Abstract: A memory stores traveling schedule information of a vehicle without a contact wire, information on a next station located on a traveling interval and information about a plurality of traffic lights on the traveling interval temporarily, and a velocity pattern calculator for calculating a velocity pattern of the vehicle based on the traveling schedule information, the information on the next station and the information about the plurality of the traffic lights, in which the velocity pattern calculator calculates a velocity pattern which satisfies conditions that the vehicle is never stopped at a first traffic light, that when the vehicle departs from a current stop station, the vehicle is accelerated at an constant acceleration a and that after the acceleration, the vehicle travels at a constant first velocity V1.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a drivetrain of a vehicle which includes a prime mover operatively connected to at least one tractive element. The method includes: (a) determining the vehicle's total weight; and (b) using an electronic controller carried by the vehicle, causing the prime mover to apply power to the tractive element so as to propel the vehicle, the magnitude of the power being a function of the vehicle's total weight.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided having a cab portion, a trailer portion, and a coupling assembly positioned between the cab portion and the trailer portion. A front wheel assembly may support the cab portion, and a rear wheel assembly may support the trailer portion. The vehicle may include an overspeed protection system configured to protect the vehicle from an overspeed condition.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling overspeeding of a vehicle carrying an internal combustion engine having one or more exhaust brake devices controllable to apply braking torque to the engine. The system may be operable determine a desired speed of the vehicle, to determine a road speed of the vehicle, and if the road speed of the vehicle exceeds the desired speed of the vehicle by more than a threshold speed, to determine a target brake torque required to reduce the road speed of the vehicle speed to the desired speed of the vehicle, and to then control the one or more exhaust brake devices to apply the target brake torque to the engine to thereby control the road speed of the vehicle to the desired speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and using moving violation alerts are disclosed. A navigation device located in a vehicle determines the vehicle's present location and present speed, and generates a moving violation alert. The moving violation alert comprises at least one of time information, location information, road segment information, and sensor information. A tracking device coupled to the navigation device provides the moving violation alert on a network. The network connection is configured to transmit the moving violation alert from the navigation device to a recipient outside the vehicle. Moving violation alerts may be stored and analyzed by the recipient.

Abstract: A velocity profile can be used in conjunction with vehicle operating condition data to determine a gear shift schedule that mitigates the amount of service brake effort required to slow a vehicle by making optimal use of engine speed, friction and engine brakes. The gear shift point drives the engine to a higher operating speed and greater frictional torque, slowing the vehicle, which can then coast to a desired speed. The gear shift point can be timed to minimize fuel consumption during the maneuver. Thus, a vehicle downshift event is created based on the transmission gear recommendation. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power control apparatus of a construction machine, including: an engine connected to a hydraulic pump to drive the hydraulic pump; and a controller for calculating an engine load ratio defined as a ratio of a load torque of the engine for an engine maximum torque calculated from an input engine target RPM, and calculating an engine RPM command value according to the engine load ratio such that the engine is driven at the target RPM to output the calculated engine load ratio and engine RPM command value to the engine.

Abstract: A method is described in which the wheel pressure in an electronically controlled motor vehicle brake system is determined. The brake system includes inlet valves and outlet valves in the wheel circuits. At least one of the valves allows adjusting the valve current. The basis for this are previously determined calibration values which describe the opening current behavior of the outlet valve. A verification of the wheel pressure is performed during a wheel pressure control operation by briefly opening the outlet valve of one brake circuit. The current prevailing in this case can be taken into account as an indicator for determining the wheel pressure.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for lane recognition for a vehicle that is equipped with an adaptive distance and speed control system are provided, the adaptive distance and speed controller having conveyed to it, using an object detection system, the relative speed of detected objects, a variable for determining the lateral offset of the detected objects with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, and the speed of the host vehicle. From the relative speed of the objects and the host-vehicle speed, a determination is made as to whether an object is oncoming, stationary, or moving in the same direction as the host vehicle. In combination with the calculated lateral offset of the detected object with respect to the longitudinal vehicle axis, the number of lanes present and the lane currently being traveled in by the host vehicle are determined.

Abstract: A driver assistance system that includes a RADAR system, a video system, a brake control unit, and a controller, such as an engine control unit. The RADAR system is mounted on the front of the vehicle and is positioned to detect the location of various objects. The video system captures video images. The controller receives data from both the RADAR system and the video system and identifies objects and their locations based on both the RADAR and the video data. The controller then adjusts the operation of the engine and the vehicle brakes based on the identified objects and their locations. In some embodiments, the driver assistance system also includes a human-machine interface that notifies the driver when an object is identified and located.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal device provided with a driving control device. The driving control device generates a braking force for braking a vehicle when the operation quantity of an acceleration pedal is below a first threshold value, and generates a driving force for driving the vehicle when the operation quantity exceeds a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value. The driving control device does not generate either the driving force or the braking force, and allows the vehicle to drive inertially, when the operation quantity ranges from the first threshold value to the second threshold value.

Abstract: A brake control device is provided for a vehicle that includes a brake pedal, an electric booster, a master cylinder, a pedal depression force calculator, a pedal stroke sensor, a first target braking force portion calculator, a second target braking force portion calculator, a contribution degree setting section and a target braking force calculator. The contribution degree setting section sets the contribution degree of a first target braking force based on a pedal depression force to be greater than a contribution degree of a second target braking force based on a pedal stroke when a target braking force is estimated to be low. The target braking force calculator calculates the first target braking force portion and the second target braking force portion according to the contribution degrees and obtains the final target braking force by adding the first target braking force portion and the second target braking force portion.

Abstract: Traffic density may be estimated by increasing a value of a parameter if an object enters a predefined zone on a side of the vehicle and decreasing the value of the parameter after an object exits the predefined zone such that the value of the parameter increases as traffic in a vicinity of the vehicle increases and decreases as traffic in the vicinity of the vehicle decreases.

Abstract: A method for assisting a driver driving a vehicle, and a driver assistance system for assisting a driver driving a vehicle are described, wherein detection of a blind spot situation wherein another vehicle is located in a blind spot area of the driver's vehicle is performed, and information indicating that a blind spot situation is present is output to the driver.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling inter-vehicle distance. The system includes a front sensor, a side and rear sensor, an inter-vehicle distance controlling unit, and a steering controlling unit. The front sensor obtains information relating to a preceding vehicle. The side and rear sensor obtains information relating to vehicles in right and left lanes. The inter-vehicle distance controlling unit determines an avoidance direction for a lane change from data detected by the side and rear sensor when it is determined from data detected by the front sensor that a front end collision is unavoidable through just brake input. The steering controlling unit receives information relating to the avoidance direction determined by the inter-vehicle distance controlling unit and applies a steering force to a steering device to guide a driver to a lane in the determined avoidance direction.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided to control the stopping of a vehicle. The control apparatus comprises a speed detector that detects a speed of a vehicle, speed acquiring means, target setting means, and control means. The speed acquiring means acquires an actual speed of the vehicle from detected results of the speed detector. The target setting means sets a target acceleration of the vehicle depending on the actual speed when the vehicle is stopped automatically. The control means controls an actual acceleration of the vehicle at the target acceleration.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring speed of a vehicle moving along a road that includes risk zones. The method determines: road conditions for each risk zone; a threshold speed of each risk zone based on the road conditions and on a distance to a posted speed limit within a high risk zone; a geographical position of the vehicle, a current risk zone in which the vehicle is moving based on the stored geographical position of the vehicle; and a current speed of the vehicle moving in the current risk zone which exceeds the threshold speed of a particular risk zone, resulting in performing a subsequent action (triggering an alarm within the vehicle, presenting a message to a driver in the vehicle, and/or automatically regulating the speed of the vehicle). The action is specific to the particular risk zone and dependent on the road conditions.

Abstract: An engine control system of the present disclosure comprises a target speed module and a coupling module. The target speed module determines a target speed of a vehicle based on a speed of the vehicle and at least one of an accelerator input and a speed control input. The coupling module controls coupling of an engine system and a drive system of the vehicle based on the speed and the target speed. The engine system transfers torque to the drive system when coupled and does not transfer torque to the drive system when decoupled. In other features, the engine control system further comprises a torque control module that controls torque output by the engine system based on the coupling of the engine system and the drive system, the speed, and the target speed.

Abstract: A method of regulating operation of a hybrid vehicle traveling on a surface having a grade includes determining a drive force of the hybrid vehicle, calculating a brake pressure value and determining whether a grade freeze condition exists based on the brake pressure value. The method further includes calculating a grade value of the surface based on the drive force when the freeze condition does not exist and regulating operation of the hybrid vehicle based on the grade value.

Abstract: A method for operating a longitudinal driver assist system of an automobile, in particular an ACC system, wherein environmental data of the automobile are evaluated with respect to travel in a longitudinal convoy with at least three automobiles which include the automobile and at least two additional automobiles, which are driving immediately behind one another and each have an active longitudinal driver assist system. A convoy value is formed, and at least one operating parameter of the driver assist system is adapted depending on the convoy value.

Abstract: Vehicle control system and method in which restrictions on travel of the vehicle are determined based on an indication of the visibility of a driver and information about objects moving in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle are considered. The travel restrictions include preventing a passing maneuver on a two-lane road when an oncoming vehicle precludes safely initiating or completing an already-initiated passing maneuver. A warning system is provided to warn a driver about the travel restrictions so that the driver will, hopefully, not attempt an unsafe maneuver.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus is provided with a frictional braking unit configured to generate frictional braking force, a regenerative braking unit configured to generate regenerative braking force, a fluid pressure control valve configured to adjust an operating fluid pressure, and a controlling unit configured to execute regenerative control to cover entire required braking force required by a driver by the regenerative braking force and executing switching control to cover the required braking force by the frictional braking force in place of the regenerative braking force by adjusting to increase the operating fluid pressure by the fluid pressure control valve when a predetermined condition is satisfied. By covering the entire required braking force by regenerative braking force and executing the switching control to adjust to increase the operating fluid pressure by the fluid pressure control valve to cover the required braking force when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Provided is a driving support apparatus for a vehicle. When a stop signal is recognized by a stereo image recognition device, a cruise control unit calculates a traffic signal target acceleration for making a subject vehicle stop at a stop position of the stop signal. When a follow-up cruise target acceleration is not calculated and the traffic signal target acceleration is calculated, the cruise control unit substitutes the traffic signal target acceleration for the follow-up cruise target acceleration. When the follow-up cruise target acceleration and the traffic signal target acceleration are calculated and the traffic signal target acceleration is smaller than the follow-up cruise target acceleration, the cruise control unit substitutes the value of the traffic signal target acceleration for the follow-up cruise target acceleration.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control (ETC) system is disclosed for use on a recreational or a utility vehicle. The ETC system includes a drive mode selection device for selecting between a plurality of drive modes. The ETC system provides an adjustable engine idle speed and an engine power limiting feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the driveability of at least one wheel of a vehicle, in particular an automobile, that comprises a wheel driving engine (50), engine control means (40), means (62) for supplying information on an acceleration level desired by the vehicle driver, means (22) for providing information on the vehicle acceleration level, and an electronic control unit including computing means (70) for receiving the different information. The computing means (70) are adapted in order to obtain a vehicle acceleration level that corresponds to the acceleration level desired by the driver. The device further includes means for providing information on the vehicle inclination.

Abstract: An omnidirectional vehicle capable of enhancing straight-line stability is provided. Within a period from the instant the execution of velocity component attenuation processing for reducing continuously or stepwise the magnitude of a desired velocity vector ?Vb_aim of a predetermined representative point of a vehicle 1 having a traveling motion unit 5 capable of moving in all directions, including a first direction and a second direction, on a floor surface is started to the instant the magnitude of ?Vb_aim attenuates to zero, the orientation of ?Vb_aim is brought closer to the first direction. The first direction is defined as the fore-and-aft direction of an occupant aboard the vehicle 1, while the second direction is defined as the lateral direction of the occupant.

Abstract: A traction control system for a machine having an electric drive configuration is disclosed. The traction control system includes an electric motor associated with at least one wheel and adapted to provide braking torque to the wheel. The control system further includes a controller configured to determine a rotational speed of the at least one wheel, compare the rotational speed to an allowable slide threshold, and adjust the braking torque to the at least one wheel during retarding if the speed is less than the allowable slide threshold.

Abstract: A method for improved engine control is disclosed. The system controls the rate of change of engine RPM, referred to as “ramp rate.” A method provides for controlling the ramp rate of an internal combustion engine including establishing a predetermined rate limit, determining a current engine speed, determining a desired engine speed, and adjusting the speed at or below the predetermined rate limit. In one embodiment, the ramp rate is controlled by an engine control module. The system does not require consideration of vehicle weight. Hence, there is no need for extensive sensors or other means to approximate a vehicle weight. This saves cost and complexity as compared with prior art systems. In another embodiment, the ramp rate control is based on a driver profile or user tier. This allows different ramp rates for different drivers, providing flexibility to have a lower ramp rate for less experienced drivers.

Abstract: A surgical robotic system is disclosed that provides a combination of a programmed control, when a high degree of accuracy is required and manual control when a high degree of accuracy is not required.

Abstract: A vehicle security device to be installed in a vehicle of a type including a vehicle audio entertainment system being configurable via a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle may include an audio entertainment system content interface. The audio interface may be selectively operable to communicate audio content relating to a vehicle security breach condition to the vehicle audio entertainment system. The device may also include a controller coupled to the audio entertainment system content interface for detecting a vehicle security breach condition. The controller may also be for configuring the vehicle audio entertainment system, via the vehicle data communications bus, so that the audio content related to the vehicle security breach condition plays through the vehicle audio entertainment system based upon detecting the vehicle security breach condition.

Abstract: A vehicle control device performs a program including the step of obtaining a target point for movement based on information from a vehicle exterior camera, the step of obtaining a distance X to the target point, the step of resetting a distance counter, the step of causing the vehicle to enter accelerated running at set acceleration, the step of causing the vehicle to change from the accelerated running to constant-speed running when the distance counter reaches X, and the step of causing the vehicle to change from the constant-speed running to decelerated running when the distance counter reaches X.

Abstract: When a preceding vehicle (Vb) starts during deceleration of a vehicle (Va) which is trying to stop following the stopped preceding vehicle (Vb), if the vehicle (Va) accelerates following the preceding vehicle (Vb), the driver possibly mistakes that the vehicle is equipped with an automatic start function. A virtual preceding vehicle (Vb?) is set at the stop position of the preceding vehicle (Vb), so that the vehicle (Va) is temporarily stopped following the stopping virtual preceding vehicle (Vb?) even if the actual preceding vehicle (Vb) is started. As a result, the vehicle (Va) is not started until the driver indicates the intention to start by operating a start switch, and the driver can be prevented from mistaking that the vehicle is equipped with an automatic start function.

Abstract: A tractor has a base for supporting a motive power source, left and right driven wheels, and left and right transmissions for the respective left and right wheels. A handle structure is coupled to the base for grasping by an operator from behind the tractor. A drive system drives each of the left and right transmissions with motive power from the motive power source. A single lever hand control is provided for operation by a single hand of the operator for controlling both left and right transmissions seamlessly each between reverse speed through neutral and forward speed.

Abstract: A target (not-to-exceed) speed for a vehicle over a road segment ahead of the vehicle is established based on a desired relationship with a speed profile of the segment. The speed profile is generated by analyzing a statistical distribution of historical speed data over the segment collected by probe vehicles. A driver alert is activated if the vehicle is likely to exceed the target speed based on at least one measured vehicle dynamic property. The target speed may be established by identifying a baseline road segment over which the vehicle has previously traveled and which is similar to the approaching road segment, comparing a past speed of the vehicle over the baseline segment with a speed profile of the baseline segment to determine a speed differential, and applying the speed differential to the speed profile of the approaching segment.

Abstract: A method for controlling the side slip angle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle when turning; the control method provides for the steps of: detecting the position of an accelerator control which is displaced along a predetermined stroke; using a first initial part of the stroke of the accelerator control for directly controlling the generation of the drive torque so that the generated drive torque depends on the position of the accelerator control; and using a second final part of the stroke of the accelerator control to directly control a side slip angle of the vehicle when turning so that the side slip angle depends on the position of the accelerator control.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle comprising an adaptive cruise control system and an engine control module is provided. The engine control module is coupled to the adaptive cruise control system. The method comprises issuing a speed reduction signal from the adaptive cruise control system, verifying a speed reduction with a first sensor using the adaptive cruise control system, verifying the speed reduction with a second sensor using the engine control module, thereafter, receiving a resume signal from an operator input device, and executing a speed increase of the vehicle with the engine control module in response to receiving the resume signal with the engine control module.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system is provided that calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between the host vehicle and the preceding obstacle. A first driving assistance control system controls at least one of an actuation reaction force exerted by a driver-operated driving operation device and a braking/driving force exerted against the host vehicle based on the risk potential calculated. A second driving assistance control system controls the braking/driving force of the host vehicle such that a headway distance is maintained between the host vehicle and the obstacle. A transition detecting section detects a transition of operating states of the first and second driving assistance control systems. The control adjusting section adjusts the control executed by the first and second driving assistance control systems when a transition of operating state is detected.

Abstract: A utility vehicle comprising a cab which houses a steering wheel assembly is provided wherein a steering wheel (22) is rotatably mounted to a support body (24). The support body, or steering console, is mounted on an armrest assembly (40) or control console positioned to one side of a driver's seat (18). By providing an asymmetric mounting arrangement for the steering console, the space underneath is left clear of any supporting structure thus providing improved legroom for the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission associated with the engine, and an engine retarder having a deactivated state and an activated state. The engine retarder is configured to provide a retarding torque to the engine in the activated state. The vehicle also includes a fan associated with the engine. The fan is configured to be activated in response to a selection of a transmission gear ratio greater than or equal to a threshold gear ratio while the engine retarder is in the activated state. The fan assists in providing additional retarding torque to the engine while activated.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A speed control device for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed obtaining means obtaining a vehicle speed, a shape obtaining means obtaining a curve shape, a position obtaining means obtaining a positional relationship between a curve and the vehicle, a target vehicle speed determining means determining a target vehicle speed based on the curve shape and the positional relationship, a vehicle speed controlling means controlling the vehicle speed based on the target vehicle speed and the vehicle speed, and an acceleration operation quantity obtaining means obtaining an operation quantity of an acceleration operating member operated by a driver, wherein the target vehicle speed determining means includes a modification means modifying the target vehicle speed based on the operation quantity so that the target vehicle speed obtained when the operation variable is greater than zero becomes a greater value than the target vehicle speed obtained when the operation quantity is zero.

Abstract: A method for implementing adaptive cruise control for a vehicle includes the steps of stopping the vehicle, determining whether a driver of the vehicle has taken a deliberate action to move the vehicle, and moving the vehicle, on the condition that the driver has taken the deliberation action to move the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque applying device is provided for applying a driving torque to at least a pair of wheels, and a torque restraining device is provided for restraining the torque created on the wheels to be applied with the torque by the torque applying device. A friction braking device is provided for applying a braking torque to each wheel in response to operation of a brake pedal. An automatic braking control device automatically actuates the friction braking device independently of operation of the brake pedal, to apply the braking torque to each wheel. And, a torque restraining cancellation device is provided for cancelling the torque restraining operation for a time period determined in response to a vehicle speed decreasing state, after a condition for initiating the automatic braking control was fulfilled.

Abstract: In an electric parking brake control apparatus for controlling an electric actuator for driving parking brakes, a dynamically estimated road surface inclination is estimated based on a running state of a vehicle while the vehicle is running, and a statically estimated road surface inclination is estimated based on an acceleration acting on the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped. In the event that the statically estimated road surface inclination is larger than the dynamically estimated road surface inclination after the vehicle is stopped, a braking force of the parking brakes is increased to be larger than a braking force that is set based on the dynamically estimated road surface inclination.

Abstract: An apparatus to control a reaction force of an accelerator includes a detector to detect an opening degree of the accelerator, and a controller to increase the reaction force by a first force magnitude during a period in which the vehicle transitions from a first operational state to a second operational state in response to an increase in the opening degree of the accelerator, wherein the controller increases the reaction force if the accelerator opening degree is increased within a predetermined time period after the reaction force is increased by the first force magnitude, wherein the first operational state corresponds to a low specific fuel consumption and the second operational state corresponds to a high specific fuel consumption, and wherein the controller decreases the reaction force by the first force magnitude in response to a reduction in the opening degree of the accelerator.

Abstract: A vehicle drive control device includes a wheel speed detecting means for detecting a rotational speed of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, a vehicle speed calculating means for calculating a vehicle speed on the basis of the rotational speed of the plurality of wheels detected by the wheel speed detecting means, and an automatic drive controlling means for performing an automatic drive control for controlling the vehicle speed to be a predetermined target speed by controlling a driving force generating means and a vehicle speed reducing means for the vehicle. The automatic drive controlling means further performs a driving force reducing control for reducing a driving force of the vehicle to be generated by the driving force generating means when the rotational speed of at least one of the plurality of wheels detected by the wheel speed detecting means exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A power on-demand steering angle sensor coupled to a steering wheel and a controller comprising a switch, coupled to the sensor and the controller. The switch is activated upon motion of the steering wheel or steering shaft. The switch, when closed, connects a power supply, such as a vehicle battery, to the sensor and the controller so that a new steering angle may be sensed and stored. After a predetermined period of time, the controller sends a signal to open the switch and disconnect the power supply.

Abstract: In an inter-vehicle distance control apparatus and an inter-vehicle distance control method, object detection information is obtained from a detection portion that detects a first preceding vehicle ahead of a vehicle, and an object ahead of the first preceding vehicle; a first possible target stop position is calculated taking into account the first preceding vehicle, and a second possible target stop position is calculated taking into account the object, based on the object detection information; and a target stop position for the vehicle is set to one of the first possible target stop position and the second possible target stop position, which is closer to the vehicle than the other of the first possible target stop position and the second possible target stop position is.