Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an onboard computer (OBC) and associated circuitry capable of spoofing or mimicking a fault condition tricks an electronic control module (ECM) of an automobile or other such vehicle into implementing an engine derate procedure resulting in vehicle immobilization that is safe and that is credibly attributable to a genuine vehicle fault condition. For example, in response to an engine shutdown command, the OBC might cause a fault-spoofing engine shutdown device in one embodiment to spoof an engine overheating condition by inserting an electrical resistance in parallel with the resistance of an engine temperature sensor, thus lowering the electrical resistance of the temperature sensor as detected by the ECM.

Abstract: A method of predicting vehicle rollover is provided to assist in preventing vehicle rollover. The method contains the steps of: determining a center of gravity of a vehicle; determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle; determining a maximum lateral acceleration of the vehicle; and determining if the actual lateral acceleration is more than a predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration. When the actual lateral acceleration is more than the predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration, a warning is issued to the driver such that preventative measures can be taken to avoid a rollover.

Abstract: Model zone data and model subzone data is employed to simplify calculations for determining where and/or when a boundary crossing event has occurred. A system for detecting a boundary crossing event employs a memory and a processor. The processor in one embodiment is configured by the memory to perform the steps of sensing current position; comparing the sensed current position to model zone data to determine presence within a geometric figure constructed around a boundary crossing point; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a first portion of the geometric figure; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a second portion of the geometric figure; and detecting a boundary crossing event as a result of movement from the first portion of the geometric figure to the second portion of the geometric figure.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an onboard computer (OBC) and associated circuitry capable of spoofing or mimicking a fault condition tricks an electronic control module (ECM) of an automobile or other such vehicle into implementing an engine derate procedure resulting in vehicle immobilization that is safe and that is credibly attributable to a genuine vehicle fault condition. For example, in response to an engine shutdown command, the OBC might cause a fault-spoofing engine shutdown device in one embodiment to spoof an engine overheating condition by inserting an electrical resistance in parallel with the resistance of an engine temperature sensor, thus lowering the electrical resistance of the temperature sensor as detected by the ECM.

Abstract: Model zone data and model subzone data is employed to simplify calculations for determining where and/or when a boundary crossing event has occurred. A system for detecting a boundary crossing event employs a memory and a processor. The processor in one embodiment is configured by the memory to perform the steps of sensing current position; comparing the sensed current position to model zone data to determine presence within a geometric figure constructed around a boundary crossing point; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a first portion of the geometric figure; comparing the sensed current position to model subzone data to determine presence within a second portion of the geometric figure; and detecting a boundary crossing event as a result of movement from the first portion of the geometric figure to the second portion of the geometric figure.

Abstract: A method of predicting vehicle rollover is provided to assist in preventing vehicle rollover. The method contains the steps of: determining a center of gravity of a vehicle; determining an actual lateral acceleration of the vehicle; determining a maximum lateral acceleration of the vehicle; and determining if the actual lateral acceleration is more than a predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration. When the actual lateral acceleration is more than the predefined percentage of the maximum lateral acceleration, a warning is issued to the driver such that preventative measures can be taken to avoid a rollover.