Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100012072 | REDUCING NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having one or more deactivatable cylinders, the method including controlling the stability of a vehicle in response to vehicle acceleration, and reactivating or deactivating combustion in at least a cylinder in response to vehicle acceleration. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017070 | STABILITY CONTROL AND INCLINED SURFACE CONTROL USING A COMMON SIGNAL SOURCE - A method and system are disclosed for controlling a vehicle. The method includes adjusting a first actuator to increase vehicle stability during vehicle traveling conditions, the actuator adjusted in response to a vehicle acceleration sensor. The method also includes adjusting a second actuator to maintain vehicle position during stopped vehicle conditions on an inclined surface, the second actuator adjusted in response to the vehicle acceleration sensor. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017096 | VEHICLE STABILITY AND SURGE CONTROL - In one example, a method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example. | 01-21-2010 |
20100017101 | VEHICLE SURGE AND SPARK TIMING CONTROL - A method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting spark timing in the combustion chamber of the engine in response to a knock indication, and further adjusting spark timing in response to the vehicle acceleration to reduce surge. | 01-21-2010 |
20100313847 | VEHICLE STABILITY AND SURGE CONTROL - In one example, a method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting dilution in the combustion chamber of the engine to reduce surge in response to the vehicle acceleration. The dilution may be adjusted by adjusting cam timing, for example. | 12-16-2010 |
20100318269 | Closed-Loop Torque Phase Control for Shifting Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios Based on Friction Element Load Estimation - A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions. | 12-16-2010 |
20120191316 | REDUCING NOISE, VIBRATION, AND HARSHNESS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE - A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having one or more deactivatable cylinders, the method including controlling the stability of a vehicle in response to vehicle acceleration, and reactivating or deactivating combustion in at least a cylinder in response to vehicle acceleration. | 07-26-2012 |
20120303235 | VEHICLE SURGE AND SPARK TIMING CONTROL - A method is described for operating an engine of a vehicle, the engine having a combustion chamber. The method may include controlling a stability of the vehicle in response to a vehicle acceleration; and adjusting spark timing in the combustion chamber of the engine in response to a knock indication, and further adjusting spark timing in response to the vehicle acceleration to reduce surge. | 11-29-2012 |
20130311057 | Closed-Loop Torque Phase Control for Shifting Automatic Transmission Gear Ratios Based on Friction Element Load Estimation - A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions. | 11-21-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140149017 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE - Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights. | 05-29-2014 |
20140244120 | Vehicle Mass Computation - A vehicle having a drivetrain is controlled based on a difference between a torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating. The drivetrain torque may be measured by a drivetrain torque sensor. The effective vehicle mass is computed from the torque difference. The computed mass of the vehicle is used to adjust the activation of a collision warning system or a collision avoidance system. A method of operating a vehicle where the activation of a collision avoidance system is adjusted based on a difference between a torque transmitted by a drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating is disclosed. The torque difference is used to compute a vehicle mass that is used to adjust a collision warning distance. | 08-28-2014 |
20140274559 | METHOD OF SHIFTING A TRANSMISSION - A method of controlling a multiple step downshift is disclosed. Two offgoing shift elements are released and two oncoming shift elements are engaged to complete the downshift. During a first phase of the downshift, one of the offgoing shift elements controls the rate of increase of input shaft speed. During a second phase of the downshift, one of the oncoming shift elements controls the rate of increase of the input shaft speed. The method computes target torque capacities such that output torque and input shaft acceleration are continuous during the transition between phases. Furthermore, the method computes target torque capacities such that both oncoming clutches reach zero relative speed simultaneously as the input shaft reaches the final speed ratio. | 09-18-2014 |
20140316637 | Active Suspension With Load Detection And Adaptation - A method for estimating a location of a center of gravity (CG) of a sprung mass of a vehicle includes steps of a) determining whether the vehicle is stationary or moving; b) if the vehicle is stationary, calculating estimated x and y coordinates of the CG; c) storing the estimated coordinates in memory; and d) repeating steps a)-c) until the vehicle is no longer stationary. | 10-23-2014 |
20140330483 | ADAPTIVE ACTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM WITH ROAD PREVIEW - A method for controlling an active suspension is disclosed. The method includes steps of determining a dimension of a road abnormality ahead of the vehicle; comparing the dimension with a vehicle dimension; responsive to the comparison, classifying the abnormality as one type of a plurality of predetermined types; responsive to a dimension of the abnormality, further classifying the abnormality as having a severity of one type of a plurality of predetermined types; and controlling the suspension responsive to the abnormality type and severity type. | 11-06-2014 |
20150066316 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A TRANSMISSION - Systems and methods for operating and interfacing to a transmission of a vehicle are presented. In one example, a human machine interface allows a driver to assign gear ratios or simulated gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter. The assignment of gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter may allow a driver to experience the feeling of driving a manually shifted transmission without having to operate a clutch. | 03-05-2015 |
20150149017 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MODES - A vehicle operator is identified. Based at least in part on the operator's identity, one or more parameters are determined specifying a mode for autonomously operating the vehicle. The vehicle is autonomously operated at least in part according to the one or more parameters. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149023 | MODIFIED AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE SETTINGS - A vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving sensor configured to monitor at least one condition while operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle further includes a processing device configured to identify at least one occupant, select a profile associated with the occupant, and autonomously operate at least one subsystem according to the selected profile and the at least condition monitored by the at least one autonomous driving sensor. | 05-28-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120123665 | IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY FOR IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY - A visual feedback system for a vehicle including an engine, includes an operating control for varying the engine's speed. Connected to the engine, an engine acceleration reporter reports an amount of acceleration of the engine. A creation control being linked to both the engine acceleration reporter and the operating control enables the creation of images on a visual display according to a variation in the engine speed. Accordingly, the creation control creates a pendulum image within a sector of a circle, with the pendulum image swinging in response to the amount of acceleration being reported by the engine acceleration reporter. | 05-17-2012 |
20130110349 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD | 05-02-2013 |
20130190975 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190976 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 07-25-2013 |
20130197750 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20130197751 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING DRIVER INTERFACE TASKS BASED ON DRIVER WORKLOAD - A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload. | 08-01-2013 |
20140012456 | ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME DRIVER ADVISORY CONTROL FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE FUEL ECONOMY - A vehicle powertrain controller includes a fuzzy logic-based adaptive algorithm with a learning capability that estimates a driver's long term driving preferences. An adaptive algorithm arbitrates competing requirements for good fuel economy, avoidance of intrusiveness and vehicle drivability. A driver's acceptance or rejection of advisory information may be used to adapt subsequent advisory information to the driving style. Vehicle performance is maintained in accordance with a driver's driving style. | 01-09-2014 |
20140025259 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO DETECT AND MITIGATE CUSTOMER DISSATISFACTION WITH PERFORMANCE OF AUTOMATIC MODE SELECTION SYSTEM - A method for controlling a vehicle includes automatically activating a first mode of operation of a vehicle, determining if a driver does not prefer the automatically activated first mode of operation, and automatically transitioning to a second mode of operation based on the determination. | 01-23-2014 |
20140288775 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREDICTIVE VEHICLE SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE SELECTION FOR ENHANCED MANEUVERABILITY - A predictive enhanced maneuverability system providing enhanced timely delivery of vehicle performance selection of chassis, and steering modes for potential predicted safety collisions is disclosed. The primary inputs of the disclosed invention include a determination of the proximity to a preceding vehicle, the density of the surrounding traffic, a forward collision warning alert, and the predictive enhanced maneuverability decision sub-system for vehicle mode selection. The system of the disclosed invention provides a customized vehicle dynamics chassis and steering dynamic mode output, based on a predicted decision about vehicle potential for collision, for improved driver maneuverability and safety. In addition, the disclosed invention provides an improved system and method for incorporating the time dependent headway, forward collision warning alert, and the traffic density for chassis collision-mode embedded decision-making. The predictive enhanced maneuverability decision-module allows vehicle dynamics mode selection to be tailored based on proximity to a potential collision. | 09-25-2014 |
20140300494 | LOCATION BASED FEATURE USAGE PREDICTION FOR CONTEXTUAL HMI - A vehicle system having a controller configured to receive a sensor input. The controller may generate a feature score based at least in part on the sensor input and a location data within a database. The controller may associate the feature score to a selectable option. The controller may instruct a user interface device to display the selectable option in response to the feature score. | 10-09-2014 |
20140304635 | SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR CONTEXTUAL HMI DETECTORS - A vehicle controller having at least one contextual module configured to receive a sensor input and generate an output representing a driving context. The vehicle controller may have a processor configured to receive the output from the one or more contextual modules. The processor may generate a feature score based on the output and associate the feature score with a selectable option. The processor may select the selectable option with the highest feature score to promote to a user interface device. | 10-09-2014 |
20150094948 | ROADWAY-INDUCED RIDE QUALITY RECONNAISSANCE AND ROUTE PLANNING - Route planning for road vehicles is performed taking into account a ride quality that results from the roadway conditions along road segments on a route. A plurality of vehicles equipped with controlled suspensions calculate ride quality indices as the vehicles move over a plurality of road segments. The plurality of vehicles transmit the ride quality indices tagged with respective geographic coordinates to an aggregating server. The aggregating server determines a composite ride quality index for each road segment. A subscriber generates a route planning request identifying an origin and a destination. At least one potential route is identified between the origin and the destination comprised of selected road segments. A route ride quality index is determined in response to the selected road segments, and the potential route and the route ride quality index are presented to the subscriber for selection. | 04-02-2015 |
20150204253 | AUTOMATIC ENGINE START-STOP CONTROL - A vehicle system having at least one sensor configured to output a range signal and a range-rate signal. The range signal represents a distance from a host vehicle to the front vehicle and the range-rate signal represents range-rate information of the front vehicle relative to the host vehicle. A processing device is configured to output a control signal based on the range signal and the range-rate signal. The control signal commands an engine of the host vehicle to start. | 07-23-2015 |
20150224998 | Systems and Methods For Scheduling Driver Interface Tasks Based On Driver Workload - A driver interface system includes a processor programmed to receive driver interface tasks to be executed and to selectively delay or prevent at least some of the driver interface tasks from being executed based on a driver workload. The driver workload is derived from a variability of an activity level of a driver relative to a mean value of the activity level as represented by a recursively computed determinant of a covariance of the activity level. | 08-13-2015 |
20150266485 | DRIVER ANOMALY DETECTION - Vehicle trajectory data is obtained. A variance of the trajectory data is recursively determined. A speed-dependent weighting function is computed to obtain a speed-dependent weight. An anomaly index is determined based at least on part on application of the speed dependent weight to the recursively determined variance. | 09-24-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110102166 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF ADVISING A DRIVER THEREIN - A vehicle may include a driver interface and at least once controller operatively arranged with the interface. The at least one controller may be configured to categorize a driver's dynamic control of the vehicle by type, determine a target speed of a road curvature, and determine a speed of the vehicle. The at least one controller may be further configured to determine a threshold distance based on the type, determine a distance between the vehicle and the curvature, and generate an alert for the driver if the distance is less than the threshold and the speed is greater than the target. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106334 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ADVISING DRIVER OF SAME - A method for advising a driver of a vehicle may include monitoring driver torque requests, establishing categories of driver behavior based on a history of driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, categorizing current driver behavior into one of the established categories based on current driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, and initiating an alert for the driver if the categorization is of a particular type. | 05-05-2011 |
20110106381 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF TUNING PERFORMANCE OF SAME - A method for tuning a vehicle's performance may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, characterizing the driver's dynamic control of the vehicle based on the margin, and altering at least one tunable vehicle performance parameter based on the characterization. | 05-05-2011 |
20110172864 | Adaptive Real-Time Driver Advisory Control for a Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Achieve Fuel Economy Improvement - A vehicle powertrain controller includes a fuzzy logic-based adaptive algorithm with a learning capability that estimates a driver's long term driving preferences. An adaptive algorithm arbitrates competing requirements for good fuel economy, avoidance of intrusiveness and vehicle drivability. Vehicle performance is maintained in accordance with a driver's driving style. | 07-14-2011 |
20110187520 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ADVISING DRIVER OF SAME - A method for advising a driver of a vehicle may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, and initiating an alert for the driver before the vehicle achieves the limit handling condition if the margin exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 08-04-2011 |
20110187522 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF ADVISING A DRIVER THEREIN - A vehicle may include a driver interface and at least one controller operatively arranged with the interface. The at least one controller may be configured to determine a speed and acceleration of the vehicle, to predict a time until a future speed of the vehicle exceeds a predefined speed based on the predefined speed and the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and to issue an alert via the interface if the time is less than a predefined time. | 08-04-2011 |
20110193693 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ADVISING DRIVER OF SAME - A method for advising a driver of a vehicle including a haptic driver interface may include determining a speed of the vehicle, determining a distance between the vehicle and another vehicle, and activating the haptic driver interface based on the speed and distance. | 08-11-2011 |
20110270468 | Methods and Apparatus for Dynamic Powertrain Management - A computer-implemented method includes determining that a vehicle powertrain feature is engaged. The method further includes relaying, to a remote computing source, a request for a computation to be performed relating to the engaged powertrain feature. The method additionally includes receiving a result of the computation at a vehicle computing system and transferring the result of the computation to a powertrain for use in controlling the powertrain feature. | 11-03-2011 |
20120203399 | VEHICLE WITH IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - A vehicle may include an identification system configured to acquire information from a token in a vicinity of the vehicle and to classify a driver of the vehicle based on the information. The vehicle may also include at least one controller in communication with the identification system and configured to characterize a driver's control of the vehicle and to record a history of the characterization if the driver classification is of a particular type. | 08-09-2012 |
20120245775 | ADAPTIVE REAL-TIME DRIVER ADVISORY CONTROL FOR A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE TO ACHIEVE FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT - A vehicle powertrain controller includes a fuzzy logic-based adaptive algorithm with a learning capability that estimates a driver's long term driving preferences. An adaptive algorithm arbitrates competing requirements for good fuel economy, avoidance of intrusiveness and vehicle drivability. A driver's acceptance or rejection of advisory information may be used to adapt subsequent advisory information to the driving style. Vehicle performance is maintained in accordance with a driver's driving style. | 09-27-2012 |
20120316699 | VEHICLE DRIVER ADVISORY SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automotive vehicle may include at least one controller configured to monitor a plurality of parameters representing a driver's dynamic control of the vehicle and to establish a reference range based on values of the monitored parameters during a first time period. The at least one controller may be further configured to detect a change in driver behavior condition when, during a second time period, a parameter derived from the monitored parameters falls outside of the reference range, and in response to detecting the change in driver behavior condition, to alter a response of the vehicle to driver inputs or to generate output representing a recommendation to alter a response of the vehicle to driver inputs. | 12-13-2012 |
20130018545 | TRAFFIC DENSITY ESTIMATIONAANM Prakah-Asante; Kwaku O.AACI Commerce Twp.AAST MIAACO USAAGP Prakah-Asante; Kwaku O. Commerce Twp. MI USAANM Tseng; FlingAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP Tseng; Fling Ann Arbor MI USAANM Filev; Dimitar PetrovAACI NoviAAST MIAACO USAAGP Filev; Dimitar Petrov Novi MI USAANM Lu; JianboAACI LivoniaAAST MIAACO USAAGP Lu; Jianbo Livonia MI USAANM McGee; Ryan AbrahamAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP McGee; Ryan Abraham Ann Arbor MI USAANM Greenberg; Jeffrey AllenAACI Ann ArborAAST MIAACO USAAGP Greenberg; Jeffrey Allen Ann Arbor MI USAANM Strumolo; Gary StevenAACI Beverly HillsAAST MIAACO USAAGP Strumolo; Gary Steven Beverly Hills MI US - Traffic density may be estimated by increasing a value of a parameter if an object enters a predefined zone on a side of the vehicle and decreasing the value of the parameter after an object exits the predefined zone such that the value of the parameter increases as traffic in a vicinity of the vehicle increases and decreases as traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle decreases. | 01-17-2013 |
20130143181 | IN-VEHICLE TRAINING SYSTEM FOR TEACHING FUEL ECONOMY - The present disclosure discloses a method for teaching fuel economy in a vehicle. The method includes activating an in-vehicle training mode and sending an instruction set for an initial vehicle maneuver. By calculating the fuel economy during the initial vehicle maneuver, an optimized speed/acceleration profile is computed. Subsequent vehicle maneuvers are initiated, and the speed/acceleration profiles computed during subsequent vehicle maneuvers are compared to the optimized speed/acceleration profile. Corrective feedback is generated during subsequent vehicular maneuvers upon deviations from the optimized speed/acceleration profile. | 06-06-2013 |
20130218379 | Methods and Apparatus for Predicting a Driver Destination - A computer implemented trip-planning method includes accessing one or more destination elements of a matrix of driver information, the accessing based at least in part on a trip start time and day of week. Each accessed element has a probability associated therewith, indicating the likelihood of the element being the destination at which a vehicle trip will end, based at least the start time and day of week. The method also includes selecting, from the one or more elements, a destination having the highest probability of being the destination at which the vehicle trip will end. Further, the method includes utilizing the selected destination as an end destination for the purposes of trip planning. | 08-22-2013 |
20140081563 | ENGINE-ON TIME PREDICTOR FOR AFTERTREATMENT SCHEDULING FOR A VEHICLE - A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a compression ignition engine includes operating the engine based on an engine-on request and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. An HEV is provided with a compression ignition engine with an aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle is provided with instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure. | 03-20-2014 |
20140172292 | Methods and Apparatus for Context Based Trip Planning - A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle location and context information. The processor is also configured to execute a prediction algorithm to predict one or more next-destinations based on the location and context information compared to observed driver behavior stored in a database and deliver the one or more next-destinations to a vehicle computing system. The processor is further configured to receive next-destination input and utilizing the next-destination input as a new vehicle location and estimating new context information, repeat execution of the prediction algorithm, delivery of the predicted next-destinations, and receipt of the next-destination input, until input indicating completed journey assembly is received. | 06-19-2014 |
20140236385 | VEHICLE AND METHOD OF TUNING PERFORMANCE OF SAME - A method for tuning a vehicle's performance may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, characterizing the driver's dynamic control of the vehicle based on the margin, and altering at least one tunable vehicle performance parameter based on the characterization. | 08-21-2014 |
20140266795 | Method and Apparatus for Crowd-Sourced Traffic Reporting - A system includes a processor configured to project monitoring needs for a road segment. The processor is further configured to contact one or more vehicles traveling on the road segment during a time of monitoring need. The processor is additionally configured to instruct a first number, determined based on a projected monitoring need, of contacted vehicles to being monitoring and reporting traffic data for the road segment | 09-18-2014 |
20140277823 | Method and Apparatus for Determining Traffic Conditions - A system includes a vehicle processor configured to detect one or more brake presses. The processor is also configured to detect one or more accelerator presses. Further, the processor is configured to add values related to the brake presses and accelerator presses to aggregate an index value based on detected brake and acceleration presses. The processor is additionally configured to enact a safety and convenience related measure based on the index value passing at least a first predetermined threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303839 | USAGE PREDICTION FOR CONTEXTUAL INTERFACE - A vehicle interface system may include an interface configured to present icons representing selectable vehicle features; and a controller programmed to generate a score for each of the features based on a contextual variable including one or all of a vehicle location, vehicle speed, past feature usage information, and a predicted end location for the vehicle, and display certain of the icons and hide other of the icons based on the generated scores. | 10-09-2014 |
20150097512 | VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGE SETPOINT CONTROL - An adjustable vehicle traction battery charge setpoint strategy is disclosed which enables the adjustment of the maximum battery State of Charge (SOC) setpoint used for battery charging from an electric utility grid. Based on knowledge of the upcoming route and related driving behavior, the vehicle calculates a setpoint less than the maximum battery SOC charging setpoint so that when the vehicle begins operation, it can utilize regenerative braking and historical driving behavior to allow the battery charge to be maximized during the trip. | 04-09-2015 |
20150154859 | Method and Apparatus for Determining Traffic Conditions - A system includes a vehicle processor configured to detect one or more brake presses. The processor is also configured to detect one or more accelerator presses. Further, the processor is configured to add values related to the brake presses and accelerator presses to aggregate an index value based on detected brake and acceleration presses. The processor is additionally configured to enact a safety and convenience related measure based on the index value passing at least a first predetermined threshold. | 06-04-2015 |
20150154867 | Method and Apparatus for Crowd-Sourced Traffic Reporting - A system includes a processor configured to project monitoring needs for a road segment. The processor is further configured to contact one or more vehicles traveling on the road segment during a time of monitoring need. The processor is additionally configured to instruct a first number, determined based on a projected monitoring need, of contacted vehicles to being monitoring and reporting traffic data for the road segment. | 06-04-2015 |
20150219522 | CORRELATION BASED FUEL TANK LEAK DETECTION - A method for an engine, comprising: sealing a fuel tank; and indicating fuel system degradation based on a comparison of a first correlation coefficient, determined based on a change in fuel tank pressure and a change in fuel tank temperature, to a second correlation coefficient determined based on a change in ambient pressure and a change in ambient temperature. In this way, leak tests, such as engine-off natural vacuum tests, may be performed without knowledge of the properties of the fuel stored in the fuel tank. | 08-06-2015 |
20150239455 | PREDICTING ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE USING VARIATIONS IN PAST ENERGY CONSUMPTION - An example method of controlling an electric vehicle includes altering operation of an electric vehicle in response to a predicted energy consumption rate. The method includes adjusting the predicted energy consumption in response to variations in past energy consumption rates. | 08-27-2015 |
20150243109 | METHOD FOR TRIGGERING A VEHICLE SYSTEM MONITOR - Methods and systems are provided for improving the frequency of attempting and successfully completing one or more on-board diagnostic routines. Engine operating conditions are predicted based on a vehicle operator's driving pattern and routines are initiated if the predicted conditions match the conditions required for performing the routine. If the conditions do not match, entry and/or execution conditions of the routine are adjusted to better match the predicted conditions, so as to enable the routine to be attempted. | 08-27-2015 |
20150246673 | VEHICLE OPERATOR MONITORING AND OPERATIONS ADJUSTMENTS - A vehicle computer is configured to perform one or more operations of the vehicle without occupant input. Data is stored relating to a baseline occupant state. Data is collected relating to a current occupant state. A comparison is performed of the baseline occupant state to the current occupant state. A parameter is modified governing performance of the one or more operations according to the comparison. | 09-03-2015 |
20150268053 | TRIP PARTITIONING BASED ON DRIVING PATTERN ENERGY CONSUMPTION - A vehicle includes an electric machine configured to propel the vehicle using battery power. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to operate the electric machine along a predetermined route based on a superposition of a plurality of partitionings of the route. Each of the partitionings is based on a different force characteristic associated with the route and defines at least one segment transition, where each segment transitions defines an end of a previous segment and a beginning of a subsequent segment. The predetermined route segments are such that no two adjacent segments of the superposition are defined by a same force characteristic. | 09-24-2015 |
20150276420 | CROWD SOURCED ENERGY ESTIMATION - A method of advising a driver of a vehicle may include at a computing system, receiving from the vehicle a predicted energy usage request for a selected route. In response to the request, the method may further include transmitting for each of a plurality of segments defining the selected route, an energy usage estimate based on data indicative of propulsive energy previously used by vehicles to travel the segments and to travel other segments having common characteristics with the segments. | 10-01-2015 |
20150279194 | VEHICLE LIGHT ANOMALY STATE WARNING - A vehicle system includes a communication interface in communication with a processing device. The communication interface is configured to receive ambient light information from a remote server over a communication network. The processing device is configured to selectively enable a vehicle lighting system in accordance with the ambient light information. | 10-01-2015 |
20150281906 | CROWD ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY MAP FOR DATA TRANSFER INTERMITTENCY MITIGATION - A vehicle includes a communication interface, a memory device, and a processing device. The communication interface is configured to communicate over a communication network. The memory device is configured to store a connectivity map associated with a geographic area. The connectivity map defines a communication quality at a plurality of locations in the geographic area. The processing device is configured to initiate a remote data transfer over the communication network in accordance with the connectivity map. | 10-01-2015 |
20150285642 | REDUCED NETWORK FLOW AND COMPUTATIONAL LOAD USING A SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABLE SCHEDULER - A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to identify a current location of the vehicle, a destination location, and a distance between the current location and the destination location. The processing device is configured to identify a task, associate the task to the destination location, and schedule the task according to the distance from the destination location. | 10-08-2015 |
20150300828 | COOPERATIVE LEARNING METHOD FOR ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION - A method for generating street map data includes collecting acceleration, turning, and geolocation data. The data is collected from acceleration sensors, turning sensors, and geolocation systems in at a least one vehicle across a plurality of vehicle drive cycles. The method additionally includes aggregating the acceleration, turning, and geolocation data. The method further includes predicting the presence of a traffic control device in response to an identified repetitive pattern in the aggregated data. The method further includes updating street map data to include the predicted traffic control device. | 10-22-2015 |
20150310287 | GAZE DETECTION AND WORKLOAD ESTIMATION FOR CUSTOMIZED CONTENT DISPLAY - A vehicle controller identifies a vehicle display within a driver field of view, identifies elements of viewable content including primary elements of viewable content deemed high priority for a current driving situation and secondary elements of viewable content that are driver-specified and deemed safe to display in accordance with a driver workload estimation, receives viewable content, and displays the identified elements of the viewable content on the vehicle display. | 10-29-2015 |
20150329003 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE OPERATION TO MANAGE BATTERY CAPACITY - Battery state of charge control systems and methods provide techniques to assist in managing battery capacity and battery life under various environmental, operating, and storage conditions. Dynamic management of desired battery SOC based on one or more parameters associated with usage patterns and environmental conditions, e.g., charge/discharge patterns, state of charge and/or temperature during storage may extend useful battery life. The present techniques can provide active state of charge monitoring and control to manage battery capacity during storage or other periods of non-use over the battery life to enhance battery performance. | 11-19-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090150037 | ADAPTIVE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM - A method of controlling a traction control system ( | 06-11-2009 |
20090254244 | System and Method for Detecting a Pitch Rate Sensor Fault - A system and method for detecting a fault in a pitch rate sensor onboard a vehicle. Signals, including a steering wheel angle, a yaw rate, a roll rate, a longitudinal acceleration, a lateral acceleration, and a vehicle speed, are processed in a controller to validate a pitch rate signal. Upon detection of a fault in the pitch rate signal, the system and method will determine a process in which to minimize negative effects of the pitch sensor fault. The system and method will then direct the controller to select a process, such as a direct shutdown, a slow shutdown or replace a signal, in a relevant control system, based on the determination. | 10-08-2009 |
20100012087 | SPARK TIMING ADJUSTMENT BASED ON VEHICLE ACCELERATION - Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. | 01-21-2010 |
20100268422 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DECOUPLING STEERING RACK FORCE DISTURBANCES IN ELECTRIC STEERING - A system for decoupling steering rack force disturbances in electric steering may comprise a steering wheel angle sensor, a yaw rate sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a steering torque sensor. The system may also comprise a tire force generator configured to receive signals from the steering wheel angle sensor, the yaw rate sensor, and the lateral acceleration sensor and send a reference rack force to a controller. The system may further comprise a rack force observer configured to receive signals from the steering torque sensor and send an estimated rack force to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive signals from the tire force generator and the rack force observer, compare the estimated rack force with the reference rack force to determine a rack force disturbance, and adjust an auxiliary torque based on the rack force disturbance. | 10-21-2010 |
20110184612 | Ratio Shift Control System and Method for a Multiple-Ratio Automatic Transmission - A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. | 07-28-2011 |
20110184613 | MULTIPLE-RATIO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RATIO UPSHIFTS - A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated. | 07-28-2011 |
20120078488 | SPARK TIMING ADJUSTMENT BASED ON VEHICLE ACCELERATION - Systems, methods and a processor are provided for adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine. The systems, methods and processor include adjusting the spark timing of an internal combustion engine configured to power a vehicle toward peak torque timing based on an output of a longitudinal acceleration sensor configured to sense a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle. | 03-29-2012 |
20120130608 | Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilizing Input Torque Signal - A synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, an on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130610 | Non-Synchronous Automatic Transmission Up-Shift Control Utilzing Input Torque Signal - A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase. | 05-24-2012 |
20120316738 | Clutch Torque Trajectory Correction to Provide Torque Hole Filling During a Ratio Upshift - A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced. | 12-13-2012 |
20130085034 | Ratio Shift Control System And Method For A Multiple-Ratio Automatic Transmission - A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a powertrain source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a powertrain source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. | 04-04-2013 |
20130090818 | Multiple-Ratio Automatic Transmission Control Method And System For Ratio Upshifts - A speed ratio shaft control for multiple ratio vehicle transmission has controlled release of an off-going transmission clutch and controlled engagement of an on-coming transmission clutch during a speed ratio upshift, at least one clutch being a friction torque establishing clutch. A controller, using shift-timing software strategy, actively manages in real time a clutch torque level for each clutch so that transient torque disturbances in a transmission torque output shaft are mitigated. | 04-11-2013 |
20130153353 | CLUTCH TORQUE TRAJECTORY CORRECTION TO PROVIDE TORQUE HOLE FILLING DURING A RATIO UPSHIFT - A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift. | 06-20-2013 |
20140121059 | Clutch Torque Trajectory Correction To Provide Torque Hole Filling During A Ratio Upshift - A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift. | 05-01-2014 |
20140287872 | Clutch Torque Trajectory Correction to Provide Torque Hole Filling during a Ratio Upshift - A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced. | 09-25-2014 |
20150142246 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH RECONFIGURABLE INTERIOR - A vehicle includes a steering wheel located in a passenger compartment. The steering wheel is configured to be moved from an operational position to a stowed position. In the event of a collision, a first airbag is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the operational position and a second airbag is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the stowed position. | 05-21-2015 |
20150149018 | WEARABLE COMPUTER IN AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE - A wearable computing device in a vehicle is identified by a vehicle in a computer. Collected data is received relating to autonomous operation of the vehicle. A message is sent to the wearable computing device based at least in part on the collected data. | 05-28-2015 |
20150149088 | IN-VEHICLE PATH VERIFICATION - A vehicle is operated at least partially autonomously. A predicted path of the vehicle is monitored to identify an object with which the vehicle is likely to collide. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes the predicted path, a proposed path for the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object, and the vehicle. A selection is made to follow one of the predicted path and the proposed path. The GUI is updated to include the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path, along with a location of the vehicle on the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path. | 05-28-2015 |
20150175070 | AFFECTIVE USER INTERFACE IN AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE - Data may be collected relating to autonomous operation of a vehicle. A first confidence assessment concerning whether the vehicle should operate autonomously may then be generated, and it may be determined whether the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. An alert may be provided via a user interface in the vehicle relating to ending autonomous operation of the vehicle if the first confidence assessment meets or exceeds the predetermined threshold. | 06-25-2015 |
20150178998 | FAULT HANDLING IN AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE - Data is collected during operation of a vehicle. A determination is made that a confidence assessment of at least one of the data indicates at least one fault condition. A first autonomous operation affected by the fault condition is discontinued, where a second autonomous operation that is unaffected by the fault condition is continued. | 06-25-2015 |
20150251666 | MESSAGING VIA VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL - One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action. | 09-10-2015 |
20150274169 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENERGY OPTIMIZATION IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE OPERATION - Vehicle operating systems are autonomously operated. A transient in an upcoming path of the vehicle is determined from a comparison of vehicle path data and vehicle status data to a threshold of mechanism first operating system. Operational parameters for one of first and second operating systems are selected according to the comparison. The selected operational parameters are applied to the operation of the one of the first and second operating systems. | 10-01-2015 |
20150276050 | VEHICLE ADAPTED TO CONTROL CLUTCH TORQUE BASED ON RELATIVE SPEED DATA - The rate of change of transmission output torque is computed based on the differential speeds of the axles and of the transmission output shaft adjusting for final drive ratio. The speed of the axle is measured by an anti-lock braking system and communicated to the transmission controller over a communications bus. To compensate for the delay introduced by the communications bus, a shift register delays the signal from the transmission output shaft speed sensor. The resulting estimate of rate of change of transmission output torque may be used directly to control the torque capacity of one or more transmission clutches. Additionally, the resulting estimate may be combined with an independent output torque estimate to yield a more accurate output torque estimate. | 10-01-2015 |