Abstract: A control system and method to mitigate intersection crashes is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic control module equipped with memory and in communication with at least one radar sensor system, at lest one environmental sensor system, at least one vehicle stability system, an operator advisory system, a brake control system, a controllable steering system, and a powertrain control system. In one embodiment, the method may include determining whether a vehicle is entering an intersection, determining whether the operator is responding correctly to the sensed conditions in the intersection, activating the controlled brakes, determining any intersection threat, determining whether any sensed threat is imminent, activating the accident mitigation adviser, reducing engine torque while in the intersection, and actuating steering and brake control systems while in the intersection.

Abstract: An integrated paint quality control (IPQC) system for feedback control of paint process for painting vehicle bodies includes a film thickness sensor system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies. The IPQC system also includes a control system communicating with the film thickness sensor system for receiving information of the paint film thickness and combining the paint film thickness information with paint automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control the paint process.

Abstract: A portable advisory system for balancing airflows in a paint booth includes a portable airflow sensor to measure airflows in the paint booth, and a portable computer connected to the airflow sensor for collecting data from the airflow sensor and guiding an operator through a process of adjusting multiple fan speeds and duct dampers to achieve desired airflows.

Abstract: A method is provided of adaptively controlling a paint system for painting vehicle bodies. The method includes the steps of obtaining an estimated Jacobian that identifies characteristics of the paint system and using the estimated Jacobian to determine initial conditions to be implemented for the next vehicle body to be painted in the paint system. The method also includes the steps of storing a database of appropriate initial conditions that resulted in satisfactory transient response in a rule-base and using the rule-base at start-up of the paint system or if the paint system fails to be satisfactorily controlled.

Abstract: An integrated paint quality control (IPQC) system for feedback control of paint process for painting vehicle bodies includes a film thickness sensor system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies. The IPQC system also includes a control system communicating with the film thickness sensor system for receiving information of the paint film thickness and combining the paint film thickness information with paint automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control the paint process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting defects or abnormalities in a wet polymeric surface coating of an object to limit or eliminate costs associated with retouching or reapplying the coatings on the object. The apparatus and method is accomplished by capturing an image of the wet coating surface of the object and comparing the image to known defect images to determine the type and location of the defect in the coating surface on the object. The coating application process can then be modified to remedy the coating application defect at the earliest possible instance.

Abstract: An integrated paint quality control (IPQC) system for feedback control of paint process for painting vehicle bodies includes a film thickness sensor system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies. The IPQC system also includes a control system communicating with the film thickness sensor system for receiving information of the paint film thickness and combining the paint film thickness information with paint automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control the paint process.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining waveform stability of a pulse echo layer transducer (PELT) used for measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies. The method includes the steps of reading a signal with the PELT transducer with respect to a desired location of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a maximum absolute value of the read signal is greater than a noise threshold (&phgr;) and computing a measure (&rgr;) based on an option (k). The method includes the steps of determining whether the computed measure (&rgr;) is above or below a predetermined threshold (T) based on the option (k), and concluding a stable/unstable signal from the PELT transducer.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically measuring paint film thickness of painted bodies for closed loop control of a paint process for painting the bodies in a paint booth. The system includes a cell for receiving painted bodies from the paint booth and a conveyor control system for controlling the movement of painted bodies between the paint booth and the cell. The system also includes an AutoPelt system communicating with the conveyor control system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies in the cells. The system includes an integrated paint quality control (IPQC) monitoring system communicating with the AutoPelt system for receiving data of paint film thickness information and combining the paint film thickness information with automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control paint automation equipment of the paint booth.

Abstract: A system 10 for electrostatically painting a product or vehicle 12. The system 10 ensures that each product or vehicle 12 which is painted is sufficiently and completely grounded prior to being painted, thereby substantially preventing the products or vehicles 12 from being improperly painted and improving the overall efficiency of the painting process.