Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of generating a target operational speed band (53; 63; 67) for a host vehicle (1) travelling along a route. A first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified at a first location on the route. The first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified as hindering progress of the host vehicle (1) during a first time period (I1). The first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is defined in a two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). A first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) is determined from a first point to a second point within the two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). The second point represents the first location on the route and the determined first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) represents the host vehicle (1) arriving at the first location at a first arrival time.

Abstract: A controller is provided for a vehicle having front and rear axles, each axle having two wheels, and first and second propulsion units. The controller controls the first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque with reference to a total requested torque. The controller is configured to: receive a torque request signal; receive traction signals indicating available traction at at least one wheel; determine a traction torque range defined by a maximum and minimum torque for at least one of the at least first or second propulsion units in dependence on one or more of the traction signals; determine a proposed distribution of torque between each of the at least first and second propulsion units with reference to the total requested torque; and determine a proposed torque to be generated by each of the at least first and second propulsion units in dependence on the proposed distribution of torque.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of generating a target operational speed band (53; 63; 67) for a host vehicle (1) travelling along a route. A first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified at a first location on the route. The first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified as hindering progress of the host vehicle (1) during a first time period (11). The first time-lin dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is defined in a two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). A first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) is determined from a first point to a second point within the two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). The second point represents the first location on the route and the determined first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) represents the host vehicle (1) arriving at the first location at a first arrival time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling operation of at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle. The controller includes a processor configured to predict an operating temperature of each of said at least first and second traction machines for at least a portion of a current route. The processor determines at least first and second torque requests for said at least first and second traction machines. The at least first and second torque requests are determined in dependence on the predicted operating temperatures of the at least first and second traction machines. The processor generates at least first and second traction motor control signals in dependence on the determined at least first and second torque requests. The present disclosure also relates to method of controlling at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of controlling a powertrain of a vehicle, the powertrain comprising drive torque means, a transmission and a driveline, the drive torque means comprising an internal combustion engine, the method comprising: detecting that coasting entry criteria have been met; causing the powertrain to assume a first coasting mode for a first time period in which the drive torque means delivers positive drive torque to the driveline to substantially balance powertrain losses; determining a value for at least one parameter, the or each parameter being indicative of: a probability that a demand will be made for torque to be delivered to the driveline in addition to torque delivered to substantially balance powertrain losses; or a probability that a demand will be made for braking of the vehicle; and setting the value of the first time period in dependence on the value of the or each parameter.

Abstract: Controlling a prime mover of a first vehicle following a first path is based, at least in part, on a likely speed behaviour of a second vehicle ahead of the first vehicle, which is estimated based on a predicted path of the second vehicle. At least one coasting profile for the first vehicle is estimated for at least part of the first path and/or the predicted path. At least one of the coasting profiles is determined that meets at least one predetermined coasting requirement. The prime mover may be controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode based on the determined coasting profile. Alternatively, feedback is provided to a user to put the vehicle into a coasting mode.

Abstract: A controller is provided for a vehicle having front and rear axles, each axle having two wheels, and first and second propulsion units. The controller controls the first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque with reference to a total requested torque. The controller is configured to: receive a torque request signal; receive traction signals indicating available traction at at least one wheel; determine a traction torque range defined by a maximum and minimum torque for at least one of the at least first or second propulsion units in dependence on one or more of the traction signals; determine a proposed distribution of torque between each of the at least first and second propulsion units with reference to the total requested torque; and determine a proposed torque to be generated by each of the at least first and second propulsion units based on the proposed distribution of torque.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for maintaining a speed of a vehicle within a target speed range. A plurality of coasting profiles are generated for the vehicle, each having an initial speed and a starting point on a predicted vehicle path. Each coasting profile represents a predicted vehicle speed over a time and/or distance from the starting point and is generated based on a geometry of at least a portion of the predicted vehicle path. At least one of the coasting profiles that maintains the speed of the vehicle within the target speed range is identified. A prime mover of the vehicle is controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile. Alternatively, feedback is provided to a user to place the vehicle into a coasting mode, such that the vehicle will coast in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling operation of at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle. The controller includes a processor configured to predict an operating temperature of each of said at least first and second traction machines for at least a portion of a current route. The processor determines at least first and second torque requests for said at least first and second traction machines. The at least first and second torque requests are determined in dependence on the predicted operating temperatures of the at least first and second traction machines. The processor generates at least first and second traction motor control signals in dependence on the determined at least first and second torque requests. The present disclosure also relates to method of controlling at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling operation of at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle. The controller includes a processor configured to predict an operating temperature of each of said at least first and second traction machines for at least a portion of a current route. The processor determines at least first and second torque requests for said at least first and second traction machines. The at least first and second torque requests are determined in dependence on the predicted operating temperatures of the at least first and second traction machines. The processor generates at least first and second traction motor control signals in dependence on the determined at least first and second torque requests. The present disclosure also relates to method of controlling at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller for controlling at least first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque at least substantially equal to a total requested torque. At least first and second torque ranges are determined for each of the at least first and second propulsion units. The at least first and second torque ranges are determined to maintain dynamic stability of the vehicle. A total power cost is determined in dependence on an estimated power loss of the at least first and second propulsion units within said at least first and second torque ranges and a minimum value of the determined total power cost identified. The torque to be generated by each of said at least first and second propulsion units corresponding to the identified minimum value of the total power cost is determined. At least first and second control signals are generated to control said at least first and second propulsion units to generate the determined torque.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of generating a target operational speed band (53; 63; 67) for a host vehicle (1) travelling along a route. A first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified at a first location on the route. The first time-dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is identified as hindering progress of the host vehicle (1) during a first time period (11). The first time-lin dependent obstacle (15-n, 18-n) is defined in a two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). A first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) is determined from a first point to a second point within the two-dimensional speed against distance map (50, 60). The second point represents the first location on the route and the determined first speed trajectory (51, 52; 61; 65, 66) represents the host vehicle (1) arriving at the first location at a first arrival time.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of controlling a powertrain of a vehicle, the powertrain comprising drive torque means, a transmission and a driveline, the drive torque means comprising an internal combustion engine, the method comprising: detecting that coasting entry criteria have been met; causing the powertrain to assume a first coasting mode for a first time period in which the drive torque means delivers positive drive torque to the driveline to substantially balance powertrain losses; determining a value for at least one parameter, the or each parameter being indicative of: a probability that a demand will be made for torque to be delivered to the driveline in addition to torque delivered to substantially balance powertrain losses; or a probability that a demand will be made for braking of the vehicle; and setting the value of the first time period in dependence on the value of the or each parameter.

Abstract: A controller is provided for a vehicle having front and rear axles, each axle having two wheels, and first and second propulsion units. The controller controls the first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque with reference to a total requested torque. The controller is configured to: receive a torque request signal; receive traction signals indicating available traction at at least one wheel; determine a traction torque range defined by a maximum and minimum torque for at least one of the at least first or second propulsion units in dependence on one or more of the traction signals; determine a proposed distribution of torque between each of the at least first and second propulsion units with reference to the total requested torque; and determine a proposed torque to be generated by each of the at least first and second propulsion units in dependence on the proposed distribution of torque.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller for controlling operation of at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle. The controller includes a processor configured to predict an operating temperature of each of said at least first and second traction machines for at least a portion of a current route. The processor determines at least first and second torque requests for said at least first and second traction machines. The at least first and second torque requests are determined in dependence on the predicted operating temperatures of the at least first and second traction machines. The processor generates at least first and second traction motor control signals in dependence on the determined at least first and second torque requests. The present disclosure also relates to method of controlling at least first and second traction machines in a vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a prime mover of a first vehicle following a first path. A likely speed behaviour of a second vehicle ahead of the first vehicle is estimated based on a predicted path of the second vehicle. At least one coasting profile for the first vehicle is estimated for at least part of the first path and/or the predicted path. At least one of the coasting profiles is determined that meets at least one predetermined coasting requirement. The prime mover may be controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode based on the at least one determined coasting profile. Alternatively, feedback is provided to a user to put the vehicle into a coasting mode. The predetermined coasting requirement may include, for example, a minimum coasting mode period, a minimum coasting mode distance, a minimum coasting mode speed, a maximum coasting mode speed, or maintaining the first vehicle's speed with a predetermined tolerance of one or more desired speeds.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for maintaining a speed of a vehicle within a target speed range. A plurality of coasting profiles are generated for the vehicle, each having an initial speed and a starting point on a predicted vehicle path. Each coasting profile represents a predicted vehicle speed over a time and/or distance from the starting point and is generated based on a geometry of at least a portion of the predicted vehicle path. At least one of the coasting profiles that maintains the speed of the vehicle within the target speed range is identified. A prime mover of the vehicle is controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile. Alternatively, feedback is provided to a user to place the vehicle into a coasting mode, such that the vehicle will coast in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for assisting in the control of a prime mover of a vehicle. A target speed that must be reached by the vehicle at a target position on a current path of the vehicle is determined. At least one coasting profile is estimated for at least part of the vehicle path before the target position. The coasting profile(s) are estimated at least partly based on a geometry (such as elevation) of the vehicle path. Coasting profile(s) that meet at least one predetermined coasting requirement is determined. A coasting signal is output based on the determined coasting profile. Based on the coasting signal, the prime mover may be controlled to place the vehicle into a coasting mode based on the at least one determined coasting profile. Alternatively, based on the coasting signal, feedback is provided to a vehicle user to place the vehicle into a coasting mode, such that the vehicle if placed in the coasting mode by the user will coast in accordance with the at least one identified coasting profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controller for controlling at least first and second propulsion units to generate a combined torque at least substantially equal to a total requested torque. At least first and second torque ranges are determined for each of the at least first and second propulsion units. The at least first and second torque ranges are determined to maintain dynamic stability of the vehicle. A total power cost is determined in dependence on an estimated power loss of the at least first and second propulsion units within said at least first and second torque ranges and a minimum value of the determined total power cost identified. The torque to be generated by each of said at least first and second propulsion units corresponding to the identified minimum value of the total power cost is determined. At least first and second control signals are generated to control said at least first and second propulsion units to generate the determined torque.