Abstract: A method for determining a tire tread wear estimation of a tire includes receiving, by a controller, a direct tire tread wear measurement, when available, performing an indirect tire tread wear estimation, performing a data fusion of the indirect tire tread wear estimation with the direct tire tread wear measurement when available, estimating a percentage tire life remaining and a mileage to end of tire life, and estimating a refined tire tread wear calibration coefficient for performing future indirect tire tread wear estimations.

Abstract: A vibration monitoring system includes a plurality of encoders and an analyzer. The encoders are configured to generate multiple pulse train signals for multiple wheels. Each encoder is coupled to a respective one of the multiple wheels and generates a single one of the pulse train signals. The analyzer is coupled to the encoders and is configured to generate multiple pulse per revolution signals and multiple angular velocity signals for the wheels in response to the pulse train signals. Each pulse per revolution signal conveys a single pulse per rotation of the respective wheel. The analyzer is further configured to generate an input phasor array representative of the pulse per revolution signals, generate a response phasor array in response to the angular velocity signals for the wheels, and generate a report that identifies at least one vibrating wheel in response to the input phasor array and the response phasor array.

Abstract: A method including detecting an obstacle location in response to an image, determining the obstacle location in response to a range measurement received from a range sensor, predicting a tow vehicle path in response to a tow vehicle steering angle and a tow vehicle location, predicting, by a processor, a trailer wheel path in response to the tow vehicle path, a vehicle dimension and a trailer dimension, and generating a warning control signal in response to an intersection of the obstacle location and the trailer wheel path.

Abstract: A method including detecting an obstacle location in response to an image, determining the obstacle location in response to a range measurement received from a range sensor, predicting a tow vehicle path in response to a tow vehicle steering angle and a tow vehicle location, predicting, by a processor, a trailer wheel path in response to the tow vehicle path, a vehicle dimension and a trailer dimension, and generating a warning control signal in response to an intersection of the obstacle location and the trailer wheel path.

Abstract: A method for determining a tire tread wear estimation of a tire includes receiving, by a controller, a direct tire tread wear measurement, when available, performing an indirect tire tread wear estimation, performing a data fusion of the indirect tire tread wear estimation with the direct tire tread wear measurement when available, estimating a percentage tire life remaining and a mileage to end of tire life, and estimating a refined tire tread wear calibration coefficient for performing future indirect tire tread wear estimations.

Abstract: A vibration monitoring system includes a plurality of encoders and an analyzer. The encoders are configured to generate multiple pulse train signals for multiple wheels. Each encoder is coupled to a respective one of the multiple wheels and generates a single one of the pulse train signals. The analyzer is coupled to the encoders and is configured to generate multiple pulse per revolution signals and multiple angular velocity signals for the wheels in response to the pulse train signals. Each pulse per revolution signal conveys a single pulse per rotation of the respective wheel. The analyzer is further configured to generate an input phasor array representative of the pulse per revolution signals, generate a response phasor array in response to the angular velocity signals for the wheels, and generate a report that identifies at least one vibrating wheel in response to the input phasor array and the response phasor array.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems and computer readable storage medium for a method for detection and notification of a tire leak is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a tire leak detection system, sensor data from one or more tires. The method further includes determining, by the tire leak detection system, an occurrence of a leak anomaly in at least one of the one or more tires based on the sensor data. The method further includes predicting, by the tire leak detection system, a time and/or distance the at least one of the one or more tires will function ineffectively. The method further includes outputting, by the tire leak detection system, a code to a user or server indicating a leak type associated with the leak anomaly.

Abstract: Haptic feedback is provided by rendering haptic effects on a haptically-enabled device that includes a front screen, a back cover coupled to the front screen, and a haptic output device attached to or formed within the front screen or the back cover. The haptic output device is configured to render a high-definition (HD) vibratory haptic effect, a low-frequency vibratory haptic effect, and a deformation haptic effect.

Abstract: A haptic actuator comprising an elongate bladder, a pressure control component, and a constraining structure. The elongate bladder is stretchable along a length dimension thereof. The pressure control component is configured to increase pressure of a fluid in the bladder, which causes a first surface portion of the elongate bladder to stretch along the length dimension thereof. The constraining structure is attached to a second and opposite surface portion of the elongate bladder and is less stretchable than the elongate bladder so as to constrain the second surface portion of the elongate bladder from stretching along the length dimension thereof. When the pressure control component is activated to increase the pressure of the fluid, the constraining structure permits the first surface portion to stretch along the length dimension by a greater amount relative to the second surface portion, which causes the elongate bladder to bend.

Abstract: Haptic feedback is provided by rendering haptic effects on a haptically-enabled device that includes a front screen, a back cover coupled to the front screen, and a haptic output device attached to or formed within the front screen or the back cover. The haptic output device is configured to render a high-definition (HD) vibratory haptic effect, a low-frequency vibratory haptic effect, and a deformation haptic effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods or a low profile haptic actuator are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for a low profile haptic actuator includes: a moveable surface comprising a first coil, the moveable surface configured to move in a degree of freedom; a fixed surface beneath the moveable surface, the fixed surface comprising a second coil coupled underneath the first coil; a suspension coupled to the fixed surface and the moveable surface and configured to suspend the moveable surface; and a controller coupled to the first coil and the second coil.

Abstract: One illustrative system of the present disclosure includes a sensor configured to detect a gesture that includes a movement through multiple positions in real space. The multiple positions can include a first position that is distant from a touch sensitive surface and a second position that is closer to the touch sensitive surface than the first position. The system also includes a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can output a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes multiple available user interface levels. During the gesture, the processor can activate a sequence of user interface levels, where each user interface level in the sequence is selected from among the multiple available user interface levels and is activated at a respective position among the multiple positions in the gesture. The processor can also cause a haptic output device to provide haptic feedback associated with each user interface level.

Abstract: A haptic effect enabled system generates a haptic effect using an electric potential responsive fluid. A haptic enabled apparatus includes a fluid and a substrate. The fluid is responsive to an electric field. The substrate is at least partially flexible and defines a channel. The fluid is positioned within at least a portion of the channel. A portion of the substrate proximal to the fluid is stiffer than a portion of the substrate spaced from the fluid, thereby creating a haptic effect.

Abstract: A flexible haptic actuator and corresponding method. The flexible haptic actuator comprises a core formed with a flexible material. The core defines a volume and is bendable. An electrical conductor is coiled around the core and is bendable. A casing surrounds the electrical conductor and at least a part of the core. The casing includes a plurality of flexible sections and a plurality of stiff sections. The casing is bendable. A haptic mass is suspended in the volume, the haptic mass being at least partially formed with a magnetic material. The haptic mass is movable in the volume in response to the electrical conductor generating a magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, non-transitory computer readable mediums for generating one or more haptic effects are provided. For example, a device includes a substrate including a plurality of haptic regions, and a plurality of haptic output devices, each haptic output device being coupled to a respective haptic region, and each haptic output device being configured to generate a haptic effect in response to receiving a haptic drive signal, as described herein. The haptic effect is perceptible to a user within one cycle of the haptic drive signal.

Abstract: A haptic actuator comprising a base and a haptic transducer at least partially suspended by the base. The haptic transducer comprises a substrate and a smart material operably connected to the substrate. The smart material has resonance in response to an electrical signal having a determined frequency, and the resonance causes the haptic transducer to vibrate and deliver a haptic effect.

Abstract: A haptic output device is configured to generate a deformation-based haptic effect and a vibration-based haptic effect. The haptic output device includes a shape memory material configured to change a shape thereof when heated and generate the deformation-based haptic effect, and a cooling device configured to cool the shape memory material and generate the vibration-based haptic effect.

Abstract: Examples of techniques for determining tire leak rate are disclosed. In one example implementation, a method includes receiving, by a processing device, temperature data, pressure data, tire characteristics, and an estimated leak rate associated with the tire. The method further includes calculating, by the processing device, a temperature normalized fused pressure after fusing the temperature data and the pressure data. The method further includes determining, by the processing device, the tire leak rate based at least in part on a decay of the temperature normalized fused pressure over time. The method further includes providing, by the processing device, an alert to an operator of the vehicle that a leak is detected based at least in part on a comparison between the tire leak rate and a leak rate threshold.

Abstract: A haptic actuator having a housing, a moveable mass, and first, second, and third electromagnets is disclosed. The first electromagnet is fixed to the housing. The moveable mass is suspended in the housing and at least partially surrounding the first electromagnet. The moveable mass has ferromagnetic material at a first end of the moveable mass, and ferromagnetic material at a second end opposite the first end. It further has a plurality of permanent magnets that are configured to magnetize the ferromagnetic material, such that when a current is applied to the first electromagnet, the ferromagnetic material of one of the first and second ends is attracted to the first electromagnet, and the ferromagnetic material of the other of the first and second ends is repelled. The second electromagnet and the third electromagnet are each fixed to the housing, and face opposite ends of the moveable mass.

Abstract: A haptic effect enabled system generates a haptic effect using an electric potential responsive fluid. A haptic enabled apparatus includes a fluid and a substrate. The fluid is responsive to an electric field. The substrate is at least partially flexible and defines a channel. The fluid is positioned within at least a portion of the channel. A portion of the substrate proximal to the fluid is stiffer than a portion of the substrate spaced from the fluid, thereby creating a haptic effect.