Abstract: A method of providing a suggested driving adjustment in real time to a driver of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more direct driver inputs from a vehicle control system and receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system. The method includes determining a predicted driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data. In addition, the method includes determining an ideal driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data and determining a behavior difference between the predicted driver behavior and the ideal driver behavior. The method also includes determining the suggested driving adjustment based on the behavior difference. Additionally, the method includes sending instructions to notify the driver of the suggested driving adjustment to improve vehicle efficiency and/or performance.

Abstract: A method of modifying one or more parameters of a propulsion system of a vehicle in real time during an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving a destination by way of a user interface in communication with the data processing hardware and determining a path from a current vehicle location to the destination. The method includes transmitting to a drive system of the vehicle, driving instructions causing the vehicle to autonomously follow the path. The method includes receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system and determining a propulsion adjustment based on an ideal driver behavior and the sensor data. The method also includes transmitting to the propulsion system, propulsion instructions to modify the one or more parameters of the propulsion system to improve vehicle efficiency and/or performance.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a propulsion system of a vehicle in real time is provided. The method includes receiving one or more direct driver inputs from a vehicle control system and receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system. The method also includes determining a predicted driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data. The method also includes determining a propulsion adjustment based on the predicted driver behavior. The method includes sending to the propulsion system in communication with the data processing hardware, instructions to modify one or more parameters of the propulsion system based on the propulsion adjustment.

Abstract: An efficiency autonomous driving strategy which accounts for the propulsion system efficiency and energy consumption during vehicle motion planning function required for autonomous driving. Specifically, a control algorithm calculates the required energy and total efficiency for various possible vehicle path/motion plans being considered by the autonomous driving (AD) controller. Given at least one or more desired vehicle motion plans, the propulsion system selects the vehicle motion path with the highest efficiency and least energy consumption. The control algorithm accounts for the current vehicle motion (speed/acceleration, etc.), and future vehicle motion requirements for a given vehicle path plan. The control algorithm calculates the total vehicle energy required (current time up to future time) for the proposed vehicle motion plans, then recommends the most efficient vehicle motion plan to the AD controller such that total energy consumption is reduced.

Abstract: An expanded powertrain interface and strategy for an autonomous driving controller to control powertrain torque (or vehicle acceleration/deceleration) capability at the current operating point, in addition to capability for subsequent operating points at a future time based on predictive assessment of powertrain energy management, subsystem contraints/limits, and capability in the future. The powertrain interface and strategy applies to a vehicle with electrified powertrain control (hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or pure battery electric vehicle (BEV)) with an autonomous driving (AD) capability (either full or semi-automated driving). This powertrain interface and strategy may also be used with non-electrified powertrain (conventional) systems based on available combustion engine torque at the target vehicle speed and gear.

Abstract: A corner or end module for assembly on a vehicle body comprises a wheel(s), a frame having connection points for removably securing the corner module to the vehicle body, a drive system capable of providing torque to drive the wheel(s), a brake system connected to the wheel(s) capable of braking the wheel(s), a suspension system located between the frame and the wheel(s), a steering system connected to the wheel(s), capable of providing a steering input for the wheel(s), and a communication system capable of communicating from at least one of a drive controller, brake controller, and steering controller of the corner or end module with one of: another corner or end module, a vehicle controller; an autonomous drive controller; another vehicle, infrastructure, and a wireless data server.

Abstract: The present invention is a connected energy management (CEM) strategy for controlling the activation of a plurality of engine cylinders in the engine of a vehicle. A powertrain controller is operable for controlling the operation of the engine, and a second controller is in electrical communication with the powertrain controller. The second controller may be a telematics controller, or an autonomous driving vehicle controller. The second controller communicates at least one parameter to the powertrain controller, and the parameter is used to determine which of the plurality of cylinders are to be activated or deactivated. The powertrain controller then activates or deactivates one or more of the plurality of cylinders using the powertrain controller based on the parameter, which may include various road data, such as road curve shape or road grade. The parameter may also be based on a desired autonomous driving path.

Abstract: An efficiency autonomous driving strategy which accounts for the propulsion system efficiency and energy consumption during vehicle motion planning function required for autonomous driving. Specifically, a control algorithm calculates the required energy and total efficiency for various possible vehicle path/motion plans being considered by the autonomous driving (AD) controller. Given at least one or more desired vehicle motion plans, the propulsion system selects the vehicle motion path with the highest efficiency and least energy consumption. The control algorithm accounts for the current vehicle motion (speed/acceleration, etc.), and future vehicle motion requirements for a given vehicle path plan. The control algorithm calculates the total vehicle energy required (current time up to future time) for the proposed vehicle motion plans, then recommends the most efficient vehicle motion plan to the AD controller such that total energy consumption is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a connected energy management (CEM) strategy for controlling the activation of a plurality of engine cylinders in the engine of a vehicle. A powertrain controller is operable for controlling the operation of the engine, and a second controller is in electrical communication with the powertrain controller. The second controller may be a telematics controller, or an autonomous driving vehicle controller. The second controller communicates at least one parameter to the powertrain controller, and the parameter is used to determine which of the plurality of cylinders are to be activated or deactivated. The powertrain controller then activates or deactivates one or more of the plurality of cylinders using the powertrain controller based on the parameter, which may include various road data, such as road curve shape or road grade. The parameter may also be based on a desired autonomous driving path.

Abstract: The present invention is a connected energy management (CEM) strategy for controlling the activation of a plurality of engine cylinders in the engine of a vehicle. A powertrain controller is operable for controlling the operation of the engine, and a second controller is in electrical communication with the powertrain controller. The second controller may be a telematics controller, or an autonomous driving vehicle controller. The second controller communicates at least one parameter to the powertrain controller, and the parameter is used to determine which of the plurality of cylinders are to be activated or deactivated. The powertrain controller then activates or deactivates one or more of the plurality of cylinders using the powertrain controller based on the parameter, which may include various road data, such as road curve shape or road grade. The parameter may also be based on a desired autonomous driving path.

Abstract: An expanded powertrain interface and strategy for an autonomous driving controller to control powertrain torque (or vehicle acceleration/deceleration) capability at the current operating point, in addition to capability for subsequent operating points at a future time based on predictive assessment of powertrain energy management, subsystem contraints/limits, and capability in the future. The powertrain interface and strategy applies to a vehicle with electrified powertrain control (hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or pure battery electric vehicle (BEV)) with an autonomous driving (AD) capability (either full or semi-automated driving). This powertrain interface and strategy may also be used with non-electrified powertrain (conventional) systems based on available combustion engine torque at the target vehicle speed and gear.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine coupled to an input of the fixed-ratio transmission is disclosed. In one example, a torque differential across a torque converter is reduced to assist torque converter clutch lockup. The system can improve shift feel during at least some conditions.

Abstract: A method for improving hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, a torque differential across a transmission is controlled while torque is provided to the vehicle driveline/wheels to meet driver demand. The method may improve transmission shifting by allowing earlier shifts, for example.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a passenger vehicle is provided. The system comprises a first and second electric motor in the drivetrain, in addition to a transmission. When each of the motors are providing braking torque, the transmission state is adjusted in response to the amounts of braking torque provided by the first and second motors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one drive wheel; a first motor coupled to the drive wheel, said first motor configured to selectively generate electrical energy from kinetic energy received at the drive wheel; a second motor configured to selectively generate electrical energy from kinetic energy received at the drive wheel; a transmission including a first end coupled to the first motor and a second end coupled to the second motor; and a control system configured to vary a level of electrical energy generated by the first motor relative to the second motor in response to a thermal condition of at least one of said first and second motors to provide vehicle braking.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine, a torque converter including a lockup clutch the torque converter having an input and an output, the input coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric energy conversion device coupled downstream of the torque converter output, and a control system for adjusting torque output of the hybrid propulsion system, the control system adjusting the torque output of the electric energy conversion device during a torque converter lockup clutch engagement transition event.

Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one drive wheel; a first motor coupled to the drive wheel, said first motor configured to selectively generate electrical energy from kinetic energy received at the drive wheel; a second motor configured to selectively generate electrical energy from kinetic energy received at the drive wheel; a transmission including a first end coupled to the first motor and a second end coupled to the second motor; and a control system configured to vary a level of electrical energy generated by the first motor relative to the second motor in response to a thermal condition of at least one of said first and second motors to provide vehicle braking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hybrid propulsion system for a passenger vehicle is provided. The system comprises at least one drive wheel; a first motor coupled to the drive wheel; a second motor; a transmission including a first end coupled to the drive wheel and a second end coupled to the second motor; and a control system configured to control operation of the first and second motor to each provide vehicle braking torque, wherein transmission state is adjusted in response to an amount of braking torque provided by the first motor and an amount of braking torque provided by the second motor.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle propulsion system including, an internal combustion engine, a torque converter including a lockup clutch the torque converter having an input and an output, the input coupled to the internal combustion engine, an electric energy conversion device coupled downstream of the torque converter output, and a control system for adjusting torque output of the hybrid propulsion system, the control system adjusting the torque output of the electric energy conversion device during a torque converter lockup clutch engagement transition event.