Abstract: A monitoring system and method determine a consumption metric representative of one or more of an amount of fuel consumed or an amount of energy consumed by a vehicle during travel over a route. The consumption metric is independent of one or more of vehicle load or elevation change over the route. The system and method optionally can determine a route condition metric representative of a condition of a route traveled upon by a vehicle. The route condition metric is based on a comparison between an actual grade of the route at one or more locations along the route and an estimated grade of the route at the one or more locations.

Abstract: A method to determine a stopping distance of an industrial truck comprises the steps of (i) measuring a distance traveled by the industrial truck and set points in time therebetween to determine a current vehicle speed, (ii) ascertaining at least one comparative value indicative of a relative speed change depending on at least one distance traveled during an acceleration of the industrial truck, and (iii) determining the stopping distance from the current vehicle speed and the ascertained comparative value.

Abstract: The vehicular speed detection and warning system is a traffic safety device. The vehicular speed detection and warning system is configured for use with a vehicle. The vehicular speed detection and warning system is configured for use on a road network. The vehicular speed detection and warning system is configured for use with a road network. The road network further comprises one or more streets, traffic signs, and traffic signals. The control module monitors and logs the compliance of the vehicles with the traffic control information presented by the traffic signs and the traffic signals by capturing images of the traffic signs and the traffic signals and comparing the traffic control instructions provided by the traffic signs and traffic signals with the operating performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-balancing load-bearing device having a load platform or like structure that may move relative to the drive wheel or wheels under the force of gravity as the device operates. The load platform may be mounted with a pendulum based structure including curved support tracks or pendulum arms or a related structure. User input of control signals may be achieved with a joystick, foot pedal, remote control or other. Various embodiments and uses are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring and maintaining location information associated with traffic apparatus deployed in connection with a traffic flow monitoring or regulation system are disclosed. In some implementations, an apparatus identifier may distinguish a particular traffic apparatus from others that are deployed in proximity, and a functional identifier may define a functionality of the particular traffic apparatus; positioning, orientation, and movement or acceleration data may also be provided for real-time or near real-time system applications. These apparatus data may be used to derive and to maintain a record of location data associated with each traffic apparatus deployed in a particular application.

Abstract: In some examples, a controller detects a compromised condition of a component of a cargo transportation unit (CTU), determines a time of performing a next maintenance of the CTU, and controls adjustment of the component in response to detecting the compromised condition and based on the time of performing the next maintenance of the CTU.

Abstract: A usage detection system for a self-balancing powered unicycle is disclosed. The usage detection system is adapted to detect an indication of intended usage from a user and to provide an indication of intended usage. The indication of intended usage comprises manipulation of the overall unicycle device resulting from preparatory action taken by the user prior to the onset of the intended usage. Operation of the powered unicycle may thus be controlled based on an indication of intended usage from the usage detection system.

Abstract: A method is provided to control the acceleration of a motor vehicle from a current speed, wherein the motor vehicle includes an accelerator pedal system able to generate on the accelerator pedal an added reaction force when the depression of the accelerator pedal reaches a given depression level. The method includes the steps of: a) measuring the current vehicle speed; b) determining a target speed of the motor vehicle in function at least of the current vehicle speed or determining from the current vehicle speed a maximum acceleration rate; c) determining at least one threshold depression level of the accelerator pedal that corresponds to the stabilization of the vehicle speed at the target speed or that corresponds to maximum acceleration rate; d) generating an added reaction force on the accelerator pedal if the depression of the accelerator pedal reaches or is about to reach the threshold depression level; wherein at least steps a), b), and c) are automatically repeated as vehicle speed increases.

Abstract: A control apparatus for eliminating a magnetizing error of a rotor in a DC motor and a method thereof. The rotor in the DC motor is provided with 2N magnetic pole positions disposed therein for phase switching, where N is a positive integer no less than 1. The control apparatus includes a phase detector, at least one counter, a PWM signal generator, control circuit and a full-bridge driving circuit. The phase detector detects changes of states of the magnetic pole positions of the rotor to generate a periodic phase-switching signal. The counter counts a count value associated with each of the magnetic pole positions, respectively. The PWM signal generator periodically outputs 2N PWM signals and adjusts each of the PWM signals issued in a next cycle, respectively, according to the count value associated with each of the magnetic pole positions received in a current cycle.

Abstract: Vehicle collision avoidance and vehicle alert systems and methods that enhance awareness by surrounding vehicles of a host vehicle involved in an accident are provided. Embodiments of the safety system include a plurality of flares that are automatically deployed upon impact with the host vehicle, a back-up vehicle battery, lighting systems at the front, back, top, bottom, and/or windows of the vehicle, and/or an automated notification system configured to quickly and accurately inform emergency personnel of the location and severity of the accident.

Abstract: A system may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to transmit sensor information regarding a speed of a machine, a position of an implement of the machine, a payload of the machine, a grade of a surface on which the machine is traveling. The system may further comprise an electronic control module configured to receive steering command information regarding a steering command of the machine; determine, based on the steering command information, one or more articulation parameters associated with the steering command, determine the speed, the position of the implement, the payload, and the grade based on the sensor information. The electronic control module may be configured to determine one or more articulation parameters thresholds based on the speed, the position of the implement, and the payload of the machine; and modify the steering command when the one or more articulation parameters exceeds the one or more articulation parameters thresholds.

Abstract: A computing device identifies a slow moving object and activates an alert signal a predetermined period of time when the slow moving object is identified. A sensor measurement is received from a sensor to compute a speed of travel of a moving object. When the computed speed is below a predefined speed threshold, an alert signal of an alert signal device mounted adjacent to the sensor is activated and the alert signal is deactivated when a predetermined period of time relative to a time of activation of the alert signal expires.

Abstract: A vehicle control device for starting a drive assist in accordance with relative positional relationship between a self vehicle and an object around the self vehicle, comprises a control value calculating part which calculates a control value based on an inter-vehicular distance between the self vehicle and the object, a velocity of the self vehicle, a relative velocity of the object to the self vehicle, and an acceleration-related value obtained based on at least one of an acceleration of the self vehicle and an acceleration of the object; an acceleration-related value adjusting part which adjusts the acceleration-related value by changing a degree of contribution of at least one of the acceleration of the self vehicle and the acceleration of the object in the acceleration-related value in accordance with the acceleration of the self vehicle; and a drive assist start judging part which starts the drive assist if the control value is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: An intelligent somatic full-balance electric vehicle comprises two wheels (11, 12) of a same size and a motor (4) disposed between the two wheels (11, 12), the two wheels (11, 12) being coaxially connected to the motor (4) through an axle (3); the intelligent somatic full-balance electric vehicle further comprises a control system (10) and a power supply (9); both the control system (10) and the power supply (9) are disposed inside a housing of the vehicle body and located above the wheels, or between the two wheels (11, 12); or one of the control system (10) and the power supply (9) is located between the two wheels (11, 12), and the other is located above the wheels; vertical columns (6) are separately disposed at two ends of the axle (3), and the vertical columns (6) are separately provided with pedals (5) on external sides of the wheels.

Abstract: A system for determining driver errors includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a safety warning from a safety warning system. The processor is configured to determine an appropriate driver response based at least in part on the safety warning; determine a driver response; determine whether the driver response comprises the appropriate driver response; and in the event the driver response does not comprise the appropriate driver response, indicating a driver error.

Abstract: When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle braking reaction distance, a plurality of trigger conditions (e.g., environmental parameters) are monitored. If one or more of the monitored parameters exceeds a predefined threshold, a trigger event is detected, and at least one of a braking reaction distance (BRD) and a following distance limit shape (FDLS) are adjusted. The BRD and FDLS adjustments may be predefined according to the type and/or magnitude of the trigger event. Trigger events may be weighted or prioritized such that higher priority trigger event types correspond to larger BRD reductions, etc. Monitored trigger conditions may include adverse weather, dangerous road terrain or topography, high traffic density, erratic forward vehicle behavior, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-tampering protection assembly for sensing tampering with at least one conductor, the anti-tampering protection assembly including unpredictably varying signal generating circuitry, connected to the at least one conductor, for providing unpredictably varying signals on the at least conductor and tampering sensing circuitry for sensing tampering with the at least one conductor.

Abstract: An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle braking system and method for controlling the same. The system includes an electronic controller communicatively coupled to a vehicle braking system and a vehicle motion detection device. The braking system is configured to be automatically activated in response to detection of an object in a path of the vehicle. Once activated, the braking system is deactivated either by the driver or a pre-determined time period after detection that motion of the vehicle has stopped. Prior to deactivation of the vehicle braking system an HMI message is activated indicating imminent deactivation of the vehicle braking system.

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 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 method or a system for displaying a traffic camera view of a road on a display within a vehicle. The method or the system may include monitoring a movement of the vehicle, determining an existence of a traffic event based on the movement of the vehicle, receiving a traffic camera view on the road, and displaying the traffic camera view if the traffic event is detected.

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: In a method for checking the operation of specifying an output variable of a drive unit, when a setpoint value of the output variable is specified, a check is performed as to whether this specification of the setpoint is caused by an operation of the control element. If it is determined that this is not the case, then an error is detected.

Abstract: A falling prevention controlling device includes a wheel, and a main body arranged to swing in a pitch direction and a roll direction above the wheel, an advance/retreat command receiving unit arranged to receive an advance or a retreat command of the wheel, a target pitch angle calculating unit arranged to calculate a target pitch angle based on the received command and a rotation velocity deviation in the pitch direction derived from the detected rotation angle, a pitch inclined angle estimating unit arranged to estimate a pitch inclined angle with respect to a balanced state, from the detected pitch angular velocity and a pitch torque command generated based on the target pitch angle, and a pitch torque command generating unit arranged to generate the pitch torque command based on the target pitch angle and the pitch inclined angle.

Abstract: In a vehicle control device, a brake feedback control unit calculates a brake feedback torque Tfb-BK using a PID control model when a current state is a brake feedback use state. The brake feedback control unit stops the calculation of the brake feedback torque Tfb-BK when the current state is a brake feedback limitation state, and stores as an output value the brake feedback torque Tfb-BK that is output at a brake limitation start timing. At a brake limitation release timing, the brake feedback control unit restarts the feedback control using the stored brake feedback torque Tfb-BK as an initial value. The brake mechanism can thereby generate a predetermined brake torque of not more than 0 [N·m] immediately after the brake limitation release timing.

Abstract: A control system for a machine is disclosed. The control system may have a first sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of an inclination of the machine, a second sensor configured to generate a second signal indicative of a travel speed of the machine, a third sensor configured to generate a third signal indicative of an engine speed of the machine, and a controller disposed in communication with each of the first, second, and third sensors. The controller is configured to determine whether the machine is freewheeling in a neutral gear, and to generate a machine braking command based on at least one of the first, second, and third signals. A method of retarding a machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for notifying the driver of a motor vehicle, equipped with an adaptive distance and speed controller, by activating a takeover prompt, informing the driver that the vehicle is coming critically close to a target object. The takeover prompt is activated and deactivated as a function of a fixed minimum distance between the distance- and speed-controlled vehicle and the target object and/or a relative speed-dependent minimum distance between the distance- and speed-controlled vehicle and a target object and/or a maximum vehicle deceleration producible by the distance and speed controller.

Abstract: An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

Abstract: Method for transmitting a warning signal to a driver of a driven vehicle regarding an impending collision with a moving and/or stationary object in the vicinity of the driven vehicle.

Abstract: A speed control system is provided for a motor vehicle, including units for calculating a drive torque or a brake torque as a function of a pre-definable target speed, the target speed being pre-defined by the single actuation of an operable control element. A sustained actuation of the control element is used to pre-define a target acceleration, instead of a target speed. The drive torque or brake torque are calculated from the target acceleration.

Abstract: A wheel speed detection system including a rotator, a sensor head, a detector, a pulse converter, a speed calculator and a threshold shifter. Plural concave and convex portions are formed on a periphery of the rotator rotating together with a wheel. The sensor head includes a coil to generate an alternate current magnetic field. The detector excites the coil to generate an eddy current on the concave and convex portions, and outputs alternate current detection signals corresponding to changes in the eddy current generated with rotation of the rotator. The pulse converter converts the alternate current detection signals into pulse signals according to preset threshold levels. The speed calculator calculates rotational speed of the wheel based on the pulse signals. The threshold shifter shifts the threshold levels corresponding to a difference between a default average and an average of the alternate current detection signals actually outputted from the detector.

Abstract: An indicator for a vehicle having an engine and a transmission, includes a main engine speed indicator for indicating a present engine speed of the engine, and an auxiliary engine speed indicator for indicating an engine speed given after a gear shift operation of the transmission and calculated based upon the present engine speed. According to the indicator, the engine speed given after the shift operation of the transmission can be prospectively recognized. The drivability thus can be enhanced.

Abstract: A construction machine capable of increasing a frictional force and an acceleration performance without causing unwanted slip and an excessive load to a transmission by a driving force. The construction machine comprises a first mode to set the maximum output of an engine to a prescribed output, a second mode to limit the maximum output of the engine to an output lower than the prescribed output and a mode selector switch used for a operator to select from the plurality of modes. The construction machine also comprises control means that controls the machine to operate in the second mode regardless of the mode selected by the mode selector switch when a vehicle speed is equal to or less than a prescribed speed and the opening of an accelerator is equal to or more than a prescribed opening.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a motor that receives a supply of electric power, which is output from a battery and is boosted up by a DC/DC converter circuit, via an inverter circuit and outputs a torque to a drive shaft. In response to an estimated variation in road surface condition based on a decrease in angular acceleration of the drive shaft to be less than a threshold value ref during a slip, the control procedure of the invention adds a predetermined value to a torque upper limit Tmax, which is set at the time of the occurrence of the slip, and thereby updates the torque upper limit Tmax to start cancellation of torque restriction. The control procedure then updates the torque upper limit Tmax by a slope of a small time change to restrain the degree of cancellation of the torque restriction.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of an extraordinary mode of motorized motion programmed to draw the attention of an operator. When one or more sensors sense a condition requiring attention of the operator, a periodic acceleration is superposed upon the motion of the ground-contacting members. The extraordinary mode of locomotion may include a mode where the vehicle alternates between braking and speeding up and braking over each period of the modulation.

Abstract: A saddle type vehicle is provided in which a valve shaft for a throttle valve is rotatably supported on an air intake path forming body, and a valve shaft actuator is connected to an end of the valve shaft in such a way that the rotational movement of the valve shaft is fed back to the throttle grip, whereby it is not necessary to extend a cable between the between the valve shaft and the throttle grip, and the rotational movement of the valve shaft can be fed back to the throttle grip. A grip-driving electric motor, which is moved by the amount of movement according to the amount of rotation of the valve shaft in response to the operation of the actuator, is disposed on the steering handle, and is interlocked and connected to the throttle grip.

Abstract: A vehicle curve speed control system (10) adapted for use with a vehicle (12) having an operator (14), includes a map database (16) representing a current vehicle path, and a locator device (20) communicatively coupled to the database (16) and configured to determine the location of the vehicle (12) on the path. The system (10) further includes a controller (36) configured to identify approaching curve points of a curve (18a) in terms of curvature or radius, and determine a desired speed profile based on operator preference and/or vehicle characteristic input. An acceleration profile is determined, based on the current vehicle speed, and desired speed profile. An acceleration/deceleration command at the present control loop is modified towards achieving an optimal curve speed, and is delivered to either a brake or acceleration module (40,42) to automatically accelerate or decelerate the vehicle (12) accordingly.

Abstract: In a constant speed drive (in an auto cruise), the procedure of the invention executes proportional control to set an accelerator opening Acc corresponding to an observed vehicle speed and a target vehicle speed. When the accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening A2 included in a dead zone where a torque demand Tr* is kept equal to 0, the procedure corrects the accelerator opening Acc to have a corresponding torque demand Tr* included in a negative zone where the torque demand Tr* takes negative values and linearly increases. This arrangement heightens the linearity of the graph of the torque demand Tr* against the accelerator opening Acc in the constant speed drive, compared with the linearity in a standard drive.

Abstract: A cruise control system for motor vehicles is described, having a sensor device for measuring the vehicle's operating parameters and for measuring the distance to an object located in front of the vehicle, and having a controller for controlling the vehicle's speed or acceleration as a function of the measured operating parameters and distance data, the controller having a stop-and-go function for automatically controlling driving off, rolling, and stopping as a function of the movements of the object, and being designed for the purpose of continuously checking the sensor device during the stop-and-go operation for one or multiple predefined conditions which contradict a safe stop-and-go operation, and which, in the presence of such a condition, initiates a procedure for the shutdown of the stop-and-go function.

Abstract: A vehicle cruise control system comprises a plurality of pre-set cruise control speed buttons and cruise control logic circuitry coupled to the pre-set cruise control speed buttons. Each one of the pre-set cruise control speed buttons corresponds to a respective pre-set cruise control speed. The cruise control logic circuitry is configured for implementing control of a vehicle speed to maintain the respective pre-set cruise control speed corresponding to a selected one of said pre-set cruise control speed buttons.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system of the present invention detects a vehicle condition and a traveling environment of a subject vehicle; and calculates an extent of influence on the subject vehicle due to future changes in surrounding environment. The vehicle driving assist system then calculates the risk potential around the subject vehicle based on the extent of influence. Operation reaction force of an accelerator pedal is controlled according to the risk potential thus calculated.

Abstract: A method for providing a cruise control warning system including monitoring a cruise control system to determine if the cruise control system is activated or deactivated for a vehicle. The method also includes receiving vehicle operation data for the vehicle. A likelihood that a slippery road condition exists for the vehicle is determined based on the vehicle operation data. A warning message is indicated to a driver of the vehicle when it has been determined that the likelihood that a slippery road condition exists is over a first pre-selected value and the cruise control system is activated.

Abstract: An autonomous wheeled mobile robot (1) comprising at least one wheel-driving motor, an on-board computer, means for navigation, orientation, and maneuvering in an environment with moving obstacles; a sensor system; and a wireless communication system for receiving and sending.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compression ignition engine is connected with an advanced cruise control system. The advanced cruise control system is capable of measuring distance to a vehicle or other object in front of equipment that is power by the compression ignition engine. Signals produced by the advanced cruise control system, at least in part, are used to determine the power output of the engine. In the event that the electronically controlled engine receives no signals from the advanced cruise control system, the electronic control may disengage or disable the advanced cruise control.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of an extraordinary mode of motorized motion programmed to draw the attention of an operator. When one or more sensors sense a condition requiring attention of the operator, a periodic acceleration is superposed upon the motion of the ground-contacting members. The extraordinary mode of locomotion may include a mode where the vehicle alternates between braking and speeding up and braking over each period of the modulation.

Abstract: A vehicle speed and safety system includes a stationary transmitting device positioned on a side of a road for generating and transmitting a signal indicative of a speed limit for a respective portion of the road and a unit positioned within a vehicle. The unit includes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of a speed limit from the transmitting device. A microprocessor analyzes the received signal to determine a posted speed limit represented by said signal, monitoring a speed of the vehicle and compares the determined speed limit to the monitored speed. A display generates an alarm signal when the microprocessor determines the monitored speed exceeds the speed limit. The signal indicative of a speed limit is preferably transmitted at a frequency unique to the speed limit whereby each frequency represents a 5 mile per hour group of speed limits.

Abstract: An electronically controlled compression ignition engine is connected with an advanced cruise control system. The advanced cruise control system is capable of measuring distance to a vehicle or other object in front of equipment that is power by the compression ignition engine. Signals produced by the advanced cruise control system, at least in part, are used to determine the power output of the engine. In the event that the electronically controlled engine receives no signals from the advanced cruise control system, the electronic control may disengage or disable the advanced cruise control.

Abstract: A rotation direction detection apparatus is configured to detect the direction of rotation of a pulley that is rotatably mounted to a chain guide, and includes a rotation sensor, a detection element and a shielding mechanism. The rotation sensor is fixed to the chain guide. The detection element is mounted to the pulley such that it can be detected by the rotation sensor. The shielding mechanism has a shielding arm that is mounted to move between a shielding position where the rotation sensor cannot detect the detection element and a detection position where the rotation sensor can detect the detection element. The shielding mechanism has a linking member that moves the shielding arm in tandem with the rotation of the pulley in first or second rotational directions. The shielding mechanism has a positioning protrusion that positions the shielding arm at either the shielding position or the detection position.