Abstract: Presented are traction battery pack balancing systems, methods for making/operating such systems, and multi-pack, electric-drive motor vehicles with battery pack balancing capabilities.

Abstract: A method for controlling continuous and discrete actuators (e.g., modes) in a powertrain system includes receiving preview information from a sensor(s) describing an upcoming dynamic state at a future time point, and providing control inputs for the actuators to a controller that includes the preview information. The input set collectively describes a future torque or speed output state at the future time point. The controller processes the input set via a dynamical predictive model, in real time, to determine control solutions to take at the present time point for implementing the dynamic state at the future time point. A lowest opportunity cost control solution is determined and optimized. The controller executes the optimized solution at the present time step.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle comprises a set of wheels, a mechanical transmission adapted to provide torque to the set of wheels, an electric motor coupled to and providing motive force to the mechanical transmission, battery storage coupled to and supplying electrical power to the electric motor, and a gasoline compression ignition (GCI) engine coupled to at least one of the mechanical transmission and the electric motor so as to provide mechanical energy to the mechanical transmission and energy for operating the electric motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example, output of an electric machine is adjusted after commanding reactivation of all engine cylinder valves that have been deactivated. The electric machine torque may counteract the engine producing torque that is greater than a requested torque due to high intake manifold pressure.

Abstract: A controller includes an engine controlling section and a motor-generator controlling section. The controller is configured to use the engine controlling section and the motor-generator controlling section to execute an intermittent stop control, a temperature increase control, an intermittent stop prohibition control, and a motoring control. The intermittent stop control automatically stops and restarts operation of an internal combustion engine. The temperature increase control increases the temperature of a filter in the exhaust passage to a temperature at which PM can be burned. The intermittent stop prohibition control prohibits stop of the operation of the internal combustion engine by the intermittent stop control until the temperature increase control is completed. The motoring control drives the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the motor-generator, thereby forcibly rotating the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A speed change control system for a vehicle configured to reduce uncomfortable feeling of a driver when shifting an operating mode via the fixed mode. When a required drive force to propel the vehicle is increased, a controller shifts the operating mode from a first continuously variable mode to a second continuously variable mode via a fixed mode. In this case, the controller increases an engine speed to a first target speed from a point when shifting from the fixed mode to the second continuously variable mode, and further increase the engine speed to a second target speed calculated based on the required drive force. In addition, the controller reduces the first target speed with an increase in at least any one of a first elapsed time and a second elapsed time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a starter motor are described. In one example, the starter motor may engage a flywheel of an engine and rotate the engine without starting the engine in response to a request to move the vehicle without starting the engine. The starter motor may provide the propulsive force to move the vehicle a short distance.

Abstract: A vehicular sensing system includes a plurality of sensors disposed at a vehicle so as to have a combined field of sensing forward, rearward and sideward of the vehicle. Data captured by the sensors is processed at a control to detect objects present in a respective field of sensing. A control designates a plurality of locations within the fields of sensing. As the vehicle moves along the road, the control increases a value for each designated location when an object is detected at that designated location and decreases the value for each designated location when an object is not detected at that designated location. The control, as the vehicle moves along the road, generates an object map based on values for the designated locations. The greater the value for a particular designated location, the greater the probability an object is present at that particular designated location.

Abstract: An automatic parking management apparatus is applied to a parking lot that allows an automatic parking control of automatically parking a vehicle, which is stopped at a start position, into a parking space. The automatic parking management apparatus is provided with: a determinator configured to determine whether or not the vehicle is stopped in a predetermined range for defining the start position, when the automatic parking control is intended to be started; and an instructor configured to output an instruction to move into the predetermined range, to the vehicle, if it is determined that the vehicle is not stopped in the predetermined range.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media for controlling vehicles in response to objects are provided. For example, one or more images captured using one or more image sensors from an environment of a first vehicle may be obtained. The one or more images to detect an object may be analyzed. In may be determined whether the object is carried by a second vehicle. In response to a determination that the object is not carried by a second vehicle, the first vehicle may be caused to initiate an action responding to the object, and in response to a determination that the object is carried by a second vehicle, causing the first vehicle to initiate the action may be withheld.

Abstract: A warning is not issued when there is not a history in which a host vehicle or an object vehicle (a recording target vehicle) have traveled from a current position of the host vehicle to a predicted collision point and a history in which the recording target vehicle has traveled from a current position of a collision-possible vehicle to the predicted collision point.

Abstract: A prediction device includes a camera configured to repeatedly image a region ahead of a vehicle, an extractor configured to extract a region including other vehicles from each of a plurality of images repeatedly captured by the camera, and a predictor configured to predict that a traffic jam will occur in a road on which there is the vehicle on the basis of a change in the region extracted from each of the plurality of images by the extractor between the images.

Abstract: A method for calculating a time to contact of an autonomous vehicle, the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of event data an image, wherein the event data is associated with a pixel associated with a change in light intensity; determining a reference signal frequency associated with a transmitted light; identifying a select event data from the plurality of event data, wherein the light frequency associated with the select event data is substantially the same as the reference signal frequency; determining an object based on the select event data, wherein the object is fully enclosed by a bounding box comprising coordinates of a rectangular border; calculating a distance between a set of coordinates of the bounding box closest to the autonomous vehicle and the autonomous vehicle; and calculating the time to contact between the set of coordinates of the bounding box and the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system determines an upper non-zero limit on deceleration of a vehicle to prevent rollback of the vehicle down a grade being traveled up on by the vehicle. The upper non-zero limit on deceleration is determined by the controller based on a payload carried by the vehicle, a speed of the vehicle, and a grade of a route being traveled upon by the vehicle. The controller is configured to monitor the deceleration of the vehicle, and to automatically prevent the deceleration of the vehicle from exceeding the upper non-zero limit by controlling one or more of a brake or a motor of the vehicle. The controller also is configured to one or more of actuate the brake or supply current to the motor of the vehicle to prevent rollback of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving up the grade at a non-zero speed.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle that has a footrest that is located in front of and below a driver's seat is provided. The device includes a travel control unit configured to automatically perform travel control that includes at least one of: acceleration/deceleration; and steering, of the vehicle, and a footrest sensor configured to detect that the footrest is pressed. Conditions for the travel control unit to perform the travel control include a condition that the footrest is pressed.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control device 1 includes a lane detection unit 120 configured to detect a road outside line of a lane on which a host vehicle V is traveling, a target detection unit 121 configured to detect a target that is present outside the road outside line, and a speed control unit 123 configured to control a speed of the host vehicle V such that the host vehicle V passes a lateral side of the target at a speed lower than a speed of the host vehicle V when the target has been detected. After the host vehicle V has passed the lateral side of the target, the speed control unit 123 accelerates the host vehicle V up to the speed when the target has been detected.

Abstract: A device for setting a target vehicle that sets a target vehicle to be subjected to driving assistance control of a host vehicle includes: a detection signal acquisition device capable of acquiring a first detection signal representing an object by an image, and a second detection signal representing the object by a reflection point; and setting control unit, which determines whether to set a forward object as a target vehicle, wherein if a movement history is not associated with the forward object, and a combination history is associated with the forward object, then as a selection threshold of a first determination parameter for determining whether to set the forward object as the target vehicle, a selection threshold is used such that the forward object is less likely to be selected as the target vehicle than with the selection threshold which would be used if a movement history is associated with the forward object.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a stop position determination portion configured to determine a stop position at which a vehicle is stopped for a user to get in the vehicle or get off the vehicle so that a space for the user to get in or get off the vehicle is secured around a door of the vehicle, the door being used by (he user when the user gets in or gets off the vehicle; and a driving controlling portion configured to perform an automatic driving control on the vehicle so that the vehicle stops at the stop position.

Abstract: A lane change assist apparatus comprises a standby operation device provided on a turn signal lever. The standby operation device outputs a state change request when the standby operation device is operated. The lane change assist apparatus changes its state from a non-standby state to a standby state in response to receiving the state change request. The lane change assist apparatus executes a lane change assist control when a state thereof has been changed to the standby state and receives the lane change assist request.

Abstract: A control apparatus for performing travel control of a vehicle comprises a sensor configured to detect a state around the vehicle and a travel controller configured to perform travel control for automated driving based on a detection result of the sensor. The travel controller is configured to, in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, select a target stop position located in a section that is adjacent to a travel path on which the vehicle is traveling, according to selection criteria, and to stop the vehicle at the target stop position, and the selection criteria include a first criterion regarding a continuous distance of the section in a direction in which the vehicle moves.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine of a vehicle, in which after an execution of an automated gear change of a transmission of the vehicle, an acceleration force for accelerating the vehicle is requested when a force value representing a present drive force of the engine is in a tolerance band around a reference value determined before the gear change and a request signal for the acceleration force exists.

Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle may include one or more processors configured to determine, based on a friction prediction model, one or more predictive friction coefficients between the ground and one or more tires of the ground vehicle using first ground condition data and second ground condition data. The first ground condition data represent conditions of the ground at or near the position of the ground vehicle, and the second ground condition data represent conditions of the ground in front of the ground vehicle with respect to a driving direction of the ground vehicle. The one or more processors are further configured to determine driving conditions of the ground vehicle using the determined one or more predictive friction coefficients.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for utilizing passenger attention data captured in vehicles for vehicle localization and location-based services. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving sensor data from one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle operating in an environment, and generating passenger attention data for a passenger of the autonomous vehicle using the sensor data. A processing circuit determines one or more physical features in the environment based on the passenger attention data. The processing circuit obtains physical feature data associated with the physical feature(s) and initiates one or more actions on the AV based at least in part on the physical feature data. The actions include but are not limited to requesting content for physical features(s) and assisting in localization of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic traction system adapted for use on a paving machine having a steering cylinder, one or more wheels, and a joystick. The preferred automatic traction system has a joystick sensor adapted to determine a joystick position, a steering sensor adapted to determine a steering cylinder position, a speed sensor adapted to determine an actual speed of one or more of the one or more wheels, a valve adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position and is in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels, and a controller adapted to communicate with the joystick sensor, the steering sensor, the speed sensor, and the valve. The preferred automatic traction system automatically controls the rotational speed of the one or more wheels of the paving machine in the event that one or more of the one or more wheels lose traction.

Abstract: A torque-speed curve or data of load that is used as a standard to determine an external condition in which an electric vehicle is operating such as incline or no incline, head wind or no headwind, high temperature or low temperature. The system compares samples of actual torque-speed of load data to the standard. Based on the comparison, the system determines the external condition (going up a hill, traveling into a headwind, operating at high temperature) or an abnormal operation of the vehicle powertrain, for example, low tire pressure, elevated friction, wheels out of alignment. Based on the determination, the system takes an action to govern a maximum torque output of the motor to control temperature of the vehicle battery; to raise a wind deflector; to govern maximum speed of the vehicle to reduce danger resulting from low tire pressure, elevated powertrain friction or out of alignment wheels; or to initiate an indication of abnormal conditions.

Abstract: During a measurement technique, an electronic device may receive first sensor information associated with a first field of view and a first timestamp, and second sensor information associated with a second field of view and a second timestamp. For example, the electronic device may perform a first measurement using a first sensor and performing a second, different type of measurement using a second sensor. Therefore, the first sensor information and the second sensor information may be associated with different types of sensors. Moreover, the first timestamp and the second timestamp may be concurrent or in close temporal proximity, and the first field of view and the second field of view may at least substantially overlap. Then, the electronic device may store the first sensor information and the second sensor information in memory. In some embodiments, the electronic device stores the first timestamp and the second timestamp in the memory.

Abstract: Provided is an assist apparatus for a vehicle leaving a parking space, including an automatic leaving execution unit configured to execute automatic leaving by automatic travel control mode of the vehicle and a switching control unit configured to switch driving of the vehicle from the automatic travel control mode to driver's driving operation mode, in which a state of the vehicle is determined and whether or not to perform a predetermined automatic travel control before switching the drive of the vehicle to the driver's driving operation mode is determined based on the determination result of the state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A travel assistance method generates a first traveling path based on map information around a circumference of a host vehicle, generates a second traveling path based on the surroundings, determines that a switch from the first traveling path to the second traveling path is needed when detecting that the first traveling path being generated is to end ahead of the host vehicle while the host vehicle is traveling on the first traveling path, and controls the host vehicle to make a transition from the first traveling path to the second traveling path when the switch is determined to be needed.

Abstract: An autonomous driving system includes a normal driving situation determination unit configured to determine whether or not autonomous driving is in a normal driving situation, a driver situation recognition unit configured to recognize a driver situation, a distrust determination unit configured to determine whether or not the driver is in a system distrust state, based on a recognition result obtained by the driver situation recognition unit, and a warning control unit configured to output an alert in accordance with the external environment of the vehicle when the normal driving situation determination unit determines that autonomous driving is in the normal driving situation and the distrust determination unit determines that the driver is in the system distrust state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for host vehicle navigation. Disclosed systems and methods may receive, from a camera, a plurality of images representative of an environment of the host vehicle; analyze the plurality of images to identify at least one pedestrian in the environment of the host vehicle; identify eyes of the at least one pedestrian represented in at least one of the plurality of images; and determine, based on analysis of the at least one of the plurality of images and based on the identification of the eyes of the at least one pedestrian in the at least one of the plurality of images, a looking direction of the at least one pedestrian.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a driving controller configured to perform first driving control such that one or both of an acceleration or deceleration speed and steering of a vehicle is controlled to travel the vehicle; an occupant intention detector configured to detect an intention of the occupant to switch from manual driving to a state in which the driving controller performs the first driving control; and a one-way traffic determiner configured to determine whether a road on which the vehicle is predicted to be traveling or travel in future is a one-way traffic road. The driving controller determines whether to start the first driving control based on whether the one-way traffic determiner determines the road on which the vehicle is predicted to be traveling or travel in future is the one-way traffic road.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for assisting in the driving of a vehicle comprising at least one assistance mode, said method being implemented by a control unit of a driver-assistance system, said control unit being connected to an actuation module, comprising a plurality of actuators capable of controlling members of the vehicle, via a first network and a second network, said method comprising a step of: —Receiving (300) and processing the data originating from the actuation module via the first network. In response to the detection (301) of a failure in the first network, steps of: —Triggering (302) a phase of manual control recovery by the driver of the vehicle, —Transmitting (303) a command to the actuation module instructing that commands originating from the second network are to be taken into consideration, —Receiving (304) and processing the data originating from the actuation module via the second network.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to process event data acquired via components that may be integrated as part of the autonomous vehicle's operational system, such as cameras and GPS systems. The event data may then be processed to generate processed event data based upon an analysis of various conditions occurring during, prior to, or shortly after a user's trip in an autonomous vehicle. The processed event data may represent one or more portions of sharable digital content such as a pre-edited video clip, a montage, an image, a series of images, etc. The user may access and then share these portions of sharable content to various platforms, such as social media platforms.

Abstract: An overhead transport vehicle travels along a travel rail and conveys a FOUP including a removable lid in a suspended state. The overhead transport vehicle includes a holder to grip the FOUP with the lid oriented in a width direction crossing the traveling direction, a pair of frames provided at the front and the back in the traveling direction relative to the holder, and a first lid drop-preventing member provided so as to be pivotable along a horizontal plane about a pivot shaft in the vertical direction, between an advanced position in front of the lid and a retracted position at a position retracted from the front of the lid.

Abstract: A portable rope tow assembly is used to transport people, typically skiing or snowboarding, along snow covered ground and usually up hill. The assembly is extremely lightweight, portable and rapid to deploy. It uses a variable frequency drive to control an electric drive motor, and enables convenient variable speed and reverse direction operation.

Abstract: Providing an alert to a user of a multi-passenger mode of transport includes receiving first biometric information about the user and a destination for the user; receiving second biometric information about the user; based on the second biometric information, determining the destination for the user; based at least in part on the destination for the user, determining a first location within the multi-passenger mode of transport; and transmitting a first command to control a first display device proximate to the user, based on the first location.

Abstract: A method for ensuring that a section block of a railway section is free of the last unit of a train, wherein each train travelling into the section block is equipped with at least one train terminal (OTU—On Train Unit) at the end of the train, defined by the direction of travel of the train, which OTU is used for the periodic position detection of the train. The method comprises storing at least one polygon, which is defined by a plurality of geo-data, for each section block is stored in the OTU, registering the respectively traveled polygon at least once by the OTU by means of Global Navigation Satellite System, and sending the identification of the respectively traveled polygon with the OTU at least once to an electronic data processing system for evaluation.

Abstract: An assembly may be provided that includes a controller configured to be coupled with at least one blower drive that operates a blower motor to cool resistive elements that dissipate electrical power as heat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-purpose folding trolley comprising a handle with lower end of handle's both sides into lower connecting sleeve that is mounted at bend of handle's lower end. Locking tube is into lower connecting sleeve's inner side with switches sleeved on tube. Locking tube's interior has locking rod first spring sleeved on rod. Lower connecting sleeve's outer side is connected to fixing connecting block, and block rotatably connected to movable caster via short connecting tube. First torsion spring sleeved on short connecting tube. Upper horizontal tube is at handle's lower end and locking tube's lower side. Upper horizontal tube sleeve sleeved on upper horizontal tube's middle portion. Middle portion of upper horizontal tube sleeve's upper end connected with upper connecting tube. Lower bending tube is into fixing connecting block's lower end. Dual-purpose folding trolley converts into two or four-wheel using states is convenient, wide application range, foldable, and compact.

Abstract: A carrying device is provided that includes a load compartment configured to accommodate a load; at least one wheel rotatably coupled to the load compartment and configured to roll along a ground; a shaft attached to the load compartment; and a coupling element attached the shaft. The coupling element is configured to couple the carrying device to a person in a manner that allows towing of the carrying device by the person. Additional versions of the carrying device and a system including the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus improve the panel support rail, tongue, handle and hinge system for hand-trucks, carts and dollies that convert to panel-carts. A panel-cart, typically seen in large building supply stores, is used to carry plywood panels, windows, door and other similar object as well as long lumber, all of which cannot be carry by a standard hand-truck. The conversion efficiency of a hand-truck to a panel-cart is improved and the user complexity reduced, partially by attaching parts with hinges that were previously separate components, further by using the handle as a primary or secondary support rail when placed in the extended position via hinges or fixed receivers.

Abstract: The invention is a wheeled folding tray cart and method. The wheeled folding tray cart comprises a collapsible wheeled framework pivotally supporting a set of split shelves, each split shelf comprises a pair of half shelves. The wheeled folding tray cart moves between an open operating position wherein the set of split shelves are held in spaced-apart, stacked, horizontal orientation within the collapsible wheeled framework and a closed storage position wherein the collapsible wheeled framework is collapsed in manner to move each half shelf pair into an accordion-like, inverted “V”-shaped or accordion like configuration. An extension coiled spring attached to the collapsible wheeled framework assists in the movement of the wheeled folding tray cart between open operating position and the closed storage position. A sheath encloses at least a portion of the spring to provide resistance to the spring's movement to limit potential operator exposure to pinch injuries.

Abstract: The assembled-type traveling carriage includes: the telescopic cylindrical body being an extendable telescopic cylindrical body rotatably provided with a first screw at each end thereof, and incorporating an actuator configured to extend and withdraw a nest; a joint block provided with a second screw; a traveler rotatably provided with the first screw and attached a driving device thereto; and a coupling rod rotatably provided with the first screw on each end thereof. A first planar frame body is assembled by screwing joint blocks to four of the telescopic cylindrical bodies, screwing the travelers to the joint blocks such that the travelers are positioned on extension lines of the telescopic cylindrical bodies, and coupling one ends of the four telescopic cylindrical bodies to one another by the coupling rods through the joint blocks.

Abstract: A cart and a locomotion platform comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, and a payload module articulated to said locomotion platform. The locomotion platform is manipulable between a maneuverable riding position at which the front wheel assembly and rear wheel assembly are deployed at an extended position, and a collapsed position, at which the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are collapsed, where the front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly are configured to automatically collapse upon encountering a barrier of a loading platform extending above the ground, and the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly sequentially manipulate between their respective positions.

Abstract: A child seat includes a base and a seatback movable relative thereto between a retracted position, in which the seatback preferably is flush with a top of the base, and an extended position, in which a sitting area of the child seat is exposed for sitting and in which the seatback serves to support a child's back. The seatback of the child seat preferably includes a seat belt for restraint of a child when seated in the sitting area. A shopping cart includes the child seat. The seatback includes a gate movable between a retracted position, in which the gate preferably is flush with the seatback, and an extended position, in which the gate extends in a generally upright manner and partially blocks leg openings of the basket to keep items from falling there through when the seatback is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a push handle unit (20, 20?), comprising at least one first and at least one second end piece (30), and further comprising at least one fastening device for fastening the respective end piece (30) to a transport cart, wherein the first and second end pieces (30) are connected by way of a cross brace (50), wherein the cross brace (50) comprises a middle part (60, 60?), and wherein the middle part (60, 60) comprises a display unit (620), wherein the middle part (60) furthermore includes cut-outs (630) and/or recesses (640) to partially or completely accommodate functional elements (70) and/or objects (80), and wherein the functional elements (70) are inserted into the cut-outs (630) and/or recesses (640) in an exchangeable and/or stationary manner, wherein the cut-outs (630) and/or recesses (640) are furthermore arranged next to one another.

Abstract: Provided is a traveling device being inserted into an accommodator of a carriage including a traveling wheel, being coupled to the carriage, and traveling while pulling the carriage. The traveling device includes a driving wheel provided at a bottom of the traveling device, and a first guide roller contactable with the carriage when the traveling device is inserted into the accommodator of the carriage, at least one of a corner and a side surface of the traveling device.

Abstract: A stroller accessory connects to a stroller to form a double stroller together and is unusable to transport a child when the accessory is disconnected from the stroller. It includes a frame, a connection mechanism reversibly connecting the accessory to the stroller while defining a tilting axis around which the front part of the accessory frame and the rear of the stroller frame tilt freely relative to one another, two pivoting wheels on a rear part of the frame, a pushing member on the frame rear, a control mechanism controlling a rolling blocking of the double stroller, on the frame front that cooperates mechanically with a rolling blocking system, in the stroller, controlling the blocking system, and an actuating member, on the frame rear to be activated by a user standing behind the double stroller, and which is coupled to the control mechanism so as to actuate the latter.

Abstract: A stroller is provided with the ability to removably couple and decouple a seat from the stroller as needed. The stroller can include a stroller frame. The stroller can also include one or more front wheels attached to the stroller frame and one or more rear wheels attached to the stroller frame. The stroller can also include a first seat couple to the stroller frame. The stroller can include first and second seat attachment housings. Each of the seat attachment housings can include a cavity for receiving a corresponding one of the first and second seat attachment adapters. Each of the seat attachment housings can also include a door or cover to prevent access to the respective cavity when not in use. The seat attachment adapters can be coupled to the respective seat attachment housings and a second seat can be coupled to the seat attachment adapters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering wheel armature cover (10) for mounting to a steering wheel armature (12) of a vehicle steering wheel (14), comprising a cover portion (16) for closing a profile of the steering wheel armature (12) open in cross-section as well as at least one securing element (18, 20, 22) for fixing the steering wheel armature cover (10) to the steering wheel armature (12). Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a steering wheel armature cover (10) as well as to a vehicle steering wheel (14) comprising such steering wheel armature cover (10).