Abstract: An actuator for an electric parking brake, EPB, is described. The actuator comprises a motor configured to actuate an actuating member of the EPB, as well as a reception interface configured to receive an enablement code. An enablement code is assigned to the EPB actuator which individualizes the EPB actuator against other EPB actuators. The actuator further comprises an evaluation unit configured to verify the received enablement code on the basis of the enablement code allocated to the EPB actuator and to enable a control of the motor in case of a positively verified enablement code. There is further provided a control device for the EPB actuator, an electric parking brake and a vehicle having the EPB actuator and corresponding operating methods.

Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for receiving an indication that a vehicle has begun accelerating from a stationary state. A computing system sets, in response to having received the indication that the vehicle has begun accelerating from the stationary state, an orientation value generated using a gyroscope to a default orientation value. The computing system repeatedly updates the orientation value generated using the gyroscope, based on changes in gyroscope orientation that occurred after the computing system set the orientation value to the default orientation value. The computing system determines that the updated orientation value satisfies criteria that indicates that the vehicle is likely to encounter or has encountered a dangerous situation. The computing system outputs a signal to cause the vehicle to employ a safety measure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shutoff valve control are provided. The system may receive a first hardware logic input, a second hardware logic input, and a weight-on-wheels (WOW) status wherein each of the first hardware logic input, the second hardware logic input, and the WOW status report a binary true or a false. The system may open the shutoff valve when each of the first hardware logic input, the second hardware logic input, and the WOW status report true. The system may close the shutoff valve when any of the first hardware logic input, the second hardware logic input, and the WOW status report false.

Abstract: A slip control system for an off-road vehicle includes a control system configured to output a signal indicative of a first action if a magnitude of slippage of the off-road vehicle relative to a soil surface is greater than a first threshold value and less than or equal to a second threshold value. Furthermore, the control system is configured to output a signal indicative of a second action, different than the first action, if the magnitude of slippage is greater than the second threshold value.

Abstract: Setting a system pressure for a hydraulically actuated clutch comprises a) Providing a system comprising a pump drivable by an electrically operated motor controlled by a control unit that senses a motor current and rotational speed and a system temperature is determined; b) a characteristic diagram is provided specifying values for at least the motor current and rotational speed for different system operating points; c) Accessing the characteristic diagram while operating a vehicle; d) Sensing at least the motor current and rotational speed at at least a first operating point and determining the system temperature; e) Comparing the values, acquired in step d) for the current and speed with the values for the current and rotational speed from the characteristic diagram according to step b); f) Adapting the characteristic diagram for the system on the basis of the parameters determined in step d).

Abstract: A brake chamber includes a chamber housing having an end, a push rod configured for reciprocal movement in the chamber housing in a first direction and a second direction over a stroke distance, a return spring disposed in the chamber housing configured to urge the push rod in the second direction and a sensor assembly having a sensor and a magnet movable relative to the sensor with movement of the push rod. The sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field strength of the magnet and output sensor data representative of the detected magnetic field strength. The sensor assembly is configured to determine a position of the push rod based on the sensor data over the entire stroke distance.

Abstract: A sensor monitoring device that comprises: a first controller ECA into which a detected value Smn from a sensor SMN is inputted via a first signal line LMA; a second controller ECB into which the detected value Smn is inputted via a second signal line LMB; and a communication bus CMB that transmits signals between the first controller ECA and the second controller ECB. The second controller ECB reads in the detected value Smn as a second processing value Smb and transmits the second processing value Smb to the first controller ECA via the communication bus CMB. The first controller ECA reads in the detected value Smn as a first processing value Sma, receives the second processing value Smb, and, on the basis of the first processing value Sma and the second processing value Smb, determines the suitability of the first processing value Sma.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electronic parking brake system and a control method thereof. The electronic parking brake system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure which comprises an EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) actuator operated by an electric motor, comprises a motor driving unit for driving the electric motor of the EPB actuator, a current sensing unit for sensing a current flowing in the electric motor, and an electronic control unit for accumulating an electric charge amount put into the electric motor from the time when a motor current change rate is higher than a preset change rate if the motor current change rate according to the motor current sensed through the current sensing unit during a parking operation is higher than the preset change rate and determining a stuck failure of the electric motor based on the accumulated electric charge amount.

Abstract: A wear gauge 10 comprises an elongate substrate 12 having a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. At least a first row 18 of spaced electronic components 22.1, 22.3 . . . 22.n and a juxtaposed second row 20 of spaced electronic components 22.2, 22.4 . . . 22.n?1 are provided on the substrate. The first and second rows extend in a direction from the proximal end towards the distal end of the substrate. The electronic components 22.2 to 22.n?1 in the second row are spatially interposed between adjacent electronic components 22.1 to 22.n in the first row. The electronic components of the first and second rows are electrically connected in parallel by conductive tracks 19. An electrical parameter relating to the parallel connection as measured at a port 24 of the parallel connection towards the proximal end, changes as electronic components are removed from the connection from the distal end, to provide an indication of the extent of wear, as indicated by the arrow A.

Abstract: A method is provided for increasing the operational safety of at least one thermally stressed functional part of at least one vehicle brake, in particular of a commercial vehicle and/or a trailer, and/or for reducing brake wear and/or drive power, wherein the method has the following steps: inputting a temperature signal of the at least one brake, which temperature signal represents at least one temperature of the brake and/or of a functional part of the brake detected by at least one sensor, and inputting a brake request signal and/or brake pressure signal for the at least one brake; determining a thermal error condition by using the temperature signal and the brake requirement signal and/or brake pressure signal; and providing an adapted brake requirement signal and/or adapted brake pressure signal using the determined thermal error condition in order to increase the operational safety of the at least one functional part of the at least one vehicle brake exposed to thermal stress, and/or to reduce the brake

Abstract: In a method for avoiding an overheating of a brake of a vehicle, in particular of a commercial vehicle and/or a trailer, a first temperature signal and at least a second temperature signal are read in, with the first temperature signal representing a temperature of the brake and/or of a functional part of the brake, and the at least second temperature signal representing at least one additional temperature of at least one additional brake of the vehicle. An error state of the brake is detected using the first temperature signal and the second temperature signal in order to avoid an overheating of the brake. A control device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle hydraulic braking system, including an electronic device for transferring brake fluid into at least one wheel brake cylinder without a force transmission connection to the brake actuating element, or that is hydraulically decoupleable from the brake actuating element, with a motorized brake pressure buildup device; ascertaining whether wheel locking of at least one wheel of the vehicle that is braked with the at least one wheel brake cylinder is present or at risk; temporarily effectuating, at least at times, a counterforce on the brake actuating element acting against the actuation of the brake actuating element by the driver when it is ascertained that wheel locking is present or at risk and/or when the electronic brake force distribution function and/or the antilocking function are/is executed. Also described is a hydraulic braking system for a vehicle, and a method for operating such a braking system.

Abstract: A parking lock of a vehicle is normally controlled by a first control unit. In the presence of a predefined condition, control of the parking lock is assumed by a second control unit of the vehicle and the first control unit is disabled, at least in part, when the predefined condition is present.

Abstract: A controller can display via an instrument cluster a brake capacity based on a temperature of friction material of at least one brake of a vehicle and a predicted brake fade threshold that is derived from a speed, mass, and current angle of inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for transforming 2D images into 3D are disclosed. The disclosed device includes a dictionary storage unit configured to store a word-depth gradient dictionary; a color patch obtainer unit configured to obtain color patches from an input image; a matching word search unit configured to transform each of the color patches obtained by the color patch obtainer unit into a SIFT descriptor form and search for words closest to the SIFT descriptors of the obtained color patches from among the words of the word-depth gradient dictionary; a matching depth gradient obtainer unit configured to obtain depth gradient information of the words matching the obtained color patches from the word-depth gradient dictionary; and a depth map generation unit configured to compute a depth from the obtained matching depth gradient for each of the obtained color patches and generate a depth map.

Abstract: Techniques for obtaining information about an artwork and presenting such information may be provided. For example, a visual representation of the artwork, such as an image, may be received and analyzed. Results of the analysis may be categorized into a type and attributes of the artwork and may be presented to a first user for confirmation. Once a confirmation is received, the categorized type and attributes and other information may be presented to a second user searching for the artwork.

Abstract: A method for determining a response time of a brake of at least one assigned axis of a multi-axis machine includes actuating the axis, switching the brake, and determining a response time between a switching point in time and a response point in time at which a motion state of the axis changes. The method may further include opposing actuation of the axis while the brake is closed, and detecting a mechanical play between opposing maximum deflections of the axis. A method of operating or monitoring a multi-axis machine includes determining a response time and/or detecting mechanical play, and operating the machine or triggering a fault response based on the response time or mechanical play.

Abstract: When a parking brake mechanism is in a braking state and an operation switch is switched to a braking-released state, a control unit of an electric vehicle brings a parking brake mechanism into a braking-released state on the condition that the control unit detects using a stop lamp switch that the brake pedal is not depressed and detects that the shift range of the shift lever is a P range.

Abstract: A method of determining the integrity of an electric or hydraulic braking control system. A reduction rate of a voltage or hydraulic pressure in the braking control system is determined, and the integrity of the braking control system is determined by comparing the reduction rate with a threshold. The braking control system may be an aircraft braking control system, and the method may be performed during flight of the aircraft—typically during cruise.

Abstract: A method for deriving a representation of an image, by processing signals corresponding to the image, comprises identifying a plurality of feature points in the image, deriving feature descriptors of feature points, and assigning feature descriptors to pre-defined center points, wherein each feature descriptor is assigned to a plurality of center points, the method further comprising, for each center point, calculating the difference between each feature descriptor assigned to said center point, deriving a value descriptor for each center point from said calculated differences, and deriving the representation from said value descriptors for said center points.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tractor controller for monitoring trailer brake applications is disclosed. The control logic of the tractor control is capable of receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application; receiving a signal indicative of a foot brake application; totaling a number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application for a predetermined time period; and totaling a number of signals indicative of a foot brake application for the predetermined time period. The control logic then compares the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application with the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application. The control logic records a flag in response to the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application being greater than the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application.

Abstract: A method for encoding an image descriptor (H) based on gradient histograms (hp) into a transformed descriptor (V) having transformed subdescriptors (vp), wherein each gradient histogram (hp) includes a plurality of histogram bins (hi) and each subdescriptor (vp) includes a set of values (vj), wherein the subdescriptors (vp) are generated according to an element utilization order list specifying a subdescriptor index (p) of the set of sub descriptors (vp) and an element index (j) of the set of values (vj).

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product may be provided for generating a plurality of compressed feature descriptors that can be represented by a relatively small number of bits, thereby facilitating transmission and storage of the feature descriptors. A method, apparatus and computer program product may also be provided for permitting a compressed representation of a feature descriptor to be compared with a plurality of compressed representations of feature descriptors of respective predefined features. By permitting the comparison to be performed utilizing compressed representations of feature descriptors, a respective feature descriptor may be identified without having to first decompress the feature descriptor, thereby potentially increasing the efficiency with which feature descriptors may be identified.

Abstract: A method of detecting an accumulator failure is provided. The method may comprise measuring a first pressure on a gas-side of an accumulator, measuring a second pressure on a fluid-side of the accumulator, finding a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, and comparing the difference to a predetermined threshold. A system for detecting an accumulator failure is also provided. The system may comprise a non-transitory memory communicating with a processor, the non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations may include receiving a first pressure measurement, receiving a second pressure measurement, determining a difference between the first pressure measurement and the second pressure measurement, and detecting the accumulator failure based on the difference.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric motor both configured to generate a vehicle powertrain torque and a controller programmed to control the powertrain torque for a limited duration in anticipation of a powertrain torque variation scenario using a damping function, wherein the damping function adjusts the vehicle powertrain torque based on a difference between a measured motor speed and a desired motor speed using the electric motor to counteract a powertrain speed oscillation.

Abstract: A method carries out a brake test on trailer vehicles and/or semitrailer vehicles. The method senses a semitrailer or trailer which has been newly hitched to the towing vehicle, initializes an on-board brake test for the semitrailer brake system or trailer brake system, initiates at least one defined braking process by the semitrailer brake system or trailer brake system after a defined distance has been traveled, and senses and determines the braking effect of the at least one defined braking process as a braking effect actual value which is compared with a braking effect setpoint value which is present. An information signal is output which takes into account the evaluation result.

Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method for a vehicle having multiple axles and a plurality of brake actuators and an engine control module, each brake actuator being associated with one of the axle. The system include sensors for measuring, in real-time, brake pressure and brake lining wear, and generating first and second signals. The first and second signals are received and stored in a chassis communications module. The chassis communications module detects fault condition of the brakes as a function of the first and/or second signals and for recording the fault condition, the fault condition being one of a brake monitor warning and a brake lining warning and provides an indication of status via warning lights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing haptic information to the driver of a motor vehicle, equipped with a brake-by-wire brake system, about the operating state of the brake system, in which method the brake pedal characteristic is generated by a pedal travel simulator, in the form of a functional relationship between the brake pedal opposing force and the brake pedal travel, and is modified as a function of an operating state. In order to provide the driver with the haptic information channel via which electronically controlled information can be communicated to the driver during braking, without the impression of a defect arising, the invention proposes that a basic brake pedal characteristic is generated by a passive simulator spring which assigns pedal travel, on which pedal return travel transporting the haptic information is superimposed, to a given pedal force in an unchanging, constant relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and method for using street map data broadcasts a warning to a driver, wherein the warning is triggered when a vehicle operating parameter does not comply with a limitation for a current street in a street mapping database. The limitation for the current street is also broadcast to the driver. An indication that the limitation for the current street is incorrect is received from the driver. The warning to the driver may be an audible warning and/or a visual warning to the driver. Broadcasting a limitation for the current street may include displaying the limitation to the driver or playing a spoken message to the driver. The limitation may be a posted speed limit or a traffic direction, for example.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a warning system that can be implemented in any kind of vehicle, in order to efficiently detect moving objects. The system utilizes at least one camera for a continuous imaging of the surroundings of the vehicle. Thereby, moving objects can be monitored. A computing unit is programmed to estimate a motion of any moving object based on a pixel motion in the camera image. If a dangerously moving object is detected, a warning unit can be used for issuing a warning signal. To take such a decision, the estimated motion of at least one of the moving objects can be correlated or compared to predetermined motion patterns.

Abstract: An active damping system provides a torque adjustment command that is combined with the raw motor torque command of a vehicle to compensate for oscillations and vibrations in the driveline of a hybrid vehicle. Active damping may be provided by a derivative controller or by a lead-lag compensation between initiation of clutch engagement and full clutch engagement. Active damping is terminated upon full clutch engagement.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device is used to facilitate inspection of vehicles, by wirelessly conveying an activation command to the vehicle to actuate a vehicle component, to facilitate inspection of the actuated component. The activation command is received by a wireless data link in the vehicle, which is electrically/logically coupled to either a switch that controls actuation of the component, an actuator configured to manipulate the component, and/or a vehicle processor configured to selectively convey an actuation command to the component. In some embodiments, in response to conveying the activation command, the handheld device enables the user to input a condition of the actuated component, which is added to an inspection record. In some embodiments, the handheld device sends a query to the vehicle, which results in the handheld device providing an indication to a user of each component in the vehicle that is capable of remote actuation.

Abstract: A method and device for dual-channel transmission of safety-relevant sensor signals. In the method, two sensor signals to be monitored are generated parallel to one another by two sensors and the generated sensor signals are transmitted to a common evaluation unit via two separate, input-side transmission channels. Within the evaluation unit, the permissibility of the transmitted sensor signals is checked using prescribed calculation specifications that correspond to one another and an evaluation unit output signal representing permissibility or impermissibility is generated for each sensor signal. The individual processing steps of the two calculation specifications are decoupled by the evaluation unit for the two sensor signals and performed diversified within the evaluation unit. The generated output signals are output via two separate, output-side transmission channels.

Abstract: A brake valve diagnostic and reporting system for a pneumatic only brake valve on a rail car which includes a brake pipe transducer for measuring brake pipe pressure; and a brake cylinder transducer for measuring brake cylinder pressure. A processor receives measurements from the transducers, compares the measurements against stored brake performance profiles, determines brake status from the comparison and prepares an event report for preselected brake statuses. A wireless transmitter connected to the processor transmits the report. An energy storage device powers the processor and transmitter.

Abstract: A vehicle with an accident prevention system is disclosed. The vehicle also has a foot brake for stopping the vehicle. The system includes a sensor arrangement for sensing an object behind a rear end of the vehicle that generates an object recognition signal when it senses an object within range behind the vehicle. The sensor arrangement includes passive IR sensors or reflected pulse sensors such as sonar or radar sensors on the rear end. A controller generates an accident prevention response signal on receiving an object recognition signal from the sensor arrangement. A brake applicator is operatively coupled to the brake to stop the vehicle when the controller generates a response signal. Conveniently the system includes an alarm for sounding an alarm signal. A method for preventing an accident where a vehicle which is reversing at low speed collides with a person is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a corresponding method including a vehicle data recording section having a plurality of vehicle operating characteristic sensors, a main system controller, and an event data recorder subservient to the main system controller. Also included in the device is a driver action recording section including at least one driver action sensor, a driver action system controller not subservient to the main system controller, and a driver action recorder. The at least one driver action sensor obtains information regarding actions of a driver of the vehicle concurrently with at least one of the plurality of vehicle operating characteristic sensors such that sensor data corresponding to an event is obtained independently by each of the vehicle data recording section and the driver action recording section.

Abstract: A vehicle brake monitoring system comprises a sensor assembly configured to detect, during vehicle braking, relative position of a longitudinal member contacting a brake pad carrier, and processing structure communicating with the sensor assembly. The processing structure processes output of the sensor assembly to determine brake status.

Abstract: A display for a machine having a hydraulic brake is provided. The display includes a first display and a second display. The first display indicates a rate of heat accumulation within the hydraulic brake. The second display indicates a current temperature of the hydraulic brake.

Abstract: The present invention employs an electronic control device which monitors and controls the extent of engagement of a friction clutch on a motor vehicle. The control device includes a variable controller which enables the operator of the motor vehicle to pre-select the extent or degree of engagement of the friction clutch. A switch enables the operator to activate the present invention and bypass the clutch lever which would normally be used to operate the friction clutch. A gauge indicates the degree of engagement of the friction clutch and a second switch enables the operator to disconnect the electronic control from operation of the clutch.

Abstract: The brake indicator is a cylindrical device, measuring approximately one quarter of an inch in length and three-eighths of an inch in width. This component is a high temperature insulator pressed part with a round rod, as well as a wire configuration with terminal rubber booth protection. The wiring serves as the communication conduit between the brakes and the dashboard panel control inside the vehicle. The brake indicator assembly's sensor rod is positioned flush with each brake pad. Thus, the sensor rod will have contact with the rotor every time the brakes are depressed. As such, the indicator sensor rod will touch the rotor behind the brake pad before the pad wears down enough for a metal-on-metal contact. When the sensor rod touches the rotor, the wiring activates the warning light on the vehicle's dashboard, thereby informing the driver of the potential problem.

Abstract: A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electrically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electrically-operated actuator. The electrically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electrically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electrically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electrically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.

Abstract: Guidance devices, methods, and programs acquire a current speed of a vehicle and calculate a regeneration upper limit operation amount of the regenerative brake based on the current speed of the vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs acquire a deceleration target speed, acquire a deceleration target position, calculate a distance to the deceleration target position, and calculate a deceleration required operation amount of the brake pedal required for reducing the current speed of the vehicle to the deceleration target speed at the deceleration target position based on the acquired current speed of the vehicle, the acquired deceleration target speed, and the calculated distance to the deceleration target position. The devices, methods, and programs communicate guidance regarding the operation amount of the brake pedal based on the calculated regeneration upper limit operation amount and the calculated deceleration required operation amount.

Abstract: A display for a machine having a hydraulic brake is provided. The display includes a first display and a second display. The first display indicates a rate of heat accumulation within the hydraulic brake. The second display indicates a current temperature of the hydraulic brake.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of indicating malfunction of a parking brake system includes determining whether a parking brake switch including four switches malfunctions, if the parking brake switch malfunctions, determining states of the four switches, monitoring a pattern of a drive signal input to the parking brake switch according to information about the states of the four switches and determining whether the parking brake switch is in an applied state, if the parking brake switch is in the applied state, flickering a lamp to indicate malfunction of the parking brake switch.

Abstract: A control circuit for operating the lights of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the rear lights of the vehicle are controlled by the control circuit. The control circuit illuminates two or more of the vehicle lights in a common pattern to indicate a specific vehicle operation. When the vehicle simultaneously performs two operations, the controller may transition the lights to illuminate in different patterns to clearly indicate the separate vehicle operations. The controller may further provide for adjusting the light intensity of one or more of the lights. The lights may be adjusted to have a similar intensity to prevent confusion when the different lights are used in combination to indicate a vehicle operation.

Abstract: For a vehicle equipped with a self-braking system (for example, ASR, ESP, FDR, EBS), a service brake, a parking brake, and at least one associated pressure sensor for detecting at least one pressure in the vehicle brake circuit, the brake circuit comprising a compressed-air circuit, a process to prevent the vehicle from rolling away includes determining whether a pressure in the compressed-air circuit from which the parking brake is fed is below a release threshold, and operating the service brake if the pressure in the compressed-air circuit is below the release threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a forward vehicle sensor transmitting a forward vehicle message based on a range to a forward vehicle. An adaptive cruise controller receives the forward vehicle message from the forward vehicle sensor. The adaptive cruise controller transmits a cruise controller message based on the range to the forward vehicle. A braking system controller receives the cruise controller message and transmits an engine control message based on the cruise controller message. An engine controller receives the engine control message and controls a torque and/or speed of an engine as a function of the engine control message.

Abstract: An active damping system provides a torque adjustment command that is combined with the raw motor torque command of a vehicle to compensate for oscillations and vibrations in the driveline of a hybrid vehicle. Active damping may be provided by a derivative controller or by a lead-lag compensation between initiation of clutch engagement and full clutch engagement. Active damping is terminated upon full clutch engagement.

Abstract: A displacement diagnosis sensor of a brake pedal having a stop lamp switch function is provided. According to the present invention, one sensor performs both a function of a stop lamp switch and a function of diagnosing a rotational displacement of the brake pedal simultaneously to thereby save a manufacturing cost and reduce a weight.

Abstract: A temperature and/or wear sensor for brake or clutch devices is designed as a thermocouple in which the conductors (20, 22) that are electrically insulated from each other are arranged inside a friction lining (14) and can be connected to each other so as to be electrically conductive by means of a rotatably mounted brake element (12), clutch element or the like, with which the friction lining can be engaged in order to brake or to depress the clutch (FIG. 1). The conductors can be coupled to an electric oscillating circuit.