear. In determining the mass, a value force and movement parameters are determined partly before or after the shift operation and partly during it. For the more rapid and accurate determination of mass, the drive-wheel-related traction force of the drive engine before and after the shift F_zug_vor, F_zug_nach, the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle before and after the shift, a_zug_vor, a_zug_nach, and the acceleration a_roll determined in the traction-force-free phase during the shift are determined, and from these and in accordance with the equation m=F_zug/(a_zug−a_roll), a first mass value m_vor=F_zug_vor/(a_zug_vor−a_roll) is calculated for the beginning of the shift and a second mass value m_nach=F_zug_nach/(a_zug_nach−a_roll) is calculated for the end of the shift. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192665 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DEVICE - A rotational angle correction controller controls generation of an inverse assist torque using the “phase deviation” due to the correction of the rotational angle θ, thereby performing the rotational angle correction control to smooth rotation of the motor during two phase drive. In addition, the rotational angle correction controller functions as the oscillation detection means that detects the occurrence of oscillation in the steering system. When the level of the detected oscillation exceeds the predetermined level, the correction amount in the rotational angle correction control is reduced. | 07-30-2009 |
20090192666 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR LOCAL AND TIME ASSESSMENT AND PREDICTION OF THE DRIVING DYNAMICS OF A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a driver assistance system for local and time assessment and prediction of the driving dynamics of a vehicle within a traffic system and to the transmission of the information resulting thereof to neighboring vehicles. According to the invention, the data generated independently from each other in the vehicle to be assessed is collected and evaluated in an evaluation unit, and a prediction based thereon regarding an upcoming driving situation is generated and then transmitted to motor vehicles that are located in the surrounding area and involved in said driving situation. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198402 | Method and system for operator interface with a diesel particulate filter regeneration system - A vehicle operator interface system and method for a diesel particulate filter regeneration system, includes a control unit for receiving information on regeneration status of a vehicle diesel particulate filter and receiving information on operational status of selected vehicle systems and components, a visual display for displaying messages to an operator indicative of said regeneration status and said operational status, an input device for highlighting a portion of the displayed messages and for providing an input selection of a highlighted portion, an input selection being communicated to a control device to carry out the input selection. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198403 | SERPENTINE BELT USEFUL LIFE MONITOR - A control module of a vehicle comprises a drive diagnostic module and a power determination module. The drive diagnostic module determines a slip power of a belt based on engine speed, motor speed, and motor torque. The power determination module determines an accumulated power of the belt based on the slip power, the motor speed, and the motor torque. The control module diagnoses a condition of the belt based on the accumulated power. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198404 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE DRIVING RESISTANCE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for determining the driving resistance of a motor vehicle simultaneously with a shift of an automated shift transmission from a load gear to a target gear such that if a difference between a first driving resistance value F_fw_1 and a second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is large, the shift operation can be corrected. The second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is determined during the shift operation. a time interval Δt which contains the traction-force-free phase of the shift, a plurality of acceleration values a_i of the motor vehicle are measured to obtain the minimum acceleration a_min if the shift operation is a traction shift or the maximum acceleration a_max if it is thrust shift. With the mass m of the vehicle, the second driving resistance value F_fw_2 is calculated with one of the formula F_fw_2=−m*a_min or F_fw_2=−m*a_max. | 08-06-2009 |
20090198405 | HEIGHT CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A seat height control amount setting part determines a target seat height displacement amount according to a deceleration outputted from a braking state calculating part. The deceleration is corrected according to the vehicle speed of a vehicle, and the target seat displacement amount is set such that the seat height becomes lower as the vehicle speed is higher. While correcting the target seat height displacement amount, a target deceleration with respect to the amount of operation of a brake pedal is corrected. The target deceleration is corrected such that the target deceleration with respect to the amount of operation of the brake pedal becomes greater as the vehicle speed is higher. | 08-06-2009 |
20090204282 | SHIFT POSITION SENSOR ERROR DETECTION DEVICE - To detect a failure of a position contact outputting a contact signal (SMJ), a change of a shift pattern (SP | 08-13-2009 |
20090204283 | MULTI-STEP VALVE LIFT FAILURE MODE DETECTION - A method of valve lift failure detection may include determining first and second intake air pressures in an engine having intake valve lifters that selectively operate intake valves in first and second lift modes. The first intake air pressure may correspond to an intake stroke of a first piston of the engine when the engine is commanded to operate in the first lift mode and the second intake air pressure may correspond to an intake stroke of a second piston of the engine when the engine is commanded to operate in the first lift mode. The method may further include determining a difference between the first and second intake air pressures and diagnosing an intake valve lifter failure when the difference exceeds a predetermined limit. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204284 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - Provided is a vehicle control system which can maintain stability of the vehicle with an inexpensive configuration without bringing discomfort to a driver when control intervenes. The vehicle control system includes: road surface reaction torque detecting means | 08-13-2009 |
20090204285 | DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR BELT SQUEEZING FORCE ADJUSTING MECHANISM - A diagnostic apparatus and a diagnostic method are provided for a belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism of a continuously variable transmission in which a belt is wound around a primary sheave that receives driving force and a secondary sheave that outputs force to a drive line, and which continuously changes the output rotation speed by adjusting the width of the groove the primary sheave and the secondary sheave by shift control. This diagnostic determines, as a precondition, whether a target control value calculated in shift control is in a low region, and performs a diagnostic on the belt squeezing force adjusting mechanism based on the relationship between an actual control value and the target control value during control to reduce a control value when it is determined that the precondition is satisfied. According to this diagnostic apparatus and diagnostic method, an erroneous diagnosis can be prevented so the diagnostic can be performed accurately. | 08-13-2009 |
20090204286 | METHOD AND DEVICE OF LOCATING THE LONGITUDINAL POSITION OF WHEELS OF A VEHICLE - A method for locating the longitudinal position, either on the front axle system, or on the rear axle system of a vehicle with an engine, of wheels ( | 08-13-2009 |
20090210110 | METHOD OF OPERATING A VEHICLE ACCESSORY - A vehicle includes a controller, a touch screen display in communication with the controller, and a plurality of accessories in communication with the controller. The various accessories are each individually controlled by inputting commands into the touch screen display. The controller transmits the inputted command via a communication system to the selected accessory to motivate the accessory between a first setting and a second setting. | 08-20-2009 |
20090216396 | Driving support system - The navigation apparatus in a vehicle receives physical condition data regarding user's condition from a measurement instrument through a power line when the vehicle is connected to the power line. The navigation apparatus determines whether a travel condition of the vehicle that is driven by using the sensors disposed in the vehicle, in terms of the driving operation concerning the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle. If the driving operation is not determined as fuel-consumption-conscious, an advice for the driving operation is output from the navigation apparatus according to the physical condition of the user. The user thus can have an appropriate advice for the driving operation that improves the fuel consumption rate of the vehicle at an appropriate timing that takes into consideration of the physical condition of the user under measurement outside of the vehicle. | 08-27-2009 |
20090216397 | DEVICE FOR ATTACHMENT TO A WHEEL AND WHEEL WITH SUCH A DEVICE - A device for attachment to a motor vehicle wheel includes an arrangement which, during movement or driving of the motor vehicle, detects vibrations which occur, evaluates the vibrations for an incipient fault state of a wheel bearing of the vehicle wheel, and delivers a signal when the monitoring or evaluation yields or indicates the incipient fault state. | 08-27-2009 |
20090240389 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS - An electric power steering apparatus includes motor relative angle detect means | 09-24-2009 |
20090248232 | Broadcast of Automobile Related Information - Through the present subject matter, mobile devices subscribers may be provided information pertaining to a motor vehicle. The characteristics of the motor vehicle are monitored. The information indicative of the monitored characteristics is sent to an entity that is not performing the monitoring of the motor vehicle. The mobile device subscriber may also choose more than one individual to receive the information. The system for providing information pertaining to a motor vehicle has additional features such as a qualification system that will prevent the motor vehicle from starting if the appropriate qualifying information is not entered; and may be configured with multi-media communications capabilities. | 10-01-2009 |
20090248233 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROLLER AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL METHOD - An automatic transmission controller calculates a predicted vehicle speed with reference to a measured vehicle state variable, and calculates a target transmission ratio with reference to the predicted vehicle speed, when a sensor input signal is normal which carries information about the measured vehicle state variable. The automatic transmission controller calculates the predicted vehicle speed with reference to a first alternative value instead of the measured vehicle state variable, and calculates the target transmission ratio with reference to a second alternative value instead of the predicted vehicle speed, when the sensor input signal is abnormal. The automatic transmission controller restarts calculation of the predicted vehicle speed with reference to the measured vehicle state variable, when the sensor input signal becomes normal, and restarts calculation of the target transmission ratio with reference to the predicted vehicle speed, when a predetermined condition is satisfied after the sensor input signal becomes normal. | 10-01-2009 |
20090254237 | Apparatus for failure diagnosis of a vehicular foot brake switch - An apparatus for failure diagnosis starts counting a frequency of a switching action of a foot brake switch when determining that vehicle speed is higher than a first criterion value, and ceases to count the frequency of the switching action when determining that the vehicle speed has decreased below a second criterion value set to be lower than the first criterion value. When the frequency of the switching action counted by a count section is less than a predetermined value, the apparatus for failure diagnosis determines that the foot brake switch has a failure. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254238 | IMPACT DETECTION ARRANGEMENT - An impact detection arrangement for a vehicle has at least one pressure body in a side door region of the motor vehicle. The at least one pressure body is connected to a pressure sensor via a connecting line. Additionally, the at least one pressure body is provided in an impact region that is relevant to a fixed pole side crash test, and is adapted to this region. | 10-08-2009 |
20090254239 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE CODE FOR DETECTING A PHYSICAL DEFECT ALONG A MISSION ROUTE - A route defect detection system for a powered system, the route defect detection system including a control system connected to the powered system for application of tractive effort, and a processor to determine an unplanned change in the application of tractive effort and/or otherwise associated with the tractive effort of the powered system. Based on the unplanned change, the processor determines a type of defect encountered along a mission route. A method and computer software code stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor are also disclosed for a powered system to detect a defect along a mission route. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259357 | Apparatus for remote operation - A remote operation apparatus in a vehicle has a display unit, an operation unit, a speed sensor, a brake sensor, a steer angle sensor, a side G sensor, and a control unit. The operation unit is capable of remotely controlling the display contents of the display unit. The operation of the operation unit is allowed when the vehicle is determined, by the control unit, to be stably traveling, and the operation of the operation unit is restricted when the vehicle is determined to be traveling un-stably, based on information on the travel condition of the vehicle from those sensors. The remote operation apparatus having the above-described operation scheme facilitates a stable travel of the vehicle. | 10-15-2009 |
20090265054 | IN-VEHICLE SENSOR-BASED CALIBRATION ALGORITHM FOR YAW RATE SENSOR CALIBRATION - A system and method for calibrating a vehicle heading sensor, such as a yaw-rate sensor, when GPS signals are not available using a bias update model that employs a bias gain factor. In order for the bias update model to be accurate, the vehicle should be traveling relatively straight. One embodiment of the present invention uses three thresholds to determine if the vehicle is traveling straight. These thresholds include a yaw-rate threshold, a steering wheel angle threshold and a wheel speed threshold. If all three of the thresholds indicate that the vehicle is traveling straight, then the update bias model can be used to calibrate the yaw-rate sensor. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265055 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS - This application describes and discloses diagnostic systems, methods, and associated devices for repairing vehicles. A hand-held interface device configured to wirelessly communicate with a wireless OBD device in a vehicle to be repaired with bi-directional control. A network access point and other wireless devices may be used to access vehicle information, repair instruction, diagnostic information, research information, remote expert guidance, remote databases and applications, and other repair and diagnosis information from the interface device, allowing a technician to efficiently and effectively repair a vehicle. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265056 | ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK FLIGHT PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for carrying out a logbook flight preparation process to present pre-flight information to a flight crew member of an aircraft prior to a flight mission. The method may involve electronically accessing a database to obtain a quantity of pre-flight information relating to an airworthiness of the aircraft, with the database being at least one of on-board the aircraft and remote from said aircraft. The quantity of pre-flight information is displayed in accordance with a desired sequence in which the information is to be presented to said flight crew member. The quantity of preflight information may be presented on a visual display in the desired sequence. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265057 | USB Isolation for Vehicle Communication Interface - The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostic tool which facilitates data communications between an automobile and diagnostic device, such as a personal computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically isolating the data communications using a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device situated between an automobile's communication diagnostic port and the personal computer. The VCI contains logic circuitry to translate the automobile's On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) signals to an embedded Ethernet controller. Ethernet signals are then non-galvanicly exchanged with an Ethernet to USB controller with an Ethernet transformer. A personal computer is attached via a USB cable to the VCI's Ethernet to USB Controller, permitting information exchange between the automobile and the personal computer. | 10-22-2009 |
20090265058 | VEHICLE INCLINATION ANGLE DETECTOR, POWER SOURCE CONTROL APPARATUS HAVING THE VEHICLE INCLINATION ANGLE DETECTOR AND VEHICLE COMPRISING THE SAME - A vehicle inclination angle detector is configured to suppress the difference between an actual vehicle inclination angle and a calculated vehicle inclination angle to allow for stable detection of the same. The detector includes a vertical acceleration sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, an inclination angle calculating module and a calculation cancelling module. A detection direction of the vertical acceleration sensor with respect to the vehicle is determined such that its acceleration in the gravity direction is detected when the vehicle is in a non-inclined state. Acceleration in the lateral direction is detected when the vehicle is in the non-inclined state. The inclination angle calculating module calculates an inclination angle of the vehicle in the lateral direction based on the detected vertical acceleration and the lateral acceleration. The calculation cancelling module cancels the inclination angle calculation when the detected vertical acceleration and the lateral acceleration satisfy a predetermined error detection condition. | 10-22-2009 |
20090271059 | MEASUREMENT OF NO AND NO2 FOR CONTROL OF SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION - A selective catalytic reduction system includes a catalyst, a device to measure an amount of nitrogen oxide (NO), a device to measure an amount of nitrogen dioxide (NO | 10-29-2009 |
20090276112 | Method for detecting offset for a pedestrian protection device - A method for detecting offset for a pedestrian protection device, in which sensor data are ascertained and evaluated for determining an impact point of an object. In the event of a collision with an object, characteristics are extracted for determining the offset of the impact point using the sensor data from at least two sensors, absolute values and/or differential values and/or composite values and/or maximum values and/or minimum values of the sensor data from the at least two sensors being determined in the characteristics extraction. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276113 | WHEEL-STATE ESTIMATION DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - In a wheel-state estimation device which estimates a force or acceleration acting on a wheel provided in an automotive vehicle, a plurality of wheel side detection units are respectively provided in a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, each wheel side detecting unit detecting a force or acceleration acting on a corresponding one of the wheels. An estimation unit estimates, when use of detection results of one of the wheels from one of the plurality of wheel side detection units is suspended, a force or acceleration acting on the one of the wheels with respect to the suspended use of the detection results, by using detection results of other wheels from other wheel side detection units. | 11-05-2009 |
20090276114 | Vehicle Motion Measurement Apparatus, a Vehicle Abnormal Motion Prevention Apparatus and a Drive Recorder - The apparatus comprises a measured signal detector | 11-05-2009 |
20090281687 | DYNAMIC DISCOVERY OF VEHICLE COMMUNICATION INTERFACE DEVICE AND METHOD - A communications system that includes a vehicular diagnostic tool and a vehicle communication interface (VCI) configured to be connected to a vehicular computing system. In operation, the vehicular diagnostic tool automatically detects the presence of the VCI when the VCI is proximate thereto. Thereafter, the VCI and vehicular diagnostic tool communicate through a wireless connection. Also, a method of communicating using the aforementioned vehicular diagnostic tool and VCI. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281688 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVICE BULLETIN DATA EXCHANGE - In accordance with one or more embodiments, systems and methods for exchanging data over a network include communicating with a user via a portable communication device over the network, interacting with the user via an interactive software application, receiving a request for service bulletin data related to at least one aircraft from the user via the portable communication device, accessing service bulletin data related to the at least one aircraft from a database component based on a registry number associated with the at least one aircraft passed with the request from the user, and transferring service bulletin data related to the at least one aircraft from the database component to the portable communication device via the network for viewing by the user on the portable communication device. | 11-12-2009 |
20090287368 | MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - A motor vehicle has a driver assistance system for outputting a warning message and/or for engaging in a driving operation, an activity of the driver assistance system occurring if a variable triggering threshold is exceeded. To increase the active and passive traffic safety, further external circumstances, in particular influencing variables which have an influence on the driving behavior, the braking distance, and the skid resistance of the motor vehicle, for example, may be taken into consideration during the driving operation. | 11-19-2009 |
20090292413 | DANGEROUS DRIVE PREDICTING APPARATUS - A dangerous drive predicting apparatus is provided which is capable of rapidly recognizing a future situation of the own vehicle by other vehicles. The dangerous drive predicting apparatus is equipped with: drive information detecting section | 11-26-2009 |
20090292414 | UNIVERSAL VEHICLE INPUT/OUTPUT TRANSCEIVER AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A vehicular diagnostic tool configured to interface with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. The tool includes a transceiver that itself includes a voltage threshold controller and a current threshold controller. Also, a method of using a single vehicular diagnostic tool to communicate with a plurality of vehicular computing systems that each utilize a different communications protocol. | 11-26-2009 |
20090299564 | GRAIN CLEANING SYSTEM - A method for powering a system in a vehicle, the method including the steps of mechanically coupling, driving and controlling. The mechanically coupling step includes coupling a power unit with at least one primary load, the at least one primary load including a propulsion load. The driving step includes driving a cleaning fan and a cleaning shoe with at least one power source, the at least one power source being mechanically independent from the power unit. The controlling step includes controlling a speed of the at least one power source independent of a speed of the power unit. | 12-03-2009 |
20090299565 | SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle includes a support mechanism arranged to support a pair of wheels to be movable up and down relative to a vehicle body, a lock mechanism connectable to the support mechanism and arranged to limit up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels, various sensors arranged to detect vehicle states, and a controller arranged to control the lock mechanism based on results of detection by the various sensors. The controller controls the lean limitation to the up-and-down motion of the pair of wheels and its cancellation automatically. The rider need not carry out a special control for operating the lock mechanism. In addition, the lock mechanism is controlled according to the vehicle states, which allows the rider to travel lightly and comfortably. | 12-03-2009 |
20090306844 | Vehicle and In-Vehicle Communication Control Device - It is possible to provide a vehicle and an in-vehicle communication control device capable of performing control with preferable response even under an environment where notch attenuation exists and various noises are superimposed in a cable communication using a battery line. The vehicle includes: a plurality of operation devices installed in the vehicle; sensors arranged in the respective operation devices for detecting operation amounts of the operation devices; a controller inputting the operation amounts detected by the sensors; a communication device connected to the controller and a battery line and outputting a control signal as a carrier of a different frequency band for each type of the operation devices to the battery line; a second communication device connected to the battery line and using a carrier of a frequency band of each of the operation devices as a pass band; and a second controller connected to the second communication device and controlling the control device corresponding to the operation device. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306845 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE VALUE OF A BINARY ITEM, DELIVERED IN A REDUNDANT MANNER, AND REPRESENTATIVE OF A PARAMETER OF A SYSTEM - A device for determining a value of a binary item, delivered in a redundant manner by two distinct determination mechanisms, and representative of a parameter of a system, the binary item being equal to a first or a second value when the parameter lies respectively in a first or a second range of values, the first and second ranges of values being separated by a transient range of values in which the transitions of value of the binary item transmitted respectively by the determination mechanisms occur. The system includes a state machine that assigns, when one of the determination mechanisms delivers a binary item devoid of any transition of value on account of a malfunction, respectively the first or second predetermined value delivered by the other determination mechanism, which is operating normally, when the parameter lies in the first or second range of values. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306846 | Diagnosis System for Cylinder Deactivation Device of Vehicle and Method for the Same - A diagnosis system for a cylinder deactivation device (CDA device) may include a vehicle state detecting portion that detects operating states of a vehicle and/or an engine, a control portion that controls ON/OFF states of the CDA device according to the operating states of the vehicle and/or the engine received from the vehicle state detecting portion after determining whether the operating states satisfy a predetermined operation condition, analyzes the operating states of the vehicle and/or the engine with respect to the ON/OFF states of the CDA device, determines whether the CDA device malfunctions, and outputs diagnostic codes according to function or malfunction state of the cylinder deactivation device, and a display device that displays the function or malfunction state of the CDA device. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306847 | Method for checking the correct functioning of a component in a vehicle - In a method for checking the proper functioning of a component in a vehicle by evaluating the system state of the component with the aid of a sensor, a state variable is measured first and then the measured state variable is examined for at least one characteristic feature that is descriptive of the system state of the component. | 12-10-2009 |
20090312897 | AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE ANALYSIS TOOL - A method is provided for identifying events that impact aircraft availability. Operational data, maintenance data, supply data, and provisioning data are collected for a plurality of aircraft from a plurality of sources to form collected data. The collected data is processed to form processed data containing a plurality of events, wherein the processed data is in a form needed to perform an analysis on the aircraft availability for the plurality of aircraft. A set of metrics relating to the aircraft availability for the plurality of aircraft is calculated from the processed data to form a set of calculated metrics. A set of trends relating to the set of calculated metrics affecting availability of the plurality of aircraft is identified. | 12-17-2009 |
20090319114 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - An FB distribution rule | 12-24-2009 |
20090319115 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ESTIMATING TEMPERATURES OF POWER MODULE COMPONENTS - Methods and systems are provided for modeling temperature characteristics of components in a system such as a power module for a hybrid or electric vehicle. A power dissipation value is calculated for each of the components in the system. A first filter is applied to the power dissipation value associated with a selected component to determine its estimated temperature. For each of the neighboring components located adjacent to the selected component, a cross-coupling temperature is estimated by applying other filters to each of the power dissipation values for the neighboring components. The estimated temperature of the selected component and the estimated cross-coupling temperatures for each of the neighboring components can then be added to thereby estimate the operating temperature for the selected component. Further, the operation of the system may be adjusted if the operating temperature determined for the selected component exceeds a threshold value. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319116 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING DATA IN A VEHICLE - A data collection system for a vehicle is provided. The data collection system includes a first data collection node configured to obtain data from a vehicle subsystem, and a processor communicatively coupled to the data collection node via a wiring system, wherein the wiring system includes a plurality of conductors and an overbraid surrounding said plurality of conductors, said overbraid comprising at least one fiber optic cable integrally woven therein and configured for the transmission of data related to an operational status of the vehicle subsystem. | 12-24-2009 |
20090319117 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - An electric power steering system of a vehicle has a plurality of Hall ICs for sensing torque applied to a steering wheel, and an electric motor for power-assisting the steering wheel. A supply voltage for the Hall ICs is varied temporarily to check the electric output signals of the Hall ICs. A non-failing device of the plurality of Hall ICs, which generates the electric output signal varying in response to the variation of the supply voltage, is selected. The electric motor is controlled based on only the electric output signal of the non-failing device. | 12-24-2009 |
20090326752 | Method for detecting a traffic zone - A method for detecting a traffic zone using an on-board sensor system. Objects from the surroundings of the host vehicle are detected using the sensor system. The course of the traffic lanes is derived from the performance characteristics of the objects detected by the sensors. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326753 | TRAINING A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY - A system for training a driver to achieve improved fuel economy monitors the driving parameters of a vehicle, analyzes the monitored driving parameters, calculates suggested driving behavior adjustments, and communicates the driving behavior adjustments to the driver as the driver is driving. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326754 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENGINE DIAGNOSIS USING WAVELET TRANSFORMATIONS - A method for performing diagnosis on an engine includes the steps of obtaining data for a plurality of variables pertaining to the engine, transforming the data with respect to each of the plurality of variables using a wavelet transformation, to thereby generate initial coefficients for each of the plurality of variables, and aggregating the initial coefficients for each of the plurality of variables, to thereby generate an aggregate set of coefficients for the plurality of variables. | 12-31-2009 |
20090326755 | OPERATING DEVICE FOR TRAILER VEHICLES - The invention relates to an operating device ( | 12-31-2009 |
20090326756 | Method for determining the performance of motor vehicle consumables - A method for determining the performance of at least one motor vehicle consumable selected from the group consisting of engine lubricant, fuel and tyres, in a motor vehicle having an engine with at least one fuel injection valve, a lubricating system and a CANbus network comprising at least three network nodes, each operably connected to a computer, which method comprises: operating the vehicle whilst supplying the engine with the fuel through at least one fuel injection valve and lubricating the engine with the engine lubricant characterised in that: a first CANbus network node transmits to the computer, a signal indicative of the engine fuelling rate based upon the opening time of at least one of the fuel injection valves; one or more second CANbus network nodes transmit one or more signals to the computer indicative of one or more variables indicative of the power output of the engine; one or more third CANbus network nodes transmit one or more signals to the computer indicative of the vehicle operating conditions; the computer calculates a variable (Corrected Power Output) indicative of the power output of the engine corrected for the vehicle operating conditions using the one or more signals transmitted to the computer by the one or more second CANbus network nodes, the one or more signals transmitted to the computer by the one or more third CANbus network nodes and a predetermined algorithm; and the computer transmits and/or stores the Corrected Power Output and the signal indicative of the engine fuelling rate. | 12-31-2009 |
20100004811 | ON-VEHICLE ELECTRONIC CONTROL DEVICE - Provided is an on-vehicle electronic control device with low cost and low power consumption for performing monitoring control in both a driving mode and a parking mode of a vehicle. A main CPU is supplied with electric power from an on-vehicle battery via a power switching element and a main power supply circuit so as to control a plurality of electric loads in accordance with operating states of a plurality of input sensors. A sub CPU connected to the main CPU via a serial interface is supplied with electric power from the on-vehicle battery via a sub power supply circuit so as to monitor operations of the main CPU and input signals. The sub CPU has low speed and small memory capacity so as to operate with lower power consumption compared with the main CPU. | 01-07-2010 |
20100010701 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING UNSTABLE DRIVING STATES - A method for identifying unstable driving states is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) detecting whether the magnitude of a difference between a first value of a driving state variable that is detected by means of a first sensor, and a second value of the driving states variable that is calculated from measured values of at least one further sensor, increases over time, (b) filtering the difference by means of a delay element after it has been established that the difference has increased, (c) comparing the filters difference and the unfiltered difference, and (d) establishing the presence of an unstable driving states when the comparison shows that a deviation between the filtered difference and the unfiltered difference exceeds a predefined threshold value. The method enables an unstable driving state to be identified even when a driving states variable has an offset error which is of the desired size. | 01-14-2010 |
20100010702 | DYNAMIC DECISION SEQUENCING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PLAN - A diagnostic tool and a computer-implemented method for generating testing and diagnosis procedures for vehicle diagnosis include determining if a first procedure remains to be performed, if a first procedure remains to be performed, then determining whether: there is a second procedure dependent on the first procedure, or the first procedure can run in parallel to the second procedure, if there is a second procedure dependent on the first procedure, then performing the first procedure, if the first procedure can run in parallel to the second procedure, then performing the first procedure, and determining if the second procedure remains to be performed. | 01-14-2010 |
20100017055 | SEQUENCE DIAGRAM SYSTEM - A method of generating a test sequence diagram includes: linking a first action of the plurality of actions with a second action of the plurality of actions and generating a test sequence diagram which maintains the linking. | 01-21-2010 |
20100023196 | ADAPTIVE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DRIVING STYLE RECOGNITION BASED ON VEHICLE LAUNCHING - An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a drivers driving style based on vehicle launching maneuvers. A process determines whether the vehicle speed signal during a predetermined time window is greater than a speed threshold, whether the vehicle speed signal before the time window is less than the speed threshold and whether the average of the vehicle longitudinal acceleration during the time window is greater than a first longitudinal acceleration threshold and, if so, determines if the vehicle is in a vehicle launching maneuver. The process then determines that the vehicle launching maneuver has ended if the average of the vehicle longitudinal acceleration during a second time window is less than the longitudinal acceleration threshold. The style characterization processor can then classify the vehicle launching maneuver using selected discriminant features. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023197 | ADAPTIVE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DRIVING STYLE RECOGNITION BASED ON BEHAVIORAL DIAGNOSIS - An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on characteristic maneuvers and road and traffic conditions. The system includes a plurality of vehicle sensors that detect various vehicle parameters. A maneuver identification processor receives the sensor signals to identify a characteristic maneuver of the vehicle and provides a maneuver identifier signal of the characteristic maneuver. A style characterization processor receives the maneuver identifier signals, sensor signals from the vehicle sensors and the traffic and road condition signals, and classifies driving style based on the signals to classify the style of the driver driving the vehicle. In one embodiment, the style characterization processor generates a maneuver model for the characteristic maneuvers and compares it with driver input data in the frequency domain to generate the driver style classification. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023198 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMULATING VEHICLE IGNITION-SWITCHED POWER - A power supply configured to emulate the functionality of ignition-switched power in a vehicle is configured to plug into an on-board diagnostics port (OBD-II) in the vehicle. The power supply includes a controller that is configured to determine the operating protocol to use and then communicates queries based on the determined protocol to obtain the current values for the engine speed and vehicle speed. The controller compares the current values against predetermined thresholds to determine whether the vehicle operating state is in an ignition-on state. When in the ignition-on state, the controller asserts an enable control signal, which is provided to a switch that responds by switching the un-switched vehicle battery from the OBD-II port to an output interface of the power supply. When the controller determines that the vehicle is no longer in an ignition-on state, the controller de-asserts the enable control signal, thereby removing the power from the output interface. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023199 | Control Device and Method for the Control of Functions - The invention relates to a controller having an integration of different functions with which a respective microcontroller is associated. In accordance with the invention, at least one monitoring unit is provided which is implemented for a plurality of functions, with only the defective function being able to be switched off in the case of a defect recognition. The invention further relates to a method for the integrative control of different functions. | 01-28-2010 |
20100023200 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ERROR IN A COMPONENT ASSEMBLY - The invention relates to a method for detecting an error in a component assembly of a motor vehicle, the component assembly having a functional control unit and at least one function module to be controlled by the functional control unit as components. According to the method, a check is made by the functional control unit to determine whether a combination of individual errors is present for at least one component of the component assembly. When the combination of individual errors is thereby present, an occurrence of the error is verified by the functional control unit and a signal for implementing an emergency functional strategy is transmitted by said control unit to an engine control unit. | 01-28-2010 |
20100030418 | ONLINE HEALTH MONITORING VIA MULTIDIMENSIONAL TEMPORAL DATA MINING - A system and method for predicting the occurrence of an event in a vehicle. The method includes monitoring a data stream including multi-dimensional tokens having information about one or more vehicle operating parameters. Further, the method includes the identification of a pattern of values of the one or more operating parameters in the data stream by mining the data stream using a temporal data miner, and predicting the occurrence of the event based on the correlation between the detected pattern and a pre-recorded pattern. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030419 | Information processing apparatus - When it is determined that a head light is turned on, the sunset time is calculated. Thus, the frequency of calculating the sunset time is significantly decreased as compared with that of continuously calculating the sunset time, thereby reducing the processing load. Further, as compared with the case where the sunset time is calculated regardless of the time of lighting on, the calculated sunset time can evaluate the time of lighting on appropriately. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030420 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADVICE PROVISION AND DRIVING CONDITION DIAGNOSIS - An advice provision apparatus calculates the driving condition of the vehicle for every predetermined travel section, for the purpose of comparison with the driving condition in the previous travel section. The driving condition of the current section is evaluated in a relative manner based on the comparison of at least two travel sections, even when the absolute assessment of the driving condition is difficult. Thus, the advice provision apparatus can accurately and precisely diagnose the driving condition of the driver. | 02-04-2010 |
20100030421 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control system which can ensure high reliability, real-time processing, and expandability with a simplified ECU configuration and a low cost by backing up an error through coordination in the entire system without increasing a degree of redundancy of individual controllers beyond the least necessary level. The vehicle control system comprises a sensor controller for taking in sensor signals indicating a status variable of a vehicle and an operation amount applied from a driver, a command controller for generating a control target value based on the sensor signals taken in by the sensor controller, and an actuator controller for receiving the control target value from the command controller and operating an actuator to control the vehicle, those three controller being interconnected via a network. The actuator controller includes a control target value generating unit for generating a control target value based on the sensor signals taken in by the sensor controller and received by the actuator controller via the network when the control target value generated by the command controller is abnormal, and controls the actuator in accordance with the control target value generated by the control target value generating unit. | 02-04-2010 |
20100036557 | SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING AXLE LOADINGS OF A MOVING VEHICLE USING INTEGRATED SENSING SYSTEM AND ITS APPLICATION IN VEHICLE DYNAMICS CONTROLS - A vehicle ( | 02-11-2010 |
20100042283 | AIRCRAFT INTEGRATED SUPPORT SYSTEM (ISS) - An aircraft integrated support system (ISS) downloads Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) data from an aircraft, processes the downloaded data to infer a status of aircraft systems and displays maintenance information via an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). The ISS integrates a maintenance and support environment to bind the information flow among the various aircraft and logistics networks for a fully integrated systemic approach which optimizes aircraft operation, maintenance, and support through data collection and analysis to maximize aircraft readiness. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042284 | DIAGNOSIS OF SENSOR FAILURE IN AIRFLOW-BASED ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM - An air-flow based control system for an internal combustion engine has various sensors that are used to calculate various control commands. By comparing pairs of values calculated from different sensors, errors in connection with the sensors can be detected. | 02-18-2010 |
20100042285 | Modifying an Appearance of a Vehicle Based on Content of the Vehicle - A mechanism is provided for controlling an output of a vehicle mounted display based on the current cargo loading of the vehicle so as to change the appearance of the vehicle. The mechanisms may identify at least one identifier of contents of a current cargo loading of the vehicle. The at least one identifier may identify at least one product currently being transported by the vehicle. The mechanisms may further correlate the at least one identifier with display data to be rendered on the vehicle mounted display. The mechanisms may further output the display data to the vehicle mounted display such that the display data is rendered on the vehicle mounted display. | 02-18-2010 |
20100049393 | AUTOMATED DYNAMIC VEHICLE BLIND SPOT DETERMINATION - A driver's orientation within a vehicle is monitored. A change in the driver's orientation is detected. A change to a blind spot of the vehicle is calculated based upon the detected change in the driver's orientation. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 02-25-2010 |
20100049394 | Influencing Device for Influencing an Active Chassis System of a Vehicle - An influencing device for influencing an active chassis that includes a plurality of controllable spring or damper units of a vehicle is provided. The influencing device includes a roadway sensor that produces sensor data relating to a roadway located in front of the vehicle in a direction of travel, the sensor data being used to acquire a roadway profile. The influencing device also includes a pilot control unit that determines, as a function of the acquired roadway profile, a pilot control variable that is used to adapt the setting of the spring or damper units to the acquired roadway profile. An input signal for a vehicle body control system, which is used to control the position of the vehicle body, is calculated on the basis of the pilot control variable. | 02-25-2010 |
20100057287 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN ACTUATABLE SAFETY DEVICE - A method for determining a crash condition of a vehicle comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a first direction substantially parallel to a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle and providing a first acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method also comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a second direction substantially parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle and near opposite sides of the vehicle and providing second acceleration signals indicative thereof. The method further comprises the steps of determining a transverse crash value functionally related to the second acceleration signals and comparing the determined transverse crash value against a safing threshold. The method still further comprises the step of determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal. | 03-04-2010 |
20100057288 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN ACTUATABLE SAFETY DEVICE - A method for determining a crash condition of a vehicle comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a first direction substantially parallel to a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle at a substantially central vehicle location and providing a first acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method also comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in a second direction substantially parallel to a side-to-side axis of the vehicle and providing a second acceleration signal indicative thereof. The method further comprises the step of sensing crash acceleration in the first direction at two locations remote from the central vehicle location and near opposite sides of the vehicle and providing acceleration signals indicative thereof. The method still further comprises determining a transverse crash evaluation value functionally related to the second acceleration signal and determining remote crash evaluation values functionally related to the acceleration signals at the remote locations. Yet further, the method comprises comparing the determined transverse crash evaluation value as a function of the determined remote evaluation values against an associated threshold and determining a crash condition of the vehicle in response to (a) the comparison and (b) the first acceleration signal. | 03-04-2010 |
20100063665 | Method for Recognition of a Pressure Loss in Motor Vehicle Tires - Disclosed is a method for detection of a pressure loss in motor vehicle tires, which detects pressure loss on at least one vehicle tire based on several parameters, which are calculated from the rolling circumference of the tires. To this end, currently calculated parameters are compared with learnt values of the parameters. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063666 | METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING A TRAILERING MODE IN A TOWING VEHICLE - In a method for identifying a trailering mode in the context of a towing vehicle, in particular as part of a vehicle dynamics control system having a trailer roll logic function for stabilizing the combination of towing vehicle and trailer, and a control device for carrying out the method, identification of the trailering mode is accomplished by a comparison of an actual signal characterizing the vehicle state with a corresponding target signal. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063667 | DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS - A diagnostic apparatus capable of reliably detecting a ground short of a linear solenoid valve and a drive circuit thereof is provided. A diagnostic apparatus | 03-11-2010 |
20100070126 | AUTOPILOT SYSTEM FOR USE IN A WIND TUNNEL - A roadway system for a vehicle and a method for testing a vehicle on a roadway system are provided. The roadway system and/or method include a platform having at least one movable endless belt configured to support a vehicle. A sensor assembly is configured to provide an output signal indicative of position, displacement, velocity and/or acceleration of the vehicle on the belt with respect to at least one reference axis. An autopilot system is configured to operate a component of the vehicle to control the vehicle on the belt with respect to the reference axis based on the output signal. | 03-18-2010 |
20100076642 | VEHICULAR INFORMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A mobile system and method of operation thereof, comprising a radio frequency system, adapted to derive information relating to a position within an environment, based on communications with at least one terrestrial or extraterrestrial transmitter, and remotely transmit to and receive radio frequency information-bearing communications; a memory adapted to store at least a vehicle itinerary or position-related information; a controller, receiving the derived information and controlling a communication of the information-bearing communications relating to at least the stored itinerary or position related information; and a user interface, having a functionality defined by the controller, adapted to interface a user for receipt or presentation of information relating at least one of the itinerary or position-related information and the communicated information. | 03-25-2010 |
20100076643 | FAILURE DETECTING METHOD FOR STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - Disclosed herein is a failure detecting method for a steering angle sensor that detects a turning angle, turning direction and central position of a steering wheel of a vehicle. It is determined whether the steering angle sensor has failed using traveling behavior of the vehicle, and therefore, the failure of the steering angle sensor is effectively detected even when the steering angle center or the turning angle is incorrectly detected. Also, it is determined whether the steering angle sensor has failed using characteristic differences among pulse signals of the sensor, and therefore, three pulse signals output from the steering angle sensor are effectively detected although any of the pulse signals has failed, whereby the vehicle is stably traveled. | 03-25-2010 |
20100082197 | INTERMITTENT FAULT DETECTION AND REASONING - A method for diagnostic reasoning of faults appearing in a vehicle health monitoring system (VHM) is provided. One of alternatively a signal mode or a failure mode state is identified based on an input. If a signal is identified, the signal is queried to determine if the signal indicts a failure mode. If the signal indicts the failure mode, an intermittent watch flag is set for the failure mode. A count representing a number of occurrences of the signal as an intermittent fault is incremented. It is determined if the count exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the count exceeds the predetermined threshold, the intermittent fault is determined to be a permanent fault. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082198 | Vehicle load control device - A vehicle load control device comprises a battery that supplies power to an electrical load of the vehicle; a battery sensor that detects a consumption state of the battery; and a control unit that cuts off power supply to the electrical load when the consumption state of the battery reaches a predetermined state. The control unit detects a consumption state of the battery at a relatively short first time interval, in a case where a consumption amount of the battery after the engine stops is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and detects a consumption state of the battery at a relatively long second time interval, in a case where the consumption amount of the battery after the engine stops is less than a predetermined value, and cuts off power supply to the electrical load depending on the consumption state of the battery detected by the battery sensor. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094500 | TELEMATICS TERMINAL AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE USING THE SAME - A device and method for controlling a vehicle with a telematics terminal installed in or on the vehicle. The method includes a) receiving coordinates of a geo-fence area by the telematics terminal; b) determining whether or not the vehicle is located within the geo-fence area or is on a route that will intercept the geo-fence area; and c) if the vehicle is determined to have entered into the geo-fence area, controlling the vehicle to meet predetermined drive requirements previously set for the geo-fence area. | 04-15-2010 |
20100100271 | AIRCRAFT MRO MANAGER - Electronic aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) tools that improve an organizations ability to manage nearly every phase of an aircraft maintenance visit. MRO management may be implemented at the single aircraft level all the way up to the organization level including several facilities each of which include several aircrafts. The disclosed MRO management solutions assist with mapping out short term and long term planning; including manpower and material and tooling requirements. Additionally, current and future workloads may be identified and considered in advance of maintenance execution to significantly improve stakeholder satisfaction. The methods and systems disclosed generate an electronic contract based on a bill of work to control maintenance task execution, report progress of executing the tasks, and process scope changes to the bill of work and the associated contract. Improved communication of financial milestones and timely closure of both maintenance work and billing processes is facilitated by generating billing invoices and processing electronic approvals based on the electronic contract and the bill of work. Customer flexibility is improved by providing standalone management tools, as well as integration with existing external systems. Additional features include supply chain management and tooling controls necessitated by growing regulatory demands. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100272 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROAD ANGLE ESTIMATION - A system and method for estimating road angles of a road on which a moving body is traveling are disclosed. The road angle estimation system includes: a sensing module adapted to be mounted on the moving body to detect a plurality of pieces of measurement information associated with the moving body; and a calculating module coupled to the sensing module to receive the pieces of measurement information therefrom. The calculating module simultaneously calculates an estimated bank angle and an estimated grade angle on the basis of the pieces of measurement information, a plurality of support parameters, and a plurality of user control parameters. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100273 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE - For the operation of a motor vehicle ( | 04-22-2010 |
20100100274 | Safety Device For Hydraulic Working Machine - There are provided: control valves | 04-22-2010 |
20100100275 | THERMAL IMAGING-BASED VEHICLE ANALYSIS - Analysis of a vehicle is performed using multi-dimensional infrared image data acquired for the vehicle. A component of the vehicle can be identified within the infrared image data, and the infrared image data for the component can be analyzed to determine whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. One or more actions can be initiated in response to a determination that a particular condition is present. Additionally, visible image data can be used to supplement the infrared image data. Still further, infrared image data for similar components imaged concurrently with the component can be used to identify whether any condition(s) are present on the vehicle. Unlike prior art approaches in the rail industry, the analysis can be performed on rail vehicles within a classification yard. | 04-22-2010 |
20100106357 | COMBINED EVIDENCE VEHICLE HEALTH MONITORING - A method is provided for fusing a plurality of self-contained diagnostics for generating a combined state of belief for a monitored system. A plurality of predetermined diagnostic states of self-contained diagnostic routines is executed. Each self-contained routine generates a respective state of belief result for the monitored system. Respective belief vectors are formulated as a function of belief results. A state space is provided that includes a plurality of sub-state spaces. Each of the sub-state spaces is representative of the predetermined diagnostic states of the monitored system. Belief vectors are assigned to the sub-state spaces of the state space. Belief vectors relating to each sub-state space are fused. A combined belief value is determined for each fused sub-state space. The sub-state space having the highest combined belief value is indicated in response to the determined probabilities as the actual diagnostic state of the monitored system. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106358 | SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING VEHICLE REAR/TRUNK LOADING FOR USE IN A VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system ( | 04-29-2010 |
20100106359 | Vehicle State Tracking Method and Apparatus for Diagnostic Testing - A vehicle state tracker tracks the state of a vehicle during a diagnostic test sequence to eliminate redundant steps between diagnostic procedures. The vehicle state tracker maintains a list of preconditions required for each diagnostic procedure, reads a current vehicle state from a memory register and verifies the current setting of the vehicle state corresponding to a specific precondition. If the precondition is required and the current setting is not valid, the state tracker further formats a test preparation step corresponding to the precondition for display to instruct a vehicle technician to satisfy the precondition. Otherwise, if the precondition is not required and the corresponding setting is valid, the state tracker formats an instruction to reverse the corresponding vehicle condition. The state tracker additionally receives feedback indicating when a precondition has been satisfied or the corresponding vehicle condition has been reversed, and updates the vehicle state in memory. | 04-29-2010 |
20100106360 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY DETERMINING VEHICLE LOADING AND VERTICAL LOADING DISTANCE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL SYSTEM - A control system ( | 04-29-2010 |
20100114417 | VEHICLE FLUID REPLACEMENT TRACKING METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT - The present invention provides a system, method, and program product for sensing and tracking vehicle fluid replacement in a vehicle by sensing information indicative of a first fluid draining from a fluid reservoir and/or a second fluid entering the fluid reservoir, recording fluid drain and fill events based on the information, and generating a fluid replacement history based on the recorded events. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114418 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A SIDE-IMPACT COLLISION STATUS OF A VEHICLE - A system and method are provided to determine the side-impact collision status of a nearby vehicle or vehicles. If a nearby vehicle has been in a collision, responsive systems may be triggered automatically. Responses may include warning the driver of the host vehicle and/or warning drivers of other vehicles or centralized networks by, among other methods, V2V or V2I communications. Responses may also include automatically triggering countermeasures in the host vehicle. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114419 | BRAKE CONTROL APPARATUS AND BRAKE CONTROL METHOD - A brake control apparatus ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100114420 | VEHICLE - A vehicle provides upstanding and tilted (standstill for allowing a user to get on an off the vehicle) positions without movement of the vehicle. In the vehicle, even if the vehicle body tilts, a riding section is moved in the forward-backward direction to bring the vehicle to an orientation where the center of gravity (P) of the vehicle body is on a vertical line (V) passing through ground contact points (S | 05-06-2010 |
20100114421 | VEHICLE - An inverted vehicle in which the angle of tilt of a vehicle body due to acceleration can be reduced by ground engagement members. The vehicle causes assist wheels to engage the ground when acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold value to accelerate/decelerate the vehicle. The acceleration may be either requested acceleration or actual acceleration. The ground contact points of the assist wheels are set so that higher the acceleration, the farther away the ground contact points are from the ground contact points of the drive wheels, in the direction opposite to the direction of the acceleration. When the acceleration is within a predetermined range, the vehicle body tilts to a corresponding angle, and when the acceleration exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the assist wheels engage the ground to prevent the vehicle body from tilting beyond a predetermined value. | 05-06-2010 |
20100114422 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLES - The present invention relates to a control device for vehicles, in particular for the control of vehicle safety devices, with at least two control means, which each communicate with at least one common operating means, wherein the control means are connected to a monitoring means, which monitors the communication of each control means with the common operating means and with an operating means which is directly connected to another control means. | 05-06-2010 |
20100121519 | Antilock Braking System Diagnostic Tool and Method - A method of diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle. The method includes connecting a diagnostic tool to an ABS unit of a motorcycle, communicating with the ABS unit using the diagnostic tool and informing a mechanic utilizing the diagnostic tool about a component in the ABS unit. Also, a tool for diagnosing, installing, repairing and/or maintaining an antilock braking system (ABS) unit in a motorcycle. | 05-13-2010 |
20100121520 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK OBSERVED DEFECT FIX EFFECTIVENESS - A method for automating tracking of an effectiveness of fault repairs. The method may involve defining a unique fault code for each one of a plurality of different faults; cataloging faults that are repaired according to their respective fault codes and storing each cataloged fault in a fix effectiveness subsystem; placing the fix effectiveness subsystem in communication with an electronic logbook (ELB) system that is able to populate the fix effectiveness subsystem with additional fault information; providing a user interface to enable a user to access said ELB system to obtain information on a specific fault condition that was previously stored on the fix effectiveness subsystem; and presenting a fault history to the user from information stored in the fix effectiveness subsystem that enables the user to select a repair procedure for correcting the specific fault condition. | 05-13-2010 |
20100125385 | STEERING APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE - In a steering apparatus for a vehicle which has a steering mechanism for steering steerable road wheels by means of a steering wheel operated by a driver and an electrically controllable auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism, and in which a target auxiliary steering angle is set in accordance with a steering wheel angle, and an electric motor of the auxiliary steering angle superposition mechanism is driven and controlled according to the target auxiliary steering angle, the rotation of the electric motor | 05-20-2010 |
20100131140 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPENSATING SENSOR SIGNALS - A system and method for compensating sensor signals. The system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a fuzzy logic module, and a Kalman filter module. The first sensor is configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a first condition of a vehicle. The second sensor is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a second condition of the vehicle. The fuzzy logic module is configured to output a first set of values based on a signal stability of at least the second signal. The Kalman filter module is configured to receive the first set of values and the first signal and estimate a sensor compensation signal based on at least the first set of values and the first signal. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131141 | BANK ANGLE ESTIMATION VIA VEHICLE LATERAL VELOCITY WITH FORCE TABLES - A method for road bank detection that has particular application in vehicle stability control systems and vehicle roll-over avoidance systems. The method for detection of a road bank includes obtaining a yaw rate value and a front and/or rear axle force value for a vehicle travelling on the road. It further includes comparing the obtained vehicle yaw rate value with a corresponding predetermined vehicle yaw rate value to obtain a vehicle yaw rate error value and comparing the obtained vehicle front and/or rear axle force value with a corresponding predetermined vehicle front and/or rear axle force value to obtain a vehicle front and/or rear axle force error value, and detecting the road bank based on the obtained vehicle yaw rate error value and the vehicle front and/or rear axle force error value. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131142 | VEHICLE DYNAMICS PREDICTION WITH LANE/PATH INFORMATION USING A PREVIEW-CORRECTION-PREDICTION APPROACH - A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131143 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC TEST DATA GENERATION FOR LOOKUP TABLES - The present invention relates to a method and system for automatic test data generation for lookup tables. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for generating test data for an automotive lookup table including the steps of dividing the automotive lookup table into categories, generating a list of assertions corresponding in a one-to-one relationship with the categories such that each of the categories has an assertion corresponding to it, generating an execution trace for each assertion using a constraint solver, and generating test data for each execution trace. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131144 | KINEMATIC ESTIMATOR FOR VEHICLE LATERAL VELOCITY USING FORCE TABLES - A system and method for estimating vehicle lateral velocity. The method uses a kinematic estimator constructed as a closed-loop Leunberger observer. The kinematic estimator is based on a kinematic relationship between lateral acceleration measurement and rate of change of lateral velocity. The method provides measurement updates based on virtual lateral velocity measurements from front and rear axle lateral force versus axle side-slip angle tables using the lateral acceleration, yaw-rate, longitudinal speed, and steering angle measurements. The method calculates front and rear axle lateral forces from the lateral acceleration and yaw-rate measurements. The method estimates front and rear axle side-slip angles from the calculated front and rear axle lateral forces using the tables. The method calculates multiple virtual lateral velocities from the front and rear side-slip angles and selects one of the virtual lateral velocities that minimizes an error between a measured force and an estimated force as the lateral velocity. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131145 | VEHICLE LATERAL VELOCITY AND SURFACE FRICTION ESTIMATION USING FORCE TABLES - A system and method for estimating vehicle lateral velocity and surface coefficient of friction using front and rear axle lateral force versus side-slip angle tables and sensor measurements. The sensor measurements include lateral acceleration, yaw-rate, longitudinal speed and steering angle of the vehicle. The method includes calculating front and rear axle lateral forces and front and rear side-slip angles on the axles of the vehicle. The method also includes identifying two equations from the calculated lateral forces and the vehicle measurements. The method provides tables that identify a relationship between the calculated front and rear axle lateral forces and the front and rear side-slip angles, and determines the vehicle lateral velocity and surface coefficient of friction from the tables. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131146 | ESTIMATION OF SURFACE LATERAL COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION - A system and method for estimating surface coefficient of friction in a vehicle system. The method includes providing a kinematics relationship between vehicle yaw-rate, vehicle speed, vehicle steering angle and vehicle front and rear axle side-slip angles that is accurate for all surface coefficient of frictions on which the vehicle may be traveling. The method defines a nonlinear function for the front and rear axle side-slip angles relating to front and rear lateral forces and coefficient of friction, and uses the nonlinear function in the kinematics relationship. The method also provides a linear relationship of the front and rear axle side-slip angles and the front and rear lateral forces using the kinematics relationship. The method determines that the vehicle dynamics have become nonlinear using the linear relationship and then estimates the surface coefficient of friction when the vehicle dynamics are nonlinear. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131147 | System and method for detecting low tire pressure on a machine - A method of detecting a low tire pressure condition on a machine is disclosed. The method may include determining at least one of an actual pitch of the machine and an actual roll of the machine, at a known location and determining at least one of an expected pitch of the machine at the known location and an expected roll of the machine at the known location. The method may further include comparing at least one of the actual pitch to the expected pitch of the machine and the actual roll to the expected roll of the machine. The method may also include outputting a signal indicative of the low tire pressure condition of at least one tire, if at least one of the actual pitch and the actual roll deviate from the expected pitch and the expected roll of the machine, respectively. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131148 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATED DRIVER INTENTION FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM CONTROL - A system and method relate to estimating a driver intention for driver assistance systems control, including an analysis device that receives data from each of a vehicle environment sensor, a vehicle dynamics sensor, and a driver attributes sensor, such that the analysis device makes a prediction of the driver intention based on the received data. A control device controls a vehicle and a driver partially based on the predicted driver intention. | 05-27-2010 |
20100138098 | MAP DISPLAY APPARATUS, MAP DISPLAY METHOD, AND COMPUTER-READABLE TANGIBLE MEDIUM - A navigation apparatus for use in a hybrid vehicle in which an engine and a drive motor are used in combination acquires a current SOC value of a battery, geometry of roads around the vehicle, gradient information, traffic information, learning information, and so forth. A travelable range of the vehicle after the battery is charged is calculated for each of a plurality of various charge times on the basis of the acquired information. The plurality of calculated travelable ranges is simultaneously displayed on a liquid crystal display. It is thus possible to display a minimum charge time required to travel to a destination in a manner easily understandable to a user. | 06-03-2010 |
20100138099 | TRAVEL TRACE GENERATION METHOD AND TRAVEL TRACE GENERATION DEVICE - A running locus generating apparatus | 06-03-2010 |
20100138100 | CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - Provided is a cruise control system and method. A vehicle cruise control system collects state information of components inside and outside a vehicle, state information of a road on which the vehicle is provided, and drive pattern information of a driver of the vehicle, analyzes a mileage amount and an exhaust gas emission amount of the vehicle based on the collected state information of the components, the road state information, and the drive pattern information, calculates a cruise control speed based on the analysis result, and controls the vehicle to run at the cruise control speed. | 06-03-2010 |
20100138101 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING IT - A driver assistance device for a vehicle having a plurality of safety functions, such as in particular an LDW function and an LKS function, in which system-related boundary values are provided for the safety functions such that when they are undershot the safety function is activated and when they are exceeded the safety function is deactivated. The boundary values are developed to be variable. | 06-03-2010 |
20100145563 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE OPERATIONS BASED ON OBJECT PRESENCE - A system, method, and program product controls an operation of a vehicle based on the presence of one or more foreign objects within one or more monitored zones about the vehicle. One or more transceivers receive information about the one or more foreign objects. Based on the received information and the one or more corresponding zones, one or more controllers identify a response, which may include notifying the user about the foreign object and/or generating a signal that inhibits the ignition from turning on. The system, method, and program product also control an operation of a vehicle based on the absence of an object of the vehicle. Likewise, the one or more controllers identify a response, which may include notifying the user about the missing object and/or generating a signal that inhibits the ignition from turning on. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145564 | WORKING VEHICLE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL METHOD OF WORKING VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLLER OF WORKING VEHICLE - A working vehicle of the present invention achieves more stabilized constant speed traveling. A vehicle speed control section | 06-10-2010 |
20100145565 | System And Method For Indicating Apparent Vehicle Service Brake Application Without Apparent Operation Of Service Brack Actuator - A motor vehicle ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100145566 | Method and facility for estimating a measure of friction - A friction coefficient between at least one tire of a motor vehicle and a roadway is estimated recursively. A kingpin inclination angle is detected or measured. A model determines a lateral friction value by defining a functional correlation between that value and the angle such that a non-linear course of that value relative to the angle is dependant on an initial increase of that value relative to the angle and on a recursively determined estimated value of the friction coefficient. The initial increase is defined substantially independently from the recursively determined estimated value. In addition, a measurement variable of the driving dynamics is captured. Depending on the lateral friction value, the driving dynamics model variable is determined. Furthermore, a variance between the driving dynamics measurement variable and the driving dynamics model value is determined. The recursion when acquiring the estimated value includes that the estimated value is adjusted. | 06-10-2010 |
20100145567 | Method for determining a roadway state - The invention relates to a method for determining a roadway state (STATE) of a roadway on which a vehicle ( | 06-10-2010 |
20100152946 | Slippage condition response system - A slippage condition response system for a machine is disclosed. The response system may have a sensing system configured to sense a parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the machine. Additionally, the response system may have a locator configured to sense a parameter indicative of a location of the machine. The response system may also have a map configured to store at least one known slippage condition location. Each known slippage condition location may have a slippage condition position and a modified speed limit. In addition, the response system may have a controller, which may be in communication with the sensing system, the locator, and the map. The controller may be configured to monitor the location of the machine, monitor the parameter indicative of a slippage condition of the machine, and update the map, based on the monitored parameter and the monitored location. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152947 | IDENTIFICATION OF WIRELESS SENSORS - A method and system for identifying sensors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a list of sensors that are differentiated by function and/or location, and detecting a plurality of sensors in a vehicle environment, where at least some of the sensors are identical. The method also includes receiving information from each of the plurality of sensors, and identifying each of a plurality of identical sensors as corresponding to a respective sensor in the list of sensors. The identification may be based on one or more of: a proximity of each sensor relative to at least one wireless receiver; at least one characteristic of information received from the sensors, that is caused by an actively induced change in the vehicle environment; and at least one characteristic of information received from the sensors, that is caused by a passive change in the vehicle environment. According to the method and system disclosed herein, sensors in the vehicle are detected and identified in a simple and cost effective manner. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152948 | METHOD FOR EDITING REQUIREMENTS USING TRANSITION SYSTEMS - A method for providing writing requirements for a structured transition system employing state machines. The requirements employ a plurality of structuring mechanisms, namely, sub-state based structuring, abstraction based structuring and partial behavior structuring that uses event sequences. The sub-state based structuring has to do with the hierarchical requirements of the state machines, abstraction based structuring provides an abstraction of the state machines that reduces the number of states, and partial behavior structuring looks at certain states to predict how those states will affect other states. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152949 | VEHICLE EVENT RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle event recording system is provided which includes one or more GPS receivers for sensing position of a vehicle, and an event detector for detecting a vehicle event. The recording system includes memory for storing vehicle path data and an input for receiving site data at a location where the vehicle event is detected. The recording system further includes a processor for determining a vehicle path for a time period close in time to the vehicle event. The processor determines a correction vector based on site measurement data and further determines the corrected vehicle path based on the monitored vehicle path and the correction vector and generates an output. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152950 | ADAPTIVE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DRIVING STYLE RECOGNITION BASED ON VEHICLE STOPPING - An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle stopping maneuvers. The system reads sensor signals to provide a vehicle speed and a vehicle longitudinal deceleration. The system determines whether an average of the vehicle longitudinal deceleration during a time window is greater than a longitudinal deceleration threshold and, if not, determines that the vehicle is in the stopping maneuver. The system then determines that the stopping maneuver has ended if the vehicle speed signal during another time window is less than a speed threshold. The style characterization processor can then classify the vehicle stopping maneuver using selected discriminant features. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152951 | ADAPTIVE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM WITH DRIVING STYLE RECOGNITION BASED ON VEHICLE ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING - An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle stopping maneuvers. The system reads sensor signals to provide a vehicle speed and determines whether the vehicle is currently in straight line driving or curve driving. If the vehicle is in straight line or curve driving and the vehicle speed is less than a speed threshold, the system determines that the vehicle is in an accelerating or decelerating maneuver. The system then determines that the accelerating and decelerating maneuver has ended if the vehicle is not in straight line or curve driving or the vehicle speed signal is less than the speed threshold. The system can then classify the vehicle accelerating and decelerating maneuver using select discriminate features. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152952 | DETECTION OF DRIVER INTERVENTION DURING A TORQUE OVERLAY OPERATION IN AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM - A method for controlling an assisted steering maneuver in an electric power steering (EPS) system includes modeling steering dynamics during a torque overlay operation to generate a dynamic steering model (DSM), measuring vehicle operating values, and detecting a driver intervention in the torque overlay operation based on the DSM and the vehicle operating values. The torque overlay operation is overridden when driver intervention is detected, allowing the driver to regain control of the steering maneuver. A vehicle includes a steering wheel, a steering assist mechanism, and an EPS system having an electronic control unit (ECU) adapted to determine a present intent of a driver of the vehicle to interrupt application of the TOC based on a vehicle operating value transmitted by the driver to the steering wheel. The ECU is operable for interrupting the torque overlay operation when the present intent of the driver is determined. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152953 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENTLY ORIENTING AN AGILE VEHICLE USING A GYROSCOPE ARRAY - Methods and systems are provided for orienting an agile vehicle using a control moment gyroscope array. A method comprises obtaining initial vehicle parameters for the vehicle and obtaining target vehicle parameters for the vehicle. The method further comprises determining command parameters based on a difference between the target vehicle parameters and the initial vehicle parameters, and simulating operation of the control moment gyroscope array using the command parameters and a torque value being at least equal to a maximum achievable torque for the control moment gyroscope array. When the simulated vehicle parameters are substantially equal to the target vehicle parameters, the method further comprises determining a torque profile for the control moment gyroscope array based on the simulated operation and operating the control moment gyroscope array using the torque profile. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152954 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AUTOMATING PROCEDURES FOR VERIFYING EQUIPMENT IN AN AIRCRAFT - The object of the invention is a method and a device for testing or evaluating the configuration of an equipment item in an aircraft comprising an on-board information system having a highly secured part and a less secured part, the less secured part comprising a network interface capable of exchanging data with an external information system, the secured part comprising a maintenance function. After at least one command to test or evaluate the configuration of the equipment item has been received ( | 06-17-2010 |
20100152955 | DATA TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY - To transmit data between an electric control unit ( | 06-17-2010 |
20100152956 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OUTPUTTING DRIVING INFORMATION INDICATING AN ACCELERATION OPTION THAT IS OPTIMAL IN TERMS OF POWER CONSUMPTION IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for outputting driving information to indicate a power consumption-optimized driving state to a driver of a motor vehicle, including the following steps of ascertaining a target vehicle acceleration that is optimal in terms of consumption, as a function of at least one current operating state quantity of the vehicle, as well as of at least one tractive-resistance quantity, ascertaining an actual vehicle acceleration, generating the driving information as a function of the ascertained target vehicle acceleration and of the actual vehicle acceleration, and outputting the driving information. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152957 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN ITEM OF TRAVEL DIRECTION INFORMATION FOR A VEHICLE, AND SENSOR DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE - A method for determining an item of travel information for a vehicle includes: determination of a speed of the vehicle; comparison of the speed with at least one specified comparison speed; if the speed is greater than the at least one specified comparison speed, determination of a yaw rate of the vehicle and determination of the item of travel direction information on the basis of the determined yaw rate; and, if the speed is less than the at least one specified comparison speed, determination of a first wheel path of a first wheel of an axle of the vehicle and a second wheel path of a second wheel of the axle, and determination of the item of travel direction information on the basis of the first wheel path and the second wheel path. | 06-17-2010 |
20100152958 | Tracking Emissions Data - A system for use in transport vehicles includes an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle, the APU having a locator unit for use in a tracking and monitoring system | 06-17-2010 |
20100161167 | METHOD OF COMMUNICATING VEHICLE MESSAGES USING SHORT MESSAGE SYSTEM MESSAGES - A system and method for communicating reportable vehicle events via SMS messages. The method carried out by the system includes storing a user-provided contact at a vehicle, monitoring a plurality of vehicle conditions, detecting that one of the vehicle conditions has become a reportable vehicle condition, and sending a short-message service (SMS) message to the stored contact based on the determination, wherein the SMS message includes information associated with the reportable vehicle condition. | 06-24-2010 |
20100161168 | METHOD FOR DETECTING ROLLOVER OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE BASED ON A LATERAL KINETIC ENERGY RATE THRESHOLD - A method for rollover sensing ( | 06-24-2010 |
20100168951 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OPERATIONAL ISSUES BASED ON SINGLE INPUT SINGLE OUTPUT SYSTEM DYNAMICS - Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting an anomaly in fuel demand data and fuel supply data generated by a fuel metering system for an engine. The method comprises collecting the fuel demand data and the fuel supply data during operation of the fuel metering system, generating expected fuel supply data based on the collected fuel demand data and a nominal response model describing the expected behavior of the fuel metering system, and detecting the anomaly if a difference between the expected fuel supply data and the collected fuel supply data exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168952 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE FAILURE DETECTION - A gas turbine engine control system is disclosed having a fault detection system capable of detecting a high N | 07-01-2010 |
20100168953 | BRAKE/DRIVE FORCE CONTROLLING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A brake/drive force controlling apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine for applying drive forces to driving wheels of the vehicles, a control diff for distributing the drive forces to the left and right driving wheels independently, and an electronic control system brake device for applying brake forces to the left and right driving wheels independently. An ECU is configured so as to be able to control the engine, the control diff, and the electronic control system brake device according to an operating state of the vehicle. When the electronic control system brake device is operated, this ECU stops the operation of the control diff, thereby avoiding a sudden input of load on the drive force distribution mechanism, regardless of the running state of the vehicle. This makes the apparatus simpler and more lightweight. | 07-01-2010 |
20100168954 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - In a control apparatus of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is a failsafe control that blocks power transmission from a drive source to drive wheels by releasing clutches of an automatic transmission when there is a shift switching failure. In consideration of the fact that when a working oil temperature of the automatic transmission is low (below the freezing point, for example), the viscosity of the working oil is high and response for power blocking is poor, in a case where an oil temperature at the time of a shift switching request is low (steps ST | 07-01-2010 |
20100174437 | METHOD OF DETERMINING VEHICLE PROPERTIES - Vehicle properties are determined by providing both actual and real-time data of the tires to the vehicle control system. The data includes both static and dynamic tire data. The properties are determined by the following steps: a) putting a vehicle in motion, the vehicle being provided with a set of tires and a vehicle control system wherein at least one tire has means to communicate with the vehicle control system and the vehicle control system has a processor, a vehicle observer, and a preprogrammed vehicle model; b) sending either static or dynamic tire information from the tire to the vehicle control system via the tire communication means; and c) estimating a vehicle property using the received tire information. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174438 | Failure countermeasure supporting system for mobile vehicle - A failure countermeasure support system for efficiently determining upon countermeasures to be executed for remedying a failure of a construction machine, based upon information about the failure. There are provided: a plurality of maintenance databases | 07-08-2010 |
20100174439 | VARIABLE FUNCTION COMMUNICATION GATEWAY FOR VEHICLES - A vehicle communication gateway configured to be located within an overland vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle communication gateway includes a controller; a memory connected to the controller; a short-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller; a long-range wireless communication interface connected to the controller; and an input-output module configured to connect to a CAN bus, an in-vehicle entertainment system, and a user interface. The controller is configured to receive information from the CAN bus, the in-vehicle entertainment system, and the user interface. The controller generates diagnostic messages regarding vehicle systems based on information received through the CAN bus. The controller also synchronizes files between the in-vehicle entertainment system and extra-vehicular devices, and communicates with in-building systems through the short-range wireless communication interface. Messages are sent to one or more destinations such as a vehicle manufacturer, a vehicle repair shop, and a mobile phone of a vehicle occupant through the long-range wireless communication interface. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174440 | Driving Assistance Method and Device for a Vehicle for Travelling Along a Predetermined Path Between a First Point and a Second Point - The invention relates to a driving assistance device ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100174441 | METHOD FOR FEEDBACK OF STATES OF AN ELECTRIC COMPONENT TO AN ENGINE CONTROL DEVICE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - The present invention relates to a method for feedback of states of an electric component to an engine control device of an internal combustion engine using a control unit for the electric component including a detection device configured to detect faults. The method includes configuring the control unit, connecting the control unit to the engine control device via a signal line, receiving a PWM signal generated in the engine control device, tying the signal line to ground for a feedback of data of the electric component to the engine control device; and identifying a fault based on a duration of the connection to ground. | 07-08-2010 |
20100174442 | ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM WITH FAILURE DETECTION - In an electric power steering system ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100179717 | Data Meter with Bar Graph and Histogram - A technique and apparatus of displaying a vehicle's information on a display device is provided and include measuring a set of diagnostic and state values of the vehicle, comparing the set of measured values with a set of related predetermined values, the set of predetermined values being within a preset range for operation of the vehicle, displaying on a video image a graphical depiction of the present measured value, and displaying on the same video image, a graphical depiction of the measured set of values in comparison to the related predetermined set of values, with the comparison changing color of a certain portion of the graphical depiction. | 07-15-2010 |
20100179718 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE STATE OF TIRES - Method for monitoring the state of a tire, in which at least one analysis value (U | 07-15-2010 |
20100185354 | Dynamic Rollover Prevention - In certain embodiments, a method includes accessing data associated with one or more vehicle parameters and determining, based on the data associated with the one or more vehicle parameters, if a vehicle rollover is imminent. The method includes determining, in response to a determination that a vehicle rollover is imminent, a roll countering solution. The method includes determining, based on the roll countering solution, one or more vehicle thrusters to execute the determined roll countering solution. The method includes signaling the one or more vehicle thrusters to discharge to execute the determined roll countering solution. | 07-22-2010 |
20100185355 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING A SIGNAL ORIGINATING FROM A POSITION SENSOR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE CONTROL MEMBER - A method for processing a signal originating from a position sensor of a motor vehicle control member, to produce a processed signal relating to the position of the control member. The method includes: a filtering phase in which the signal originating from the sensor is filtered using a first filter to obtain a first filtered signal, and a substitution phase in which the first filtered signal is supplied as the processed signal, a second signal being added to the first filtered signal if the instantaneous value thereof is greater than the value of a first threshold parameter, and, in the opposite case, the signal originating from the sensor is provided as the processed signal. | 07-22-2010 |
20100191401 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A PEDESTRIAN IMPACT - The invention proposes a method of, and an arrangement for, detecting a pedestrian impact, wherein at least three acceleration sensors ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100191402 | TRANSMISSION AUXILIARY PUMP DIAGNOSIS METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method includes diagnosing a transmission auxiliary pump in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having an engine and an auxiliary power module (APM). A predetermined HEV operating mode is detected during which the engine is running, and the pump is cycled between on and off states. An electrical output value of the APM is determined during the on and off states. A control action is executed when the output value exceeds a corresponding threshold. An HEV includes an engine, a transmission, an APM, a battery connected to the APM, and a transmission auxiliary pump. An algorithm diagnoses operation of the pump. The APM includes an algorithm for diagnosing the pump during a predetermined mode during which the engine is running by determining an electrical output value of the APM during on and off states of the pump, and executes a control action when the output value exceeds a threshold. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191403 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING WITH A VEHICLE ABOUT THEN-CURRENT VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS USING A TELEMATICS UNIT - A method for communicating with a vehicle about then-current vehicle operating conditions is disclosed herein. The method includes real-time monitoring, via a telematics unit in a vehicle, of vehicle data when the vehicle is traveling on a road segment, comparing the real-time monitored vehicle data with previously stored data of one or more other vehicles that previously traveled the road segment, and based on the comparison, determining an operation of the vehicle in order to achieve optimal fuel efficiency. The method further includes submitting, to the vehicle, the operation of the vehicle for i) increasing a then-current fuel efficiency of the vehicle or ii) maintaining the then-current fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191404 | Display System for Work Vehicle - A display system for a work vehicle is disclosed including a display device ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100191405 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JUDGING ABNORMALITY IN VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - The main calculation section ( | 07-29-2010 |
20100191406 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE DRIVE UNIT - A control apparatus for a vehicle drive unit including a control structure of a hierarchical type having a demand generation level, a mediation level, and a control variable setting level and a signal is transmitted in one direction from a higher level of hierarchy to a lower level of hierarchy. The demand generation level includes demand output elements for each capability. The mediation level includes mediation elements, each corresponding to a classified category of demands. Each of the mediation elements collects demand values of the category of which the mediation elements are in charge and performs mediation according to a rule to arrive at a single demand value. The control variable setting level includes an adjuster portion adjusting each of the mediated demand values based on a relationship between each other and control variable calculation elements calculating a control variable of each of a plurality of actuators based on the adjusted demand value. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191407 | FAILURE DETERMINING DEVICE AND FAILURE DETERMINING METHOD OF CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - An ECU executes a program including the steps of determining that a change speed solenoid is abnormal when a target speed ratio falls within a predetermined range, an upshift is recognized and the change speed solenoid is abnormal; determining that the change speed solenoid is normal when the change speed solenoid is not abnormal; determining that a belt pinch pressure solenoid is abnormal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to a speed ratio γmin on a maximum speed-increase side and the target speed ratio is not substantially equal to an actual speed ratio; and determining that the belt pinch pressure solenoid is normal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to the actual speed ratio. | 07-29-2010 |
20100191408 | TILT AND/OR ACCELERATION SENSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A tilt or acceleration sensing apparatus and method that allows a tilt or acceleration sensing device of a vehicle to determine: 1) a maximum fall angle of the vehicle, regardless of the orientation of the vehicle and the vehicle's tilt sensor(s) to the incline; or 2) the downward acceleration of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a method of determining a maximum fall angle of a vehicle includes sensing tilt angles of two sensing axes of the vehicle relative to a horizontal reference plane and calculating the maximum fall angle of the vehicle based on the tilt angles. The apparatus and method may also include comparing the maximum fall angle to predetermined values and generating output signals when the maximum fall angle exceeds the predetermined values. In another embodiment, a method of determining when a vehicle is sliding downhill includes sensing the accelerations of three sensing axes. | 07-29-2010 |
20100198445 | METHOD OF OPERATING AN ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM - A method of stabilizing a vehicle is provided. The vehicle is travelling at a forward speed and a lateral speed, and comprises a lateral acceleration sensor, a yaw sensor adapted to detect an actual yaw rate of the vehicle around a central axis, a steering mechanism adapted to steer the vehicle by a steered yaw rate, and an electronic stability control system. The method comprises determining the forward speed of the vehicle with the electronic stability control system, determining a yaw error rate based upon a difference between the actual yaw rate of the vehicle and the steered yaw rate, determining the vehicle is in an unstable condition by comparing the yaw error rate to a first predetermined yaw rate, computing a calculated lateral speed based on acceleration data from the lateral acceleration sensor, the forward speed, and the actual yaw rate in response to determining the vehicle is in the unstable condition, calculating a correction factor based on the calculated lateral speed of the vehicle and the forward speed of the vehicle, and adjusting operation of the electronic stability control system by the correction factor. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198446 | VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM - A vehicle safety system for detecting a side impact, the system comprising at least one sensor operable to detect one or more parameters relating to the rate of yaw of the vehicle, and to provide an output that is dependent upon the longitudinal position along the vehicle of the side impact. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198447 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DRIVE UNIT - In a method for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine, a target torque to be produced is determined in several steps: In a first step a torque requested by a user is determined and modified in subsequent steps by different functions, which reproduce the influences of at least one continuously determined working and/or operating parameter of the engine on the torque that is actually produced, in such a way that at the end of the steps the target torque required during the engine operation is defined and the engine operation and the determination of the working and/or operating parameter are monitored for errors. If errors occur, diagnostic values that describe or indicate the errors are generated and used to modify, in particular limit the target torque. The diagnostic values are individually assigned to the individual steps to modify the determination or modification of the torque performed in each step. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198448 | VEHICLE BODY SPEED ESTIMATING DEVICE - A vehicle body speed estimating device. An attitude angle estimating mechanism estimates a roll angle and a pitch angle. A longitudinal speed computing mechanism computes longitudinal vehicle body speed. A vehicle body speed estimator estimates lateral vehicle body speed by using, as state amounts of vehicle motion, the longitudinal vehicle body speed and the lateral vehicle body speed, and on the basis of respective detected values of longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration and yaw angular velocity of vehicle motion, and respective estimated values of the roll angle and the pitch angle, and a product of a computed value of the longitudinal vehicle body speed and a value obtained from an absolute value of the detected value of the yaw angular velocity. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198449 | VEHICULAR CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A VEHICLE - In a vehicle having a brake hold control function an ECU cancels brake hold control when an actual value of a degree of operation of the accelerator pedal is larger than a predetermined degree. The ECU calculates a rate of increasing the vehicle's requested driving force after the brake hold control is cancelled such that the rate is larger for longer times having elapsed since the brake hold control was cancelled and the rate is also larger for larger actual values of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal, as shown in FIG. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198450 | METHOD FOR INTEGRATING MULTIPLE FEATURE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL - The velocity of a vehicle is controlled according a cruise control system that has a plurality of cruise control features. Each of the cruise control features has a current desired velocity requirement which can be used to determine a single current desired velocity for controlling the vehicle. A future desired velocity requirement can be predicted for each of the cruise control features over a time period. Vehicle acceleration can be determined from the difference of the current desired velocity and the predicted future velocity for controlling the velocity and acceleration of the vehicle to the predicted future velocity. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198451 | Process for Operating a Dialogue System for a Motor Vehicle - In a dialog system for a motor vehicle having a plurality of control keys of which at least one can be occupied by several functions, one such control key can be occupied by several functions of a hierarchical menu structure that, when the control key is operated, as a function of an operating status of a use system coupled with the dialog system, precisely one of several functions is executed, and the occupation of the at least one control key by several functions takes place in that certain functions of the menu structure are assigned to a function group comprising several functions, and in that the control key is occupied by all functions assigned to the function group when one of the functions assigned to the function group is allocated to the control key by an operating action of the user. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198452 | DRIVER WORKLOAD-BASED VEHICLE STABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM - A vehicle stability enhancement system that is adapted for an estimated driver workload. The system includes a driver workload estimation processor that estimates the driver workload based on certain factors, such as the vehicle speed or driver-behavior factors. The driver workload estimation is used to adjust the damping ratio and natural frequency in dynamic filters in a command interpreter to adjust a desired yaw rate signal and a desired side-slip signal. The driver workload estimation is also used to generate a yaw rate multiplication factor and a side-slip multiplication factor that modify a yaw rate stability signal and a side-slip stability signal in a feedback control processor that generates a stability control signal. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204868 | POWERTRAIN AND IGNITION DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD - A control system comprising a powertrain relay diagnostic module that determines a single continuous period that a powertrain relay voltage is less than an ignition relay voltage, that compares the single continuous period to a single predetermined period, and that diagnoses a powertrain relay out of correlation (OOC) error when the single continuous period is greater than or equal to the single predetermined period, and an ignition relay diagnostic module that diagnoses an ignition relay OOC error when the ignition relay voltage is less than the powertrain relay voltage for a first predetermined cumulative period within a first predetermined total period. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204869 | TIRE PRESSURE CLASSIFICATION BASED TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING - In indirect tire pressure monitoring of tires of a vehicle, the following steps and means to carry out the same, respectively, are contemplated: —providing a tire classification database indicating at least one classified tire type; —determining a vehicle tire type for the vehicle on the basis of vehicle data in including information on at least one tire currently used with the vehicle, —determining whether the vehicle tire type can be associated to one of the at least one classified tire type; and —in the case an association is determined, monitoring tire pressure according to the associated classified tire type. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204870 | FOLLOWING DISTANCE CONTROL DEVICE AND FOLLOWING DISTANCE CONTROL METHOD - A following distance control device includes a vehicle speed detecting device that detects the vehicle speed VSPD of an own vehicle and outputs a vehicle speed equal to or less than a predetermined speed as zero, a following distance detecting device that detects a following distance between a preceding vehicle and the own vehicle, a first requested acceleration computing device that computes a requested acceleration GBASE from the vehicle speed and the following distance, and a stop determining device that determines the stop of the own vehicle, on the basis of a requested acceleration Greg_pre_0 kph at a time point when the output value of the vehicle speed detecting device becomes zero. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204871 | MOTOR VEHICLE MONITORING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTRIC CURRENT OF AN ACTUATOR - A motor vehicle monitoring apparatus has a controller as a component of a control loop for controlling the electric current of an actuator. The vehicle power supply system voltage of a motor vehicle voltage source is applied to the actuator. A correction unit is provided in the forward path of the control loop between the controller and a subordinate actuator element of the control loop and applies the actuation signal output by the controller with a correction factor which is proportional to the reciprocal value of the instantaneous vehicle power supply system voltage. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204872 | VEHICLE CONTROLLER AND VEHICLE MOUNTED WITH THE SAME - Provided are a vehicle controller and a vehicle mounted with the vehicle controller capable of performing a control for realizing an operator's intention to stop or start a vehicle without performing a troublesome driving operation. In a controller | 08-12-2010 |
20100204873 | CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT INCLUDING REAR VIEW CAMERA - Construction equipment including a hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a lower driving structure, an upper swing structure swingably mounted on the lower driving structure, a working device mounted on the upper swing structure and having a boom, an arm, and a bucket respectively driven by a hydraulic cylinder is disclosed. The construction equipment comprises a rear view camera to permit a driver to view rearward traffic conditions. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204874 | Universal Motorcycle Cruise Control System - A universal motorcycle cruise control system comprised of three elements: control panel, microprocessor based controller and electromechanical drive assembly. The control panel is mounted to allow the vehicle operator access and allows the operator to command the system and receive visual feedback. The controller monitors commands from the control panel, monitors various dynamic signals from the vehicle and controls the drive assembly to maintain requested speed. The electromechanical drive assembly consists of the following: electric motor, gearbox and electro activated clutch. In a preferred configuration, the electromechanical drive assembly is physically installed inside the handlebar under the operators throttle handgrip and is mechanically connected to the handgrip. When activated, the electromechanical drive assembly causes clockwise and counter clockwise rotation of the handgrip as required maintaining requested vehicle speed. The standard vehicle throttle cables are utilized as the mechanical connection between the handgrip and carburetor or fuel injection system. | 08-12-2010 |
20100204875 | Dialogue System - In a dialogue system for a motor vehicle, the dialogue system including a plurality of control keys, assigning a function from a predefined set of functions to at least one of the control keys in such a manner that the function is executed upon actuation of the control key. At least one of the functions which can be assigned to the control key is configured as the master function. During the execution of the master function the current value of at least one parameter of a subordinate function that correlates with at least one state of the motor vehicle is determined, and the subordinate function is executed as a function of this value. | 08-12-2010 |
20100211245 | Method and Device for Triggering Personal Protection Means During a Rollover Accident - A device and a method for triggering personal protection devices, characterized in that a roll rate sensor generates a roll rate while an acceleration sensor detects the transverse acceleration and the vertical acceleration. An integrator is provided to integrate the roll rate to yield an angle. The integrator starts integrating the roll rate when the roll rate exceeds a first threshold value and it stops the integration when the roll rate falls below a second threshold value. In addition, a threshold value controller is provided, adjusting the first and/or second threshold value according to the transverse and/or vertical acceleration. A processor triggers personal protection devices according to the angle and other criteria. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211246 | Vehicle Control Method and Vehicle Control Apparatus - A calculation load of a vehicle control apparatus is reduced. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211247 | SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING AN ADAPTIVE DRIVING STRATEGY BASED ON EMISSION OPTIMIZATION - The system includes a road scenario sensor, a vehicle control unit, and a computer processing unit. The road scenario sensor detects upcoming road scenarios for the system vehicle. The computer processing unit receives an input from the road scenario sensor and determines a upcoming driving event based upon the detected upcoming road scenarios. The computer processing unit compares the upcoming driving event with an ideal emissions model having acceptable emission thresholds to determine an adaptive driving strategy. The adaptive driving strategy configures the system vehicle to reduce emissions for the upcoming upcoming driving event. The adaptive driving strategy optionally includes an optimal acceleration rate and/or an optimal power management strategy. The optimal acceleration rate is based upon the required speed of the vehicle at the upcoming driving event and the distance from the vehicle to the upcoming driving event, and the ideal emissions model having acceptable emission thresholds. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211248 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STABILITY CONTROL USING GPS DATA - A system and method for stability control of a vehicle using GPS data. The system and method can receive GPS data and optionally vehicle operating data or signals and define one of a brake-based stability control subsystem and a torque management-based stability control subsystem as the dominant stability control system. Based on the stability control subsystem defined as the dominant stability control system, the system and method provide stability control for the vehicle. The system and method also defines the dominant stability control system based on weather data. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211249 | System and method for detecting vehicle maintenance requirements - System and method for monitoring the operation of a vehicle. A preferred embodiment comprises monitoring forces applied to the vehicle along one or more axes during operation of the vehicle, monitoring observed vehicle movement in response to the one or more forces, comparing the observed vehicle movement to a profile of expected vehicle movement, and identifying variations between the observed vehicle movement and the expected vehicle movement. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211250 | METHOD FOR INDIRECT TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING AND TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM - A system and method for indirect tire pressure monitoring. A pressure loss variable (X, f, c) is determined based on an analysis of an oscillation behavior of a tire of a motor vehicle for the detection of a pressure loss in the tire of a wheel. A variable (α, α/v) representing an increase (α) of a wheel torque slip curve, or depending on an increase (α) of a wheel torque slip curve (α/v), is determined from the oscillation behavior of the tire, and the variable (α, α/v) and the pressure loss variable (X, f, c) are used for detecting the pressure loss. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211251 | COLLISION DETERMINATION DEVICE, COLLISION DETERMINATION METHOD, AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION DEVICE - A collision determination device for determining a collision occurrence against a door part of a vehicle has: a door acceleration detector that detects an acceleration generated on the door part of the vehicle and a direction of the acceleration; and a collision determination part that determines that a collision has occurred against the door part from the outside, when the direction of the acceleration detected by the door acceleration detector is a closing direction of the door part, and determines that no collision has occurred against the door part from the outside, when the direction of the acceleration detected by the door acceleration detector is an opening direction of the door part. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211252 | VEHICLE-MOUNTED ELECTRONIC APPLIANCE - A vehicle-mounted electronic appliance has a vehicle state detection portion which detects a vehicle being parked, a sound indication portion, and a sound indication control portion. When the vehicle state detection portion detects that the vehicle is parked, the sound indication control portion makes the sound indication portion indicate a warning to watch out for theft. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211253 | INTELLIGENT CONTINUOUS MONITORING SYSTEM FOR APPLICATION IN SHOCK ABSORBERS - The present invention relates to a continuous monitoring system for shock absorbers, for use in motor vehicles or in any kind of machine which requires them, which will enable the shock absorbers to be evaluated during normal operation. It is essentially characterised by all the necessary components being embedded into the shock absorber itself, in a single circuit | 08-19-2010 |
20100211254 | DRIVING MODE CHANGING DEVICE - The present invention provides a driving mode changing device. The driving mode changing device includes a storage unit for storing three or more driving modes including a normal mode and other modes, an input unit for selecting and inputting an arbitrary one from among the driving modes, and a control unit for changing setup of a plurality of driving control devices installed in a vehicle according to the driving mode input from the input unit. The input unit includes one operating member. The operating member is biased from a stationary position when no operation is performed so as to enable a push operation, and simultaneously biased from the stationary position to a predetermined turned position so as to enable a turn operation. The control unit switches the drive mode from the normal mode to a predetermined driving mode, which is different from the normal mode, among the driving modes when detecting that the operating member is pushed at the stationary position, and switches to the other driving mode different from the normal mode and the predetermined driving mode when detecting that the operating member is continuously held at the turned position for a predetermined time in the state where the predetermined driving mode is selected. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211256 | ROAD SURFACE FRICTIONAL COEFFICIENT ESTIMATING APPARATUS - A road surface frictional coefficient estimating apparatus has a device for determining a first estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_estm generated at an NSP of a vehicle due to the resultant force of road surface reaction forces acting on each wheel by using, for example, a frictional coefficient estimated value that has been determined, and a device for determining a second estimated value of a yaw moment Mnsp_sens generated at the NSP from the observed value of motional state amounts defining an inertial force moment at the NSP. The increasing/decreasing manipulated variable of the frictional coefficient estimated value is sequentially determined on an error (Mnsp_sens−Mnsp_estm) such that the error is converged to zero, and the road surface frictional coefficient is updated on the basis of the increasing/decreasing manipulated variable. | 08-19-2010 |
20100211257 | VEHICLE OPERATION ASSISTING SYSTEM - When a collision avoidance operation determiner determines a collision avoidance operation by a driver, a target assist electrical current calculator calculates a target assist electrical current based on a deviation between a standard yaw rate corrected in accordance with avoidance momentum calculated by an avoidance momentum calculator and an actual yaw rate; and the target assist electrical current is supplied to a steering actuator to assist the collision avoidance operation by the driver. At this time, when an under-steer determiner determines an under-steer state, an assist electrical current is decreased by a reaction force electrical current calculated in a reaction force electrical current calculator. Therefore, a steering angle is prevented from becoming too large due to excessive assist, thereby facilitating a return operation after avoiding an obstacle. | 08-19-2010 |
20100217469 | System For Controlling A Motor Vehicle Driving Downhill - A system for a hill descent control in the braking equipment of a motor vehicle comprising an electrically controllable service brake system, which is designed both for an anti-locking control function and for a braking function irrespective of actuation by the driver, a brake actuator which permits an individual adjustment of the braking pressures or braking moments generated for the individual wheels of a motor vehicle, which are the respective manipulated variables controlled by the hill descent control, an electronic control unit being provided for the electronic control and/or regulation which directly or indirectly detects variables related to operating conditions of the motor vehicle and adjusts additional braking moments when driving on steeply inclined roads, irrespective of whether a brake pedal is actuated. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217470 | AUXILIARY PUMP DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An auxiliary pump diagnostic system includes a slip determination module and a fault determination module. The slip determination module determines slip of a torque converter based on an engine speed and a transmission input speed. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in an auxiliary pump based on the slip of the torque converter. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217471 | TIRE PRESSURE DEVIATION DETECTION FOR A VEHICLE TIRE - A method, system and computer program product for detecting a tire pressure deviation in a tire of a vehicle by determining tire pressure indicating data indicative of a tire pressure condition of the tire and determining tire pressure deviation data indicative of a tire pressure deviation in the tire. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217472 | SECURING DRIVER REQUESTED TORQUE - An engine control system comprises a driver axle torque request module (DATRM) and a driver axle torque security module (DATSM). The DATRM determines a pedal torque request based on minimum and maximum scaling torques and a torque scalar. The DATRM determines a raw driver torque request. The DATRM selectively shapes raw driver torque request into a final driver torque request. The DATRM converts the final driver torque request into a first axle torque request. The DATSM selectively diagnoses a fault in the first axle torque request based on a minimum engine torque, the minimum scaling torque, a first comparison of the final driver torque request and the redundant final driver torque request, and a second comparison of the first axle torque request and a redundant axle torque request. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217473 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING DEFORMATIONS ON A VEHICLE COMPONENT - An apparatus and a method for detecting deformations of a vehicle component on a motor vehicle are disclosed, which are capable of unambiguously determining the location and temporal progression of the deformation, as well as the severity of the deformation, within a very short time after the deformation of the vehicle component begins. A grid module having a grid, an emitter component with a light emitter; and a detector with at least one sensor unit are hereby provided on the vehicle component. A beam path of a light beam between the light emitter and the detector is alternatingly interrupted when the grid is displaced relative to the emitter component due to a deformation of the vehicle component. The detector detects a signal in form of light pulses generated by the interruption of the light beam and the light pulses are transmitted as a time-modulated signal to an evaluation unit. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217474 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKING MACHINES - A driver assistance system for an agricultural working machine, in particular a combine harvester has a large number of working mechanisms, an arithmetic logic unit, and at least one display unit, in which the arithmetic logic unit may process information generated by machine-internal sensor systems, external information, and information that is storable in the arithmetic logic unit, and in which the driver assistance system overcomes—with consideration for at least a selection of the available information—critical functions of the agricultural working machine in that efficiency parameters of the agricultural working machine are optimized via interactive, natural-language communication between the operator of the agricultural working machine and the driver assistance system. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217475 | LOW CURRENT VEHICLE ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR TRUCKS AND ATVS - A capacitor module is utilized as part of a vehicle accessory system to accommodate the use of accessories that require high current power supplies on many different vehicles, thereby reducing the demands on the vehicle electrical systems. The capacitor module includes a plurality of ultracapacitors capable of maintaining relatively high charge levels and thereby accommodating the demands for short bursts of high current electrical power. Control circuitry is included to manage capacitor charging using lower current signals, thereby allowing for use of accessories on vehicles having lower capacity electrical systems. In one embodiment the accessories contemplated include a snow plow attached to a vehicle, with the snowplow having a hydraulic pump motor which requires high levels of electrical current for operation. Control circuitry manages charging using a relatively constant current electrical signal and discharging of the capacitors as necessary to operate the pump motor. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217476 | VEHICLE TRAVELING CONTROLLER - A vehicle traveling controller performs emergency evacuation traveling in the case of an emergency. The vehicle traveling controller determines whether a vehicle traveling in accordance with a normal traveling rule is not dangerous and becomes proper traveling or not based on environmental information around the vehicle, when it is determined that the vehicle traveling in accordance with the normal traveling rule becomes proper traveling, executes normal traveling control for instructing the vehicle to travel in accordance with the normal traveling rule, and when the vehicle traveling in accordance with the normal traveling rule does not become proper traveling, executes emergency evacuation traveling control for instructing the vehicle to perform emergency evacuation traveling not in accordance with the normal traveling rule. Therefore, emergency evacuation traveling with high safety can be performed, compared with vehicle traveling in accordance with the normal traveling rule, so safety of vehicle traveling can be improved. | 08-26-2010 |
20100217477 | SPEED DEVIATION INDICATOR - Apparatus and methods for indicating speed deviations of a motor vehicle are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, upon a user engagement of a user input interface (for example, a button or dial or any other input device), a reference speed of the motor vehicle is desired. Indications of subsequent speed deviations from the reference speed are provided, for example, in a non-numerical or non-textual visual signal having a luminous intensity of at least 2000 minicandles, in a driver cone of sight defined by the motor vehicle. In some embodiments, the visual signal indicates which of three ranges of speed the driver is driving in, including too fast, too slow and a mid range. | 08-26-2010 |
20100222955 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - An electronic control system for a vehicle having plural device actuators, each device being configured to provide an output signal indicative of its actuation status, the vehicle also having inputs for requesting actuation of the respective devices and generating corresponding actuation request signals, and vehicle condition sensors for providing vehicle condition signals indicative of vehicle parameters such as speed and tilt or the status of vehicle components; the system comprising: a slave controller associated with each device; and a master controller; the master and slave controllers all being connected to receive the vehicle condition signals, the master controller being connected to receive the actuation request signals and to receive the status output signals from all the devices and being in two-way data communication with all the slave controllers, and each slave controller being connected to receive a corresponding actuation request signal and to receive power from the master controller and to provide power to its respective device; each slave controller being responsive to an actuation request signal requesting actuation of its device to send a slave request signal to the master controller, and the master controller being responsive to the slave request signal provide a master consent signal to the slave controller only if it has independently received the same actuation request signal and it determines that it is safe and appropriate to do so, and to supply power to the slave controller; and the slave controller being responsive to the master consent signal and the relevant vehicle condition signals and the respective status output signal to supply power to the device to control the actuation of the device only in the event that it determines that it is safe and appropriate to do so. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222956 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DECIDE TURN CONDITION USING SENSOR - A method and apparatus of determining a straight-driving state or a turning state of a moving object using an acceleration sensor are provided. The method of determining a turning state using a sensor includes: reading sensor output signals of different axes from an acceleration sensor while a moving object is being driven wherein the acceleration sensor is an at least two axes acceleration sensor and detects an acceleration of the moving object; and comparing the read sensor output signals of the different axes and determining whether the moving object is in a straight-driving state or in a turning state. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222957 | INFORMATION PRESENTATION SYSTEM - Provided is an information presentation system installed on a vehicle, and including a robot ( | 09-02-2010 |
20100222958 | VEHICLE DRIVING OPERATION SUPPORT APPARATUS/PROCESS AND RESTRAINT CONTROL - A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential, and performs an assist control to restrain disturbance (such as vibration from a road) transmitted to the driver in accordance with the risk potential. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222959 | VEHICLE DRIVING OPERATION SUPPORT APPARATUS/PROCESS AND INDUCEMENT CONTROL - A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential and performs an assist control to produce inducement simulating a condition change (such as a vehicle behavior) attributable to an increase of the risk potential, in accordance with the risk potential. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222960 | VEHICLE DRIVING OPERATION SUPPORT APPARATUS/PROCESS AND COOPERATION CONTROL - A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle; and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential, performs a first assist control to restrain disturbance (such as vibration from a road) transmitted to the driver in accordance with the risk potential, and performs a second assist control to produce inducement simulating a condition change (such as a vehicle behavior) attributable to an increase of the risk potential, in accordance with the risk potential. The control section further performs a cooperation control to coordinate the first assist control and the second assist control. | 09-02-2010 |
20100228422 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE DISPLACEMENT STATE OF A VEHICLE BODY - Process for determining at least one state of motion of a vehicle body ( | 09-09-2010 |
20100228423 | AGGREGATED INFORMATION FUSION FOR ENHANCED DIAGNOSTICS, PROGNOSTICS AND MAINTENANCE PRACTICES OF VEHICLES - A system and method for enhancing vehicle diagnostic and prognostic algorithms and improving vehicle maintenance practices. The method includes collecting data from vehicle components, sub-systems and systems, and storing the collected data in a database. The collected and stored data can be from multiple sources for similar vehicles or similar components and can include various types of trouble codes and labor codes as well as other information, such as operational data and physics of failure data, which are fused together. The method generates classes for different vehicle components, sub-systems and systems, and builds feature extractors for each class using data mining techniques of the data stored in the database. The method also generates classifiers that classify the features for each class. The feature extractors and feature classifiers are used to determine when a fault condition has occurred for a vehicle component, sub-system or system. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228424 | CRASH SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE - A crash sensor system and method used for determining when a vehicle is involved in a frontal impact crash. The crash sensor system including at least one pressure sensor coupled to a vehicle frame member. The vehicle frame member having a cavity and the at least one pressure sensor being configured to generate a pressure signal indicative of a pressure change within the cavity. The crash sensor system further including a controller configured to compare the received pressure signal against a predetermined pressure threshold. The controller also being configured to determine that a frontal impact crash has occurred when the pressure signal exceeds the predetermined pressure threshold. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228425 | Vehicle communication apparatus - A vehicle communication apparatus has a main battery, and the main battery is switched to a supplemental battery when voltage of the main battery falls to a second threshold. Further, prior to voltage fall of the main battery to the second threshold, vehicle information at least including position of a vehicle is prepared for transmission from a report unit. By adapting the above voltage monitoring scheme, the removal of the main battery is appropriately detected, and the position information of the vehicle is appropriately reported wirelessly to an information center by the report unit, and working time of the report unit that is operated by the supplemental battery is extended without increasing the capacity of the supplemental battery. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228426 | PARKING ASSISTANT AND PARKING ASSISTING METHOD - A parking assistant includes: shooting part shooting surroundings; parking target position setter setting parking target position in surroundings image by shooting part; rearward movement starting position calculator calculating rearward movement starting position based on: target position by position setter, and vehicle's movable area, rearward movement starting position denoting position stopping vehicle and starting rearward movement of vehicle, to park vehicle in target position; movement calculator sensing movement direction and movement amount of vehicle; and image generator superposing an information image on surroundings image based on movement direction and amount which are sensed with movement calculator. Information image denotes rearward movement starting position for allowing vehicle to be parked in target position. According to vehicle's movement, image generator generates, with different displays, following sub-positions of rearward movement starting position: first sub-position allowing vehicle to move to target position, and second sub-position failing to allow vehicle to be parked in target position. | 09-09-2010 |
20100228427 | PREDICTIVE SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM - An active safety framework performs trajectory planning, threat assessment, and semi-autonomous control of passenger vehicles in a unified, optimal fashion. The vehicle navigation task is formulated as a constrained optimal control problem. A predictive, model-based controller iteratively plans an optimal or best-case vehicle trajectory through the constrained corridor. This best-case scenario is used to establish the minimum threat posed to the vehicle given its current state, current and past driver inputs/performance, and environmental conditions. Based on this threat assessment, the level of controller intervention required to prevent collisions or instability is calculated and driver/controller inputs are scaled accordingly. This approach minimizes controller intervention while ensuring that the vehicle does not depart from a traversable corridor. It also provides a unified architecture into which various vehicle models, actuation modes, trajectory-planning objectives, driver preferences, and levels of autonomy can be seamlessly integrated without changing the underlying controller structure. | 09-09-2010 |
20100235035 | AVOIDANCE MANEUVER CALCULATION DEVICE, AVOIDANCE CONTROL DEVICE, VEHICLE HAVING EACH DEVICE, AVOIDANCE MANEUVER CALCULATING METHOD, AND AVOIDANCE CONTROLLING METHOD - Provided is an avoidance maneuver calculation device that calculates a driving maneuver amount that enables an automotive vehicle to avoid an obstacle within a travelable range of a road. The device includes: a road boundary detector for detecting a road | 09-16-2010 |
20100235036 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - In a method for operating a vehicle ( | 09-16-2010 |
20100235037 | Autonomous Inspection and Maintenance - The different advantageous embodiments may provide an apparatus that may comprise a number of mobile robotic machines, a wireless communications system and a computer system. The number of mobile robotic machines may be capable of moving to a number of locations in a maintenance area and may be capable of performing a number of maintenance operations on a structure in the maintenance area. The wireless communications system may be capable of providing communication with the number of mobile robotic machines within the maintenance area. The computer system may be capable of exchanging information with the number of mobile robotic machines using the wireless communications system. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235038 | Fuel saving driving assistance apparatus - It is determined whether a vehicle enters a halting state or a slow moving state. It is detected that an accelerator opening degree of the vehicle is zero during a deceleration duration up to the time to enter the halting state or the slow moving state. Further, an accelerator zero duration is calculated which is a duration for which the vehicle is in the halting state or the slow moving state while the accelerator opening degree is zero. Furthermore, an accelerator zero travel distance is calculated which the vehicle runs during the calculated accelerator zero duration. Based on the accelerator zero travel distance, it is determined whether the fuel saving driving operation is performed in traveling during the accelerator zero travel duration. Even in the state where the travel speed of the vehicle changes more than needs during inertia travel, the fuel saving driving operation is diagnosed appropriately. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235039 | WEIGHT AND GRADIENT ESTIMATION APPARATUS AND VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A weight and gradient estimation apparatus a height calculation portion calculating a height displacement of a road based on a first predetermined information obtained at a first time and a second predetermined information obtained at a second time after a predetermined time elapses since the first time, a gradient calculation portion calculating a road surface gradient based on the height displacement calculated by the height calculation portion and a moving distance of a vehicle from the first time to the second time, and a weight calculation portion calculating a weight of the vehicle based on the road surface gradient calculated by the gradient calculation portion, an acceleration of the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, and an output torque of the vehicle. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235040 | ILLUMINATION APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An illumination apparatus for vehicle capable of improving visibility of a driver with respect to an object of traffic environment of the periphery of a vehicle is provided. A vehicle periphery detection section | 09-16-2010 |
20100235041 | VEHICLE ADAPTED FOR DISABLED PEOPLE - A vehicle comprising a controller is disclosed, said controller being characterized by a steering input module ( | 09-16-2010 |
20100241300 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SQUEAK DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a computer program identifies potential squeak concerns between vehicle component pairs. The program includes instructions for receiving CAD data. The program also includes instructions for identifying vehicle component pairs having components within a predetermined tolerance of each other. For each component pair, a material description to each of the components and a material compatibility value is assigned. Material compatibility values are then outputted to identify squeak concerns. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241301 | Method of power management for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicle - A system utilizes vehicle location, direction of travel, battery status, destination, and other data to provide control instruction and information to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, electric vehicle, or user. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241302 | Rotation Detecting Device and Rotation Detecting Method - A rotation detecting device and a rotation detecting method determines normal rotation/reverse rotation of a rotating shaft based on a rotation signal different between the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of the rotating shaft. The rotation signal is set to have a pulse width different between the normal rotation and the reverse rotation of a crankshaft that is an output shaft of an internal combustion engine. By determining whether or not the pulse width is greater than a threshold value, the normal rotation or the reverse rotation of the crankshaft is detected. Whether or not the crankshaft is rotating normally is determined based on engine rotating speed, a cylinder in which a piston is in a predetermined position, an engine load, a starter switch, intake pressure, battery voltage, and the like. When the condition for the normal rotation is satisfied, the threshold of the pulse width is set based on a pulse width of a rotation signal measured at this time. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241303 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - Disclosed are a vehicle control device and a vehicle control method capable of performing appropriate traveling control while exhibiting the capability of a control system. Feedback control is performed according to a traveling target set in advance. At the time of the feedback control, when a vehicle traveling trace is deviated, when a tire friction circle is exceeded, or when a vehicle acceleration or a jerk exceeds a set value, if a control deviation exceeds a set value, a traveling target is regenerated. This enables appropriate traveling control while sufficiently exhibiting the capability of the control system until the control deviation exceeds the set value. When the control deviation exceeds the set value, a traveling target is regenerated, such that traveling control appropriate for the traveling environment can be performed. | 09-23-2010 |
20100241304 | DRIVING FORCE CONTROL SYSTEM - A drive force control system capable of stabilizing behavior of a vehicle with a rapid control response. The drive force control system for a vehicle having a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels includes: a distribution mechanism, which distributes power outputted from a prime mover to a right wheel and to a left wheel of any one of the pairs of front and rear wheels, and which changes a ratio to distribute the power to the right wheel and the left wheel by engaging or disengaging an engagement mechanism; and at least two motors arranged individually for a right wheel and a left wheel of other pair of wheels to control drive forces for driving those right wheel and left wheel individually. | 09-23-2010 |
20100250044 | VEHICLE DATA INPUT CONTROL METHOD - A method of controlling data input to a vehicle data input system determines a speed of a vehicle, determines an occupancy state of a non-driver position of the vehicle based on a presence of a non-driver in the non-driver position, determines a behavior of a driver based on input from a driver behavior system, and adjusts an input functionality of a vehicle data input system based on the vehicle speed, the occupancy state of the passenger, and the behavior of the driver. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250045 | Vehicle operation diagnosis device, vehicle operation diagnosis method, and computer program - Vehicle operation diagnosis devices, methods, and programs diagnose a driver's operation of a vehicle based on a vehicle parameter and a driving diagnosis judgment standard that is set for a diagnosis item. The devices, methods, and programs acquire information that pertains to an accident factor for a high-accident location in the vicinity of the vehicle where not less than a specified number of accidents have occurred in the past, modify the driving diagnosis judgment standard based on the accident factor for the high-accident location, in a case where the vehicle is traveling in the high-accident location, and acquire the vehicle parameter. The devices, methods, and programs diagnose the driver's operation of the vehicle based on the modified driving diagnosis judgment standard and the acquired vehicle parameter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250046 | Vehicle operation diagnosis device, vehicle operation diagnosis method, and computer program - Vehicle operation diagnosis devices, methods, and programs diagnose a driver's vehicle operation in a vehicle that is provided with an inter-vehicular distance control system. When an inter-vehicular distance between the driver's own vehicle and a vehicle ahead that is moving forward ahead of the driver's own vehicle is within a specified distance, the inter-vehicular distance between the driver's own vehicle and the vehicle ahead is controlled by performing deceleration control of the driver's own vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs acquire a first driving parameter and a second driving parameter and diagnose the driver's vehicle operation based on a difference between the first driving parameter and the second driving parameter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250047 | Systems for announcing the health of aircraft control elements - A system for announcing failure of a mechanically actuated arrangement employs a first coupler arrangement that couples an actuator to a structural element that is desired to be controlled, and a first force sensor is coupled to the first coupler arrangement. The first coupler arrangement and the first force sensor constitute a primary load path. Similarly, a second coupler arrangement is coupled to the actuator to the structural element and constitutes a secondary load path. Changes in the forces experienced by one or both of first and second force sensors are monitored by a controller/monitor system. A connector has a screw shaft in the primary load path and a preloaded tie rod in the secondary load path. Axial forces are generated by a drive motor, which can include a ball screw arrangement. Operating impulses generated by the ball screw arrangement are monitored during a predetermined interval of operation. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250048 | ENGINE FUEL DIAGNOSIS DEVICE AND CONTROL APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAVING THE DEVICE - An engine fuel diagnosis device is disclosed that diagnoses whether an unexpected fuel is being used in an internal combustion engine. The fuel diagnosis device includes an inclination detecting section, a first estimating section, an acceleration detecting section, and a diagnosing section. The first estimating section computes a first estimated acceleration, which is a vehicle acceleration obtained when fuel injection is executed in the internal combustion engine while the vehicle is traveling uphill or downhill, based on an engine power, which is estimated based on the engine operation state on the assumption that a previously expected fuel is being used, and the inclination detected by the inclination detecting section. The diagnosing section computes a first deviation degree indicating the degree of deviation between the first estimated acceleration and the actual acceleration detected when the first estimated acceleration is computed. The diagnosing section diagnoses the usage state of the unexpected fuel based on the first deviation degree. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250049 | VEHICLE OPERATION METHOD PRESENTATION DEVICE AND METHOD, AND VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE - A control state of the vehicle is switched upon operation of a control switch. Besides, a mode of travel for a travel of a vehicle is selected by operation of a travel mode selection portion. Then, it is determined whether the recommended control state recommended for the selected mode of travel and the actual control state are the same. If it is determined that they are not the same, that is, that there is a deviation between the recommended control state and the actual control state, an operation method for a control switch for realizing the control state recommended for the selected mode of travel is presented to a driver. | 09-30-2010 |
20100250050 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - When vehicle speed after determining that a downshift is to be performed is equal to or smaller than first permission vehicle speed VON or second permission vehicle speed VOFF, a controller of an ECT_ECU controls an automatic transmission so that the downshift is performed. When the vehicle speed after determining that the downshift is to be performed is larger than first permission vehicle speed VON or second permission vehicle speed VOFF, a first inhibitor inhibits the downshift. | 09-30-2010 |
20100262326 | Automatic Axle Disconnect - A method of regulating an axle disconnect device that is operable in an axle assembly of a vehicle drivetrain includes monitoring a plurality of parameters, determining whether an occurrence of at least one of a traction event and a stability event is imminent based on at least one of the parameters, the stability event being determined based on a first set parameters; and the traction event being determined based on a second set of parameters that includes less parameters than the first set of parameters, and regulating the axle disconnect device to an engaged position if the occurrence of the at least one of the traction event and the stability event is imminent. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262327 | Driving support systems, methods, and programs - Driving support systems, methods, and programs detect an operation of a vehicle that is determined as dangerous driving, determine whether the detected operation is an avoidance operation to avoid a factor to be avoided in the vicinity of the vehicle, and obtain information related to an operation accompanying the detected operation when the detected operation is determined to be the avoidance operation. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether the detected operation is an appropriate avoidance operation based on the obtained information, and determine that the detected operation is not dangerous driving when the detected operation is determined to be the appropriate avoidance operation. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262328 | Method and Apparatus for Influencing the Transverse Dynamics of a Vehicle - In a method and apparatus for influencing transverse dynamics of a vehicle, for a chassis intervention is carried out when an intervention condition is met. The intervention condition is met when the value of a determined transverse dynamics disturbance variable is higher than a disturbance variable threshold value, and when one or a group of the following criteria is met:
| 10-14-2010 |
20100262329 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE RELEASE OF AN AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKE DEVICE ONBOARD AN AUTOMOBILE - A system controlling release of an automatic parking brake onboard an automobile, that includes a mechanism estimating torque transmitted by the clutch, a sensor measuring an inclination angle of the rolling surface, and a mechanism controlling release of the parking brake device that compares the torque transmitted by the clutch with a continuous threshold torque depending on the inclination angle of the rolling surface at an end of a vehicle stop. | 10-14-2010 |
20100262330 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING BRAKE UNIT OF AN ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM - In a method for controlling at least one electromechanical parking brake unit in a vehicle, the current vehicle speed is detected by a speed sensor system in the form of a speed measuring signal, and a deceleration measuring signal displaying the current vehicle deceleration is detected by at least one acceleration sensor system. In the event of a defective speed signal or a failure of the speed sensor system, the electromechanical parking brake system is operated in an emergency operation mode wherein, at the beginning of a braking, a dynamic braking function is provided by the electromechanical parking brake unit. Advantageously, the current vehicle deceleration is determined from the deceleration measuring signal and compared with a pre-determined minimum deceleration value, and if the determined current vehicle deceleration falls short of the pre-determined value in the emergency operation mode, a static brake function is provided by the electromechanical parking brake unit. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268410 | SYSTEM, WORKING MACHINE COMPRISING THE SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF SPRINGING AN IMPLEMENT OF A WORKING MACHINE DURING TRANSPORT - A system for a working machine is adapted for springing the movement of a load during transport and includes at least one hydraulic cylinder for operating the load, an accumulator, and a valve adapted to control a flow communication between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator. The system includes a first control valve arranged on a conduit connecting to the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder, a second control valve arranged on a conduit connecting to the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder, a first pressure sensor for detecting a load pressure of the hydraulic cylinder, a second pressure sensor for detecting a charge pressure of the accumulator, and a control unit adapted to receive signals with information about the pressures detected by the pressure sensors and to generate control signals corresponding to the detected pressures for controlling the springing function. | 10-21-2010 |
20100274432 | GPS BASED VEHICLE MODIFICATION AND ABNORMAL USAGE MONITORING - A vehicle monitoring system comprises a calculation module, an abnormal usage module, and memory. The calculation module calculates a vehicle usage value based on global positioning system (GPS) data and at least one data input, and calculates an expected vehicle usage value based on known vehicle characteristics and the GPS data. The abnormal usage module compares the vehicle usage value and the expected vehicle usage value. The memory stores an indicator based on the comparison. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274433 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING MOST PROBABLE CAUSE OF A PROBLEM IN A PLANT - A system for determining a most probable cause or causes of a problem in a plant is disclosed. The system includes a plant, the plant having a plurality of subsystems that contribute to the operation of the plant, the plurality of subsystems having operating functions that produce operational signals. A plurality of sensors that are operable to detect the operational signals from the plurality of subsystems and transmit data related to the signals is also provided. An advisory system is disclosed that receives an input, the input being in the form of data from the plurality of sensors, possible input root causes of the problem, possible input symptoms of the problem and/or combinations thereof. The advisory system has an autoencoder in the form of a recurrent neural network. The recurrent neural network has sparse connectivity in a plurality of nodes, and the autoencoder is also operable to receive the input and perform multiple iterations of computations at each of the plurality of nodes as a function of the input and provide an output. The output can be in the form of possible output causes of the problem, possible output symptoms of the problem and/or combinations thereof. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274434 | Position monitoring system for a mobile machine - A system including a mobile machine and a central control station is provided. The mobile machine includes a communication device and a position monitoring system including a receiver configured to receive position data from a positioning satellite and generate a position signal. The position monitoring system also includes an inertial navigation unit including a sensor configured to measure a parameter of the mobile machine and generate a movement signal. The position monitoring system also includes a controller configured to receive the position signal and the movement signal, detect an unavailability of the position signal, calculate a position parameter, determine whether a difference between a first and a second value of a parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold, and generate a warning signal. The central control station is configured to communicate with the controller, receive the position signal and/or the movement signal, and monitor the position of the mobile machine. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274435 | DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A driving assistance system for vehicle obtains short-duration data representing a present traveling condition and driving operation and intermediate-duration data representing a traveling condition and driving operation of that day. A drive diagnosis is carried out by comparing a distribution of the short-duration data and a distribution of the intermediate-date, and a drive diagnosis result is evaluated with two evaluation criteria so as to provide an alarm or an operation improvement suggestion. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274436 | Pedal Lock Control Device for Work Vehicle - A pedal lock control device for work vehicle includes : a motor driving device that drives a travel hydraulic motor in response to an operation amount of a travel pedal; a locking device that locks the travel pedal in a state of being operated; an instruction device that instructs lock and unlock of the travel pedal by the locking device upon an operation by an operator; a first detection device that detects a first signal change according to an unlock operation which is an operation that reflects an intention of an operator to release the locking device and is other than an unlock operation by the instruction device; a second detection device that detects a second signal change according to an unlock operation which is an operation that reflects an intention of an operator to release the locking device and is other than the unlock operation by the instruction device, with the second signal change being different from the first signal change; and a lock control device that unlocks the locking device when an unlock operation is detected by at least one of the first detection device and the second detection device in a state where the travel pedal is locked by the locking device. | 10-28-2010 |
20100274437 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING INCREASED INTERNAL FRICTION IN A STEERING MECHANISM - A method and system for detecting increased internal friction in a steering mechanism of a vehicle having a steering system including a steering linkage and a steering wheel. The method includes detecting a steering acceleration {umlaut over (φ)} | 10-28-2010 |
20100274438 | DRIVING OPERATION ASSISTING SYSTEM, METHOD AND VEHICLE INCORPORATING THE SYSTEM - A driving assisting for calculating risk potential by considering a response delay by the driver and transmitting information related to the risk potential to the operator in a haptic manner. A controller is provided to estimate the response delay based on an operation performed by the operator. Based on the estimated response delay, the controller calculates a future position at which the risk potential is to be calculated. The longer the response delay, the remoter the future position is. The shorter the response delay, the nearer the future position is. The calculated risk potential at the future position may be transmitted to the operator via a pressing force from one of right and left side portions of a driver's seat occupied by the operator. | 10-28-2010 |
20100280700 | USER-DISTRIBUTED SHARED VEHICLE SYSTEM - A vehicle resource load in a shared-vehicle system | 11-04-2010 |
20100280701 | FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS BY ANALYZING CYLINDER PRESSURE SIGNAL - A method for diagnosing combustion within a direct-injection, internal combustion engine including a plurality of combustion chambers and operative lean of stoichiometry includes monitoring pressure readings in the plurality of combustion chambers across engine crank angles, estimating a mass fraction burn percentage for each pressure reading, determining respective crank angles corresponding to a predetermined mass burn percentage for each combustion chamber, comparing said determined crank angles for sequential ones of the plurality of combustion chambers, and indicating an abnormal combustion event if compared crank angles differ by a predetermined angle. | 11-04-2010 |
20100286860 | PROPULSION PROGNOSTICS APPARATUS AND SYSTEMS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES - Propulsion prognostics apparatus and systems for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. One propulsion prognostics apparatus comprises a prognostics module configured to generate prognostics data and a power output sensor configured to be coupled to the engine system and configured to generate power output data representing an actual power output of the engine system. The propulsion prognostics apparatus further comprises a processor coupled to the prognostics module and the power output sensor. The processor is configured to receive the prognostics data and the power output data, compare the prognostics data and the power output data, and determine the airworthiness of the UAV based on the comparison. A propulsion prognostics system includes a UAV having an engine system and the above propulsion prognostics apparatus coupled to the UAV. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286861 | Agricultural Harvester With Dual Engines And Power Sharing Based On Engine Temperature - An agricultural harvester includes a first power unit and a second power unit. The first power unit is couplable with a first primary load, including a threshing system load. A first temperature sensor associated with the first power unit provides a first output signal. A second temperature sensor associated with the second power unit provides a second output signal. A first motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the first power unit, and a second motor/generator is mechanically coupled with the second power unit. The second motor/generator and the first motor/generator are electrically coupled together. At least one electrical processing circuit is Occupied with the first temperature sensor, second temperature sensor, first motor/generator and second motor/generator. The at least one electrical processing circuit is configured for selective bidirectional transfer of electrical power between the first motor/generator and the second motor/generator, dependent on the first output signal and the second output signal. | 11-11-2010 |
20100286862 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOBILE NAVIGATION DEVICE IN A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to a method for operating a mobile navigation device ( | 11-11-2010 |
20100286863 | SAFE DETERMINATION OF CONTACT POINT - Implementation of a safety function that secures the value of the contact point, which is important for twin clutch systems, against wrong determination. It is part of a safety system that ensures functional safety for twin clutch systems. | 11-11-2010 |
20100292885 | Control Unit and Method for Trigger Passenger Protection Means - A control unit and a method for triggering a passenger protection arrangement are described, a first hardware path and a second hardware path together inducing the triggering on the basis of at least one accident signal from an accident sensor system. An analyzer circuit for processing the at least one accident signal is present in the first hardware path, and a plausibility circuit is present in the second hardware path. At least the plausibility circuit is additionally connected to an interface, the interface supplying a signal of at least one additional control unit. The plausibility circuit also enables the triggering as a function of this signal. | 11-18-2010 |
20100292886 | TURN BY TURN GRAPHICAL NAVIGATION ON FULL WINDSHIELD HEAD-UP DISPLAY - A system to display graphical images upon a windscreen of a vehicle including navigational aids includes the windscreen having a transparent windscreen head up display, an enhanced vision system manager monitoring a planned travel route, and generating display requirements based upon the planned travel route. The system further includes a graphics system generating the graphical images to be displayed based upon the display requirements, and a graphics projection system communicating with the graphics system and displaying the graphical images. | 11-18-2010 |
20100292887 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING SAFETY MEANS FOR A VEHICLE - In a method and a system for controlling a safety system for a vehicle, a sensor suite is provided to generate at least one yaw-acceleration signal. An evaluation circuit is used to sample the at least one yaw-acceleration signal with a sampling time of less than 10 ms, and to generate a control signal as a function of the at least one sampled yaw-acceleration signal. | 11-18-2010 |
20100292888 | VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL APPARATUS AND VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL METHOD - A vehicle travel control apparatus that controls state of travel of a vehicle by adjusting force that acts on the vehicle includes: an acting force adjustment portion that adjusts the force that acts on the vehicle, according to the state of travel of the vehicle; an operating state detection portion that detects an operating state of an operation member that is operated to control the state of travel of the vehicle; and an adjustment degree alteration portion that alters degree of adjustment made by the acting force adjustment portion, according to the operating state of the operation member. | 11-18-2010 |
20100299017 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE INFORMATION - In an exemplary embodiment a system provides vehicle information to an operator of a vehicle having a plurality of components. The system comprises an onboard database configured to store vehicle-specific data and behavior-specific data and an operator interface. The system includes an onboard processor coupled to the onboard database, the plurality of components, and the operator interface. The onboard processor is configured to provide requested vehicle-specific data to the operator in response to an operator request via the operator interface. The onboard processor is also configured to receive operator-behavioral data from the plurality of components, recognize patterns of operation from the operator-behavioral data, and provide the behavior-specific data to the operator in response to the recognized patterns in the operator-behavioral data. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299018 | ELECTRONIC MOTOR VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM OF MODULAR DESIGN - A modularly constructed electronic motor vehicle control system, includes wheel speed sensor inputs, at least one brake controller, and inertial sensors. The signals from the wheel speed sensors are fed into a chassis base module. The module evaluates the signals and feeds them to an electronic brake controller spatially separated from the chassis base module. The chassis base module and the brake controller are disposed in separate control device housings. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299019 | VEHICLE DRIVING-FORCE CONTROL DEVICE - Friction-circle limit values of wheels are calculated, requested resultant tire forces and resultant tire forces of the wheels are calculated, requested excessive tire forces and excessive tire forces of the wheels are calculated, an over-torque is calculated, and a control amount is calculated. With reference to a preset map, the minimum driving force is set on the basis of a road-surface slope and a requested engine torque, and the minimum driving torque serving as a lower limit is calculated on the basis of the minimum driving force and a total gear ratio of a vehicle so as to perform lower-limit correction of the control amount. | 11-25-2010 |
20100299020 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVISIONING A VEHICLE INTERFACE MODULE - The present invention provides systems and methods for provisioning a vehicle interface module comprising receiving a VIM from a VIM manufacturer and entering appropriate VIM data into a dealer inventory, activating a SIM card for the VIM and installing the VIM in a predetermined vehicle, selecting a wireless activated VIM from the dealer inventory and connecting the VIM to an OBD-II port of the vehicle, connecting a configuration PC to the VIM and downloading a modem configuration, selecting and downloading a vehicle-specific configuration file, accessing a telematics services provider's web portal, entering appropriate vehicle data, and associating the vehicle with the VIM, installing the VIM in the predetermined vehicle, and conducting an installation verification test. | 11-25-2010 |
20100305800 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING ENGINE FIRING IN A HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for controlling a hybrid powertrain system includes commanding engine operation to transition from an engine-off state to an engine-on state. A control scheme detects engine firing based upon input speed, input torque and a change in the input torque. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305801 | DEVICE FOR THE REGULATION OF DRIVING DYNAMICS - A device for the regulation of driving dynamics of a vehicle with an electronic regulator unit and a valve block. The electronic regulator unit is constructed as a support base for attaching the valve block to the vehicle chassis. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305802 | FAULT-DETECTION METHODS FOR MOTOR VEHICLE GEARBOXES - A method for detecting a fault state in an automated motor vehicle gearbox having two parallel branches. Each branch has a clutch and is configured to transmit driving torques from a drive unit to at least one driven wheel of the motor vehicle. The method comprises the steps of sensing whether both clutches are at least partially closed; of sensing the rotational speed of the at least one driven wheel and sensing the rotational speed of a non-driven wheel, and of detection of a fault state if both clutches are at least partially closed, and a difference between the rotational speeds of the wheels is greater than a predetermined reference value. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305803 | Method for Detecting Internal Friction in a Steering System - A method for detecting internal friction in an electric steering system of a motor vehicle having a control unit. The method comprises: defining a limiting value for a change in a steering column torque; defining a limiting value for a change in a steering rack position; measuring an actual steering column torque; measuring an actual change in a steering rack position; and generating a fault message if the actual steering column torque exceeds the limiting value for the change in a steering column torque and if an actual change in steering rack position is less than or equal to the limiting value for a change in a steering rack position. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305804 | VEHICLE TRAVEL CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle travel control apparatus that controls state of travel of a vehicle by adjusting output of the vehicle relative to amount of operation of an operation member includes: a vehicle travel state detection portion that detects the state of travel of the vehicle; and an output adjustment portion that, when the amount of operation of the operation member increases, adjusts degree of increase in the output of the vehicle to a degree that is greater if amount of increase in the amount of operation of the operating member is smaller, based on the state of travel of the vehicle, and that, when the amount of operation of the operation member decreases, adjusts degree of decrease in the output of the vehicle to a degree that is greater if the amount of decrease in the amount of operation is smaller, based on the state of travel of the vehicle. | 12-02-2010 |
20100305805 | Vehicle status monitoring apparatus - A vehicle status monitoring apparatus monitors a vehicle status in which it is possible to control an engine to stop the engine in a case where the vehicle status satisfies first conditions and a user operation satisfies second conditions. The vehicle status monitoring apparatus calculates level information indicative of an amount of occurrence of a state in which the user operation does not satisfy the second conditions while the vehicle status satisfies the first conditions. A user is informed of the calculated level information. | 12-02-2010 |
20100318254 | VEHICULAR DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH VEHICULAR DRIVING SUPPORT APPARATUS - In vehicular driving support apparatus and method and a vehicle equipped with the vehicular driving support apparatus, a running state of a vehicle is detected, a plurality of running state distributions is calculated on a basis of the detected running state data, a difference quantity between the plurality of running state distributions is calculated, and an unstable driving state is detected from a magnitude of the difference quantity. If the unstable driving state is detected, an alarming is issued to call attention to a vehicle driver. | 12-16-2010 |
20100318255 | DETERMINING LOW-SPEED DRIVING DIRECTION IN A VEHICLE - A method and a system of determining a driving direction of a vehicle traveling at a low speed. The method includes determining whether the vehicle is in one of three states: (1) an uphill state in which the vehicle is located on an upward sloping surface, (2) a downhill state in which the vehicle is located on a downward sloping surface, and (3) a flat surface state in which the vehicle is located on a flat surface. The method also includes obtaining information from a plurality of vehicle sensors and determining a direction of movement of the vehicle based upon the determined state of the vehicle and information from the plurality of vehicle sensors. | 12-16-2010 |
20100318256 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE - The invention relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle ( | 12-16-2010 |
20100318257 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY CALIBRATING A THREE-AXIS ACCELEROMETER DEVICE - A method calculates Euler's rotation angles used to transform sampled values from a referred coordinate frame of a three-axis accelerometer device fixed to a vehicle to a reference coordinate frame of the vehicle. The method determines two rotation angles while the vehicle is still and assumed not inclined with respect to gravity, so that only the transformed value corresponding to a vertical axis of the vehicle equals acceleration due to gravity. Then, data acquired from the sensors typically during a braking event and indicated by a vehicle diagnostic system, along with the other two rotation angles, are used in the first derivative of a second Euler's rotation equation to determine the remaining rotation angle. Data from the sensors is transformed by the three angles to the vehicle's coordinate frame and correlated with acceleration data derived from the diagnostic system to verify the rotation angles. | 12-16-2010 |
20100324774 | VEHICLE OCCUPANT SAFETY SYSTEM AND METHOD INCLUDING A SEAT-BACK ACCELERATION SENSOR - Systems and methods for determining conditions of a seat within a vehicle and modifying the operation of at least one safety system or device in response to the conditions of the seat. The system includes a sensor module located in a seat-back of the seat, a control module, and at least one safety system. The sensor module includes one or more accelerations sensors for measuring the acceleration of the seat along first, second, and third axes with respect to the vehicle (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, and vertical directions with respect to the vehicle). The signals generated by the acceleration sensor are sent to the control module, which uses the signals to determine a plurality of conditions of the first seat. The conditions of the seat include, for example, a seat-back tilt angle, a seat-shock (e.g., from a collision), vehicle dynamics (e.g., vehicle acceleration and velocity in multiple directions), and a vehicle rollover condition. Based on the seat conditions, the control module generates one or more control signals to compensate, enable, disable, or otherwise modify the safety system. | 12-23-2010 |
20100332068 | Method for scanning a surrounding environment of a vehicle - A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332069 | VEHICULAR SAFETY SYSTEMS STATUS DISPLAY - Apparatus for a road vehicle has a plurality of deployable devices, each performing a crash safety function. A device controller controls deployment of a respective deployable device and that provides respective status messages according to a deployment status of the respective deployable device. Respective status messages for each deployable device include a ready message and a deployed message. A crash sensor detects a crash event when the vehicle is involved in an impact, wherein the crash sensor generates a crash event message. A display controller is coupled to the deployable devices to receive the status messages and coupled to the crash sensor to receive the crash event message. A display is coupled to the display controller for displaying status information to a driver of the vehicle. The displayed status information includes pre-crash status of the deployable devices and post-crash status of the deployable devices. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332070 | Method and Controller for Controlling a Power Train of a Vehicle - A method and controller are provided for controlling a power train of a vehicle having a number of modes of operation. A first controller is provided for controlling of a first function of the vehicle. At least one second controller is provided for controlling of a second function of the vehicle. The first controller and the at least one second controller are combined in a joint controller having a state observer and a number of controlling entities. The joint controller is operated by a set of formal controlling parameters assigned to the controlling entities. Actual parameters of the set of formal controlling parameters are switched according to a current mode of the number of modes of operation. | 12-30-2010 |
20100332071 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL DEVICE - The vehicle motion control device obtains a physical quantity representing a state of a motion of a vehicle in a direction of a lateral overturn. When the obtained physical quantity is larger than or equal to a motion state threshold and the vehicle motion control device is thereby in an anti-lateral overturn, the vehicle motion control device determines the target slip ratio at a present calculation period based on a largest value of the slip ratio corresponding, according to the predetermined relation between the physical quantity and the slip ratio, to the physical quantity obtained during a time range between the present calculation period and a past time instance when the vehicle motion control device enters the anti-lateral overturn mode. | 12-30-2010 |
20110010034 | AUTONOMOUS CONTROL FOR VEHICLE PEDAL MIS-APPLY SITUATIONS - A method is provided for detecting a likely pedal misapplication event and mitigating the effects of a pedal misapplication. In one embodiment the method comprises determining if likely pedal misapplication has occurred by the steps of: determining if a gear shift has occurred within a threshold time; determining if a vehicle velocity is below a threshold velocity; determining if the accelerator pedal is above a threshold application level; determining if the brake pedal is being applied by the driver; and determining if an obstacle is in the vehicle path and within a threshold distance. If these criteria are found, a likely pedal misapplication is detected. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010035 | SMART VEHICLE SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for controlling operation of a motor vehicle based on a sensor. One example method comprises receiving sensed parameter data from the sensor, receiving calibration data from the sensor, and adjusting a vehicle operating parameter in response to the sensed parameter data and the calibration data. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010036 | VELOCITY MONITOR - In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a medium stores instructions that, when executed by a provided processor, cause the processor to perform a method. The method includes: (a) receiving a reported position for an aircraft; (b) determining, based on the reported position for the aircraft, a minimum position and a maximum position for the aircraft along a first axis; (c) determining, based on the reported position for the aircraft, a minimum position and a maximum position for the aircraft along a second axis, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; (d) receiving reported speed information for the aircraft; (e) determining a minimum possible speed and a maximum possible speed for the aircraft along the first axis; (f) determining a minimum possible speed and a maximum possible speed for the aircraft along the second axis; and (g) providing an alert if the reported speed information exceeds the minimum or maximum speeds along either the first axis or the second axis. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010037 | SEAT OCCUPANY DETERMINING APPARATUS - A seat occupancy determining apparatus includes right and left load detecting portion provided at right and left side portions of a seat portion of a vehicle seat and detecting load applied thereto, respectively, a vehicle operation detecting portion for detecting an operation of a predetermined component of a vehicle, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining a seat occupancy state of the vehicle seat on the basis of signals outputted from the vehicle operation detecting portion and the right and left load detecting portion, the seat occupancy determining portion calculating a left-right load difference value on the basis of the detection loads and determining that vehicle seat is in a child seat fastened state where the child seat is fastened to the vehicle seat by means of a seat belt apparatus in a case where a fluctuation of the left-right load difference value occurs after the predetermined component is operated. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010038 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING SEAT OCCUPANCY - An apparatus for determining a seat occupancy includes a load detecting portion attached to a seat portion of a seat for a vehicle and detecting a seat occupancy load, a seatbelt buckling detecting portion detecting an engagement of a buckle of a seatbelt, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining the seat occupancy on the basis of detection signals from the seatbelt buckling detecting portion and the load detecting portion. The seat occupancy determining portion determines a mounted state of a child seat, in which the child seat is placed on the seat and is fixed thereto by means of the seatbelt, in a case where the seat occupancy load changes so as to be increased at a predetermined speed or faster and subsequently so as to be decreased at a predetermined speed or faster, within a time period proximate to a time point when the buckle is engaged. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010039 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING SEAT OCCUPANCY - An apparatus for determining a seat occupancy includes a load detecting portion, a seatbelt detecting portion, and a seat occupancy determining portion determining that an adult is seated on the seat in a case where a seating load equal to or greater than a predetermined first load is detected and determining a child seat placed state where a child seat is placed on the seat and fastened by the seatbelt in a case where the seating load smaller than the first load is detected and the engagement of the buckle of the seatbelt is detected. The seat occupancy determining portion maintains a determination result of the child seat placed state even when the seating load becomes equal to or greater than the first load in a case where a predetermined determination result retention condition is satisfied after the child seat placed state is determined. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010040 | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING FOR RISK OF ROAD SHOULDER COLLAPSE, AND TRANSPORT VEHICLE - Disclosed herein is a shoulder collapse risk monitoring system capable of alerting a driver to a risk of a road shoulder collapse during approach operations to the shoulder. | 01-13-2011 |
20110010041 | SOFTWARE FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE HAZARDOUS DETECTION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM - The invention is related to a software for an automotive hazard detection and information system for vehicles running on at least one controller, wherein the software uses data of at least one optical sensor or a sensor group including an optical sensor, and comprises at least one analysis and interpretation unit per sensor or sensor group to determine geometry data and motion data of vehicle equipped with the software and/or of objects that arise hazardous situation and/or information requiring situation in the surrounding of the vehicle. The software provides the analysed data for at least one display unit and/or warning indicator for each sensor or sensor group. The software comprises software modules for different detection and information functions that use the same optical sensor data parallel for analysing and providing the different functions and that at least two modules are activated the same time. | 01-13-2011 |
20110015818 | Device, Method, and Computer Program for Avoiding Collisions or Minimizing the Collision Severity in Case of a Collision, for Vehicles, Particularly Commercial Vehicles - The present invention relates to a device for avoiding collision or for minimizing the collision severity in case of a collision, for vehicles, particularly for commercial vehicles, comprising an input unit for inputting criteria related to traffic conditions, and for determining threshold values related to traffic conditions, a detection unit for detecting objects in the environment of the vehicle, a measurement unit for determining the motion condition of the vehicle, a controller for processing the information obtained from the input unit, the detection unit, and the measuring unit, and for generating control signals for controlling the components related to the motion state of the vehicle, and an output unit for outputting the generated control signals. The invention further relates to a corresponding method and a computer program. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015819 | GUIDANCE DEVICE, GUIDANCE METHOD, AND GUIDANCE PROGRAM - Guidance devices, methods, and programs acquire a current speed of a vehicle and calculate a regeneration upper limit operation amount of the regenerative brake based on the current speed of the vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs acquire a deceleration target speed, acquire a deceleration target position, calculate a distance to the deceleration target position, and calculate a deceleration required operation amount of the brake pedal required for reducing the current speed of the vehicle to the deceleration target speed at the deceleration target position based on the acquired current speed of the vehicle, the acquired deceleration target speed, and the calculated distance to the deceleration target position. The devices, methods, and programs communicate guidance regarding the operation amount of the brake pedal based on the calculated regeneration upper limit operation amount and the calculated deceleration required operation amount. | 01-20-2011 |
20110015820 | VEHICLE POSITION TRANSMISSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE POSITION TRANSMISSION PROGRAM - A system and the like capable of reporting a position of a vehicle to outside at an appropriate frequency, while saving communication cost is provided. According to a vehicle position transmission system | 01-20-2011 |
20110022261 | METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ELECTRICAL FAULT IN AN ELECTRICAL NETWORK OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for detecting an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle, the network having at least one battery, at least one pulse-controlled inverter and at least one d.c. voltage converter, and an intermediate circuit current associated with the pulse-controlled inverter being detected with the aid of an intermediate circuit current sensor. A battery current associated with the battery is detected with the aid of a battery current sensor and a d.c. voltage converter current associated with the d.c. voltage converter is detected with the aid of a d.c. voltage converter current sensor, and the magnitude of the detected intermediate circuit current is compared with an intermediate circuit current determined by calculation with the aid of the battery current sensor and the d.c. voltage converter current sensor to check whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded. A method for detecting an electrical fault in an electrical network of a vehicle that is not current-based, but rather voltage-based. | 01-27-2011 |
20110029181 | Selective control of an optional vehicle mode - Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029182 | Vehicle system for varied compliance benefits - Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a possible consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode. | 02-03-2011 |
20110029183 | TESTING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CHECKING THE OPERABILITY OF A NOSE WHEEL STEERING CONTROL UNIT IN AN AIRCRAFT - The invention relates to a testing device ( | 02-03-2011 |
20110029184 | Road Vehicle Drive Behaviour Analysis Method - A road vehicle ( | 02-03-2011 |
20110029185 | VEHICULAR MANIPULATION INPUT APPARATUS - A vehicular manipulation input apparatus for a vehicle includes a manipulation panel, and a display device which displays a position indication image for displaying an indication position on the manipulation panel. It is specified whether a finger state of a hand opposing the manipulation panel is a manipulation intention expression-use finger state. In a condition that the vehicle is in a travel state, a display of the position indication image is permitted when the finger state is specified as the manipulation intention expression-use finger state whereas a display of the position indication image is prohibited when the finger state is not specified as the manipulation intention expression-use finger state. | 02-03-2011 |
20110035088 | System And Method For Detecting An Anomaly In A Hidden Layer Of A Multi-Layer Structure - Systems and methods are provided for detecting an anomaly in a hidden portion of a first layer of a multi-layer structure. A monitoring element is provided on at least one exposed end of a fastener that extends through the multi-layer structure, and another monitoring element on an exposed portion of the first layer. With at least one of the monitoring elements, an inspection signal is introduced into the multi-layer structure including the hidden portion of the first layer. The inspection signal is then sensed with at least another one of the monitoring elements following propagation of the inspection signal through at least a portion of the multi-layer structure including the hidden portion of the first layer. Finally, an anomaly may be detected in the hidden portion of the first layer based upon the inspection signal that has been sensed. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035089 | SUSPENSION CONTROL APPARATUS - The present invention provides a suspension control apparatus enabling a driver to obtain an excellent driving feeling. A suspension control apparatus according to the present invention controls an actuator disposed between a vehicle body and a wheel of a vehicle. The suspension control apparatus comprises a lateral acceleration detector operable to detect a lateral acceleration, a lateral jerk detector operable to detect a lateral jerk, and a suspension controller operable to control the actuator to change a pitch of the vehicle based the detected lateral acceleration and lateral jerk. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035090 | TORQUE DISTRIBUTION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE - A torque distribution control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a torque distribution controller configured to control a sub-driving-wheel distribution torque to be transmitted to right and left sub-driving wheels via right and left torque distribution clutches in accordance with a target distribution torque. A driving-torque calculator is configured to calculate a driving torque output from a driving source. A target-distribution-torque calculator is configured to calculate the target distribution torque to be distributed to the sub-driving wheels in accordance with the driving torque. A target-distribution-torque correction device is configured to correct the target distribution torque to increase when the target distribution torque is lower than or equal to a first threshold value and an increase rate of the target distribution torque is higher than or equal to a second threshold value. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035091 | SENSOR SYSTEM FOR MOTION CONTROL OF A MOVING UNIT AND A METHOD OF INSTALLING A SENSOR SYSTEM FOR MOTION CONTROL OF A MOVING UNIT - A sensor system for motion control of a moving unit such as a vehicle, which is comprised of a uniaxial physical value sensor having a single detection axis and the uniaxial physical value sensor being installed in a unsprung mass of a suspension device provided in the moving unit, wherein the detection axis of the uniaxial physical value sensor and the working axis of a vibration-buffering member provided on the suspension device are approximately parallel. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035092 | ANALOG/DIGITAL CONVERSION CIRCUIT, SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE, AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROLLING UNIT - The present invention provides a method in which a counting source is provided in data after analog/digital conversion to lessen a load placed when new and old data after the conversion are compared to each other. A log function is prepared in an A/D conversion controlling circuit. The log function latches the output of a counter in a 12-bit digital/analog converter at the timing of outputting a pulse from a comparator to determine data written into a data register group. In the case where a setting item related to log output in an ADCR is set at 1, not only the output of the 12-bit digital/analog converter, but also the output of a timer counter of an MTU is latched as a log. | 02-10-2011 |
20110035093 | SENSOR SYSTEM, VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND DRIVER INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE SAFETY - A sensor system is described, using self-mixing laser sensors ( | 02-10-2011 |
20110040438 | METHOD OF ESTIMATING A PROPULSION-RELATED OPERATING PARAMETER - A method is provided for estimating a propulsion-related operating parameter of a vehicle for a road segment, and for determining routes based on the estimate. The method may be employed, for example, in a vehicle navigation system. In one example method, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle is estimated for the road segment based on information corresponding to the road segment. The propulsion-related operating parameter is estimated for the road segment using the at least one estimated operating parameter and at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is determined by acquiring driving data to determine a plurality of vehicle operating parameters while the vehicle is in operation. At least two of the determined vehicle operating parameters are used in a predetermined relationship that includes the at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is then determined from the driving data for the at least two vehicle operating parameters and the relationship. | 02-17-2011 |
20110040439 | METHOD FOR DETECTING CHANGES IN THE RIGIDITY OF A HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - In a method for detecting air in the brake circuit of a motor vehicle having a hydraulic brake system that has a vacuum brake booster, the pressure prevailing in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum brake booster in the operated and the non-operated states of the brake is measured, and a parameter characteristic of the brake performance is determined as a function of the measured pressure, and the characteristic parameter is compared to a reference value. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046839 | MOVING VEHICLE SYSTEM AND IN-POSITION DETERMINATION METHOD FOR MOVING VEHICLE - A moving vehicle system for making an in-position determination when a moving vehicle enters an in-position range, includes a sensor arranged to determine a position, a velocity, and an acceleration of the moving vehicle, and computation unit arranged to determine whether a stop position of the moving vehicle is within an in-position range or not. | 02-24-2011 |
20110046840 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATION WITHIN CONTROL SYSTEMS - A drive-by-communication-signal vehicle includes a driver interface subsystem having a sensor responsive to an operational characteristic of the driver interface subsystem, a controller responsive to the sensor, a vehicle subsystem responsive to the controller, and a communication channel in signal communication with the driver interface subsystem, the controller, and the vehicle subsystem. The controller includes a storage medium, a processing circuit, and a clock synchronization mechanism defining synchronous communication cycles, with each communication cycle defining at least one time interval. The storage medium, being readable by the processing circuit, stores instructions for execution by the processing circuit for executing and communicating ordered tasks within defined time intervals with flexible task scheduling. | 02-24-2011 |
20110046841 | VEHICLE BODY FLOW SUPPRESSION DEVICE - A vehicle body drifting restraining device restraining a drifting of a vehicle body of a vehicle, the vehicle body drifting restraining device comprising: an activeness level determination unit determining an activeness level of a driver with respect to a movement of the vehicle in a longitudinal direction; and a vehicle body drifting restraining control permission/prohibition switch permitting or prohibiting a control restraining the drifting of the vehicle body, wherein the control restraining the drifting of the vehicle body is executed only when the activeness level determination unit determines that the activeness level is low. | 02-24-2011 |
20110054728 | Method, System and System Components for Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring - In order to monitor and wirelessly signal data (D, D*) containing information (DRK) about the pressure conditions present in pneumatic tires of wheels of a vehicle, it is proposed to transmit the data from electronic modules (wheel electronics) disposed in the wheels wirelessly to a controller disposed in the vehicle, wherein no data is transmitted during a stopped mode of the vehicle, and wherein the data (D*) is transmitted in the form of datagrams (DT*) during at least one further mode, which is preferably associated with a starting mode of the vehicle, in that at least intermittently a plurality of, preferably shortened, datagrams (DT*) containing the same data (D*) are consecutively transmitted in a cumulative manner to the controller. In this way, the required data (D*) is transmitted only intermittently, however in a lumped form, to the controller, whereby the transmission duration, but not the actual usage duration, is shortened, and additionally battery energy is saved, without any data loss occurring. | 03-03-2011 |
20110054729 | MULTI-ANTENNA GNSS CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics. A vehicle control method includes the steps of computing a position and a heading for the vehicle using GNSS positioning and a rate gyro for determining vehicle attitude, which is used for generating a steering command. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance (“breadcrumb following”) for crosstrack error correction, articulated implements with multiple antennas on each implement section, video input and guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other. | 03-03-2011 |
20110060493 | NAVIGATION DEVICE, NAVIGATION METHOD, AND NAVIGATION PROGRAM - Navigation devices, methods, and programs acquire a reference position related to the traveling of a host vehicle and acquire a host vehicle condition at the reference position. The devices, methods, and programs accesses a travel information storage unit that stores travel sequences. The stored data for each travel sequences includes at least one position along the travel sequence, operation information that specifies a vehicle operation at each stored position, and vehicle condition information that specifies a vehicle condition at each stored position. The devices, methods, and programs identify a stored sequence of travel having a stored position that corresponds to the acquired host vehicle reference position and stored vehicle condition information that corresponds to the acquired host vehicle condition, acquire the stored operation information of the identified stored sequence of travel, generate display information based on the acquired operation information, and display the generated display information. | 03-10-2011 |
20110060494 | SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle includes a stabilizer arranged to support a pair of wheels arranged at opposite sides of a vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, and a switching mechanism arranged to switch between a movable state in which the pair of wheels are permitted to move up and down and a locked state in which the pair of wheels are restricted from moving up and down. The switching mechanism includes a coupling pin member arranged to engage with the stabilizer to set the stabilizer to the locked state thereby restricting rotation of the stabilizer relative to the vehicle body, and to disengage from the stabilizer to set the stabilizer to the movable state thereby permitting rotation of the stabilizer relative to the vehicle body, and a solenoid fixed to the vehicle body and arranged to drive the coupling pin member into and out of engagement with the stabilizer. When the switching mechanism switches to the locked state, the vehicle can be parked and stored conveniently with the vehicle body standing unassisted. | 03-10-2011 |
20110066314 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTABLE MOBILE INTERFACE - A system, method, and computer program product for automatically adjusting the output of presentation content based upon vehicle conditions. The method determines whether one of a plurality of vehicle conditions exists, such as conditions related to vehicle speed, rate of change in vehicle speed, rate of change in vehicle direction, vehicle emergencies, cellular phone or headphone activation, radar detector activation, noise level decibels above a certain value, etc. The method determines an output format based on the determined vehicle conditions. The method outputs at least a portion of the presentation content based on the determined output format. The determined output format includes display format information, such as text font or icon size information or map detail. The presentation content can also include audio content. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066315 | On-Vehicle Information Terminal and Information Distribution System - An on-vehicle information terminal includes a traffic information obtaining unit that obtains traffic information through wireless communication, a telematics information obtaining unit that obtains telematics information provided from a distribution server via a mobile communication network, a selection unit that selects either the traffic information or the telematics information when contents of the traffic information and contents of the telematics information are different, and a traffic condition indicating unit that indicates road traffic conditions based upon either the traffic information or the telematics information having been selected by the selection unit. | 03-17-2011 |
20110066316 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR RECOGNIZING COMBUSTION IN A PARTICLE FILTER - The invention relates to a method for recognizing combustion in a particle filter ( | 03-17-2011 |
20110071719 | Safety Method and Device for Vehicle Rollover Prediction Using Estimated Lateral Vehicle Velocity - A system and method of activating a restraint system of a vehicle is described. The method includes generating a vehicle speed signal that represents a longitudinal speed of a vehicle, generating a lateral acceleration signal that represents a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, filtering the lateral acceleration signal to generate a filtered lateral acceleration signal, comparing the filtered lateral acceleration signal to a predetermined lateral acceleration enable threshold, estimating a lateral speed of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed signal when the filtered lateral acceleration exceeds the predetermined lateral acceleration enable threshold, and activating a restraint system of the vehicle based in part on the estimated lateral velocity. | 03-24-2011 |
20110077815 | METHOD FOR MONITORING AT LEAST ONE SYSTEM PARAMETER WHICH INFLUENCES THE OPERATING BEHAVIOUR OF VEHICLES OR TRAINS OF VEHICLES - A method monitors at least one system parameter which influences an operating property of vehicles or trains of vehicles, using an adaptable theoretical model which generates a theoretical behavior of a vehicle or train of vehicles from operating data of the vehicle or train of vehicles. The method includes determination of a real behavior of a vehicle or train of vehicles from operating data such as acceleration and/or deceleration of the vehicle or of the train of vehicles, comparison of the real behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles with the theoretical behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles, and monitoring of the system parameter by the theoretical model if the theoretical behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles corresponds to the real behavior of the vehicle or train of vehicles. | 03-31-2011 |
20110082614 | Methods and Device for Determining the Roll Angle for Occupant Protection Devices - A method and device for determining a roll angle for occupant protection devices. Transverse acceleration and vertical acceleration of a vehicle are detected, and the roll angle of the vehicle is estimated on the basis of the detected lateral acceleration and the detected vertical acceleration, additional driving dynamics quantities, including a vehicle speed, a yaw angle and a float angle being determined, and centripetal acceleration being calculated from these driving dynamics quantities, formula, to improve the estimate of the roll angle. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082615 | User Configurable Vehicle User Interface - A method for configuring and personalizing a vehicle user interface is provided, the user interface utilizing a touch screen display mounted within the vehicle. User configurable aspects of the user interface include the number of zones within the touch screen display, the size of each zone, the subsystem interface assigned to each zone, the style and information contained within each subsystem interface, display brightness levels for the overall display or per zone, and the assignment and location of persistent soft buttons. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082616 | Vehicle User Interface with Proximity Activation - A method for using a vehicle user interface is provided, the user interface utilizing a touch screen display mounted within the vehicle. A proximity detection system provides a means for switching the touch screen display from the sleep mode to the normal use mode without the user having to touch the screen, thus expediting user interaction with the touch screen. The proximity detection system may be configured to distinguish the user's presence per touch screen zone, thereby allowing the system controller to switch only a zone of the touch screen from the sleep mode to the normal use mode. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082617 | IMPACT SIGNAL PROCESSOR FOR FRONT IMPACT ACCELERATION SENSOR - The present invention features an impact signal processor. In preferred aspects, the impact signal processor comprises a first speed signal detection unit detecting a first speed signal of a vehicle using acceleration sensor data provided from an ACU (Airbag Control Unit) sensor, a second speed signal detection unit detecting a second speed signal of the vehicle using acceleration sensor data provided from a FIS (Front Impact Sensor) sensor, a phase lead unit, and a front impact speed estimation unit. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082618 | Adaptive Audible Feedback Cues for a Vehicle User Interface - A system and a method are provided for adapting a vehicle user interface to generate audible feedback cues when the user interacts with the vehicle interface via touch-sensitive soft buttons and the vehicle speed exceeds a preset speed. When the vehicle speed does not exceed the preset speed, either no audible feedback cues are provided to the user during interaction via the touch-sensitive soft buttons, or the volume level of the audible feedback cues is less than that used when the vehicle speed exceeds the preset speed. The system and method may further utilize a sensor for monitoring the sound level with the vehicle cabin. The sound level of the vehicle cabin may be used to set the volume level of the audible feedback cue, thus insuring for example that the feedback cues may be heard over cabin noise. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082619 | Adaptive Soft Buttons for a Vehicle User Interface - A system and a method are provided for configuring the touch-sensitive area and/or the tap duration associated with a plurality of touch-sensitive soft buttons of a vehicle user interface in response to varying vehicle conditions. In particular, as a monitored vehicle condition deteriorates, the system controller coupled to the vehicle user interface expands the touch-sensitive region and/or increases the tap duration of the touch-sensitive soft buttons, thereby improving the user's ability to successfully interact with the interface. Vehicle conditions that may be monitored and used to configure the touch-sensitive area and/or tap duration include passenger cabin vibration levels, vehicle speed, turn radius, lateral force levels, precipitation levels and external ambient temperature. | 04-07-2011 |
20110082620 | Adaptive Vehicle User Interface - A method is provided for configuring a vehicle interface in response to a monitored vehicle condition. For example, the vehicle condition sensor may be a precipitation sensor, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem touch-sensitive soft buttons correspond to windshield wiper controls when the precipitation sensor indicates a non-zero precipitation level. Alternately, the vehicle condition sensor may be a GPS sensor, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem touch-sensitive soft buttons correspond to activation controls an external system such as a garage door controller, a home lighting controller, or a home security controller. Alternately, the vehicle condition sensor may sense driving style, for example by monitoring vehicle speed, acceleration, lateral force or the output of a performance mode selector, in which case the set of vehicle subsystem information graphics correspond to essential vehicle operating controls. | 04-07-2011 |
20110087396 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DATA TRANSMISSION FROM A PLURALITY OF SENSOR DEVICES INCLUDED IN A TYRE - Wireless transmission from sensor devices included in tyres is coordinated by a receiving unit associated with the tyre, or transmission coordinator. In more detail, every sensor device is made aware of an overall time window available for transmission, and based on at least this information, it calculates a dedicated timeslot for the transmission of its data within such time window. This coordinated transmission makes possible a strong reduction of the probability of collisions and transmission errors, and reduces the number of transmissions, so as to comply with the limited power resources available at each sensor device. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087397 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICULAR POWER TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus includes a first valve that controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to a running clutch in connection with the switching of the operating state of a first solenoid valve; a second valve that controls the supply of hydraulic fluid to a lockup clutch in connection with the switching of the operating state of a second solenoid valve; and a linear solenoid valve that selectively controls the apply force of the running clutch and the lockup clutch according to the supply of control pressure to the first valve and the second valve. The control apparatus detects a failure state of a part related to the operation of the power transmitting apparatus by the operating state of the running clutch and the operating state of the lockup clutch. | 04-14-2011 |
20110087398 | GPS BASED PITCH SENSING FOR AN INTEGRATED STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method for sensing vehicle global pitch angle and rate that uses global velocities measured from a single antenna global positioning system (GPS) receiver together with sensor fusion algorithms involving sensor signals and other computed signals. This constructed, or computed, vehicle body's pitch angle may replace the role of a pitch rate sensor in an integrated stability control system. Namely, it achieves enhanced vehicle state estimation without the need for a pitch rate sensor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110093153 | CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES - In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093154 | CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS AND SERVICES - In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093155 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING REDUCER FAULT - Disclosed is a method and a system for detecting a reducer fault, which extracts an angle of a steering angle sensor and an angle of a motor position sensor after the initialization of the steering angle sensor and the motor position sensor, and when a difference value between two extracted angles is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle, detects a fault of a reducer for rotation connection between a steering wheel and a motor. The method and the system can accurately detect the fault of the reducer for rotation connection between the steering wheel and the motor included in the motor driven power steering system, thereby effectively preventing occurrence of an accident due to the fault of the reducer. | 04-21-2011 |
20110093156 | UNIT FOR DISPLAYING ACCELERATION FOR TRAVELING APPARATUS - Provided is a unit for displaying acceleration for a traveling apparatus. The unit for displaying acceleration for a traveling apparatus includes a sensor installed on an acceleration pedal operating to control a traveling speed of the traveling apparatus, and sensing operation of the acceleration pedal to transmit electric signal to the outside, and a light emission control module installed in the traveling apparatus, receiving the electric signal from the sensor and controlling light emission of one or a plurality of first lamps installed around taillights of the traveling apparatus. Therefore, when a driver presses an acceleration pedal while driving a traveling apparatus, an acceleration state of the traveling apparatus may be displayed to the outside to inform the state. | 04-21-2011 |
20110098875 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Provided is a computer program and a control apparatus that can minimize a modification required for a part corresponding to scheduling of a program in response to a change of the program, even when the program is changed. A system monitoring program obtains operation conditions of each layer, to determine whether an operation mode should be changed or not, and selects an operation mode. A system configuration managing program notifies an operation mode to a configuration managing program of each layer. The configuration managing program determines an execution possibility of each program in accordance with the notified operation mode. A system scheduler performs scheduling of a scheduler included in each layer, in accordance with time passage and an event occurrence. The scheduler of each layer performs scheduling of programs allowed by the configuration managing program to be executed. | 04-28-2011 |
20110098876 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DIAGNOSING AN INTAKE TRACT OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine has an intake tract having a compressor. A verification is performed as to whether at least one predefined activation condition is met. A boost pressure (PUT) downstream of the compressor is sensed or determined. An adaptation characteristic curve or adaptation characteristic map (KF_AD) is adapted as a function of a rotational speed (N) of the internal combustion engine and the boost pressure (PUT) if the at least one actuation condition is met. A gradient is determined that is representative of a gradient of the adaptation characteristic curve or adaptation map (KF_AD). From the determined gradient, conclusions are drawn with respect to a fault in the intake tract of the internal combustion engine. | 04-28-2011 |
20110106364 | Device for speed control and distance control in motor vehicles - A device for speed control and distance control in motor vehicles is provided, the device having a location system for locating objects in the near field of the vehicle, a controller and a selecting device for selecting a located object as the target object for the distance control, and the device also having a slow-travel function that is usable only below a limit speed, in which the selecting device classifies a broadened class of objects as possible obstacles. The device for speed control and distance control also includes a detecting device for detecting a sequential traffic operation, in which a preceding vehicle is followed as target object, and a determining device for determining the limit speed as a function of the operating state detected by the detecting device. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106365 | In-vehicle device for storing gadget - An in-vehicle device includes: a memory for storing a gadget corresponding to an icon, a display content of which is changed with time, wherein the gadget provides a process; a display having a screen, on which the icon is displayed; an operation receiver for receiving an operation to the icon; a controller for executing the process when the controller determines that the operation receiver receives the operation to the icon under a condition that the display displays the icon; and a driving condition information obtaining element for obtaining driving condition information of a vehicle. The controller controls the display to change a display mode of the icon based on the driving condition information when the display displays the icon. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106366 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ACCESSING MAINTENANCE FUNCTIONS OF AN AIRCRAFT FROM A MOBILE MAINTENANCE TERMINAL - The invention in particular has as an object to access maintenance functions of an aircraft from a mobile maintenance terminal. First of all, the situation of the aircraft is determined ( | 05-05-2011 |
20110106367 | In-vehicle apparatus and method for controlling same - An in-vehicle apparatus changes icon appearance of gadget-associated icons according to travel impediment information associated with respective gadgets during the travel of a vehicle. The icon appearance has an improved recognizability if the icon is associated with a gadget that does not impede the travel of the vehicle, or has a worsened recognizability if the icon is associated with a gadget that impedes the travel of the vehicle. As a result, the in-vehicle apparatus allows a user to easily recognize whether a gadget-associated icon has impeding operation steps or non-impeding operation steps for the execution of the respective gadgets, thereby enabling a safer travel of the vehicle. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106368 | GUIDANCE CONTROL DEVICE, GUIDANCE CONTROL METHOD, AND GUIDANCE CONTROL PROGRAM - Guidance control device, methods and programs control an in-vehicle apparatus of a vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs access vehicle state information that specifies a state of the vehicle and determine whether a vehicle state condition is established based on the accessed vehicle state information. The devices, methods, and programs access driving environment information that specifies a driving environment of the vehicle and determine whether a driving environment condition is established based on the accessed driving environment information. The devices, methods, and programs generate guidance based on whether the vehicle state condition is established and whether the driving environment condition is established and cause the generated guidance to be output on a display. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106369 | VEHICLE STATE JUDGING APPARATUS AND VEHICLE STATE JUDGING METHOD - A vehicle state judging apparatus includes a wheel speed sensor provided on a vehicle detecting a wheel speed, a shift position sensor detecting a position of a shift lever, an acceleration sensor detecting acceleration acting on the vehicle, and a judging unit judging a vehicle state from detection values of the wheel speed sensor, the shift position sensor and the acceleration sensor. The judging unit judges that a travel direction of the vehicle is switched when the judging unit detects that the shift lever is switched from a position other than forward movement to a position of the forward movement or switched from a position other than backward movement to a position of the backward movement, detects that the wheel speed is not lower than a first reference speed, and further detects that the wheel speed becomes not higher than a second reference speed before the moment of detection. | 05-05-2011 |
20110112715 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND RESPONDING TO PRESSURE LOSSES IN A HYDRAULIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A control system for a hydraulic automatic transmission includes a fault detection module and a transmission diagnostic module. The fault detection module detects faults of components of the transmission, wherein the faults may indicate low hydraulic fluid pressure in the transmission or failure of one or more of the components. The transmission diagnostic module determines whether the faults are due to low hydraulic pressure based on the detected faults, a predetermined number of faults, and a plurality of conditions. | 05-12-2011 |
20110112716 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE CHASSIS HAVING INTEGRATED FAIL SAFE CONTROLLER - An apparatus for controlling a vehicle chassis, may include an ESC (Electronic Stability Control) controller for controlling a position of the vehicle chassis, an MDPS (Motor-Driven Power Steering) controller for controlling a motor-driven power steering of a vehicle, an integrated controller receiving sensor signals or data signals from the ECS and MDPS controllers through a communication module of the ESC controller and a communication module of the MDPS controller, and an integrated fail safe controller, wherein the integrated fail safe controller receives the sensor signals or the data signals from the ESC and MDPS controllers through the communication module of the ESC controller and the communication module of the MDPS controller, or ECU (Electronic Control Unit) control signals of the ESC and MDPS controllers, and performs a fail safe function by cross-checking the inputted sensor signals or the data signals, or the ECU control signals of the ESC and MDPS controllers. | 05-12-2011 |
20110118929 | VEHICLE DRIVING ASSIST APPARATUS AND METHOD - A vehicle driving assist apparatus includes an input section to sense a vehicle traveling condition of a vehicle, an output section to present assist information to a driver of the vehicle, and a control section to prepare the assist information in accordance with the vehicle traveling condition sensed by the sensing section. The control section is configured to determine an estimation quantity (such as a driver's receptivity or a driver's responsiveness to the assist information, or a driver's driving behavior), and to adjust the assist information in accordance with the estimation quantity. The control section may be further configured to determine a presentation mode in accordance with the estimation quantity, and to present the assist information through the output section to the driver in the presentation mode. | 05-19-2011 |
20110118930 | Method and Device for Operating a Motor Vehicle - A predefined operating strategy permits a predefined operating mode of the motor vehicle. A first operating variable value of the operating mode and/or one additional variable value, which is independent of the operating mode are sensed and one estimated value is determined depending thereon, which is representative of one expected value of the one first operating variable of a second operating variable of the operating mode. One predicted value is determined depending on the sensed values of the one first operating variable, the one additional variable, and/or the one determined estimated value. The predicted value represents an expected operating state and is compared with one predefined comparison value, which is representative of one predefined operation state. The operating strategy is set as a function of the comparison and of the at least one estimated variable in such a way that the predefined operating state is as far as possible avoided. | 05-19-2011 |
20110125359 | VEHICLE ESTIMATE NAVIGATION APPARATUS, VEHICLE ESTIMATE NAVIGATION, AND VEHICLE ESTIMATE NAVIGATION PROGRAM - A vehicle estimate navigation apparatus including: a speed vector calculation means for calculating, based on GPS information by a GPS receiver mounted in a running vehicle, a speed vector of a running speed of the vehicle; a tire rotation information detection means for detecting rotation information of tires attached to the vehicle; a tire rotation speed calculation means for calculating rotation speeds of the tires based on tire rotation information obtained by the tire rotation information detection means; a speed calculation means for calculating a vehicle speed based on the speed vector information; a yaw rate calculation means for calculating a vehicle yaw rate based on the speed vector information; a first parameter calculation means for calculating a first parameter of a first relational expression between the vehicle speed calculated by the speed calculation means and the tire rotation speed, the vehicle speed being obtained based on a formula model for calculating a tire ground speed based on the tire rotation speeds obtained by the tire rotation speed calculation means; and a second parameter calculation means for calculating a second parameter of a second relational expression between the yaw rate calculated by the yaw rate calculation means and the tire rotation rate, the yaw rate being obtained based on a formula model for calculating a tire ground speed based on the tire rotation speeds obtained by the tire rotation speed calculation means. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125360 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - An control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes: a failure shift stage setting section configured to set, to the target shift stage, a shift stage which can be attained in a state in which the one of the solenoids judged that the failure is generated is not energized; and a failure neutral state through section configured to control the solenoids at a predetermined vehicle speed or over so that the automatic transmission is brought to a neutral state, when the target shift stage is a shift stage at which the vehicle speed is suddenly decreased when the solenoids are controlled so that the automatic transmission attains the target shift stage, and to control the solenoids below the predetermined vehicle speed so that the automatic transmission attains the target shift stage. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125361 | DIAGNOSING A COOLING SUBSYSTEM OF AN ENGINE SYSTEM IN RESPONSE TO DYNAMIC PRESSURE SENSED IN THE SUBSYSTEM - A method of diagnosing a cooling subsystem of an engine system in response a parameter extracted from dynamic hydraulic pressure sensed in the cooling subsystem, and products and systems using same. | 05-26-2011 |
20110125362 | OPERATION SUPPORT APPARATUS AND OPERATION SUPPORT METHOD - An operation support apparatus includes: a musculoskeletal status detection unit that detects a musculoskeletal status of an operator; an operating member operated by the operator; an activating mechanism that is operated in response to an operation of the operating member; and a control unit including: a musculoskeletal status information acquisition unit that acquires musculoskeletal status information of the operator by controlling the musculoskeletal status detection unit; an operation prediction unit that predicts whether operation of the operating member is operated by the operator based on the musculoskeletal status information acquired by the musculoskeletal status information acquisition unit; and a mechanism control unit that either executes a preprocessing operation of actual operation of the activating mechanism prior to operation of the operating member, or initiates the actual operation, in a case where operation of the operating member has been predicted to be operated by the operation prediction unit. | 05-26-2011 |
20110137507 | SYSTEM HAVING CRASH UNLOCK ALGORITHM - The present invention features a system having a door unlock algorithm, which includes an ACU (Airbag Control Unit) which measures an acceleration of vehicle; an algorithm which determines by comparing a value measured in the ACU with a preset value; and a BCM (Body Control Module) to which a signal which is determined through the algorithm is sent | 06-09-2011 |
20110137508 | DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE PROCESS OF DRIVING A VEHICLE - Device for monitoring the process of driving a vehicle consisting of at least the following:
| 06-09-2011 |
20110137509 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ERROR DIAGNOSIS IN AN ENGINE SYSTEM WITH VARIABLE VALVE CONTROLS - A method is described for diagnosing the functioning of one or more variably triggerable intake valves and/or exhaust valves in an internal combustion engine, including the following steps:—determining a modeled pressure value which provides a pressure value in an air system of the internal combustion engine, the pressure variation model describing a pressure variation of an error-free internal combustion engine as a function of the operating point; providing a value for the actual instantaneous pressure in the air system; ascertaining a deviation variable as a function of the modeled pressure value and a value for the actual pressure in the air system; detecting an error in the functioning of the intake valve and/or the exhaust valve as a function of the deviation variable. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137510 | COMMUNICATION INTERFACE CONVERSION DEVICE - A communication interface conversion device is suitable for electrically connecting a detecting unit and a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) with different communication interfaces. The communication interface conversion device includes a first circuitry, a second circuitry, and a conversion module. The conversion module has a first transceiver unit, a second transceiver unit, an oscillation circuit, a resetting circuit, and a chip unit electrically connected with the first transceiver unit, the second transceiver unit, the oscillation circuit, and the resetting circuit. The first and second transceivers and the chip unit are used to perform data conversion, so that a first signal of the ECU and a second signal of the detecting unit which are of different communication interfaces can be transmitted, thereby improving generality thereof. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137511 | FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS, IN-VEHICLE SYSTEM, DRIVING CONTROL DEVICE, AND FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM - A fuel-saving driving diagnostic apparatus detects that the vehicle stops based on a vehicle speed indicating a speed of a vehicle, and detects that the vehicle is in an idling state indicating a state in which the vehicle is idled when a number of engine revolutions of the vehicle whose stop is detected is a predetermined threshold or more. The fuel-saving driving diagnostic apparatus determines whether the vehicle in the idling state is in a parking state based on a selection lever and/or a parking brake of the vehicle in the detected idling state. Then the fuel-saving driving diagnostic apparatus diagnoses fuel-saving driving based on an idling parking time for which the parking state of the vehicle is maintained. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137512 | FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, TRAVEL CONTROL DEVICE, FUEL-SAVING DRIVING RATING DEVICE, AND FUEL-SAVING DRIVING DIAGNOSTIC METHOD - A shift lever position determining unit ( | 06-09-2011 |
20110137513 | VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CONTROL APPARATUS AND VEHICLE BEHAVIOR CONTROL METHOD - A vehicle behavior control apparatus is equipped with a slip angle detector that detects a slip angle of a vehicle, a control amount calculation portion that calculates a control amount from the slip angle detected by the slip angle detector, a derivative of the slip angle, and a second order derivative of the slip angle, and a control portion that executes a behavior control for the vehicle based on the calculated control amount. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137514 | DRIVING FORCE CONTROLLING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD OF DRIVING FORCE CONTROLLING APPARATUS - A driving force controlling apparatus includes a sprung vibration-damping control unit that suppresses a vibration, including a component in a pitch direction or a bounce direction, generated on a vehicle due to an input from a road surface to wheels by controlling a driving force of the vehicle. The change in the fuel injection amount by the sprung vibration-damping control unit is performed before the change in the fuel injection amount by a high-frequency vibration-damping control unit (jerk vibration-damping control unit, cylinder-to-cylinder correction control unit). The change in the fuel injection amount by the sprung vibration-damping control unit is performed after the change in the fuel injection amount by a vehicle behavior control unit (slowing-down control unit, assist control unit, brake control device). Accordingly, a vibration of a vehicle can effectively be suppressed. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137515 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYDRAULIC OR PNEUMATIC CONTROL DEVICE OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A method of operating a hydraulic or a pneumatic control device of a semi-automatic transmission. The control device has actuator devices with actuating cylinders. Pressure chambers of the actuating cylinders can each be connected, via a control valve, with a pressure line that can be selectively connected with a main pressure line, or blocked, via redundant and parallel positioned main switching valves. The control device has at least one sensor and at least one measured signal is captured by the at least one sensor, depending on the actuation of the main switching valves. The at least one measured signal or each captured measured signal is compared to a stored nominal signal for the respective actuation of the main switching valves and, if a deviation is determined between the measured signal and the respective nominal signal, a defect of at least one of the main switching valves is concluded. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144851 | SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR MONITORING OIL CONDITION - The present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition. In one embodiment, a marine powertrain is provided that includes a marine engine and a gear casing containing an oil and a gas. An engine speed sensor generates an output value, which indicates a speed of the marine engine. An oil sensor generates an output value, which indicates a condition of the oil. The condition of the oil is selectively monitored according to whether the marine engine is operating at a speed that is less than an engine speed threshold value, which denotes a speed of the marine engine at which the oil and the gas form an oil and aerated gas mixture. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144852 | Installed in vehicle for monitoring target section in the vehicle - In a device installed in a vehicle for monitoring a target section in the vehicle, an executing unit executes a specific process for addressing an abnormality in the target section, and an instructing unit instructs the executing unit to execute the specific process when an abnormality occurs in the target section. A determining unit determines when the specific process is required to be checked. A checking unit instructs the executing unit to execute the specific process independently of whether an abnormality occurs in the target section each time it is determined that the specific process is required to be checked, thus checking whether an abnormality occurs in the specific process. | 06-16-2011 |
20110153140 | METHOD FOR CONDITIONING ONE OR MORE ASPECTS OF A VEHICLE - A method for conditioning one or more aspects of a vehicle, where a user may customize their vehicle by providing desired departure times and conditioning preferences so that the vehicle automatically wakes up, performs the requested conditioning, and is ready for operation by the requested departure time. Some examples of potential conditioning events include activating: a heated or cooled seat, a heated steering wheel, a heated engine block, a heated mirror, a cabin heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, a heating or cooling element for a battery pack, a heating or cooling element for a battery charger, and a heating or cooling element for a fuel cell, to name a few. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICLE RANGE EXTENSION ON DETECTION OF A LOW FUEL CONDITION - The technology described herein provides a system and method for automatically increasing the remaining driving range of a vehicle when a low fuel or other condition is detected by altering the operating parameters of one or more vehicle systems to improve propulsion system efficiency and thereby lower fuel consumption. The vehicle range extending system is capable of altering the operating parameters of any vehicle system, including for example variable displacement settings, start-stop technology settings, and HVAC operation. The disclosed technology can also provide information to the driver, suggesting which system operating parameters should be altered to reduce the fuel consumption rate. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153142 | Vehicle Installed Cement Mixer Control - For a cement mixer installed on a vehicle, a vehicle controller area network is modified to develop from engine speed, hydraulic power take-off system pressure and programmed data on power take-off pump capacity estimates of rotational speed and barrel rotational count. The network can also maintain a constant barrel rotational speed during transportation. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153143 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALERTING THAT A VEHICLE WILL ARRIVE AT A POINT-OF-INTEREST WITHIN A PREDETERMINED TIME INTERVAL - A system alerts a user that a vehicle will arrive at a point of interest within a predetermined time interval and includes a vehicle-mounted assembly and a remote assembly. The vehicle-mounted assembly includes a location-determining device connected to the vehicle for determining the location of the vehicle, and a first communication device connected to the location-determining device for sending data comprising the location of the vehicle over a communications network. The remote assembly includes a second communication device for receiving the data from the first communication device over a communications network, and a computing device in communication with the second communication device for computing a time-geofence, and for alerting the user. The time-geofence corresponds to a boundary that if the location of the vehicle is within the boundary the vehicle will arrive at the point of interest at earlier than the expiration of a predetermined interval, and if the vehicle is outside the boundary the vehicle will arrive at the point of interest at later than the expiration of a predetermined interval. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153144 | SENSOR MESSAGING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A pressure sensor module for a vehicle includes a sensing element module, a sampling module, a filtering module, and a monitoring module. The sensing element module measures a pressure of a fluid and outputs a pressure signal based on the pressure. The sampling module samples the pressure signal. The filtering module receives at least one filter coefficient from a control module and determines a filtered pressure based on at least one of the samples. The monitoring module receives a condition monitoring request from the control module, receives a predetermined value from the control module, and notifies the control module when a condition is satisfied based on a comparison of the predetermined value and one of the filtered pressure and a parameter determined based on the pressure signal. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153145 | METHOD FOR DETECTING ERRORS IN A CONTROL UNIT - A method is described for detecting errors in a control unit for controlling and/or regulating an engine in a vehicle, in which the presence of a faulty state of the engine and/or the vehicle is detected, a difference between at least one instantaneous value of an operating variable and a limiting value provided for this operating variable being formed multiple times, the formed differences being added to a sum, and the faulty state being evaluated as an error if the sum exceeds a predefinable threshold value. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153146 | METHOD FOR ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS AND SYSTEM FOR ON BOARD DIAGNOSTICS - In a method for on board diagnostics for detecting a charge air leakage in a vehicle, air is compressed by a turbine with variable geometry and fed to the combustion engine. Steps are performed of feeding compressed air to the engine without fuel supply to the engine; estimating a boost pressure from a current vane geometry of the variable geometry turbine; measure the actual boost pressure; and comparing the estimated boost pressure with the measured boost pressure. | 06-23-2011 |
20110153147 | PARKING BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE - [Problem] A parking brake control device can ensure required braking force and reliably allow release even if an automatic pressurization function that increases a W/C pressure is malfunctioning, regardless of operation of a brake pedal. | 06-23-2011 |
20110160951 | Control Unit for Gateway and Automotive Control System - The automotive control system includes a first subsystem, a second subsystem and an adaptive cruise control system. The first and second subsystems and the adaptive cruise control system are interconnected through their gateway ECUs and the FlexRay. Each of the gateway ECUs has a time tagging unit that tags the received data with time information of their reception. | 06-30-2011 |
20110166738 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD - The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip. Specifically, the present invention provides a vehicle motion control device for a vehicle, the vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a driving device for driving the wheels based on a driving force/load distribution ratio, having: a force detection unit for detecting forces that act on the wheels; a target distribution ratio calculating unit for obtaining nonlinear terms by use of a group of parameters including the forces detected by the force detection unit, and obtaining a target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio so as to minimize the nonlinear terms, the nonlinear terms being included in elements of a system matrix of equations of state that describe a state of motion of the vehicle; and a driving device control unit for controlling the driving device based on the target value of the driving force/load distribution ratio. | 07-07-2011 |
20110172871 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN VEHICLES - A system for measuring energy efficiency in a vehicle includes means for measuring instantaneous consumption of stored energy in the vehicle, means for measuring the change of the sum of potential and kinetic energy over time, a processor and an application. The application includes computer-implemented instructions for calculating the energy efficiency of the vehicle with the processor by calculating total energy used per unit distance traveled. The total energy includes potential energy, kinetic energy and stored energy. The total energy is calculated based on the measured instantaneous stored energy consumption and the measured change of the sum of potential and kinetic energy over time. The system optionally provides data to a cruise control, autopilot or other system to automate optimization of the vehicle's speed, acceleration and deceleration. | 07-14-2011 |
20110172872 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING TURNING VEHICLE CONDITION - An apparatus for quickly and accurately determining a counter steer state of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a turning direction obtaining unit | 07-14-2011 |
20110178670 | System And Method For Indicating An Efficiency Level of Energy Usage By An Automotive Vehicle - A system and method is provided for indicating an efficiency level of energy usage by an automotive vehicle to a passenger in the vehicle. The system includes a computer-readable storage medium, a controller, an interior-lighting system, and a display unit. The controller processes energy usage signals to obtain the given operating mode of the vehicle as well as indications of energy usage amounts that the passenger can control. The controller determines the efficiency level of energy usage by the vehicle based on the energy usage amounts and the given operating mode. The interior-lighting system illuminates at least a portion of the passenger compartment with ambient light having defined characteristics including a luminance and a color, the ambient light indicating the efficiency level. The display unit displays a graphical representation of the efficiency level. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178671 | DIAGNOSIS OF WHEEL ALIGNMENT USING GPS - A method to monitor alignment of wheels of a vehicle through analysis of a GPS signal includes monitoring the GPS signal, determining an actual trajectory of the vehicle based upon the GPS signal, monitoring a vehicle sensor indicating an expected change in vehicle heading, determining an expected trajectory of the vehicle based upon the vehicle sensor, and indicating misalignment of the wheels of the vehicle based upon a comparison of the trajectories. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178672 | PROTECTIVE DEVICE AGAINST CORROSION FOR AN ONBOARD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE CONTROL THEREOF - A protective device against corrosion for an onboard electrical system, in particular thermal corrosion. The protective device includes at least one sensor for detecting a shunt and a switching device which is controllable by the sensor and outputs a switching pulse for the activation of a control unit upon control by the sensor. Also described is a method for the control of the onboard electrical system. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178673 | WEIGHT DETECTION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WEIGHT OF VEHICLE COMPONENT - A vehicle includes a wheel and a vehicle body connected with each other via a suspension having a spring. An oscillation detection unit detects an oscillation of the vehicle body in forward and backward directions. A resonance frequency detection unit detects a resonance frequency of the vehicle body according to a detection result of the oscillation detection unit. A weight determination unit determines a weight of the vehicle body according to the resonance frequency detected by the resonance frequency detection unit. | 07-21-2011 |
20110178674 | METHOD FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN A TANK SYSTEM - The invention relates to a method for preparing models of technical devices, wherein each technical device comprises units that are connected to each other by means of connection point, wherein, when performing the method, at least one structure made of units connected to each other by means of connection points comprising commonalities for all technical devices is integrated and automatically described as at least one common module ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110178675 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LOCATING THE LONGITUDINAL POSITION OF THE WHEELS OF A VEHICLE - A method for locating the longitudinal position of wheels ( | 07-21-2011 |
20110178676 | TIRE AND DETECTION-ALARM MECHANISM THEREOF - A detection-alarm mechanism is provided. The detection-alarm mechanism for a tire includes a sensor, an electronic processing unit, a post-processing unit and a display unit. The sensor includes a substrate disposed in the tire and at least one photoelectronic element fixed to the substrate. If the tire is cracked, light passes through the cracks and reaches the photoelectronic elements to generate signals. The electronic processing unit receives signals from the photoelectronic elements to generate wear information. The post-processing unit is disposed in a vehicle on which the tire is installed and receives wear information from the electronic processing unit. The display unit is disposed in the vehicle for presenting the wear information. | 07-21-2011 |
20110184606 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE CALIBRATION OR DIAGNOSIS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE BRAKE SYSTEM HAVING A CYCLICALLY OPERATED PUMP - A method for the calibration or diagnosis of a motor vehicle brake system having a cyclically operated pump. At least one parameter (U | 07-28-2011 |
20110190972 | GRID UNLOCK - A method to operate a vehicle during a grid-lock traffic condition includes monitoring a vehicle speed, tracking a target vehicle in proximity of the vehicle including monitoring a range to the target vehicle, monitoring activation of a grid unlock mode when the vehicle speed is less than a threshold grid-lock speed, monitoring a location of the vehicle based upon data from a GPS device, monitoring a distance envelope with respect to the vehicle, and controlling operation of the vehicle while the vehicle speed remains less than the threshold grid-lock speed based upon the vehicle speed, the range to the target vehicle, the location of the vehicle, and the distance envelope. Controlling operation of the vehicle includes controlling acceleration of the vehicle, controlling braking of the vehicle, and controlling steering of the vehicle. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190973 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING CONTINUOUS AND INTERMITTENT FAULTS - A diagnostic system diagnoses a device and includes fault declaring module that selects one of a normal control mode, a temporary default action and a permanent default action. A counter module tracks a first number of successive test samples, a second number of failed samples that occur during the successive test samples, a third number of successive failed samples, a fourth number of failed samples, and a fifth number of samples since a last failed sample. The fault declaring module transitions to a temporary default action when at least one of the third number of successive failed samples is greater than a first value and the fourth number of failed samples is greater than a second value. The fault declaring module transitions to a permanent default action that is different than the temporary default action when the second number of failed samples is greater than a third value. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190974 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE, AND PROGRAM FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE - A method for detecting a tire having a decreased internal pressure by making a relative comparison of wheel speeds of tires. The method includes a step of detecting wheel rotation information of the respective tires of the vehicle; a step of calculating wheel speeds based on the detected wheel rotation information; a step of calculating a decreased pressure determination value; and a step of determining a tire having a decreased internal pressure. The method further comprises a step of setting a threshold value, in which the predetermined threshold value is set based on a decreased pressure sensitivity calculated from a relation between a load sensitivity and a decreased pressure sensitivity during vehicle turning with regard to tires that is calculated in advance and a load sensitivity obtained through a turning running during initialization. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190975 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING LOSS OF PRESSURE IN A TIRE - A method for monitoring the pressure in a tire of a vehicle wheel, including measuring the wheel speed, to detect a loss of pressure using inexpensive components, and to produce a highly robust diagnosis due in particular to: calculating a first sum of the speeds of the left front wheel and right rear wheel and a second sum of the speeds of the right front wheel and left rear wheel, calculating a difference equal to the first sum minus the second sum, and comparing an absolute value of the difference with a threshold, such that an absolute value greater than the threshold denotes detection of a loss of pressure in one of the tires. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190976 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PREVENTING THE LATERAL ROLLOVER OF MOTOR VEHICLE - A method for preventing the lateral rollover of motor vehicles, in which a transverse variable is ascertained that represents the lateral transverse dynamics of the motor vehicle and the transverse variable is compared to at least one threshold value and, depending on the comparison, a braking intervention is made to prevent the lateral rollover. An inclination variable is ascertained that represents the lateral inclination of the vehicle body and the threshold value is a function of the inclination variable. | 08-04-2011 |
20110190977 | VEHICLE STATE TRACKING METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING - A vehicle state tracker tracks the state of a vehicle during a diagnostic test sequence to eliminate redundant steps between diagnostic procedures. The vehicle state tracker maintains a list of preconditions required for each diagnostic procedure, reads a current vehicle state from a memory register and verifies the current setting of the vehicle state corresponding to a specific precondition. If the precondition is required and the current setting is not valid, the state tracker further formats a test preparation step corresponding to the precondition for display to instruct a vehicle technician to satisfy the precondition. Otherwise, if the precondition is not required and the corresponding setting is valid, the state tracker formats an instruction to reverse the corresponding vehicle condition. The state tracker additionally receives feedback indicating when a precondition has been satisfied or the corresponding vehicle condition has been reversed, and updates the vehicle state in memory. | 08-04-2011 |
20110196566 | "Night Ops" vehicle blackout safety system - The Night Ops vehicle blackout safety system located within the passenger compartment of a vehicle allows the driver to temporarily disengage the brake lights and back up lights of the vehicle. The Night Ops system uses a dash mounted activation button which is illuminated during use to indicate the status of the system. Audible tones are also used from a buzzer within the control unit to alert the driver that the system is in use. A dash mounted control unit uses a light sensing photocell circuit to determine the ambient lighting conditions. The control unit connects to the interrupter module and activation button through a wiring harness. The Night Ops system contains safety features which automatically disengages the system under certain conditions. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196567 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING OPERATING ERRORS IN A VARIABLE VALVE TIMING ENGINE USING PRESSURE SENSORS - A method and control module includes a pressure sensor data comparison module that compares measured pressure volume signal segments to ideal pressure volume segments. A valve actuation hardware remedy module performs a hardware remedy in response to comparing the measured pressure volume signal segments to the ideal pressure volume segments when a valve actuation hardware failure is detected. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196568 | VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Safety systems and methods are provided for use in a vehicle with a closure that defines a pivoting range when open. The safety system includes a sensor configured to collect data associated with an object in a target zone at least partially surrounding the vehicle; and a processor coupled to the sensors and configured to selectively operate in a first mode and a second mode based on a vehicle characteristic. The processor is configured to, in the first mode, detect the object and generate a first warning based on the object; and in the second mode, detect the object and determine a collision threat between the object and the pivoting range of the closure, and generate a second warning based on the collision threat. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196569 | COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A collision avoidance system and method creates 3D models of objects by collecting character data of the objects, and controls a camera of a vehicle to capture an image in front of the vehicle. The system determines whether an object is detected in front of the vehicle by comparing the image with each of the 3D models, analyzes a distance between the camera and the object according to the image, and determines whether the distance is less than a safety distance. The system controls the warning device to alarm when the distance is less than the safety distance, and automatically controls the brake system to reduce a speed of the vehicle if the vehicle is not decelerating. | 08-11-2011 |
20110196570 | STARTER CONTROLLER - An idle reduction vehicle has a relay in a power supply line from a battery to a starter motor. The relay is driven between a contact-side state, in which contacts short-circuit, and a resistor-side state, in which the contacts are opened and a resistor is serially inserted into the power supply line. At an engine restart from idle reduction, an ECU drives the relay to the resistor-side state and starts energization to the motor, thereby suppressing an inrush current. The ECU detects a contact-side state fixation abnormality of the relay based on a battery voltage at the time when the ECU drives the relay to the resistor-side state and energizes the motor. The ECU detects a resistor-side state fixation abnormality of the relay based on the battery voltage at the time when the ECU drives the relay to the contact-side state and energizes the motor. | 08-11-2011 |
20110202225 | Vehicle sensor caliration for determining vehicle dynamics - An accelerometer sensor equipped device uses GPS and known alignment data to determine the alignment of the accelerometer sub-system when the vehicle is stationary and in motion. The alignment data is determined from known surface information, measured GPS velocity, and measured GPS Heading. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202226 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS - Methods and systems are provided for monitoring an electrical system of a vehicle. Data pertaining to the electrical system is obtained. Calculation modules are performed using the data to generate intermediate determinations. An aggregate calculation module is performed using each of the intermediate determinations to generate an aggregate determination pertaining to the electrical system. Redundant intermediate calculations are performed using the data to generate redundant intermediate determinations. Each of the redundant intermediate determinations is used for comparison with a respective intermediate determination. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202227 | HEALTH PROGNOSIS FOR COMPLEX SYSTEM USING FAULT MODELING - A system and method for providing component and sub-system state of health prognosis in a complex system using fault models and component aging models. The method includes determining a current state of health value for a sub-system using fault signature test results and determining current state of health values for a plurality of components in the sub-system using the fault signature test results. The method also determines current state of health values for components in the system that cannot use fault signature test results using a first probability model and the current state of health values for the plurality of components. The method determines predicted future state of health values for the components in the sub-system using component aging models and determines a predicted future state of health value for the sub-system using a second probability model and the future state of health values of the components. | 08-18-2011 |
20110202228 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WEAR CONTROL OF VEHICLE TYRES - A method for wear control of vehicle tyres, includes: detecting deformation of an inner surface of a first tyre by means of a first sensor; determining a first level of wear of the first tyre; detecting a deformation of an inner surface of a second tyre by means of a second sensor; determining a second level of wear of the second tyre; comparing the first and second levels of wear with each other; and generating a notification signal representative of the comparison. Also disclosed is a system for wear control of vehicle tyres, a method of determining the wear of a tyre and a system for determining the wear of a tyre. | 08-18-2011 |
20110208384 | VISUAL ENHANCEMENT FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level. | 08-25-2011 |
20110213525 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE HAVING IDLE STOP FUNCTION - In an idle stop vehicle, a starter has separately an electromagnetic switch for energizing a motor and a pinion control solenoid for engaging a pinion gear with a ring gear. A coil of the solenoid is energized by a battery through a relay. For starting an engine, an ECU turns on the relay and the electromagnetic switch so that the starter cranks an engine. During engine operation, the ECU turns on only the relay while maintaining turn-off of the electromagnetic switch. If a voltage of a current supply path between the relay and the coil is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the ECU prohibits automatic idle stop by determining that the current supply path to the coil has abnormality. | 09-01-2011 |
20110218700 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL APPARATUS - The vehicle motion control apparatus includes a control unit | 09-08-2011 |
20110224861 | ABNORMALITY DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND ABNORMALITY DIAGNOSIS METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which a phase of a first valve provided to a first cylinder is modified within a range extending from a first phase to a second phase and a phase of a second valve provided to a second cylinder is modified within the range includes: a rotation variation amount detection unit that detects a rotation variation amount of an output shaft of the internal combustion engine; and a diagnosis unit that adjusts the phase of the first valve and the phase of the second valve to the first phase, and diagnoses the presence of an abnormality on the basis of the detected rotation variation amount of the output shaft of the internal combustion engine in a state where the phase of the first valve and the phase of the second valve are at the first phase. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224862 | VEHICULAR CONTROL OBJECT DETERMINATION SYSTEM AND VEHICULAR TRAVEL LOCUS ESTIMATION SYSTEM - In a vehicular control object determination system, locus correlation degree calculator calculates a degree of correlation between a future travel locus of a vehicle estimated by first travel locus estimator based on a vehicle speed and a yaw rate and a future travel locus of the vehicle estimated by second travel locus estimator based on a past travel locus of the vehicle calculated by travel locus calculator. When control object determiner determines a control object based on the travel locus estimated by the first travel locus estimator and predetermined control object determination conditions, the control object determination conditions are modified according to the degree of correlation, that is, the degree of reliability of the travel locus estimated by the first travel locus estimator, thereby achieving both accuracy with which the control object is determined and determination of the control object at a distance. | 09-15-2011 |
20110224863 | System for Analysis of the Condition of the Running Gear of Rail Vehicles - The object to create a system and a method which allows better running gear diagnosis of rail vehicles is achieved by the present invention by arranging a number of force measurement devices on the rail measurement zone to detect the forces and/or torques acting on the rail measurement zone, such that the system also comprises a number of sonic measurement devices for detecting the sound waves which occur when the rail vehicle travels over the rail measurement zone. The present invention thus offers a diagnostic system for analysis of the condition of wheel bearings and wheel geometries in particular in which the forces and sound waves occurring when the rail vehicle travels over the rail can be detected and analyzed, so that more reliable inferences about the condition of the running gear of the rail vehicle can be drawn from them. | 09-15-2011 |
20110231051 | USE OF SUSPENSION INFORMATION IN TIRE PRESSURE DEVIATION DETECTION FOR A VEHICLE TIRE - A method, system and computer program product for detecting a tire pressure deviation in a tire of a vehicle by determining tire pressure indicating data indicative of a tire pressure condition of the tire and determining tire pressure deviation data indicative of a tire pressure deviation in the tire. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231052 | System For And Method Of Maintaining A Driver Intended Path - A system and method of maintaining a vehicle on a driver intended path is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting a failure in a power steering system and controlling a braking system to maintain the motor vehicle approximately on a driver intended path. The driver intended path can be a straight path or a curved path. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231053 | Vehicle Control Device Capable of Controller Area Network Communication and Diagnostic Method Therefor - The present invention relates to a vehicle control device that is communicably connected to other control devices so that controller area network (CAN) communication can be performed through a communication bus and a diagnostic method thereof. The vehicle control device includes a CAN data transmission unit that can generate and transmit CAN data, a transmission stop unit that stops transmission of the CAN data transmitted from the CAN data transmission unit to the communication bus when a transmission stop signal is inputted, an abnormality detection unit that outputs the transmission stop signal to the transmission stop unit when detecting an abnormality in the vehicle control device, and a diagnostic unit that causes the abnormality detection unit to output the transmission stop signal regardless of the detection of abnormality, causes the CAN data transmission unit to transmit the CAN data, and diagnoses a transmission stop function that stops the transmission of the CAN data to the communication bus on the basis of a result of comparison between the transmitted CAN data and data on the communication bus. | 09-22-2011 |
20110231054 | BATTERY STATE-OF-HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A battery state-of-health monitoring and prognosis method includes training off-line parity-relation parameters between extracted battery voltage and current signals during off-line battery discharge events using at least one good off-line battery. Portions of terminal voltage and current signals of an on-board battery corresponding to an on-board engine cranking process are extracted, and battery voltage of the on-board battery are estimated based on the parity-relation parameters and the extracted portions of the on-board battery current signals. A diagnostic residual defining a deviation between the battery voltage estimation of the on-board battery and extracted portions of the on-board battery terminal voltage signals is generated. A measure of battery state-of-health based on the diagnostic residual is then provided. | 09-22-2011 |
20110238252 | VEHICLE ENVIRONMENT RECOGNIZING APPARATUS - A vehicle environment recognizing apparatus comprises an image capturing device, a road shape calculating section and a straight road determining section. The image capturing device is configured to capture an image of a road on which a vehicle is traveling. The road shape calculating section is configured to calculate approximation lines that approximate a shape of the road in at two least regions that are located at different distances in front of the vehicle based on image data captured by the image capturing device. The straight road determining section is configured to determine whether the road on which the vehicle is traveling is straight based on a degree to which the approximation lines of the regions calculated by the road shape calculating section match one another. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238253 | Method and device for checking the function of an engine system - A method for checking the function of an engine system having an internal combustion engine includes: (a) ascertaining a first charge adaptation value for acting on a manipulated variable for setting an air supply to the internal combustion engine, and ascertaining a first mixture adaptation value for acting on a manipulated variable for setting a fuel supply at a predefined first operating point of the internal combustion engine, in each case with the aid of a predefined adaptation method; and (b) establishing that an error is present in the engine system when at least one of the offset adaptation values is outside a particular predefined adaptation value range. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238254 | SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH AN ASSISTANCE-CONTROLLER FOR ASSISTING AN OPERATOR OF THE SYSTEM, CONTROL-OPERATION ASSISTING DEVICE, CONTROL-OPERATION ASSISTING METHOD, DRIVING-OPERATION ASSISTING DEVICE, AND DRIVING-OPERATION ASSISTING METHOD - A target-travel-path generating circuit calculates a target travel path along which the controlled object can travel in the future from the current controlled object position, an ideal-control-signal calculating circuit calculates a control profile Ŝ to travel along the target travel path P, and a difference calculating circuit calculates a difference δ between the ideal control magnitude Ŝ and a current control magnitude Ŝ. An operation system assistance controller controls the operation system based on the magnitude of the calculated difference δ to assist the control operation of the operator, the control-operation-state of the operator, the environment-state, and the required operation-precision. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the operator with control operation assistance that is a function of the magnitude of the difference δ from an ideal control state, the control-operation-state of the operator, the environment-state, and the required operation-precision, and thus, a control-operation assistance control can be outputted that is suitable for the conditions that characterize the state of the operator, the environment, and the controlled object. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238255 | DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM AND DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR VEHICLE - A diagnostic system for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine acquires a diagnostic driving pattern defined by a vehicle speed; stores a drive train model for calculating a torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine backward from a vehicle speed and an acceleration; stores map data in which a fuel consumption is associated with a torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine; updates the map data on the basis of a result of actual control over the internal combustion engine; uses the drive train model to calculate changes in torque and rotational speed of the internal combustion engine when the vehicle is caused to drive in accordance with the driving pattern; and uses the calculated changes in torque and rotational speed and the map data to calculate a fuel efficiency when the vehicle is caused to drive in accordance with the driving pattern. | 09-29-2011 |
20110238256 | VEHICLE SEAT, IN PARTICULAR MOTOR VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat ( | 09-29-2011 |
20110246016 | METHOD OF DISPLAYING TRAFFIC INFORMATION - A method of displaying traffic on a display within a vehicle may include monitoring a current vehicle speed, monitoring external traffic data by various methods, determining if a brake is applied for at least a predetermined time period, determining if the vehicle is a predetermined distance from a traffic signal that the vehicle is approaching, determining that a traffic event exists on a road upon which the vehicle is traveling, inquiring if traffic cameras exist on the road upon which the vehicle is traveling, and displaying traffic data on a display within the vehicle that corresponds to the road ahead upon which the vehicle is traveling. The method may include determining if the vehicle speed is maintained at a speed less than the posted speed for a predetermined time period. The display may display traffic data captured by the traffic cameras, downloaded from remote servers, or communicated directly from another vehicle. | 10-06-2011 |
20110246017 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROLLER - If an actual lateral acceleration is equal to or greater than a target lateral acceleration Gth and at least one of a steering angle lateral acceleration Gys and a yaw-rate lateral acceleration Gyy is less than the target lateral acceleration Gth, the increase of the W/C pressure of the vehicle to be controlled is inhibited. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the increase in the roll angle by actively generating the understeering to suppress rolling and to early suppress an increase in understeering if the increase in understeering is made to be unnecessary. | 10-06-2011 |
20110251748 | Method and system for vehicle ESC system using map data - An Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for a vehicle is disclosed. An electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to reduce vehicle lateral skidding by reducing differences between an intended vehicle direction and/or yaw rate and an actual vehicle direction and/or yaw rate by applying modifications to operation of the vehicle brakes and/or throttle. The ESC system receives inputs from wheel speed sensors, a steering wheel position sensor, a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The ESC system also receives input that indicates at least a property of the road upon which the vehicle is located, wherein the road upon which the vehicle is located is determined from a positioning system that uses a map database and the property is determined from the map database. The ESC system incorporates the road property information in determining when and/or how to modify operation of the vehicle to reduce vehicle skidding. | 10-13-2011 |
20110251749 | Method and system for vehicle ESC system using map data - An Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for a vehicle is disclosed. An electronic control unit (ECU) is programmed to reduce vehicle lateral skidding by reducing differences between an intended vehicle yaw rate and an actual vehicle yaw rate by applying modifications to operation of the vehicle brakes and/or throttle. The ESC system receives inputs from wheel speed sensors, a steering wheel position sensor, a yaw rate sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor. The ECS system also receives input that indicates at least a property of the road upon which the vehicle is located, wherein the road upon which the vehicle is located is determined from a positioning system that uses a map database and the property is determined from the map database. The ESC system incorporates the road property information in determining when and/or how to modify operation of the vehicle to reduce vehicle skidding. | 10-13-2011 |
20110257826 | Vehicle Stability And Steerability Control Via Electronic Torque Distribution - A system for distributing propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes: a front axle motor coupled to the front axle and a rear axle motor coupled to the rear axle. An electronic control unit (ECU) electronically coupled to the motors commands the rear axle motor to increase torque supplied to the rear axle during understeer and commands the front axle motor to increase torque supplied to the front axle during oversteer. A method to distribute propulsion to front and rear axles of a vehicle includes estimating actual yaw rate, estimating desired yaw rate, providing electrical energy to the front axle motor during oversteer, and providing electrical energy to the rear axle motor during understeer. Additionally, electrical energy may be extracted from the rear axle motor during oversteer and electrical energy may be extracted from the front axle motor during understeer. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257827 | Systems and Methods for Controlling a Vehicle Along a Road With a Road Bank - Systems and methods for detecting road bank and determining road bank angle include determining a road bank angle as a function of difference in slip angle where the difference in slip angle is a function of difference in course angle and difference in yaw angle. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257828 | Systems and Methods for Communicating Optimal Driving Information - Systems and methods for communicating optimal driving information through a vehicle display of a vehicle are configured to control position of an actual speed indicator along a scalar element of a display as a function of an actual speed of the vehicle; determine, in response to an actual acceleration of the vehicle, an optimal acceleration for changing vehicle speed; and control position of an optimal speed indicator along the scalar element as a function of the determined optimal acceleration. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257829 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE TIRE PRESSURE OF MOTOR VEHICLE TIRES - A method for monitoring the tire pressure of motor vehicle wheels of which at least one is equipped with a tire pressure sensor. The tire pressure can be very easily monitored even at those wheels not having a tire pressure sensor if, at a first wheel having a tire pressure sensor, the tire pressure or a quantity that is a function of the tire pressure is measured and this measurement value is used as a reference value, and in addition a quantity that is a function of the tire pressure is measured at a second wheel that does not have a tire pressure sensor, and the corresponding measurement value is compared to the reference value. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257830 | Method and device of calculating aircraft braking friction and other relating landing performance parameters based on the data received from aircraft's on board flight data management system - This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the calculation of aircraft braking friction and other relating landing parameters, including but not limited to aircraft braking action, aircraft takeoff distance, aircraft landing distance, runway surface conditions and runway surface friction based on the data collected by and available in the aircraft Flight Data Recorder (FDR) or other flight data management system, for example, the Quick Access Recorder (QAR), to provide all involved personnel in the ground operations of an airport and airline operations, including but not limited to aircraft pilots, airline operation officers and airline managers as well as airport operators, managers and maintenance crews, with the most accurate and most recent information on the true aircraft landing performance parameters to help better and more accurate safety and economical decision making. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257831 | Construction Equipment Information-Management System and Method Using a Communications - The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for information management of a construction machinery using a communication terminal mounted on the construction machinery. To this end, the information management system of the construction machinery of the present disclosure includes: a control server managing information of the construction machinery; a memory unit storing driving information of the construction machinery when the construction machinery is in a starting off state; and a communication terminal reading the corresponding information from the memory unit and transmitting the information to the control server when receiving a request for predetermined information from the control server. | 10-20-2011 |
20110257832 | FUEL-SAVING DRIVING EVALUATION SYSTEM - Disclosed is a fuel-saving driving evaluation system which provides a driver with advice suitable for the driver based on fuel-saving driving evaluation standards which correspond to the fuel-saving driving proficiency level of the driver, so that the driver is relaxed and the fuel-saving driving skill of the driver is gradually improved. The fuel-saving driving evaluation system is comprised of an engine speed measuring device ( | 10-20-2011 |
20110264321 | Hydraulic Steering Diagnostic System and Method - The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented methods of diagnosing a vehicle hydraulic power steering system and steering diagnostic systems for executing the same. Some exemplary diagnostic systems are configured to detect a steering system condition based on an evaluation of a steering pump outlet pressure, an engine speed and/or a steering wheel position. The system sends a warning signal when a predetermined steering system condition is detected. | 10-27-2011 |
20110270482 | ADAPTIVE CENTRAL MAINTENANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLANNING MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS FOR SYSTEMS - A maintenance system for generating maintenance instructions for at least one system, the maintenance system having a plurality of system components set up to receive operating data for a system from a central control unit of the system, to use said data to identify a fault of a system component, to compare the fault with predefined known faults and to retrieve maintenance operations which have already been carried out or are predefined and are correlated with the known faults from a main memory and to select a maintenance operation which correlates with the identified fault in order to rectify the fault and to output the operation as a maintenance instruction. A method for planning maintenance operations has steps of monitoring the systems for faults and generating a maintenance instruction. | 11-03-2011 |
20110270483 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE HYDRAULIC CONTROL CIRCUIT - A control device for a vehicle hydraulic control circuit having a hydraulic switch disposed on a hydraulic control circuit of an automatic transmission, includes: a malfunction detecting portion configured to detect a malfunction of the hydraulic switch; and a malfunction removing portion configured to execute an operation for restoring a contact of the hydraulic switch when a malfunction of the hydraulic switch is detected. | 11-03-2011 |
20110276215 | MANAGING THE CONFIGURATION OF A VEHICLE - Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to managing the configuration of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of modifying the configuration of a vehicle based on the vehicle's location is provided. The method includes receiving, from a remote Satellite Positioning System (“SPS”) device, positioning data that identifies the location of the vehicle. Then, the positioning data is used to identify one or more regulations that are applicable, given the location of the vehicle. Based on collected vehicle readings, a determination is made regarding whether the configuration of the vehicle should be modified. In turn, the method may cause the configuration of the vehicle to be modified to comply with the one or more regulations. | 11-10-2011 |
20110276216 | AUTOMOTIVE CRUISE CONTROLS, CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES - A cruise control includes an input ( | 11-10-2011 |
20110276217 | Hard Landing Report Based on Sink Rate Algorithm - A system and a method for detecting a hard landing or other high load event of an aircraft and then automatically triggering a report of such hard landing event. A sink rate algorithm is used to estimate the altitude rate of a main gear. The sink rate algorithm uses a plurality of flight parameters to estimate the main gear altitude rate, preferably including at least the following: pitch altitude, radio altitude, vertical acceleration, body pitch rate and vertical speed. This invention has the potential to reduce the number of unnecessary structural inspections, and may also limit the scope of any such required inspections. | 11-10-2011 |
20110282537 | VIRTUAL VEHICLE INTERFACE - The present invention discloses a virtual vehicle interface system for use in a motor vehicle. The system can include a screen having a screen region and an image module that is operable to display an image of a portion of the motor vehicle on the screen region. The image can display a feature of the motor vehicle and an information tag can also be displayed and be proximate to the feature. The screen and the image module are operable to rotate the image of the motor vehicle and display different views of the motor vehicle using a remote control device or by pressing an object such as an individual's finger onto and moving it across the screen. In addition, a change of a setting and/or state of the motor vehicle can be altered by activating the information tag. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282538 | CONTROL METHODOLOGY OF PEDESTRIAN KINEMATICS USING THE ACTIVE HOOD LIFT SYSTEM - A method and device for use in pedestrian-vehicular collisions in which an active hood lift system is deployed to a first elevated lift position and maintained at the deployed position for an interval after which it is lowered, thereby controlling pedestrian impact kinetics and reducing forces that can result pedestrian injuries. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282539 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND MEASURING DEVICE OF MASS FLOW RATE OF NOx RECIRCULATED TO INTAKE PASSAGE WITH BLOWBY GAS - A mass flow rate of NOx which is recirculated to an intake passage with a blowby gas is obtained with high precision, and based on the result, a state of an internal combustion engine can be accurately diagnosed. A control device for an internal combustion engine of the present invention measures a NOx concentration in an intake passage downstream from a position where the blowby gas is recirculated, and similarly measures an oxygen concentration in the intake passage downstream from the aforesaid position. Further, the control device measures a mass flow rate of fresh air taken into the intake passage. The control device calculates a mass flow rate of the blowby gas recirculated to the intake passage from the oxygen concentration and the mass flow rate of the fresh air. Next, the control device calculates a mass flow rate of all gases in the intake passage from the mass flow rate of the fresh air and the mass flow rate of the blowby gas. Subsequently, the control device calculates the mass flow rate of NOx in the aforesaid intake passage from the mass flow rate of all the gases and the NOx concentration. The present control device diagnoses the state of the internal combustion engine based on the mass flow rate of NOx thus calculated. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282540 | DYNAMIC MONITORING OF MOBILE RAILWAY CAR UNDERCARRIAGE - What is disclosed is a mobile railway car monitoring system. The mobile railway car monitoring system includes a plurality of sensor nodes coupled to an undercarriage portion of a railway car, and a control node coupled to the railway car. Each of the plurality of sensor nodes is configured to monitor the undercarriage portion of the railway car when in motion and transmit information about the undercarriage portion to the control node. The control node is configured to receive the information about the undercarriage portion, process the information to determine a fault condition for the undercarriage portion, and wirelessly report the fault condition to a collection system. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282541 | MONITORING APPARATUS FOR A MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A monitoring apparatus including a catalytic converter, an upstream air-fuel ratio sensor, and a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor; calculates a sub feedback amount to have an air-fuel ratio represented based on an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor coincide with a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio; and controls an fuel injection amount based on an output value of the upstream air-fuel ratio sensor and the sub feedback amount, in such a manner that an air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to an engine coincides with the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. | 11-17-2011 |
20110288715 | Vehicle Pneumatic Booster System Operating Method and Apparatus - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288716 | STABILITY ENHANCING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE STABILITY OF A VEHICLE - A stability enhancing system for a vehicle having a suspension system including a spring is disclosed herein. The stability enhancing system includes, but is not limited to, a processor that is mounted on the vehicle. A sensor is mounted on the vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The sensor is configured to detect a dynamic condition of the vehicle. A locking mechanism is connected to the spring and is communicatively coupled to the processor. The locking mechanism is configured to inhibit the spring from releasing a stored energy when the locking mechanism is locked. The processor is configured to obtain the dynamic condition from the sensor, to utilize the dynamic condition to determine whether a wheel lift event will occur, and to provide commands to the locking mechanism to lock if the processor determines that a wheel lift event will occur. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288717 | VEHICLE GRILLE SHUTTER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ITS USE - A vehicle system includes a first sensor that provides first data indicating at least one of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The system also includes a shutter control module. The shutter control module includes a first sub-module that provides a first amount of modification to an opening amount for a shutter based on the first data. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288718 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE, AND PROGRAM FOR DETECTING TIRE HAVING DECREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE - A method of detecting a tire having a decreased internal pressure by making a relative comparison among wheel speeds of tires attached to the respective wheels. The method includes a step of detecting wheel rotation information regarding the respective tires of the vehicle; a step of calculating wheel speeds based on the detected wheel rotation information; a step of calculating a decreased pressure determination value by relative comparison of the calculated wheel speeds; and a step of determining, when the resultant decreased pressure determination value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, that a tire has a decreased internal pressure. The method further includes a threshold value setting step of setting the predetermined threshold value based on, when assuming that a value of wheel speed comparison between a front wheel speed and a rear wheel speed is DEL2, (a) a relation obtained in advance, depending on a difference of the mass of the vehicle, between DEL2 and a load sensitivity during a vehicle turning, and (b) a load sensitivity obtained by a turning at the time of determination. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288719 | METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF A COMPONENT MALFUNCTION ALONG THE LIFE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method is provided for the detection of a component malfunction along the life of an Internal Combustion Engine. The engine, having at least a cylinder and being controlled by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), the method includes, but is not limited to defining a pre-determined component malfunction classifier at the start of engine life and setting the classifier as active classifier, defining a validity condition for said active classifier, acquiring in real time a set of relevant signals relating to the operation of the component, feeding the signals to said active classifier in order to determine the occurrence or not of a malfunction of the component, and in case the validity condition of said actual classifier is not satisfied, defining a new classifier using the most recent relevant signals recorded by the ECU, and substituting the actual classifier with the new classifier. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288720 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING THE POSITION OF A WHEEL OF A VEHICLE - A method of identifying a position of a wheel of a vehicle includes: providing, in at least one wheel of the vehicle, a device with at least one magnetic sensor with a maximum sensitivity axis; starting up the vehicle; measuring at terminals of each magnetic sensor a signal representative of magnetic flux time variations during rotation of the wheel; determining a characteristic quantity of the signal; comparing the characteristic quantity to a given threshold; and determining, according to a comparison result, a front or rear location of the wheel. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295457 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A VEHICLE WITH DETERMINATION OF ITS INSTANTANEOUS SPEED RELATIVE TO THE GROUND - A vehicle control system is described which comprises a determination of the instantaneous ground speed of a vehicle having at least two wheels, each equipped with a sensor ( | 12-01-2011 |
20110295458 | Systems and Methods for Selectively Disabling One or More Features of a Mobile Access Device and/or a Vehicle Associated with the Mobile Access Device - An exemplary method includes a vehicle operation safety system detecting an operating parameter of a vehicle, detecting that a mobile access device is located within a predefined vicinity of the vehicle, and disabling one or more features of the mobile access device in response to the detecting of the operating parameter of the vehicle and the detecting that the mobile access device is located within the predefined vicinity of the vehicle. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295459 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A STARTER MOTOR FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for monitoring a starter motor for an internal combustion engine includes calculating a first engine power during a starting event based on an electric power flow from the battery to the starter motor, calculating a second engine power during the starting event based on an engine kinetic energy, and detecting a fault associated with the starter motor as a function of the difference between the first engine power and the second engine power. | 12-01-2011 |
20110301802 | System and Method for Vehicle Speed Monitoring Using Historical Speed Data - A target (not-to-exceed) speed for a vehicle over a road segment ahead of the vehicle is established based on a desired relationship with a speed profile of the segment. The speed profile is generated by analyzing a statistical distribution of historical speed data over the segment collected by probe vehicles. A driver alert is activated if the vehicle is likely to exceed the target speed based on at least one measured vehicle dynamic property. The target speed may be established by identifying a baseline road segment over which the vehicle has previously traveled and which is similar to the approaching road segment, comparing a past speed of the vehicle over the baseline segment with a speed profile of the baseline segment to determine a speed differential, and applying the speed differential to the speed profile of the approaching segment. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301803 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A control device for an automatic transmission that outputs a command signal to an actuator to control the automatic transmission. The control device configured with a main control section that receives a state of the automatic transmission, that determines an abnormality in the automatic transmission on the basis of the input state of the automatic transmission, and that outputs to the actuator a main control section command signal for controlling the automatic transmission so as to establish a predetermined shift speed when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring in the automatic transmission; and a monitoring section that determines an abnormality in the main control section and that outputs to the actuator a monitoring section command signal for causing the automatic transmission to establish a neutral state irrespective of the main control section command signal when it is determined that an abnormality is occurring in the main control section. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301804 | SUSPENSION SYSTEM - A suspension system comprises a suspension unit having a chamber arranged to contain a fluid; a piston slidably disposed within the chamber so as to act on the fluid; and a sensor arranged to measure load data relating to the load through the suspension unit. The suspension system also comprises a diagnostics processor which is arranged to receive the load data measured by the sensor of the suspension unit, and diagnose the suspension unit as abnormal if the load data received is determined to be abnormal. There is further provided a display arranged to display if the suspension unit is diagnosed as abnormal. | 12-08-2011 |
20110307139 | COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT INTERSECTION COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - The present invention discloses a back-propagating intersection collision avoidance (ICA) system for preventing two or more vehicles from colliding at an intersection. The ICA system can calculate predicted positions of the two or more vehicles in the near future, and both the current and future positions can be broadcast to surrounding vehicles using vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For each vehicle, a set of states, for example position, speed, acceleration, and the like, where a collision is imminent can be identified using state information for a local vehicle, a remote vehicle, and a known collision zone for the intersection. If the current states of the vehicles are determined to be in danger of entering the collision zone, the ICA system can control the vehicles to perform evasive driving maneuvers and/or alert the drivers. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307140 | Configurable Functions for Vehicle Parameters - The user configures to process at least two data sources without depending on preprogrammed functions or resorting to reprogramming the basic software of the device. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307141 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING EQUIPMENT UTILIZATION - A method for measuring vehicle utilization includes determining, with an ignition sensor, an ignition status of a vehicle and determining, with a motion sensor, a motion status of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a utilization of the vehicle based, at least in part, on the ignition status and the motion status. Additionally, the method includes transmitting status information to a location remote from the vehicle. The status information indicates at least one of the ignition status, the motion status, and the utilization. | 12-15-2011 |
20110307142 | VEHICLE MOTION CONTROL SYSTEM - Provided is a vehicle motion control system that comprises a plurality of vehicle behavior control units that are controlled in a mutually coordinated manner, and is configured to operate as designed even when one of the vehicle motion control units should fail. If a RTC-ECU ( | 12-15-2011 |
20110313610 | METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A DRIVING-RANGE FORECAST FOR A VEHICLE - A method of providing a forecast of a driving-range of a vehicle employing an energy storage device is disclosed. The method includes determining a state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device, accessing geographical and road map data from a remote source, and calculating a historical average distance traveled by the vehicle per the determined SOC. The method also includes determining an available driving-range according to map data and determined historical average distance traveled by the vehicle per the determined SOC. Furthermore, the method includes charging the energy storage device, establishing a rate of charge of the device, determining a period of time and an increase in the SOC to be achieved during the period of time. The method additionally includes determining incremental change in available driving-range according to geographical and road map data and historical average distance traveled by the vehicle per the predetermined increase in the SOC. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313611 | Tire autolocation system and method using an angular velocity - Disclosed herein are a tire autolocation system and method using an angular sensor. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313612 | Arrangement And Method For Detecting Failure Of An Electromechanical Brake - The invention relates to an arrangement and method for detecting failure of an electromechanical brake in an electromechanical drive system. The arrangement being characterized in that it comprises a control unit arranged to: send a drive torque signal to an electrical traction motor in the electromechanical drive system while the electromechanical brake is in an active braking position, detect if said applied drive torque causes a driving movement in the electrical traction motor, and indicate a mechanical failure of the electromechanical brake in case a driving movement in the electrical traction motor is caused by said applied drive torque. The invention further relates to a method for detecting failure of an electromechanical brake in an electromechanical drive system, and an industrial truck comprising the arrangement. | 12-22-2011 |
20110313613 | Electric Storage Device - An electric storage device including a state detection unit managing and controlling the state of a battery unit, wherein the state detection unit captures an inter-terminal voltage of each of a plurality of batteries measured by a battery management unit in a no-load state where the battery unit is separated from a load, and calculates variation information about the states of charge of the batteries. In addition, the state detection unit, taking into consideration the variation information about the states of charge of the batteries, calculates allowable charge and discharge information required for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery unit in a loaded state where the battery unit is connected to a load and charged or discharged, and outputs the allowable charge and discharge information to a charge and discharge device in the battery unit. | 12-22-2011 |
20110320086 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING AND ACCESSING INFORMATION IN BINARY FILES - An embodiment of a method for generating a binary file includes receiving information defining an entity that forms a portion of loadable diagnostics information, generating metadata defining a location within a binary file where the entity is to be located, and generating the binary file to include the metadata and the entity stored at the location. Additional embodiments include an aircraft diagnostic system and a method for the diagnostics system to access information within a binary file. The diagnostics system includes data storage and an accessor module. The data storage is configured to store the binary file, which includes metadata and an entity stored at a location within the binary file, where the metadata defines the location of the entity. The accessor module is configured to evaluate the metadata to make a determination of the location, and to access the entity within the binary file based on the determination. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320087 | REMOTE CONTROL ADJUSTABLE THRESHING CAGE VANE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for remote control of an adjustable threshing cage vane, including while the threshing system is operating, for improving threshing performance and other operating parameters, utilizes an actuator in connection with the at least one vane and remotely controllable for adjustably varying the position thereof, e.g, pitch angle, within the cage for altering the path of the flow of the crop material therethrough. The remote control can be via an automatic controller to provide control responsive to one or more monitored operating parameters, such as grain loss, grain flow, ground speed, and/or throughput, as well as inputted commands. | 12-29-2011 |
20110320088 | System and method for displaying power status of hybrid vehicle - The present invention features a system and method for displaying a power status of a hybrid vehicle, which can provide more extensive and detailed information such as a power status of a motor and an engine, a battery charge/discharge status, an operational status of an engine brake, etc. during running of the hybrid vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the power ratio of the motor and the engine is displayed using a bar graph including a bar and a separator. In further embodiments, the status information of the motor and the engine, such as a battery charge/discharge status by a motor, an operational status of an engine brake, etc., is displayed in different colors, thereby allowing a driver to visually and easily recognize the displayed information. | 12-29-2011 |
20120004802 | MEDIATION OF TASKS BASED ON ASSESSMENTS OF COMPETING COGNITIVE LOADS AND NEEDS - Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for mediating tasks in real-time for safety-related concerns. A nature for a safety-related primary task, such as contextual elements of the task, is determined; and a nature of a secondary task that draws attention away from the primary task is also determined. A risk factor for a potential lack of cognitive resources which may be needed by the primary task is determined by applying the nature of the primary task and the nature of the secondary task to a trained risk factor model. The risk factor is applied to one or more safety-related systems in real-time, for example, to mitigate potential safety concerns. | 01-05-2012 |
20120004803 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method and a device operate an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with which are associated respective injection valves for metering fuel, and having an exhaust gas probe which is arranged in an exhaust gas tract and the measurement signal of which is characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder, and having a crankshaft angle sensor the measurement signal of which is representative of a crankshaft angle of the crankshaft. Within a predefined operating range of the internal combustion engine, and when at least one predefined condition is fulfilled, a rough-running based cylinder-individual diagnosis (CYBL-HOM) with regard to harmful emissions is carried out before activation of a cylinder-individual lambda control (CILC) is enabled. | 01-05-2012 |
20120010773 | DRIVING DIAGNOSIS APPARATUS AND PROGRAM FOR SAME - When an accelerator is put in an OFF state to decelerate a vehicle and perform inertia travel with supply of fuel being cut off, measurement of an accelerator OFF lapse time is started. When a travel speed falls down to be lower than a pre-stop speed, a measured lapse time is stored in a memory, with the measurement of the lapse time being further continued. After finishing a travel of a downward slope, the travel speed is reduced to fall down to the pre-stop speed again, a lapse time continuously measured up to that time is updated in the memory. When the travel speed falls to a stop speed, the measurement of the lapse time is finished and the continuously-measured lapse time is determined as a required stop time of the vehicle. As the required stop time increases, driving is diagnosed as being fuel-efficient. | 01-12-2012 |
20120016550 | POWER DOOR SAFETY LOCKING SYSTEM - A safety locking system is provided to detect an open fault or a ground fault condition. The safety locking system includes a central processing unit with an input and an output, and a safety switch electrically connected to the input of the central processing unit. The input receives a low signal when the safety switch is in an enabled state and a pulsed signal when the safety switch is in a disabled state. The central processing unit detects an open fault condition when the input receives a high signal for a time period greater than a threshold time period, and a ground fault condition when the input receives the low signal and the safety switch operates as if the safety switch is in the disabled state. | 01-19-2012 |
20120016551 | Charge Notification Method for Extended Range Electric Vehicles - The described principles provide a method and system for assisting a user of an electric vehicle in maintaining a charge state of the chargeable onboard energy storage system so as to be able to forgo the use of an auxiliary power unit to great extent. The method, also implemented by the system, comprises identifying charging locations for the vehicle, and prompting the user to charge the vehicle when the vehicle is at a charging location and a charge is need to avoid the use of the auxiliary power unit for a learned or planned journey. The charge reminder my be visible and/or audible within the vehicle and may optionally be remote from the vehicle. | 01-19-2012 |
20120022739 | ROBUST VEHICULAR LATERAL CONTROL WITH FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS - A method and system for closed-loop vehicle lateral control, using image data from front and rear cameras and information about a leading vehicle's position as input. A host vehicle includes cameras at the front and rear, which can be used to detect lane boundaries such as curbs and lane stripes, among other purposes. The host vehicle also includes a digital map system and a system for sensing the location of a vehicle travelling ahead of the host vehicle. A control strategy is developed which steers the host vehicle to minimize the deviation of the host vehicle's path from a lane reference path, where the lane reference path is computed from the lane boundaries extracted from the front and rear camera images and from the other inputs. The control strategy employs feed-forward and feedback elements, and uses a Kalman filter to estimate the host vehicle's state variables. | 01-26-2012 |
20120022740 | EMISSION DETERIORATION NOTIFYING DEVICE - An emission deterioration notifying device includes a low fuel pressure determining unit, an emission deterioration notifying unit, and an electric control unit. The determining unit determines whether supply pressure of fuel supplied to an injector is in a low fuel pressure state, in which the supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold value. The notifying unit notifies that exhaust emission is deteriorating beyond its allowable range when it is determined that the supply pressure is in the low fuel pressure state. The control unit allows notification by the notifying unit at a time of injection control at which injection of fuel from the injector is allowed, and the control unit prohibits notification by the notifying unit or reduces the threshold value at a time of injection stop control at which injection of fuel from the injector is stopped. | 01-26-2012 |
20120029757 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING DECK PLATE POSITION ON A CORN HEADER - The system and method automatically controls the position of at least one deck plate of a harvesting unit of a corn header so as to increase the width of a stalk receiving channel or reduce pinching forces between the plates when entering a stand of corn to facilitate alignment with the corn rows, and to change the position after a suitable time period or other condition or event, to narrow the channel width and/or increase pinching force, to reduce kernel loss while also monitoring forces exerted against the plates by the stalks and responsively adjusting the plate position for maintaining a desired force on the stalks or width. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029758 | TELEMATICS UNIT AND METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INITIATING VEHICLE CONTROL USING TELEMATICS UNIT INFORMATION - A method and system are provided for initiating control of a vehicle. A telematics unit includes a connector and a relay unit. The connector is configured to be coupled to a vehicle component. The relay unit is coupled to the connector, and is configured to provide information pertaining to the connector's coupling to the vehicle component. The immobilizer unit is configured to be coupled to the telematics unit, and includes a receiver and a processor. The receiver is configured to receive the information. The processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to initiate a measure of control of the vehicle if the information indicates that the telematics unit has been tampered with. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029759 | METHOD OF PROVIDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AND SERVICE - A method of providing safety and maintenance vehicular service includes the steps: capturing information indicative of a vehicle status parameter electronically by means of a vehicle monitoring system; transmitting captured information through at least one vehicle connectivity system; transmitting captured information from the vehicle connectivity system to at least one portable device such as a cell phone and/or GPS unit; activating the portable device; activating analytical software utilized by the portable device; analyzing the captured information by the analytical software of the portable device; and conveying by sensory means useful processed information based upon captured information analysis to a user located within the vehicle. Advance communication of the processed information (e.g. identifying the service required) to at least one vehicle service provider externally located to the vehicle can be initiated and advance preparation of a job order and payment may be concluded online to expedite the repair procedure. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029760 | MALFUNCTION DIAGNOSING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - An output limiting control is carried out for limiting an output of a driving source when an acceleration pedal as well as a brake pedal is operated at the same time. An acceleration opening degree for a malfunction diagnosis is set based on a detected acceleration opening degree. A required output value for the malfunction diagnosis is calculated based on the acceleration opening degree for the malfunction diagnosis. A malfunction determining threshold is set in accordance with the required output value. An estimated output value of the driving source is compared with the malfunction determining threshold in order to determine whether there is a malfunction in a control system for the driving source. The acceleration opening degree for the malfunction diagnosis is limited to a predetermined limiting value, when the acceleration and brake pedal are operated at the same time. | 02-02-2012 |