Abstract: A method of finding a vertical velocity of a vehicle by first forming two cost functions from three pulse return times. An independently determined approximate vertical velocity and a Fletcher-Powell estimation technique are used on the first cost function, to select a minimum velocity of the first cost function. The selected minimum velocity, two calculated velocities from the selected minimum velocity, and a Fletcher-Powell estimation technique are used on the second cost function, to select a minimum velocity of the second cost function. The selected minimum velocity of the second cost function is taken as the vertical velocity of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved method of using multiple point crash sensing and multiple sensor occupant position sensing for classifying a crash event and determining which restraints should be deployed. A central controller collects crash data from multiple crash sensors and combines severity characterization data from each of the multiple sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the entire system. Each possible crash event classification is represented by a characterization value mask, and the various masks are sequentially applied to the system characterization table until a match is found, with a match identifying the appropriate crash event classification. The classification decision, in turn, is used to determine which, if any, of the restraint devices should be deployed based upon the crash severity. Similarly, the controller collects data from various occupant position sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the occupant position detection system.

Abstract: A force pattern is formed by particular points in which forces to be supplied to a knob are set for a plurality of particular positions that are set in a movement range of the knob and prescribed functions connect each adjoining pair of particular positions. A storing section stores the particular points. A computing section determines in which region between the particular positions the knob is located, and calculates a control value to be supplied to an actuator on the basis of the prescribed function connecting the particular points.

Abstract: A navigation method and system for displaying a map image and shrinking the map image relative to a center point or a reference line on the map image by a non-linear function so that an image outside of the display screen becomes visible on the screen without much decreasing the size thereof. In the first embodiment, the image is coaxially shrinked relative to the center point. In the second embodiment, the images perpendicular to the reference line are shifted toward the reference line. Because of the non-linear function, the images are shrinked with higher degree at around the center point or the reference line than that far away, thereby bringing in the far away images without much decreasing the size thereof. The shrink ratios of the images at the same distance from the center point or the reference line are the same throughout the display screen.

Abstract: A logistics system and method are mounted on a vehicle and utilize vehicle position control for logistics operations, such as loading and unloading material to and from the vehicle. The position control can be GPS-based and/or based on linear movement of the vehicle, such as movement of a railcar along a rail track. A computer-based position control subsystem mounted on the vehicle is connected to and operates vehicle-mounted components for performing the logistics functions.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle that can improve the fuel consumption ratio while providing a good drivability is provided. It is determined whether the temperature of a catalyst in an exhaust system is equal to or below a predetermined temperature, and if this condition is satisfied, a Wide Open Throttle determination degree of throttle opening value for determining whether to carry out the Wide Open Throttle control is looked up in a table. Next, it is determined whether a degree of throttle opening is above the Wide Open Throttle determination degree of throttle opening value, and if this condition is satisfied, it is determined whether a remaining battery charge is equal to or above one within the normal use region. If this condition is satisfied, it is determined whether an engine speed is equal to or above a degree of throttle opening Wide Open Throttle prohibiting upper limit engine speed value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shift control method comprising the steps of determining if an input shift signal is a power-on upshift signal; determining if driving conditions satisfy power-on upshift learn conditions if the input shift signal is a power-on upshift signal; performing power-on upshift control if power-on upshift learn conditions are satisfied; learning an initial fill time and completing shifting; determining if shifting is completed; determining if run-up occurred during the shift operation if shifting is completed; determining if interlocking occurred if run-up did not occur; determining, if interlocking occurred, if the interlocking is above a predetermined level; and learning a fill time if the interlocking is above the predetermined level.

Abstract: A system for sequencing traffic for use with various types of vehicles such as air vehicles, land vehicles water vehicles, and railroad vehicles. Virtual containers may be generated that are used to sequence traffic. The virtual containers may be suitably managed to move at a predetermined rate and capacity. Vehicles may be positioned within an empty virtual container. The vehicle will then be managed to stay within the boundaries of the virtual container and thus maintain the desired sequencing of traffic.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for an autonomous traveling vehicle having a teaching mode in which a vehicle position and a vehicle azimuth in respective points on a running path are memorized and a play-back mode in which the vehicle is operated autonomously based on the vehicle position and vehicle azimuth memorized in the teaching mode comprises a virtual traction point establishing means for establishing a virtual traction point located away from a vehicle position by a specified distance in a direction of a vehicle azimuth, a current vehicle position determining means for determining a current vehicle position corresponding to the vehicle position in a play-back mode, a target azimuth calculating means for calculating a target azimuth based on a positional relationship between the current vehicle position and the virtual traction point, a vehicle steering means for steering the vehicle in a direction of the target azimuth in the play-back mode and a vehicle speed control means for controlling a vehicle s

Abstract: In vehicular velocity controlling apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, an inter-vehicle distance from the vehicle to a preceding vehicle which is running ahead of the vehicle is detected, a vehicular velocity of the vehicle is detected; a relative velocity of the vehicle to the preceding vehicle is detected, a target inter-vehicle distance is calculated on the basis of detected values of the inter-vehicle distance and of the vehicular velocity, a control response characteristic of an inter-vehicle distance system to the target inter-vehicle distance is determined, an inter-vehicle distance command value based on the target inter-vehicle distance is calculated in accordance with the determined control response characteristic, a target vehicular velocity is calculated on the basis of the inter-vehicle distance command value, and the vehicular velocity is controlled to make the detected value of the vehicular velocity substantially equal to the target vehicular velocity, the control response character