Abstract: A control device controls a vehicle to perform position adjustment between a power transmission unit and a power reception unit based on a power receiving situation of the power reception unit. A height sensor is for sensing change in vehicle height of the vehicle. The control device uses relation between the power receiving situation and a distance between the power transmission unit and the power reception unit, which is predetermined according to an output from the height sensor, to perform the position adjustment between the power transmission unit and the power reception unit based on the output from the height sensor and the power receiving situation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle responsive to a seasonal grade of the fuel available in the vehicle's fuel tank. If the seasonal grade of fuel in the fuel tank does not correspond to the seasonal grade of fuel mandated during the time of engine operation, a fuel injection amount is adjusted to compensate for differences between seasonal grades of a fuel.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a voltage of the cell, determine a discharge time to reduce the voltage to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined voltages, and cause the cell to discharge for the discharge time to balance the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle may include an electric machine that generates motive power for the vehicle, a plurality of cells that store energy for the electric machine, and at least one controller. The at least one controller may cause the cells to receive current for a period of time and, during the period of time, cause at least some of the cells to supply cell load current such that at the expiration of the period of time, the amount of energy stored by the cells is at least equal to a predetermined target energy level.

Abstract: A power system for a vehicle may include at least one controller and a battery having a plurality of cells. The at least one controller may, for each of the cells, determine a capacity of the cell, determine a duration of time to supply cell load current to reduce the determined capacity of the cell to a value approximately equal to a minimum of the determined capacities, and cause the cell to supply cell load current for the determined duration of time to balance the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for discharging a residual high voltage of a hybrid vehicle that includes a high voltage battery and a battery controller controlling the high voltage battery, a high voltage DC-DC converter connected to the high voltage battery to charge or discharge the high voltage battery, and a motor controller connected to the high voltage DC-DC converter to control a motor. A discharge control unit is connected to the motor controller to discharge the residual high voltage through the motor, and a shutdown control unit turns off the high voltage DC-DC converter and the motor controller when the discharge control terminates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waste heat management system of an electric vehicle. In particular, a pump for controlling the flow of cooling fluid, an OBC cooling fluid line and a motor cooling fluid line which diverge in parallel from an outlet of a cooling fluid line of the fluid pump, and a heater core cooling fluid line and a radiator cooling fluid line which are respectively connected in parallel with a junction of an inlet of the fluid pump cooling fluid line and a junction of outlets of the heater core cooling fluid line and the radiator cooling fluid line, are interconnected to provide both heating and air-conditioning to the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, the present invention, also allows the motor to be preheated when the vehicle is not running.

Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling hybrid functions in a motor vehicle, including at least one control unit, hybrid functions of a motor vehicle are controlled by the control unit, the control unit switching off at least one hybrid function above a predetermined battery temperature.

Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes an input member that is connected via a rotary electric machine and an input clutch to an internal combustion engine, a transmission device that has an engagement element for transmitting and starting, and that transmits rotation of the input member to an output member at a changed speed, an oil pump that is driven by the input member. The input clutch has a plurality of friction materials and an elastic member urging the plurality of friction materials in the pressing direction. The control device, when detecting a start preliminary operation by a driver, rotates the rotary electric machine to cause the oil pump to produce the circulating oil pressure that disengages the input clutch by canceling out the urging force of the elastic member, and engages the engagement element for starting, after disengaging the input clutch.

Abstract: A control method for a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle executing a compound split mode where a first carrier and a second ring gear are selectively connected. More specifically, a controller, determines a target torque of the second motor/generator based on a gear ratio of the first sun gear and the first ring gear, a gear ratio of the second sun gear and the second ring gear, a demand torque of the powertrain, and an output torque of the first motor/generator; determines a compensation value based on a target speed of the engine and a current speed of the engine; and determines a final torque of the second motor/generator based on the target torque of the second motor/generator and the compensation value, and controlling the second motor/generator according to the final torque of the second motor/generator.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling first and second electric motors of a vehicle having an electrically variable transmission during an engine start/stop operation. The system and method determine a type of shift being performed, determine if a first clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine if a second clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine an acceleration limit based on the shift being performed and which clutch is being applied and/or released, determine acceleration and speed profiles based on the shift being performed, which clutch is being applied and/or released and the acceleration limit, determine a first electric motor torque and a second electric motor torque based on the acceleration and speed profiles, and set the torques of the first and second electric motors to the determined first and second electric motor torques.

Abstract: A mode selection control system and method for controlling an electrically variable transmission. The system and method calculate respective costs for operating the vehicle in a plurality of operating modes based on a battery discharge penalty and the costs associated with operating the electrical and mechanical portions of the transmission. The method selects an operating mode having the lowest calculated cost.

Abstract: A motor operation control system and method for controlling first and second electric motors of an electrically variable transmission. The system and method determine a minimum battery power associated with a torque of the second electric motor, set the torque of the second electric motor based on the determined minimum battery power, and set a torque of the first electric motor based on the determined minimum battery power.

Abstract: A bicycle motor control apparatus includes a bicycle crank position detecting device, a bicycle crank position determining section, a stop determining section and a motor control section. The bicycle crank position detecting device detects a position of a bicycle crank. The bicycle crank position determining section determines if the bicycle crank is in a prescribed region including a bottom dead center position based on a detection result from the bicycle crank position detecting device. The stop determining section that determines a stopped state indicative of at least one a bicycle crank stopped state and a bicycle stopped state. The motor control section selectively outputs a motor driving command and stops the output of the motor driving command during a period in which the bicycle crank position determining section determines that the bicycle crank is in the prescribed region and the stop determining section determines that the stopped state exists.

Abstract: Vehicle operation (e.g., speed, acceleration) may be limited based on various conditions such as a current charge condition of an electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, super- or ultracapacitors), history of such, conditions related to the vehicle (e.g., mileage, weight, size, drag coefficient), a driver or operator of the vehicle (e.g., history with respect to speed, acceleration, mileage) and/or environmental conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, terrain). A controller may control operation of one or more power converters to limit current and/or voltage supplied to a traction electric motor, accordingly.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.

Abstract: Messaging in a controller area network is modified to hide thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests originating with selected nodes with relatively low contention access priority from an engine controller and to route the messages instead through an intermediary controller which is an independent source of thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests. More specifically, in a hybrid vehicle having a body controller with operational control over power take off equipment, a hybrid controller and a thermal engine controller, angular velocity and torque change requests to support power take off operation are embedded in auxiliary input/output messages. The hybrid controller operates on these auxiliary messages, conflating the embedded angular velocity and torque change requests with its own and rebroadcast in conventional form.

Abstract: An ECU uses a map or the like prepared in advance to calculate a discharge allowable power. Then, the ECU sets a VH upper limit value at the first upper limit value. When the running mode is not at a CD mode (that is, at a CS mode), or when the engine is operating, the ECU proceeds to S60. In contrast, when the running mode is at the CD mode and the engine is stopped, the ECU increases the discharge allowable power, and modifies the VH upper limit value to a second upper limit value that is lower than the first upper limit value.

Abstract: An ECU includes a running mode control unit, a Wout control unit, and an engine start/stop determination unit. The running mode control unit controls switching of a running mode including a CD mode in which an engine is stopped and running using a motor generator alone is given priority, and a CS mode in which the engine is operated and the SOC of a power storage device is maintained at a predetermined target. The engine start/stop determination unit carries out a start determination of the engine based on a discharge allowable power indicating electric power that can be discharged by the power storage device. The Wout control unit modifies the discharge allowable power based on the running mode and operation/stop of the engine.

Abstract: If it is determined that switching from a CD mode to a CS mode is requested by a running mode switching request switch, an ECU determines whether or not SOC of a power storage device is higher than a threshold value. If SOC is determined to be higher than the threshold value, ECU further determines whether or not temperature of the power storage device is lower than a threshold value. If SOC is determined to be higher than the threshold value and the temperature is determined to be lower than the threshold value, the ECU denies the request for switching from the CD mode to the CS mode, and maintains the CD mode as the running mode.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus includes first and second drive wheels; a first motor that drives the first drive wheel; a second motor that drives the second drive wheel; a switch that switches a drive shaft of the first drive wheel and a drive shaft of the second drive wheel between a coupled state and a non-coupled state; an abnormality detector that detects an abnormal state in the first and second motors; and a controller that controls switching of the switch based on the abnormal state detected by the abnormality detector. When the abnormality detector detects the abnormal state, the controller may control the switch to switch the drive shaft of the first drive wheel and the drive shaft of the second drive wheel from the non-coupled state to the coupled state.

Abstract: A plugin hybrid vehicle is installed with an engine, an oil pump coupled to an output shaft of the engine to be driven by the engine, a motor/generator coupled to the output shaft of the engine, and a battery. An ECU controls the motor/generator to rotate the output shaft of the engine during charging of the battery using power supplied from a power source on the exterior of the plugin hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided in which after a determination is made as to whether the remaining capacity is higher than a first threshold value, any one of a first running mode, a second running mode, and a third running mode is selected depending on first speed, second speed, or third speed so that the vehicle runs in the mode, whereby the vehicle can run by easily selecting an appropriate series hybrid mode or an appropriate parallel hybrid mode in each range depending on whether the remaining capacity is higher than the first threshold value, and running control can be made stable and easy.

Abstract: A system for remotely diagnosing and repairing a computer controlled asset includes an access point connected to a computer controlled asset thereby allowing electronic access to the computer system of the computer controlled asset. A service center remotely connected to the access point provides diagnostic review and repair of the computer controlled asset. An interface linking the access point to the service center allows the service center to communicate with the computer controlled asset via the access point.

Abstract: A communications system that includes a vehicular diagnostic tool and a vehicle communication interface (VCI) configured to be connected to a vehicular computing system. In operation, the vehicular diagnostic tool automatically detects the presence of the VCI when the VCI is proximate thereto. Thereafter, the VCI and vehicular diagnostic tool communicate through a wireless connection. Also, a method of communicating using the aforementioned vehicular diagnostic tool and VCI.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for managing fault codes triggered by one or more vehicles during operation. In general, various embodiments of the invention involve recording and analyzing fault codes triggered during a particular time period while a vehicle is in operation. As a result of the analysis, various embodiments of the invention may set a state for each of the identified fault codes, the state indicating a level of action to address the identified fault code. In particular embodiments, the states may be one of a caution state indicating one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle should be monitored, a critical state indicating one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle should be repaired, or an environmental state indicating failure or potential failure of one or more components or sub-systems of the vehicle may affect one or more environmental conditions.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems and methods are provided for capturing vehicle activity data and filtering such data to reconstruct accident conditions according to a predetermined level of accuracy.

Abstract: A vehicle cooling system includes: a channel allowing a liquid medium cooling a drive device of the vehicle to circulate; a flow rate detection unit detecting a flow rate of the liquid medium flowing in the channel; a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the liquid medium; a pump provided on the channel for circulating the liquid medium; a rotational speed sensor detecting a rotational speed of the pump; and a control device controlling drive of the pump. The control device identifies a malfunctioning part of the cooling system based on the flow rate and the temperature of the liquid medium and the rotational speed of the pump. Thus, since abnormalities of the cooling mechanism can be detected with higher precision so that the abnormalities are distinguished from each other, it is a limited part that should be checked when repairs are made and the work efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus selectively controls operations of an original device and a non-original device in a vehicle through control keys mounted on a steering wheel. The method includes the steps of: interpreting a command code from the control key when the control key is activated to determine which function is selected; selecting one or more original or non-original devices to substantiate the selected function of the control key; retrieving data related to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device; converting the command code from the control key to a command code of the selected function of the non-original device and storing the converted command code; and retrieving and transmitting the converted command code and transmitting to the non-original device when the control key is activated again.

Abstract: An infotainment system is provided for delivering content to multiple occupants of a vehicle. The infotainment system includes: an occupant detector configured to receive characteristic data for occupants of the vehicle and generate a profile for each occupant of the vehicle; a recommendation engine that analyzes the profiles of the vehicle occupants; and a content delivery engine that deliver content to one or more of the vehicle occupants in accordance with the analysis of the profiles of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A system provides a user of a vehicle with interactive vehicle help. The system includes a first user input device that allows the user to enable an interactive vehicle HELP mode, and a second user input device that allows the user to selectively trigger execution of a vehicle function. The system further includes an output device and at least one processor. The processor is programmed to receive the user request that enables the interactive vehicle help mode; disable execution of the vehicle function in response to the received user request; and output help information pertaining to the vehicle function to the user via the output device in response to triggering of the user input device. Additionally, if in the HELP mode, an override feature may be provided to allow the user to enable the execution of the vehicle function in response to an override user request.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to increase the recovered kinetic energy as much as possible in a regeneration control system for a vehicle that converts the kinetic energy of a wheel into electrical energy while the vehicle is decelerating. To achieve the object, in the invention, the electric energy generated by a generator is decreased at the time when the wheel slips. In consequence, the recovered kinetic energy can be made larger as compared to the case where the electric energy generated by the generator is decreased based on an anticipation of slippage of the wheel made in advance.

Abstract: In a control system, a first estimator estimates, as a first controlled force, a force being applied to a controlled object. A second estimator estimates, as a second controlled force, a force being transferred to the controlled object. An external force estimator estimates, as an external force, a force being exerted on the vehicle as the vehicle runs. A dynamics estimator estimates, based on the first controlled force, the second controlled force, and the external force, a value of a parameter that represents the dynamics of the controlled object. A compensator compensates for at least one of the first controlled force and the second controlled force such that the value of the parameter is within a preset target range.

Abstract: A control system in a straddle-type vehicle is provided. The control system includes front and rear wheels, comprises a load distribution changing section which changes a ground load distribution between the front and rear wheels during driving of the vehicle; a slip suppressing condition determiner section which determines whether or not a suppressing condition used to suppress a slip of one of the front and rear wheels is met, during driving of the vehicle; and a load distribution control section which controls the load distribution changing section to make the ground load of the one of the front and rear wheels greater when the slip suppressing condition determiner section determines that the suppressing condition is met, than when the slip suppressing condition determiner section determines that the suppressing condition is not met.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle suspension system including the steps of detecting, computing and altering the center of gravity of the vehicle. The detecting step includes the detecting of a center of gravity of the vehicle thereby defining a detected center of gravity. The computing step includes computing what alteration of a plurality of actuators is needed to substantially reduce a value of a difference between the detected center of gravity and a preferred center of gravity using a fuzzy relations control strategy. The computing step is carried out in a controller. The altering step includes altering the center of gravity of the vehicle by way of the controller actuating at least one of the actuators connected to suspension elements of the vehicle dependent upon the alteration arrived at in the computing step.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system in a host vehicle that provides automatic steering control using differential braking in the event that the normal steering control fails. The system determines whether a collision with an object, such as a target vehicle, in front of the host vehicle is imminent, and if so, determines an optimal path for the host vehicle to travel along to avoid the object if the collision is imminent. The collision avoidance system may determine that automatic steering is necessary to cause the vehicle to travel along the optimal path to avoid the target. If the collision avoidance system does determine that automatic steering is necessary and detects that normal vehicle steering has failed, the system uses differential braking to steer the vehicle along the path.

Abstract: A device combining motor driven power steering with a compressor, may include a deceleration gearbox connected to a steering shaft, a motor selectively providing a steering force to the deceleration gearbox, a first electronic clutch mounted between the deceleration gearbox and a first shaft of the motor, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the deceleration gearbox, a power transmitting gear set transmitting power from the motor to a compressor, a second electronic clutch mounted between a second shaft of the motor and an input side of the power transmitting gear set, and transmitting or discontinuing transmission of power from the motor to the power transmitting gear set, and the compressor for an air conditioner, connected to an output side of the power transmitting gear set.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Method so control a steering apparatus comprising following steps: (A) Checking at every time whether there is a straight run state of the vehicle or not; (B) If the straight run state of vehicle is reached, determines the instantaneous rack position (R) and calculates a new offset as to a difference between the instantaneous rack position (K) and the first position (R0) of said rack (7); (C) Checking in a first justify operation, whether the new offset of the rack position in the straight run state of vehicle to the first rack position differs to an old offset, which where determined as the new offset at an earlier time, and set in this case the first justify result as to true and otherwise as to false; (D) Checking in a second justify operation, whether the pull situation value exceeds a threshold value and set in this case the second justify result as to true and otherwise as to false; (E) If the first and second justify results are true, set a suspension device status as to

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling steering in a vehicle having an electric power steering system (EPS) with a steering wheel, the EPS configured to attenuate smooth road shake (SRS) for the vehicle. A first relationship is determined between a torque of the steering wheel and motions of the steering wheel while free of SRS excitation. A second relationship is determined between the torque and the motions with SRS excitation. A mapping is generated based on the first relationship and the second relationship via a processor for use in adjusting steering control.

Abstract: A method for controlling a steering apparatus (10) of a vehicle produces an error signal (128) by subtracting a hand wheel torque (118) and a column torque (126) from a desired operator torque (112) to be applied to a hand wheel (14) of the vehicle. A controller (102) receives at least one vehicle condition signal (106, 108, 110) and determines the desired operator torque (112). The desired operator torque (112) is filtered into a low frequency torque component (112a) and a high frequency torque component (112b). The steering apparatus (10) is controlled based on the low frequency torque component (112a) and the high frequency torque component (112b).

Abstract: A steering method for an industrial truck includes manually steering at least one steerable wheel with a steering transducer. The at least one steerable wheel is hydraulically connected or mechanically connected with the steering transducer. An angular position of the at least one steerable wheel is detected. At least one additional steerable wheel is motor-steered as a function of the detected angular position.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling active safety functionality for a vehicle. The active safety functionality provides an action during a drive cycle of the vehicle based on a predetermined threshold. Data pertaining to driving conditions, usage conditions of the vehicle, or both, is obtained for a drive cycle of the vehicle. A risk factor grade is calculated using the data. The risk factor grade corresponds to a level of situational risk for the drive cycle. The predetermined threshold of the active safety system is adjusted based on the risk factor grade.

Abstract: A tire adjustment system and utilization means therefor includes a vehicle having at lone or more electronic vehicle control systems such as an anti-lock brake system; steering wheel control system, electronic stability system; suspension control system; global positioning system. An electronic valve system is mounted to operatively adjust on a tire-by-tire basis the inflation pressure within each tire cavity responsive to an electronic input signal from at least one of the vehicle control systems. The inflation adjustment of each tire alters the tire tread footprint configuration to optimally correlate with one or more identified current road condition(s) traversed by the vehicle.

Abstract: A base plate for a self-propelled robotic cleaning apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface of a pool or tank. The base plate includes a bottom surface and a water inlet formed therethrough, and an inlet extension member configured to mount in the water inlet. The inlet extension member is slidably retractable and extendable in a direction that is normal relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. A height adjustment mechanism is coupled to the inlet extension member and configured to move the inlet extension member upwardly and downwardly in the normal direction relative to the bottom surface of the base plate. The height adjustment mechanism can be adjusted manually. Alternatively, at least one sensor is operably coupled to a controller to automatically control the height adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A work vehicle is disclosed with an information displaying device preventing set information corresponding to a setting screen displayed on a display from being erroneously changed even while permitting an operation for switching to and displaying one among a plurality of set screens on the display. A setting information processing unit of the information displaying device includes setting screen displaying means for switching the setting screen by the input of a first operation information item and displaying same in a transition display mode, and setting information changing means for performing a process in an information change mode for permitting a change to the set information corresponding to the setting screen, by inputting of a second operation information item. When it is determined that the second operation information item is inputted in the information change mode, a process for restoring the transition display mode from the information change mode is performed.

Abstract: An operation platform (1), comprising: a platform base (20); a movement mechanism (26) connectable to said platform base and, when so connected, configured for displacement of the platform base; at least one operation tool zone (30) on said platform base configured for accommodating thereat at least one operation tool (50); and at least one boom assembly (10) having a first end fixable to said platform base (20), and a second free end (14), the boom assembly being controllable for displacing said second free end towards at least said one operation tool zone (30), coupling the second free end (14) to at least said one operation tool (50) accommodated within the operation tool zone (30), and maneuvering said second free end (14) with at least said one operation tool coupled thereto.

Abstract: A method for electronically controlling a bicycle gearshift by detecting a first actual command value of an actuator such as to position a motion transmission chain in engagement with a first of at least three coaxial toothed wheels, and a second actual command value of the actuator such as to position the chain in engagement with a second of said toothed wheels. For each toothed wheel, there is determined a nominal command value of the actuator theoretically such as to position the chain in engagement with said toothed wheel. Computing an actual command value of said actuator at least for each of said toothed wheels other than the first and second toothed wheel, based on said nominal command values and on said first and second actual command value. An electronically servo-assisted bicycle gearshift having modules adapted to implement the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for delaying shift and throttle commands based on engine speed comprises establishing a predetermined threshold engine speed. Shift and throttle commands are calculated based on the position of a joystick which allows an operator to manually control shift and throttle functions. Execution of the shift and throttle commands is delayed if the engine speed is above the predetermined maximum threshold engine speed.

Abstract: Discloses is a method of controlling a four-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a torque distribution device capable of changing a torque distribution amount for secondary driven wheels according to an input current to be applied thereto. This method comprises the steps of: applying, to the torque distribution device, a current value corresponding to a target torque distribution amount; and, performing a current changing control for increasing and reducing the input current to the torque distribution device. The step of performing a current changing control includes causing the input current to the torque distribution device to be temporarily increased to a value greater than the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and then returned to the current value corresponding to the target torque distribution amount, and repeating the temporary increasing of the input current at least at intervals of a predetermined time.