Abstract: A system includes first and second failsafe devices. Each of the failsafe devices includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor for performing at least one of detecting a fault and providing a communication concerning a fault. The system further includes an arbitration bus connecting the first and second failsafe devices. The communication concerning the fault may be provided from a first one of the first and second failsafe devices to a second one of the first and second failsafe devices.

Abstract: A vehicle is operated at least partially autonomously. A predicted path of the vehicle is monitored to identify an object with which the vehicle is likely to collide. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes the predicted path, a proposed path for the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object, and the vehicle. A selection is made to follow one of the predicted path and the proposed path. The GUI is updated to include the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path, along with a location of the vehicle on the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path.

Abstract: Methods for controlling wheel slip of a motor vehicle include braking the wheel by supplying a first measured quantity of brake fluid from a modulation cylinder to a brake device of the wheel, determining the wheel slip of the wheel, and moving a second measured quantity of brake fluid between the modulation cylinder and the brake device. When the wheel slip is too small or too large, a change in a volume of the brake fluid in the modulation cylinder is measured and a change in a measure of a braking effect is determined. The second measured quantity of brake fluid is determined on the basis of the measured change in the volume of the brake fluid in the modulation cylinder and the change in the measure of the braking effect. Braking systems configured to carry out the methods, as well as vehicles including the braking systems, are further contemplated.

Abstract: Exemplary illustrations of a method are disclosed, including determining a baseline gradient and an increased gradient for a brake application force for a vehicle. Exemplary methods may further include actuating the baseline gradient in response to a first braking event for the vehicle, and actuating the increased gradient in response to a second braking event for the vehicle. Exemplary illustrations of a vehicle may include a braking system configured to apply braking force to at least one wheel of the vehicle, and a controller. The controller may be configured to determine a baseline gradient and an increased gradient for a brake application force for a vehicle. The controller may be configured to actuate the baseline gradient in response to a first braking event for the vehicle, and actuate the increased gradient in response to a second braking event for the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle operating systems are autonomously operated. A transient in an upcoming path of the vehicle is determined from a comparison of vehicle path data and vehicle status data to a threshold of mechanism first operating system. Operational parameters for one of first and second operating systems are selected according to the comparison. The selected operational parameters are applied to the operation of the one of the first and second operating systems.

Abstract: One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action.

Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a hydraulic brake system having an active vacuum booster with an active boost control valve actuated by at least one controller. An isolation valve is disposed in a fluid circuit that fluidly connects a master cylinder to hydraulic brakes. A brake pedal is capable of moving in an initial deadband displacement range when initially depressed by an operator of the vehicle. While in the initial deadband displacement range, the controller selectively activates the isolation valve to inhibit fluid flow from at least a portion of the fluid circuit to the master cylinder based at least upon an operating state of the active boost control valve.

Abstract: A vehicle regenerative braking control system includes a brake pedal; a brake pedal angle sensor interfacing with the brake pedal; a vehicle braking system interfacing with the brake pedal angle sensor, the vehicle braking system adapted to implement friction braking and regenerative braking responsive to receiving a brake pedal angle input signal from the brake pedal angle sensor; and at least one of a brake pedal switch and a brake master cylinder pressure sensor interfacing with the brake pedal and the vehicle braking system. The vehicle braking system is further adapted to implement friction braking and regenerative braking responsive to input from the at least one of a brake pedal switch and a brake master cylinder pressure sensor in the event that the vehicle braking system does not receive the brake pedal angle input signal from the brake pedal angle sensor. A regenerative braking control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Data is collected during operation of a vehicle. A determination is made that a confidence assessment of at least one of the data indicates at least one fault condition. A first autonomous operation affected by the fault condition is discontinued, where a second autonomous operation that is unaffected by the fault condition is continued.

Abstract: A wearable computing device in a vehicle is identified by a vehicle in a computer. Collected data is received relating to autonomous operation of the vehicle. A message is sent to the wearable computing device based at least in part on the collected data.

Abstract: A vehicle operator is identified. Based at least in part on the operator's identity, one or more parameters are determined specifying a mode for autonomously operating the vehicle. The vehicle is autonomously operated at least in part according to the one or more parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle is operated at least partially autonomously. A predicted path of the vehicle is monitored to identify an object with which the vehicle is likely to collide. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes the predicted path, a proposed path for the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object, and the vehicle. A selection is made to follow one of the predicted path and the proposed path. The GUI is updated to include the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path, along with a location of the vehicle on the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path.

Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a hydraulic brake system having an active vacuum booster with an active boost control valve actuated by at least one controller. An isolation valve is disposed in a fluid circuit that fluidly connects a master cylinder to hydraulic brakes. A brake pedal is capable of moving in an initial deadband displacement range when initially depressed by an operator of the vehicle. While in the initial deadband displacement range, the controller selectively activates the isolation valve to inhibit fluid flow from at least a portion of the fluid circuit to the master cylinder based at least upon an operating state of the active boost control valve.

Abstract: A brake system for an automotive vehicle includes a controller for operating friction and powertrain braking subsystems so that hydraulic pressure to the friction brakes is minimized during powertrain braking, while at the same time emulating the driver-interface operating characteristics of a pure friction-braking system during all operating conditions.

Abstract: A brake system for an automotive vehicle includes a controller for operating friction and powertrain braking subsystems so that hydraulic pressure to the friction brakes is minimized during powertrain braking, while at the same time emulating the driver-interface operating characteristics of a pure friction-braking system during all operating conditions.

Abstract: A light toy which may be used as a science fiction light ray or as a signalling, marking or illumination device is disclosed. A light source sends a beam of light into a nonopaque tube along its axis. The beam is reflected back into the tube by a reflective surface on the inner side of the cap at the other end. The light emitting device emanates a glow through the walls of the tube making the device highly visible. A kit for converting an ordinary flashlight into a light toy is also disclosed.