Abstract: A system of a vehicle includes an engine control module (ECM), a first processor module, sensors, a second processor module, and a third processor module. The ECM controls engine actuators based on driver inputs to a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a cruise control system. The first processor module includes a first microprocessor and selectively actuates at least one of an electric power steering motor, friction brakes, and a throttle valve based on processed data. The sensors sense features outside of the vehicle. The second processor module includes a second microprocessor and generates the processed data based on data from the sensors. The second microprocessor is a graphical microprocessor. The third processor module includes a third microprocessor and generates an indicator of whether a fault is present in the second processor module.

Abstract: A learning function is configured to determine a plurality of piecewise linear function coefficients based on measured data for an electric power-assisted steering (EPS) system. The measured data include a vehicle speed. The learning function is further configured to model a hysteresis loop of the EPS system using a piecewise linear function based on the plurality of piecewise linear function coefficients to determine an average friction. An average friction change compensator is configured to adjust friction-based EPS system compensation based on the average friction for a plurality of vehicle speed intervals of the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, including: at least one articulatable arm having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one joint region disposed between the distal and proximal ends; an optical fiber bend sensor provided in the at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm; a detection system coupled to the optical fiber bend sensor, said detection system comprising a light source and a light detector for detecting light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor to determine a position of at least one joint region of the at least one articulatable arm based on the detected light reflected by or transmitted through the optical fiber bend sensor; and a control system comprising a servo controller for effectuating movement of the arm.

Abstract: To improve the drivability of a driver while performing an output restriction. A hybrid vehicle has an output restriction control unit that releases or restores an output restriction in accordance with a predetermined operation by the driver, and a predetermined release rate or a predetermined restoration rate can be set for the release or the restoration of the output restriction.

Abstract: A trouble diagnosis apparatus which supports reproduction of trouble according to a trouble code provided from an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The apparatus comprises means for extracting, for at least one of the trouble codes, characteristics unique to the trouble code with respect to respective driving parameters, means for extracting, from said driving data associated with a plurality of trouble codes, global characteristics associated with a plurality of said trouble codes with respect to each one of said driving parameters, and for said at least one of the trouble codes, means, based on similarity between the characteristics unique to the trouble code and said global characteristics, for setting the portion of the characteristics unique to the trouble code that have low similarity as the driving data for reproducing the trouble corresponding to the trouble code.

Abstract: A preexisting FMS system may be upgraded to increase its functionality while still taking advantage of certain components of the legacy system previously provided on the aircraft and replacing other preexisting components with different components for enhancing the functionality of the FMS system. The preexisting IRU, CADC, DME receiver and DFGC in the upgraded FMS system are in communication with the legacy AFMC but, instead of employing the legacy EFIS which existed in the prrexisting FMS system, the EFIS is replaced by a data concentrator unit as well as the display control panel and integrated flat panel display, and a GPS receiver. The upgraded FMS system is capable of such increased functionality as increased navigation database storage capacity, RNP, VNAV and RNAV capability utilizing a GPS based navigation solution, and RTA capability, while still enabling the legacy AFMC to exploit its aircraft performance capabilities throughout the flight.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a maneuver instruction for a driving maneuver, the maneuver instruction including an explanation of how to turn, merge, park or operate a driver's vehicle; monitoring a maneuver attempt for a compliance to the maneuver instruction; modifying the maneuver instruction based on the maneuver attempt; assigning a driver skill grade for the maneuver attempt based on the compliance to the maneuver instruction; and generating a training feedback to improve the driver skill grade of the maneuver attempt for displaying on a device.

Abstract: A system of remote diagnostics comprising a guidance device having a guidance device identifier, the guidance device further including a communication module for communicating a service request message, the service request message including the guidance device identifier; and a diagnostics module able to communicate with the communication module of the guidance device and configured to receive the service request message of the communication module of the guidance device, the diagnostics module maintaining a data store associating the guidance device identifier with a service provider entity; wherein, the diagnostics module is configured to facilitate communication between the service provider entity and the communication module of the guidance device in response to receipt of the service request message from the communication device of the guidance device and based upon the association of the guidance device identifier with the service provider entity.

Abstract: Method, device, computer program and computer program product for tracking the path of motion of a moving object.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same are provided. The mobile terminal selectively provides 2D map data and 3D map data according to a predetermined event in a navigation mode, and thus by calling a driver's attention, the driver's visibility is improved, and a more accurate navigation service can be provided.

Abstract: A method and device for aiding the piloting of an aircraft during an intermediate approach phase of a descent. The method includes receiving, by a flight management system, values of parameters relative to the aircraft and a flight thereof, and determining, by the flight management system and based on the received values, a vertical profile. The vertical profile includes at least one deceleration segment with an adaptive slope, which defines a descent path that enables the aircraft to hold a constant deceleration rate during the intermediate approach phase. The method also includes guiding, by an aircraft guidance system, the aircraft according to the vertical profile during the intermediate approach phase such that the aircraft holds the constant deceleration rate during the intermediate approach phase.

Abstract: A device distributing engine torque between first and second wheel sets of a vehicle, including a mode switch movable between a first stable position and a second unstable position, activating first and second engine torque distribution modes. When the vehicle stops while the second distribution mode is activated and then restarts after a stop duration, the second distribution mode is activated if the stop duration is less than a time delay, otherwise the first distribution mode is activated. It is determined, in the second distribution mode, whether the vehicle exceeds a predetermined maximum speed threshold. If so, a transition is made to an on-road mode. In the off-road mode, it is determined whether the vehicle exceeds a predetermined intermediate speed threshold, strictly less than maximum speed threshold in an off-road mode, during a time greater than a predetermined duration, to transition back to the on-road mode.

Abstract: An end-of-train unit for a rear railroad car, including: a housing mountable to a portion of the rear railroad car; a visual data collection device in operative engagement or at least partially integral with the housing and having a field-of-view, wherein the visual data collection device is configured to obtain visual data representative of at least a portion of the area in the field-of-view; and a transmission device in operative engagement or at least partially integral with at least one of the housing and the visual data collection device and configured to transmit the visual data to a processing unit of a forward railroad car. A visual data collection system and method are also provided.

Abstract: An approach is provided to preserve spacing around a vehicle so as to enable movement of the vehicle from a stationary position, and to accommodate one or more lifestyle accessories that may be associated with the vehicle. The approach involves protecting the vehicle from one or more other vehicles or obstructions positioned, or moved into position, near the vehicle by deploying at least a portion of one or more load bearing members supported by a mounting member attached to the vehicle to a predetermined position within a range that includes a fully refracted position and a fully extended position. The approach also involves deploying the one or more load bearing members to a predetermined position and attaching one or more support members associated with the one or more lifestyle accessories to at least one of the one or more load bearing members.

Abstract: A method and system are described for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having a first mode of operation and an economy mode of operation. A vehicle range may be estimated based on a vehicle fuel level and the first mode of operation. A distance to a fuel location may also be estimated. The economy mode of vehicle operation may be automatically entered a predetermined period of time after the estimated vehicle range based on the vehicle fuel level and the first operating mode decreases to within a predetermined threshold of the estimated distance to a fuel location.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a movable partition, a controller, a sensor, and a power source. The movable partition is operably coupled with the motor. The controller is associated with the movable partition and is configured to detect a resting position of the movable partition. The sensor is coupled with the controller and is configured to detect a vehicular condition. The power source is in electrical communication with the motor and the controller and is configured to facilitate passage of electrical current to each of the controller and the motor. Passage of electrical current to the motor facilitates movement of the movable partition. If passage of electrical current to the motor is interrupted, the controller is configured to detect the resting position of the movable partition after passage of a delay time. The delay time changes in response to changes in the vehicular condition.

Abstract: A steering system including a steering member provided in a vehicle and configured to be rotated, an adjustment apparatus configured to adjust a rotary direction vibration of the steering member, and a steering control apparatus configured to control the adjustment apparatus, in accordance with an operating condition of the vehicle, so as to adjust the vibration.

Abstract: A power generation control apparatus in a vehicle includes: a power generator generating power when driven by an internal combustion engine; an electric storage apparatus charged by the power generator; a current sensor measuring a charge and discharge current value; an SOC computation portion estimating an SOC in the electric storage apparatus on the basis of the measured charge and discharge current; a generation voltage computation portion determining a generation voltage of the power generator so that the SOC in the electric storage apparatus becomes a target SOC; a target SOC computation portion setting the target SOC; and a generation cost computation portion calculating an amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output on the basis of an operating point of the internal combustion engine. The target SOC set by the target SOC computation portion is changed according to the calculated amount of consumed fuel per unit generation output.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided that includes first and second pairs of wheels, a controller, and a potentiometer. The first pair of wheels is propelled by an internal combustion engine. The second pair of wheels is propelled by a battery-operated motor. The motor drives a transaxle that drives the second pair of wheels. The controller controls operation of the motor. The potentiometer is configured to be manually activated to propel the utility vehicle, and is coupled to the controller to send a signal to the controller to rotate the motor. The potentiometer is also configured to activate fuel flow into the internal combustion engine.