Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A vehicle control device which can provide compatibility between a high grip performance and fuel efficiency is provided. When a camber angle of a wheel 2 is adjusted to a negative camber, ground contact pressure in a first tread 21 is increased and ground contact pressure in a second tread 22 is decreased. Accordingly, the high grip performance is provided. On the other hand, when the camber angle of the wheel 2 is adjusted to a positive camber, the ground contact pressure in the first tread 21 is decreased and the ground contact pressure in the second tread 22 is increased. Accordingly, a rolling resistance becomes low, and fuel saving is achieved. In this manner, by adjusting the camber angle of the wheel 2, the compatibility can be provided between conflicting performances of the high grip performance and the fuel saving.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a low-coefficient of friction roadway, in which a group is specified that includes one or more predetermined types of driving situation, the at least twofold occurrence of a type of driving situation included in the group is ascertained, the same type of driving situation not necessarily having to be involved, and the presence of a low-coefficient of friction roadway is detected as a function of this.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension control apparatus capable of an excellent vibration control by a model thereof designed to incorporate nonlinearity and a time-lag element of a control damper. The present invention employs the backstepping method which is one of nonlinear control methods, and is designed so as to incorporate the nonlinearity of a damper 4. In addition, a nonlinear controller 5 uses a damping force Fu obtained by expressing the dynamics of a damping force characteristic variable portion [damping force Fu(v, i)] by a first-order lag system, so as to compensate the dynamics of the damper 4, whereby a control system is formed so as to incorporate the time-lag element of the control damper. As a result, it is possible to reduce time lag, and to practically adjust a control force according to the characteristics of the control damper.

Abstract: An operating module for localized signal processing at a corner of a vehicle includes a housing, a valve assembly or a sensor, and a signal processing device. The operating module can be used in operative association with an air spring assembly. The operating module can be in communication with other components and/or systems. A vehicle suspension system and method are also discussed.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: To provide a superconducting X-ray detector capable of carrying out a measurement by a high energy resolution by restraining a reduction in a sensitivity by a self magnetic field.

Abstract: In order to simplify air flow control in a self-contained air supply system, an average control speed is calculated on the basis of a defined movement of the air springs (3, 4) and compared with an optimum control speed. The result of the comparison of the control speeds is used to determine the need for or the excess of an amount of compressed air. There are at least three possibilities for calculating the average control speed.

Abstract: A vehicle motion control device is configured to determine whether the lane in which the vehicle is traveling is straight or curved. If the road is curved, a target yaw rate is set such that the yaw rate of the vehicle to the target position is averaged. If the road is straight, the target yaw rate is set such that the response delay does not exceed a target value. Therefore, wavering of the vehicle with respect to the lane is suppressed, and the vehicle is controlled to move smoothly when the road is curved and briskly when the road is straight. When the road switches between a curved road and a straight road, the target yaw rate is gradually changed between a target yaw rate calculated for a curved road and a target yaw rate calculated for a straight road.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a variable damping force damper comprises first and second low-pass filters for cutting off high frequency components of a target current of the damper, where the first and second low-pass filters have different response characteristics. The control apparatus further comprises a low-pass filter selection unit for selecting one of the first and second low-pass filters based on at least one of the dynamic state of the vehicle body and the road surface condition.

Abstract: A powertrain control ECU sets a target driving force, and controls an internal combustion engine and a transmission of a vehicle. A first processor of the powertrain control ECU includes a driving force adjustment portion, a filter, a mode-switch, an environmental information-obtaining device, and a steering sensor. The driving force adjustment portion sets the target driving force based on at least one of instructions from a driver and from a second processor. The filter corrects the target driving force to suppress vibration on a spring of the vehicle. The mode-switch sets the running mode. The environmental information-obtaining device obtains information on the environment around the vehicle. The steering angle sensor determines the running condition. A correction amount, by which the filter corrects the target driving force, is adjusted according to the running mode, the environment, and the running condition.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A control system is operatively associated with a suspension system of a vehicle. The associated suspension system includes an associated fluid spring operating at an associated fluid pressure and an associated variable-rate damper having an associated electronically-variable damping rate. The control system includes a pressure sensor operative to generate a pressure sensor signal indicative of the associated fluid pressure of the associated fluid spring, and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the associated variable-rate damper. The controller is operative to receive the pressure sensor signal and generate a damper adjustment signal based at least partially on the pressure sensor signal for adjusting the associated electronically-variable damping rate of the associated variable-rate damper. A vehicle suspension system includes such a control system, and a method of controlling a suspension system of a vehicle is also included.

Abstract: An electric power steering system includes: a first rotation detection section including a first sensor section and outputting a signal corresponding to a rotation of an input shaft; a second rotation detection section including second and third sensor sections and outputting signals corresponding to a rotation of an output shaft; and a control unit detecting the respective rotational angles of the input and output shafts and a torque applied to a torsion bar based on the output signals from these rotation detection sections, and providing a driving control of an electric motor. The control unit makes determination on the occurrence of failure at the first to third sensor sections, and provides the driving control of the electric motor as shifting the driving control, based on results of the determination, between a torque control mode using the detected value of the torque and a steering angle control mode using the detected value of the rotational angle of either one of the input and output shafts.

Abstract: The vehicle control system having an adaptive controller is provided that accomplishes unsupervised learning such that no prior extensive training is needed for every situation. The inventive controller system is based on a neural network evolved with genetic algorithm. The genetic algorithm will determine the parameters of the neurons, the connections between the neurons and the associated weights to yield the best results. The genetic algorithm evaluates current candidate structures for accomplishing the desired result and develops new candidate structures by reproducing prior candidate structures with modification that replaces the least fit former candidate structures until the system is well satisfied. The vehicle control system is well satisfied when the desired result is met or some failure condition is triggered for vehicle control system whereby the action is never repeated.

Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) used for detecting lift of a wheel includes a passive wheel lift detector (58) that generates a passive wheel lift signal, an active wheel lift detector (60) that generates an active wheel lift signal, and an integrated wheel lift detector (62) coupled to the passive wheel lift detector (58) and the active wheel lift detector (60). The integrated wheel lift detector (62) generates a final wheel lift signal in response to the passive wheel lift signal and the active wheel lift signal. The final wheel lift signal may be used to control a safety device such as a rollover prevention system.

Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A–C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.

Abstract: A method of aligning a new goal of an entity ensures that the new goal is a child goal of a parent goal. The method also ensures that a group is linked to the parent goal, and ensures that the entity is subordinate to the group. In one embodiment, selection lists constrain the available values for the group and/or the parent goal. In another aspect, a method of facilitating contextual alignment of a new goal recognizes an organizational role for an entity and customizes content of a user interface, based on the organizational role of the entity. The user interface with the customized content provides goal creation guidance according to the organizational role. In one embodiment, the customized content includes specialized instructions and sample content for characteristics of the new goal, such as a goal-objective characteristic, a goal-measure characteristic, and a goal-activity characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-level model-based intelligent agent diagnosis system and method for computer-controlled machinery operative to reduce the complexity typically associated with conventional model based diagnostic systems. The system utilizes a plurality of intelligent agents arranged in a plurality of physically hierarchical layers such that the tasks associated with accomplishing model based diagnosis are distributed amongst the intelligent agents if each layer wherein information gathered from a first lower level intelligent agents is processed by at least one other higher level to realize system fault diagnosis. The system provides increased processing speed of modeling and/or model identification such that faster and more accurate failure isolation and identification is accomplished.

Abstract: A control system using a genetic analyzer based on discrete constraints is described. In one embodiment, a genetic algorithm with step-coded chromosomes is used to develop a teaching signal that provides good control qualities for a controller with discrete constraints, such as, for example, a step-constrained controller. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy. In one embodiment, the genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal for a fuzzy logic classifier system that develops a knowledge base. The teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from the knowledge base. The control system can be used to control complex plants described by nonlinear, unstable, dissipative models. In one embodiment, the step-constrained control system is configured to control stepping motors.

Abstract: An electronic torque control and distribution system is provided for a hybrid propulsion vehicle. The drive thrust of the hybrid propulsion vehicle is distributed between an electric engine and an internal combustion engine through a transmission system. The transmission system delivers the torque of both engines to the vehicle wheels. The electronic torque control and distribution system is slaved to a control unit, and includes a controller for incorporating a fuzzy logic processor to predict through soft computing techniques the torque contributions of the electric engine and of the internal combustion engine. A sensor estimates the vehicle polluting emissions. The controller and the sensor are both connected to the control unit.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing the performance of a vehicle suspension system by controlling the damping factor of one or more shock absorbers is described. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fuzzy neural network. A teaching signal for the fuzzy neural network is generated using road signal data and a mathematical model of the vehicle suspension system. The teaching signal is used to develop a knowledge base for the fuzzy neural network. In one embodiment, inputs to the fuzzy neural network include damper velocities, heave acceleration, pitch acceleration, and roll acceleration. In one embodiment, the heave acceleration signal from the teaching signal is filtered to develop inputs for the fuzzy neural network, thereby reducing the number of sensors. In one embodiment, a Fourier transform analysis of the heave acceleration signal is provided to the fuzzy neural network.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The system comprises a supervising unit (10) which comprises at least one storage member (12). In the storage member (12) there is a set of rules (14) of a particular kind for how the driver of the vehicle and/or the vehicle shall behave in different situations. The system also comprises a user interface (16) and adaptation means (13) arranged to adapt said set of rules such that at least some of the rules (14) with conclusions (24) belonging thereto are suited to form the basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The invention also concerns a vehicle and a method of generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle.

Abstract: A tracking device for tracking a vehicle in which a radio transmitter is powered by heat energy of the exhaust system of an engine propelling the vehicle. A thermoelectric module is attached to a hot portion of the exhaust system. Electrical power generated by the thermoelectric module is used to power the transmitter. A preferred tracking device consists of one thermoelectric module, one transmitter, a flexible finned plate for dissipating heat, and two high Curie temperature magnets for attaching the device to the vehicle's tail pipe. The transmitter is mounted on the flexible finned plate with a thermal insulator in-between them.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an edge between a cut crop and an uncut crop in a field is disclosed. At least two scanlines of pixel data are processed based on an image of the field. A characteristic line corresponding to the cut/uncut edge is best fit between center location points of segments from each scanline using sequential regression analysis. A fuzzy logic algorithm is used to determine whether to continue processing each successive scanline of data based on the quality of the characteristic line. If certain fuzzy membership functions determine that the slope and intercept values have sufficiently converged, processing of the scanlines is completed and the agricultural vehicle is automatically guided along the cut/uncut edge corresponding to the characteristic line.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing a shock absorber having a non-linear kinetic characteristic is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy and biologically inspired constraints relating to mechanical constraints and/or rider comfort, driveability, etc. In one embodiment, a genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal. An information filter is used to filter the teaching signal to produce a compressed teaching signal. The compressed teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from a knowledge base. In one embodiment, the control system includes a learning system, such as a neural network that is trained by the compressed training signal. The learning system is used to create a knowledge base for use by an online fuzzy controller. The online fuzzy controller is used to program a linear controller.

Abstract: A speed sensor has a stationary electrode and a mobile electrode held normally at a specified distance from each other by an elastic supporting device. The speed sensor is attached to one of the wheels of a vehicle such as an automobile. The centrifugal force due to the rotation of the wheel is measured from the displacement of the mobile electrode with respect to the stationary electrode, and the traveling speed of the vehicle is calculated from the measured centrifugal force.

Abstract: Because of the enormous number of neurons and reflex pathways involved in the control of human motion, a comprehensive identification of the structure of the feedback control circuitry is a formidable experimental task. A theoretical approach based on a carefully developed model could shed light on its likely general structure, thereby providing guidance to experimenters. This paper presents a fuzzy logic based control strategy for modeling the human postural dynamics. In particular, we develop a fuzzy controller to coordinate the movement of a three segment sagittal human model to achieve upright posture. The actuation mechanism of the system consists of six muscle like actuators which are co-activated to modulate the stiffness at the joints. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the underlying principles.

Abstract: A control system for optimizing the performance of a vehicle suspension system by controlling the damping factor of one or more shock absorbers is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy. The control system uses a fuzzy neural network that is trained by a genetic analyzer. The genetic analyzer uses a fitness function that maximizes information while minimizing entropy production. The fitness function uses a difference between the time differential of entropy from a control signal produced in a learning control module and the time differential of the entropy calculated by a model of the suspension system that uses the control signal as an input The entropy calculation is based on a dynamic model of an equation of motion for the suspension system such that the suspension system is treated as an open dynamic system.

Abstract: A reduced control system suitable for control of an active suspension system as a controlled plant is described. The reduced control system is configured to use a reduced sensor set for controlling the suspension without significant loss of control quality (accuracy) as compared to an optimal control system with an optimum sensor set. The control system calculates the information content provided by the reduced sensor set as compared to the information content provided by the optimum set. The control system also calculates the difference between the entropy production rate of the plant and the entropy production rate of the controller. A genetic optimizer is used to tune a fuzzy neural network in the reduced controller. A fitness function for the genetic optimizer provides optimum control accuracy in the reduced control system by minimizing the difference in entropy production while maximizing the sensor information content.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle having at least one semiactive suspension arranged between a vehicle body and a wheel and having a damping coefficient that can be varied in a controlled way by an actuator governed by a control device, the control device including an accelerometric sensor generating a vehicle body acceleration signal; a potentiometer generating a suspension position signal; a signal conditioning unit for the calculation of the vehicle body speed and the damping speed; a fuzzy control unit that calculates the subsequent position of the actuator on the basis of the vehicle body speed and of the damping speed; and a driving unit which generates a control signal for the actuator.

Abstract: In a control configuration for an occupant protection system for side collision protection in a vehicle, an enable signal of a protection configuration generated as a function of transverse acceleration, is delivered to a timer. The timer furnishes an enable signal of a fixed minimum duration for triggering the occupant protection system.

Abstract: The relative motion and force between two interconnected elements can be counteracted with active controls when such motion and force is predictable. Magnitudes, wavelengths and locations of rocking motion by vehicles traveling along fixed guideways can be recorded, and such records can be used in subsequent trips to predict rocking motion causing forces. Active controls can be installed and programmed to exert timely counteracting forces to prevent rocking motion forces from passing from wheels via springs to upper vehicle bodies.

Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle has several components for carrying out different tasks to control the vehicle. The data, which are necessary from the components, are acquired independently by the components either via data interrogation or via request relationships.

Abstract: A fuzzy logic algorithm utilizes a single rule to produce a varying output signal. A plurality of input signal values are received from a plurality of sensors. A predetermined combination of a plurality of membership functions in the single fuzzy logic rule are defined in which a first instance of the predetermined combination based on a first set of inputs yields a first output signal defined by a first and second axis. A second instance of the predetermined combination based on a second set of inputs different from the first set of inputs yields a second output signal substantially identical to the first output signal, except the second output signal is shifted along one of the first and second axes. A controller produces digital output signals based on the first and second output signals to produce the varying output signal.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine for producing propulsive forces, an electric motor for selectively generating assistive drive forces in addition to the propulsive forces and generating electric energy converted from the propulsive forces, and an energy storage unit for selectively supplying electric energy to the electric motor and storing electric energy converted by the electric motor.