Abstract: A vehicle braking system is responsive to vehicle conditions to alter the response of the braking system for a given driver input. In one mode, the vehicle conditions are conditions that are indicated by sensor in real time. In another mode, the vehicle conditions are historical conditions, such as trends, patterns, etc. The braking system provides braking responses that are appropriate for vehicle conditions and enables personalization of the braking system to accommodate individual driver characteristics.

Abstract: A driver control input device includes a support post and a steering ring rotatably supported with respect to the support post. A steering transducer is operatively connected between the steering ring and support post to convert mechanical rotation of the steering ring into non-mechanical steering control signals to be sent to a steer-by-wire system. A braking ring and acceleration ring may also be provided for generating non-mechanical braking and acceleration control signals.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a mode selector switch and a characteristic adjustment switch. Rotation of the mode selector switches causes the control system to alternate between first and second modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, rotation of the characteristic adjustment switch causes a first variable characteristic to change. In the second mode of operation, rotation of the characteristic adjustment switch causes a second variable characteristic to change. The control system thus enables a single switch to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes an input member and a generally cylindrical wheel. The input member is manipulable to cause a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a first submode of operation and to cause a second submode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the wheel is pivotable to cause a third submode of operation to cause a fourth submode of operation. Rotating the wheel in each of the submodes causes a variation in a respective variable characteristic. The control system thus enables a single finger wheel to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a steering column supporting a brake-by-wire input device. The input device includes a member manipulable by a driver to indicate driver intent to apply brakes. A transducer converts driver manipulation of the member to electronic control signals and transmits the electronic control signals to the brake-by-wire system. The member is adjacent to a driver's hands on a steering wheel, enabling a driver to apply the brakes with minimal movement of the driver's hands.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system has two driver-operable input devices. The vehicle braking system is sufficiently configured such that one of the driver-operable input devices is effective in causing resistance to the rotation of at least one wheel only when a predetermined condition exists, and the other driver-operable input device is effective independent of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A route planning algorithm for a vehicle takes into account the aspect angle which the vehicle presents to threats in the environment. A flag is set in each map grid cell for which intervisibility with a threat exists. For each cell in which the flag is set, an aspect angle pointer points to a mathematical function which represents the cost value function attributable to the type of vehicle, the type of threat, and the aspect angle of the path segment. A determination is made as to whether an auxiliary function representing the probability of the threat is associated with the cell under consideration, and if so the auxiliary function is evaluated. If the result of the auxiliary function is nonzero, the aspect angle function is evaluated, and added to the map cost function to form a total cost. If not, the route planning algorithm continues without taking aspect angle into account. If so, the route planner uses the total cost.

Abstract: A processor-based system performs overwatch location and routing determinations for plural independent entities acting as a team. The system accepts data representing a “map” and uses that portion including the objective location or direction, together with data about known features of the environment and the capabilities of the team entities. An initial coarse route is inputted. The data is processed by designation of one of the team members as the overwatcher, and the other as the bounder. The procedure includes the steps of determination of an area to which bounding is permitted, and pruning out those grid cells in that area which cannot be seen from the first overview location. For the remaining grid cells of the pruned set, a cost function is determined for each remaining grid location.