Abstract: Denoising of magnetic resonance (MR) images can be achieved using a deep neural network and an image acquisition process that uses multi-NEX (Number of Excitations) or multi-NSA (Number of Signal Averages or Acquisitions) to produce two or more complex-valued images of a region of interest. The set of images resulting from the image acquisition process can be input to a deep neural network that has been trained to produce a denoised MR image from a set of multi-NEX or multi-NSA images. The deep neural network can be implemented using a two-dimensional or three-dimensional convolutional neural network to match the dimensionality of the input images. Training of the denoising neural network can use real MR images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fast and robust quantification of magnetization transfer (MT) use off-resonance spin-lock MRI with as few as two or three image acquisitions. Each image acquisition can be performed using an off-resonance spin-lock pulse having a different RF amplitude and frequency offset. A parameter representing the difference of the relaxation rate in the rotating frame between the acquisitions can be computed. This parameter can be used to compute other parameters of magnetization transfer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articular cartilage thickness mapping and lesion quantification operate on 3D medical image data to reconstruct cartilage surfaces, estimate surface normals, determine cartilage thickness, and identify regions of full-thickness cartilage loss (FCL). Reconstructed cartilage surfaces can be parcellated into subregions using a rule-based approach.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain, an inertial measurement unit configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle, and a controller. The controller is programmed to control the torque at the powertrain based on a mapped relationship between the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity, wherein the mapped relationship utilizes at least one mapping parameter. The controller is further programmed to estimate a mass of the vehicle based on the mapping parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, a powerplant, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The powerplant is configured to generate and deliver torque to the input shaft. The inertial measurement unit is configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to a demanded torque at the output shaft and a non-transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on a torque at the input shaft and a gear ratio of the step-ratio transmission. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the demanded torque at the output shaft and a transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fast and robust quantification of magnetization transfer (MT) using off-resonance spin-lock MRI. The techniques can be insensitive to variations of the inherent relaxation rates R1 (1/T1) and R2 (1/T2) of the free-water pool and to variations of the chemical exchange pool. The techniques can also be robust in the presence of inhomogeneity in the B1 RF and/or B0 magnetic fields.

Abstract: A vehicle electric torque vectoring system includes a traction motor, a vectoring motor, gears, and a controller. The gears transfer torque from the propulsion and vectoring motors to wheels. The controller, responsive to a step change in an unmodified torque request for the vectoring motor and a predicted torque response of the vectoring motor being greater than the unmodified torque request, commands the vectoring motor to generate torque with a modified torque request less than the unmodified torque request. The controller further, responsive to the predicted torque response becoming less than the unmodified torque request, commands the vectoring motor to generate torque with the unmodified torque request.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a lower gear range to a higher gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a lower gear range to a higher gear range in a way that may reduce torque disturbances that may result from gear lash.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, a powerplant, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The powerplant is configured to generate and deliver torque to the input shaft. The inertial measurement unit is configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to a demanded torque at the output shaft and a non-transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on a torque at the input shaft and a gear ratio of the step-ratio transmission. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the demanded torque at the output shaft and a transient condition of the vehicle, control the torque at the output shaft based on the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, an engine, a disconnect clutch, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The engine is configured to generate and deliver torque to the input shaft. The disconnect clutch is configured to connect and disconnect the engine from the input shaft. The disconnect clutch is also configured to crank the engine during an engine start. The inertial measurement unit is configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to a command to adjust a torque of the disconnect clutch to a desired value that is derived from the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity, drive the clutch actuator pressure to a value that corresponds to the desired value.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission, an engine, a disconnect clutch, an inertial measurement unit, and a controller. The transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The engine is configured to generate and deliver torque to the input shaft. The disconnect clutch is configured to connect and disconnect the engine from the input shaft. The disconnect clutch is also configured to crank the engine during an engine start. The inertial measurement unit is configured to measure inertial forces exerted onto the vehicle. The controller is programmed to, in response to a command to adjust a torque of the disconnect clutch to a desired value that is derived from the inertial forces and a vehicle velocity, drive the clutch actuator pressure to a value that corresponds to the desired value.

Abstract: MRI techniques provide robust imaging in the presence of inhomogeneity in the B1 (RF) and/or B0 magnetic fields. The techniques include using a magnetization prep sequence that includes an adiabatic half passage (AHP) followed by a spin-lock pulse, followed by a reverse AHP, after which a data acquisition sequence can be applied. The AHP and reverse AHP can have amplitude and frequency modulated to sweep through a region of frequency space. The RF amplitude of the AHP and reverse AHP can be designed to be equal to the spin-lock amplitude. Quantification of a magnetization relaxation parameter (e.g., T1rho) can use a modified relaxation model that accounts for relaxation effects during the reverse AHP. A dual-acquisition technique in which the reverse AHP of the second magnetization prep sequence has opposite frequency modulation to the reverse AHP of the first magnetization prep sequence can also be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, vehicle launch is controlled according to a linear quadratic regulator that provides feedback control according to torque converter slip error and vehicle speed error. The vehicle launch is also controlled according to feed forward control that is based on requested torque converter slip and requested vehicle speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes a torque vectoring electric machine. In one example, torque output of a torque vectoring electric machine is adjusted to reduce driveline torque disturbances when the torque vectoring electric machine is activated. The torque output is adjusted in response to a speed difference between a wheel speed and a speed of the torque vectoring electric machine.

Abstract: Methods and system are described for changing a driveline gear range from a higher gear range to a lower gear range. The driveline may include two electric machines and four clutches in a four wheel drive configuration. The methods and systems permit a driveline to change from a higher gear range to a lower gear range without stopping a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fast and robust quantification of magnetization transfer (MT) using off-resonance spin-lock MRI. The techniques can be insensitive to variations of the inherent relaxation rates R1 (1/T1) and R2 (1/T2) of the free-water pool and to variations of the chemical exchange pool. The techniques can also be robust in the presence of inhomogeneity in the B1 RF and/or B0 magnetic fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission and a torque converter are described. In one example, vehicle launch is controlled according to a linear quadratic regulator that provides feedback control according to torque converter slip error and vehicle speed error. The vehicle launch is also controlled according to feed forward control that is based on requested torque converter slip and requested vehicle speed.