Calibration Patents (Class 701/33.1)
  • Publication number: 20140074348
    Abstract: A bicycle power sensing apparatus is basically provided with a power sensing device, a calibration signal generating device and a controller. The controller is operatively arranged to receive a calibration signal from the calibration signal generating device. The controller calibrates the power sensing device upon receiving the calibration signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi KITAMURA, Michihiro KODAMA
  • Patent number: 8662744
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a position sensor in an automotive transmission having a transmission housing having mounted therein a casing (10) for the position sensor which includes a pressure member (14) movably supported in the casing (10), and an electrical displacement sensor (38) actuated by the pressure member (14) for measuring the position of the pressure member (14) relative to the casing (10), such that, after the casing (10) of the position sensor has been mounted in the transmission housing, the displacement sensor (38) is used for performing at least one calibration measurement for at least one gear position, and, for each gear position to be detected, a tolerance range for the corresponding measurement value of the displacement sensor is defined on the basis of the result of the calibration measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rollax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rösch, Thomas Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20140039750
    Abstract: Temperature compensation for ultrasonic sensors can have a significant error that is highly undesirable because temperature of ultrasonic sensors and the temperature of the medium through which they sense objects affect signal strength calibrations (e.g., echo thresholds) applied when detecting an object. In order to increase the detection capabilities and reported distance of an object, ultrasonic sensors need to adjust their detection criteria and distance calculations as the temperature of air surrounding a vehicle (i.e., outside air temperature) changes and also as the temperature of the sensor changes. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter provide for a simple, effective and consistent approach for determining a temperature upon which such detection criteria and distance calculation adjustments can be based.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Wangdong Luo, Stephen Varghese Samuel, Aric David Shaffer, Vern Stempnik, Michael David Kane
  • Publication number: 20140005882
    Abstract: A sensor characteristic correction device is configured to detect a characteristic of a first sensor arranged upstream of a catalyst 6 in an exhaust passage 4 of an internal combustion engine 2, and a characteristic of a second sensor that is an air-fuel sensor 12 arranged downstream of the catalyst 6, to calculate a first air-fuel ratio based on the characteristic of the first sensor, and calculates a second air-fuel ratio based on the characteristic of the second sensor, to detect, when the catalyst 6 is in an inactive state after start-up of the internal combustion engine 2, a difference between the first characteristic and the second characteristic or a difference between the first air-fuel ratio and the second air-fuel ratio, and to correct the responsiveness of the first or the second sensor in accordance with the difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Keiichiro Aoki, Takanori Sasaki, Go Hayashita
  • Patent number: 8620500
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining learned values for controlling an internal combustion engine, a second drive unit, e.g., an electric motor, drags the internal combustion engine in a specific operating state, and the learned values are ascertained in this operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Becker, Christoph Weisser
  • Patent number: 8612091
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20130325250
    Abstract: A method and apparatus in a vehicular telemetry system for determining accelerometer thresholds based upon decoding a vehicle identification number (VIN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Geotab Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Charles Cawse
  • Publication number: 20130325253
    Abstract: In a vehicle brake device having a hydraulic pressure sensor for detecting an output value corresponding to the pressure of a fluid pressure adjusted by a master cylinder and a master cylinder pressure calculating unit for storing the output value of the hydraulic pressure sensor at which the pressure of the master cylinder becomes 0 as a zero-point correction value and calculating a master cylinder pressure by correcting the output value of the hydraulic pressure sensor based on the zero-point correction value, the vehicle brake device has a zero-point correction value updating unit for setting, when the output value detected by the hydraulic pressure sensor is smaller than the zero-point correction value stored in the master cylinder pressure calculating unit, the output value as a new zero-point correction value and updating the zero-point correction value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Watanabe, Hiroyuki Matsubayashi, Hidehisa Kato
  • Publication number: 20130325252
    Abstract: A method for adjusting and/or calibrating a surroundings sensor in a vehicle using a measuring unit and a calibration panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Stefan Schommer, Christian Wagmann, Axel Wendt
  • Publication number: 20130325251
    Abstract: A method for calibration of an acceleration sensor (220) to determine acceleration indications of a motor vehicle (100, 110): Determine a characteristic constant (?0) for the acceleration sensor (220) at the time of refuelling the vehicle. A computer program product contains program code (P) for a computer (200; 210; 400) for implementing the method. Also a device and a motor vehicle (100) which is equipped with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Erik Öhlund
  • Publication number: 20130317696
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring yield while harvesting. In one embodiment a mass flow rate sensor measures the mass flow rate of the harvested grain. A weight sensor measures the weight of the harvested grain. The measured mass flow rate is correlated with the weight of the harvested grain. Processing circuitry calculates any error in the measured mass flow rate using the measured weight. The calculated error is used to correct any inaccuracy in the measured mass flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Justin L. Koch, Derek A. Sauder
  • Publication number: 20130317695
    Abstract: An operator interface assembly for a machine is disclosed. The operator interface assembly comprises a base, an operator input device operable to move in a first direction in relation to the base to a second position and a third position, a first biasing member including a first spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the first spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at a first position and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, a second biasing member including a second spring end, and operatively associated with the base and wherein the second spring end is operable to contact the operator input device at the second position, the second position different than the first position, and resist movement of the operator input device in the first direction, and a position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar INc.
    Inventors: Matthew E. Kontz, Jeffrey L. Kuehn, Rustin G. Metzger, David E. Ault
  • Patent number: 8565962
    Abstract: A rewriting system comprises a plurality of electronic control units mounted on a vehicle, each of the plurality of electronic control units including a storage for storing control information, and a device for sending new control information to rewrite the control information stored in the storages of the plurality of electronic control units with the new control information. One of the plurality of electronic control units is configured to make a determination whether the rewriting in the other electronic control units has been completed in response to a completion of the rewriting in the one of the plurality of electronic control units, and make a notification of a result of the determination. Thus, the progress of the rewriting for a plurality of control units is automatically determined and notified to a user. The user can immediately recognize the progress of the rewriting work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Yoshiyama
  • Patent number: 8554403
    Abstract: A vehicle failure is diagnosed based on data recorded in an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle. Driving data pertaining to multiple parameters which are stored in the electronic control unit of the vehicle for when a vehicle failure occurs are compared with reference values representing data during normal driving in order to diagnose a failure. The device utilizes an approximate search between inspection data, that is, driving data which are stored in the electronic control unit of the vehicle to be diagnosed for failure, and reference value groups categorized by driving environment, wherein a normal value range is set for each of the aforementioned parameters categorized by driving environment, and selects the reference value group categorized by driving environment which approximates the inspection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Tsuchikiri, Yasushi Sato, Jiro Aihara
  • Patent number: 8532868
    Abstract: An acceleration/deceleration detecting system includes an acceleration/deceleration detector configured to be disposed in a measurement object and detect acceleration/deceleration of the measurement object, an acceleration/deceleration device configured to accelerate or decelerate the measurement object, and a calculation device configured to determine that a detection value of the acceleration/deceleration detector is an offset error or a detection error of the acceleration/deceleration detector, when an actual acceleration/deceleration direction of the measurement object is different from an acceleration/deceleration direction shown by a detection value of the acceleration/deceleration detector in a state that the measurement object is accelerated or decelerated by the acceleration/deceleration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Yoshii
  • Patent number: 8504266
    Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle transmission (11) is disclosed in which a sensor (18) used to produce an indication of position of a selector (17) is calibrated such that positioning the selector (17) at a peak force feedback position produced by a peak and trough force feedback mechanism (24) connected to the selector (17) will always result in the selection of a drive mode of the transmission (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Rob Jerger, Pete Stares, Hardev Mandair
  • Patent number: 8498676
    Abstract: A terminated call alert process involves detecting, via a processor, that a voice connection initially established between a vehicle-dedicated communications device disposed inside a vehicle and a facility has been terminated and identifying a method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Via the vehicle-dedicated communications device, the method further involves transmitting a data message to the facility, where the data message includes information pertaining to the method used to terminate the initial voice connection. Also disclosed herein is a system for accomplishing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: James Doherty, Michael J. Blanck
  • Patent number: 8494710
    Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying a spatial relationship between a frame of reference associated with an accelerometer mounted in a vehicle and a frame of reference associated with the vehicle Accelerometer data is received from an accelerometer and vehicle data is received from a vehicle network of the vehicle, a long term average of the accelerometer data is used to determine the direction of gravity in the frame of reference of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle date is used to determine changes in speed of the vehicle, and thus to determine the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the frame of reference of the vehicle. From these determined directions, the spatial relationship between the frames of reference may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Richard Harvie
  • Publication number: 20130158749
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a measuring the velocity of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Aaron Contorer
  • Patent number: 8463491
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for identifying tire locations associated with a vehicle. Sensed variations in tire related parameters are measured as a vehicle traverses a known or ascertainable travel path. Data accumulated over one or more measurement windows may be analyzed to determine the location of each individual tire associated with a vehicle. Measurements and accumulation of data may be initiated upon detection of a stationary vehicle state exceeding a predetermined time, a predetermined lateral acceleration, and/or a predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: David Alan Weston
  • Patent number: 8437903
    Abstract: An onboard system for determining vehicle emissions. The emissions are determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. Data is supplied solely to an emissions unit from a vehicle diagnostic system; the vehicle diagnostic system receives vehicle data from vehicle systems and sub-systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lysanda Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Willard
  • Publication number: 20130110351
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a vehicle control system. The control system includes a steering control coupled to at least one steerable wheel, the steering control having a first position, a second position and a plurality of positions therebetween. The control system also includes a steering sensor coupled to the steering control and configured to generate steering sensor signals based upon the position of the steering control. The control system also includes a control module coupled to the steering sensor, the control module configured to (i)record a first steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the first position; (ii) record a second steering sensor signal value when the steering control is in the second position; and (iii) determine a current position of the steering control by comparing the first and second steering sensor signal values with a current steering sensor signal value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ACCELERATED SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventor: ACCELERATED SYSTEMS INC.
  • Patent number: 8432269
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disabling a vehicle. An exemplary system includes, but is not limited to an antenna that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The antenna is configured to transmit and receive communication transmissions. A telematics unit is communicatively connected to the antenna. The telematics unit is adapted for attachment to the vehicle and is configured to communicatively connect to a necessary sub-system of the vehicle, to receive telecommunications from a user through the antenna, and to disable the necessary sub-system in response to receiving an instruction from the user to disable the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Christensen, Michael D. Solomon, Carl J. Hering, Ryan M. Edwards, Jason J. Parks, Travis L. Bradburn, Laura R. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 8423228
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a decrease in air pressure of a tire attached to a vehicle includes a rotation speed detection means for periodically detecting rotation speeds of tires of respective wheels of the vehicle; a rotation wheel speed ratio calculation means for calculating a rotation wheel speed ratio between front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle; a wheel torque calculation means for calculating a wheel torque of the vehicle; an initialization means for obtaining a relation at a normal internal pressure between the wheel torque and the rotation wheel speed ratio; a comparison means for comparing the rotation wheel speed ratio with the rotation wheel speed ratio at a normal internal pressure obtained from the wheel torque and the relation; and a determination means for correcting the comparison result by a front-to-rear direction acceleration and determining whether there is a tire having a decreased air pressure or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Oshiro
  • Patent number: 8417412
    Abstract: An abnormality detection device is disclosed that includes a storage unit configured to, when abnormality of an in-vehicle device is detected, store abnormality information of the abnormality; a transmission unit configured to transmit the abnormality information to a server; an in-vehicle information terminal configured to, when driving support information is provided to an occupant and read-out operation information is input through an operation section, read out the abnormality information stored in the storage unit; and a transmission prevention unit configured to, when the read-out operation information is input through the operation section, prevent transmission of the abnormality information to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tominaga, Keizoh Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8417413
    Abstract: In an oxygen sensor control apparatus, after start of fuel cut, the weighted average Ipd of corrected values obtained by multiplying the output value of a mounted oxygen sensor by a correction coefficient Kp is obtained as a representative value Ipe, representing the corrected values in the fuel cut period (S19). In the case where the number of times the representative value Ipe is continuously judged not to fall outside a second range (S21: NO) and to fall outside a first range (S23: YES) reaches 10 (a first number of times) (S26: YES), a new correction coefficient Kp is computed (S27). In the case where the number of times the representative value Ipe is continuously judged to fall outside the second range (S21: YES) reaches 4 (a second number of times smaller than the first number of times) (S29: YES), a new correction coefficient Kp is computed (S30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ishiguro, Katsunori Yazawa, Yuji Kimoto
  • Patent number: 8412407
    Abstract: A base determination module determines a base value based on a base value input. A compensation determination module determines a base compensation value based on a base value input. A compensation coefficient determination module determines a compensation coefficient based on a compensation coefficient input. A multiplier module determines a compensation value based on a product of the base compensation value and the compensation coefficient. A target module determines a target value based on the base value and the compensation value and controls an actuator based on the target value. A calibration module selectively displays predetermined options for calibrating one of the base compensation value input and the compensation coefficient input and sets the one of the base compensation value input and the compensation coefficient input to a selected one of the predetermined options.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, Thomas E. Wiseman
  • Patent number: 8412406
    Abstract: A method and system for performing diagnostics or software maintenance on a vehicle comprises a data processor for performing a particular task. A resource monitor is arranged for determining if resource consumption of the data processor for the respective particular task exceeds a threshold amount of resource consumption. A loop counter is arranged to increment a loop counter in a data storage device associated with the data processor if the resource consumption for the respective particular task exceeds the threshold amount. A poison task module is capable of designating the particular task as a poison message if the data processor has been rebooted a maximum number of times as indicated by the loop counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Johnson, Daniel Colavita, Tammy R. Pullen
  • Publication number: 20130079974
    Abstract: An outrigger monitoring system and methods having a graphical user interface. A sensor measures a length of an outrigger and the outrigger monitoring system determines crane fulcrum data based on the length. The system locks the user from continuing if the outriggers are not in a valid operating position. If the user overrides the outrigger monitoring system the crane fulcrum data is then logged and the operator is allowed to continue. In some embodiments the outrigger monitoring system includes a graphical user interface for calibrating the outriggers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
    Inventor: Manitowoc Crane Companies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130073142
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating the alignment of 3-axis accelerometers in accordance embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a telematics system includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. an accelerometer, and a processor, wherein the GPS receiver is configured to determine velocity information, wherein the accelerometer is configured to determine accelerometer acceleration information along one or more accelerometer axes, and wherein the processor is configured to receive a velocity information sample using the GPS receiver, determine GPS acceleration information along one or more vehicle axes using the velocity information sample, receive accelerometer acceleration information samples using the accelerometer, and calibrate one of the vehicle axes to an accelerometer axis in the one or more accelerometer axes using the GPS acceleration information sample and the accelerometer acceleration information sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: CALAMP CORP.
    Inventors: Peter Hergesheimer, Todd Sprague, Alexandre Dlagnekov
  • Patent number: 8386123
    Abstract: A method for automatically determining a current offset value for the zero-point correction of a vehicle inclination sensor including the steps of while driving in a first driving direction, the current driving resistance is determined repeatedly, without regard to the sensor and stored temporarily, and a current raw signal value of the sensor is noted. Upon a change in the driving direction, the last-noted raw signal value is stored temporarily and while driving in the second driving direction. The current driving resistance is determined repeatedly, without regard to the sensor and stored temporarily. Then, if the difference between the two stored driving resistances agree with a tolerance threshold, the noted raw signal value is stored as the offset value for the zero-point correction of the inclination sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Joachim Staudinger, Ingo Sauter
  • Patent number: 8364340
    Abstract: A method and systems for engine control of a vehicle propulsion system are provided. The system includes a plurality of engine model modules executing independently and programmed to receive engine operating condition values from a plurality of sensors positioned on an engine wherein each of the plurality of engine model modules is programmed to determine an estimate of a process parameter of a location in the engine where a sensor is not available, not present at the location, has failed, or is determined to be inaccurate. The system also includes an estimate source selector configured to determine model blending factors and a model blending module configured to determine an estimated virtual sensor value using the determined estimates from at least two of the plurality of engine model modules and the model blending factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Francis Nestico, Sridhar Adibhatla, David Allen Gutz, Daniel Edgardo Viassolo
  • Patent number: 8355837
    Abstract: A system and method for testing the integrity of a vehicle testing/diagnostic system is provided. Examples of vehicle testing/diagnostic systems may include any equipment (portable or stationary) found in an automotive maintenance and/or testing environment (or other environment) that is capable of communicating with vehicle on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. Prior to conducting an OBD test on one or more vehicles, an integrity testing system interfaces with a vehicle testing/diagnostic system to determine whether the vehicle testing/diagnostic system is capable of communicating via one or more predetermined communications protocols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Donald Jackson Avery, Terry Edward Goretti
  • Patent number: 8350688
    Abstract: A method of indirect tire pressure monitoring for indicating when a pneumatic tire on a wheel at one end of a motor vehicle axle is underpressurized relative to a pneumatic tire on a wheel at an opposite end of the axle while the vehicle is being driven on a road surface. ABS wheel sensors are used as inputs to a devoted processor for indirect tire pressure monitoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Zhengming Wang, Gregory A. Jean-Baptiste, Huihui Duan
  • Publication number: 20120330497
    Abstract: A method calibrates an inertial-sensor device installed in an arbitrary position on board a vehicle and adapted to detect at least one entity indicative of vehicle dynamics along at least one direction of a local reference-coordinate system. The method includes steps of: acquiring by the inertial-sensor device at predetermined measuring times real-measured data indicative of the vehicle dynamics in the local reference-coordinate system; acquiring by a calibrating detector different from the inertial-sensor device, at sampling times coinciding with the measuring times, reference-measured data indicative of the vehicle dynamics in a vehicle-coordinate system; and generating a coordinate-transformation matrix adapted to correlate the entity measured in the local reference-coordinate system with a corresponding entity in the vehicle-coordinate system. Also, a sensor system of dynamics of the vehicle is able to be installed on board in an arbitrary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Claudio De Tommasi
  • Publication number: 20120323449
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation of the present invention comprises: a storage unit which stores normal posture data of a vehicle black box; a communication unit which communicates with the vehicle black box; and a controller which obtains current posture data by analyzing data received from the vehicle black box, and determines whether the stored normal posture data is matched with the obtained current posture data. According to the present invention, the driver is notified in advance that the position of a camera is out of shape due to the repeated vibration or acceleration or the like of a vehicle. Thus, the driver can correct the vehicle black box, the camera equipped in the vehicle black box or the camera provided in the vehicle to the normal positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: THINKWARESYSTEMS CORP
    Inventors: Heungwon Kim, Seungwan Woo, Wonkeun Lee, Haeil Lee
  • Publication number: 20120310473
    Abstract: An acceleration/deceleration detecting system includes an acceleration/deceleration detector configured to be disposed in a measurement object and detect acceleration/deceleration of the measurement object, an acceleration/deceleration device configured to accelerate or decelerate the measurement object, and a calculation device configured to determine that a detection value of the acceleration/deceleration detector is an offset error or a detection error of the acceleration/deceleration detector, when an actual acceleration/deceleration direction of the measurement object is different from an acceleration/deceleration direction shown by a detection value of the acceleration/deceleration detector in a state that the measurement object is accelerated or decelerated by the acceleration/deceleration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Yoshii
  • Patent number: 8321082
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle, control is executed to operate an engine with fuel injection being performed, when an unexecuted percentage of catalyst degradation suppression control is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the unexecuted percentage, when a power storage percentage of a battery is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the power storage percentage and the battery is charging, and also when a vehicle speed is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the vehicle speed and a cumulative air amount is equal to or greater than a threshold value of the cumulative air amount, when a catalyst temperature is less than a first threshold temperature and equal to or greater than a second threshold temperature, when the catalyst temperature is equal to or greater than the first threshold temperature, when there is a braking request while the engine is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Ando
  • Patent number: 8296024
    Abstract: The described system and method allow a controller to calibrate a transmission variator of a continuously variable transmission for torque control by obtaining static and dynamic qualities and parameters of the variator through an automated calibration procedure. The system and method employ a pair of transmission mode configurations and operational configurations in combination to obtain system-specific information. In this way, the system is able to calibrate out the system variations to provide effective feed forward torque control of the continuously variable transmission. In an embodiment, a first calibration operation is performed while the transmission is neutralized and a second calibration operation is performed while the transmission is engaged in a mode providing a fixed variator output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Chad Brickner, Brian Lister
  • Patent number: 8285440
    Abstract: A collection of diagnostic and troubleshooting information associated with a power driven wheelchair is stored for access by a microcontroller to be displayed to a user to assist in troubleshooting the power driven wheelchair. A log of fault codes transmitted by various fault-detecting mechanisms is compiled. A user may request display of diagnostic information associated with a selected fault code. The operating instructions of a power driven wheelchair may be updated by using portable storage media onto which a latest version of operating instructions is loaded to transfer the updated operating instructions to wheelchair controller memory. The calibration of a power driven wheelchair can be simplified by providing functionality within the wheelchair controller to change calibration parameters or to transfer calibration parameters from portable storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Jaenke, Darryl Peters, Gary E. Chopcinski, Ricky J. McCullar
  • Publication number: 20120232745
    Abstract: In an oxygen sensor control apparatus, after start of fuel cut, the weighted average Ipd of corrected values obtained by multiplying the output value of a mounted oxygen sensor by a correction coefficient Kp is obtained as a representative value Ipe, representing the corrected values in the fuel cut period (S19). In the case where the number of times the representative value Ipe is continuously judged not to fall outside a second range (S21: NO) and to fall outside a first range (S23: YES) reaches 10 (a first number of times) (S26: YES), a new correction coefficient Kp is computed (S27). In the case where the number of times the representative value Ipe is continuously judged to fall outside the second range (S21: YES) reaches 4 (a second number of times smaller than the first number of times) (S29: YES), a new correction coefficient Kp is computed (S30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro ISHIGURO, Katsunori YAZAWA, Yuji KIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8244412
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing pre-flight dispatching are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for on-board dispatching of an aircraft includes a flight dispatching apparatus positioned within the aircraft that is configured to perform one or more flight dispatching tasks. A communications apparatus is configured to exchange wireless signals between the dispatching apparatus and one or more ground-based facilities. In another embodiment, a method of dispatching an aircraft includes designating a person to perform predetermined dispatching tasks, and establishing a wireless data connection between the aircraft and at least one ground-based facility. Information obtained from the at least one ground-based facility is then processed to perform the one or more dispatching tasks, and at least a portion of the processed information is communicated to the at least one ground-based facility using the wireless data connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Myers, Michael P. Snow
  • Publication number: 20120197485
    Abstract: A method for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter in a wheel inspection for a vehicle. The method includes: associating wheel inspection data of the vehicle with locations of wheels in the vehicle; evaluating a wheel stable score of the vehicle based on the wheel inspection data and the association, wherein the wheel stable score indicates reliability of the wheel inspection; and tuning measurement error covariance of the Kalman filter according to the evaluated wheel stable score. By using the method, the parameter of the Kalman filter can be dynamically tuned to enable the Kalman filter to filter more accurately to ensure the correct result of the wheel inspection. In addition, an apparatus for tuning a parameter of a Kalman filter and a wheel inspection system for a vehicle are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ning Duan, Ke Hu, Zhong Bo Jiang, Wen Tinh Mo, Wei Sun, Xin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120191292
    Abstract: A customizable apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a memory that stores information relating to operation of the turret. A communication port of the apparatus is adapted to exchange communications relating to operation of the turret with an external computing device. A controller processes communications received at the communication port from the external computing device. The controller processes the communications, and the controller selectively provides access to the stored information relating to operation of the turret to the external computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. McKee, John E. Hayden
  • Patent number: 8209081
    Abstract: A method for compensating for wheel speed and acceleration calculation errors comprising the steps of collecting a wheel speed signal, creating at least one compensation factor for the wheel speed signal, correlating each compensation factor with a rotational position of the wheel, modifying each compensation factor individually based on variations in calculations made from the information collected according to the rotational position of the wheel, and calculating wheel speed and acceleration using the at least one compensation factor applied according to the rotational position of the wheel from which the wheel speed signal is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: John Patrick Joyce
  • Patent number: 8195356
    Abstract: A method for testing an image based occupant classification system includes identifying a plurality of disturbances for an image based occupant classification system and identifying a plurality of test occupants for a vehicle. The method further includes randomly selecting at least one disturbance from the plurality of disturbances and randomly selecting a test occupant from the plurality of test occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian T. Allen
  • Patent number: 8195357
    Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a vehicle heading sensor, such as a yaw-rate sensor, when GPS signals are not available using a bias update model that employs a bias gain factor. In order for the bias update model to be accurate, the vehicle should be traveling relatively straight. One embodiment of the present invention uses three thresholds to determine if the vehicle is traveling straight. These thresholds include a yaw-rate threshold, a steering wheel angle threshold and a wheel speed threshold. If all three of the thresholds indicate that the vehicle is traveling straight, then the update bias model can be used to calibrate the yaw-rate sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Chaminda Basnayake
  • Patent number: 8190325
    Abstract: An information display system and method are provided for displaying an energy efficiency of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. The vehicle may also include an energy source that provides energy to the electric machine. The information display system may comprise an information display configured to display an efficiency indicator, the efficiency indicator being configured to indicate an efficiency of the vehicle. The information display system may further comprise a controller configured to receive information related to the braking system of the vehicle. The controller further being configured to determine an energy efficiency value based upon the braking system information. The controller may also be configured to transmit the energy efficiency value so that the information display displays the efficiency indicator based upon the energy efficiency value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 8170758
    Abstract: An automatic transmission may be coupled to an internal combustion engine. A shift selector may be coupled to the transmission and may have a plurality of user selectable inputs for controlling operation of the transmission that are electrically connected to a control circuit. The control circuit may include a memory having a value stored therein that relates to operation of the transmission. The memory may further include instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to change the value stored in the memory to a different value upon detection of user selection of a predefined sequence of two or more of the plurality of user selectable inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Rains
  • Patent number: 8145377
    Abstract: A system and method for determining work procedures through correlated symptoms are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic authoring apparatus for constructing and managing a diagnostic database. Information is stored in the diagnostic database that identifies vehicles that have the tendency to display certain symptoms in correlation with particular problems. These problems in the vehicles generally have a common solution for that type of vehicle. The problem may be common enough to check for a symptom preemptively, possibly before the vehicle owner is aware of it, or even prior to the manifestation of the symptom. The problem may warrant action taken to fix or avoid the problem. The system and method may associate and mark a problem with a preemptive symptom so a vehicle service/repair professional may be presented with the proper way to handle the associated problem for a particular vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Harry M. Gilbert