Abstract: A main microcomputer abnormality determination section checks whether or not a voltage value of Vcc based on digital data output from a main microcomputer analog-to-digital converter is equal to or higher than a threshold value to thereby perform abnormality determination for the main microcomputer analog-to-digital converter and Vref. A sub microcomputer abnormality determination section checks whether or not the voltage value of Vcc is equal to or higher than a threshold value based on digital data output from a sub microcomputer analog-to-digital converter to thereby perform abnormality determination for the sub microcomputer analog-to-digital converter and Vref. An abnormality identifying section identifies an abnormality occurring site by using both results of the abnormality determination performed by the main microcomputer abnormality determination section and the sub microcomputer abnormality determination section.

Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis apparatus for an internal combustion engine in which a phase of a first valve provided to a first cylinder is modified within a range extending from a first phase to a second phase and a phase of a second valve provided to a second cylinder is modified within the range includes: a rotation variation amount detection unit that detects a rotation variation amount of an output shaft of the internal combustion engine; and a diagnosis unit that adjusts the phase of the first valve and the phase of the second valve to the first phase, and diagnoses the presence of an abnormality on the basis of the detected rotation variation amount of the output shaft of the internal combustion engine in a state where the phase of the first valve and the phase of the second valve are at the first phase.

Abstract: A closed-loop system having a controllable variable is monitored to detect the off-nominal behavior and raise an alert when fault is detected. The faults show up in such a way that the tracking error signal is impacted and this impact manifests itself as a change in the frequency components. A filter isolates a band of frequency components of the tracking error signal that are more impacted than others by deviation caused by a fault to be detected. The filter can effectively amplify the section of the error tracking signal that contains the frequency components having impact. In addition, the filter will also have the characteristics to attenuate the impact of other frequency components. An accumulated error signal is generated from the filtered tracking error signal, compared with a predetermined fault threshold characteristic, and a fault alert is provided if a predetermined threshold is satisfied.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for collecting vehicle diagnostic information. The apparatus for collecting vehicle diagnostic information includes a conversion unit and an optical multiplexing unit. The conversion unit receives a plurality of frames complying with respective different protocols from a plurality of networks for vehicles, which collects vehicle diagnostic information, in electric signal form, and converts the plurality of frames into a plurality of optical signals having respective different wavelengths based on the wavelengths previously assigned to the respective protocols. The optical multiplexing unit generates a wavelength division multiplexed signal by performing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) on the plurality of optical signals, and transmits the wavelength division multiplexed signal via an optical cable.

Abstract: A vehicle fault diagnosis and prognosis system includes a computing platform configured to receive a classifier from a remote server, the computing platform tangibly embodying computer-executable instructions for evaluating data sequences received from a vehicle control network and applying the classifier to the data sequences, wherein the classifier is configured to determine if the data sequences define a pattern that is associated with a particular fault.

Abstract: A display system for a work vehicle includes a rotation speed display section for selectively displaying an engine rotation speed or a PTO rotation speed in a same display area, a display selection switch for outputting a display selection command, a discrimination display section for displaying a discrimination object for discriminating which of the engine rotation speed and the PTO rotation speed is being displayed and a display control section for selectively providing an engine rotation speed display signal or a PTO rotation speed display signal to the rotation speed display section based on the display selection command and providing the discrimination display section with a display signal for the discrimination object based on the display selection command.

Abstract: An output section of one detection coil of a first resolver and an output section of one detection coil of a second resolver are connected by a first inter-coil resistor element, and an output section of the other detection coil of the first resolver and an output section of the other detection coil of the second resolver are connected by a second inter-coil resistor element. A sin wave signal for excitation is supplied to one of first and second excitation coils, and a cos wave signal for excitation having the same frequency as that of the sin wave signal for excitation and having a phase delay of 90° in relation to the sin wave signal for excitation is supplied to the other of the first and second excitation coils. By virtue of this configuration, the rotational angles of the two resolvers can be calculated even when one of detection lines is broken.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring, measuring, computing and displaying the volumes of internal gas within a telescopic aircraft landing gear strut. Pressure sensors and temperature sensors and motion sensors are mounted in relation to each of the landing gear struts to monitor, measure and record the impact movement and rates of internal landing gear strut fluids; experienced by landing gear struts, as the aircraft landing gear initially come into contact with the ground. The computer of this system measures the compression experienced by each landing gear strut and determines if the landing gear strut is improperly serviced with either excess or deficient volumes of nitrogen gas. Additional features include automating the inspections required to aircraft landing gear, prior to flight, during flight and during landing events.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A method of detecting an in-range failure of a brake pedal position sensor includes calculating the difference between a minimum position and a maximum position of the brake pedal position sensor. The calculated difference is weighted to define a fast test weighted input value and/or a full test weighted input value. A cumulative test result value is incremented by the fast test weighted input value and/or the full test weighted input value. The cumulative test result value is filtered to define a moving average of the cumulative test result value after each incremented occurrence. The moving average of the cumulative test result value is tracked to determine if the brake pedal position sensor is functioning properly.

Abstract: A system for analyzing machine performance is disclosed. The system may have one or more processors and a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, enable the one or more processors to identify an event for a machine that includes a desired output parameter value and send a command to a component of the machine. A command value associated with the command may be determined based on the desired output parameter value, one or more machine state parameter values, and a feedback control loop. The instructions may further enable the one or more processors to determine whether the machine requires maintenance by comparing the command value to one or more historical command values each determined based on a historical desired output parameter value and one or more historical machine state parameter values.

Abstract: A code bit level redundancy method for a computer interlocking system is provided. The method includes: (1) controlling the output in parallel, and (2) sharing the collected information.

Abstract: There is disclosed an on-vehicle fault detecting device that can more accurately identify what has caused data different from intended-to-be-written data in a memory as a hardware fault. The IG-operation counting unit counts a number of ON-operations of the ignition (IG) switch. The usage-environment-change determining unit determines whether or not a number of times of continuous non-coincidence has reached a determination number, and presumes that the usage environment has changed if a number of continuous IG-switch operations has reached a determination number. Even in cases where the number of times of continuous non-coincidence has reached the determination number, the data writing unit will not write occurrence of a fault in hardware in the memory unless it is presumed by the usage-environment-change determining unit that the usage environment around the vehicle C has changed.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for in-vehicle emergency telematics devices and systems to automatically qualify vehicle crash events before directly placing a 3-digit emergency call from an in-vehicle TCU to a local PSAP operator. The qualification is performed in two stages. The first stage produces a qualified crash detection decision wherein a preliminary crash detection based on impact sensors is qualified by crash related non-impact sensors and vehicle telemetry data. The second stage uses an injury severity prediction algorithm to score the detected crash and produces a decision as to whether the crash warrants an emergency call to the PSAP operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device and to a method for monitoring the function of the components of an agricultural implement, with a vibration sensor for providing signal values containing information on mechanical vibrations generated by moving components of the implement, an operating state detecting device for providing a signal containing information on the operating state of components of the implement, and a calculating device for generating state information on the basis of the state of the components of the implement. The calculating device can be operated to divide the signal values of the vibration sensor on the basis of the corresponding signals of the operating state detecting device into different classes, which correspond to different combinations of the operating states of the components in the detection of the signal values, and to compare the signal values divided into classes or data derived from these signal values with comparison values for generating state information.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the proper functioning of at least one first and a second component (109, 110) of a vehicle drive train (100). The first and the second component (109, 110) each have an effect on the torque applied to the driveshaft (111) and are controlled for this purpose by a test signal (112, 113). The test signals (112, 113) are predetermined such that the effects of the first and the second component (109, 110) onto the torque applied to the driveshaft (111) cancel each other out if the first and the second component (109, 110) function properly. When the components (109, 110) function properly, the traveling comfort is not disturbed by an unexpected torque increase or torque decrease during the carrying out of this method. Any perturbation of the vehicle drive train (100) is therefore also avoided.

Abstract: A diagnosis and maintenance method, a diagnosis and maintenance assembly comprising a central server and a system, and a computer program for diagnosis and maintenance for a plurality of systems, particularly for a plurality of vehicles, wherein each system provides at least one system-related signal which provides the basis for the diagnosis and/or maintenance of/for the system are provided. The basis for diagnosis and/or maintenance is determined by determining for each system at least one relation between the system-related signals, comparing the compatible determined relations, determining for the plurality of systems based on the result of the comparison which relations are significant relations and providing a diagnosis and/or maintenance decision based on the determined significant relations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine. A condition of the engine may be diagnosed based on a combustion torque profile of the engine estimated using signals from a generator operationally connected to the engine and/or other signals associated with the engine. Different types of degradation may be distinguished based on discerning characteristics within the estimated combustion torque profile data. Thus, a degraded engine component may be identified in a manner that reduces service induced delay.

Abstract: A redundant position sensing system includes a device having a position between minimum and maximum positions. First and second sensor modules include first and second sensor resistances. A value of one of the first or second sensor resistances increases and a value of the other of the first or second resistances decreases when the device moves from the minimum position to the maximum position. A maximum value of the first sensor resistance ranges between a first maximum value and a second maximum value that is greater than the first maximum value due to a first manufacturing tolerance. A maximum value of the second sensor resistance ranges between a third maximum value and a fourth maximum value that is greater than the third maximum value due to a second manufacturing tolerance. The second maximum value is less than the third maximum value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining an abnormal condition in an electrical system of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a memory for storing data relating to normal voltage transients. The apparatus also includes a computer electrically connectable to the electrical system and in communication with the memory. The computer is configured to sense voltage transients that occur in the electrical system of the vehicle, compare the sensed voltage transients to the stored normal voltage transients, and determine if the sensed voltage transient indicates an abnormal condition in the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a torsional vibration damper in a drive train of a vehicle may include the steps of providing a drive train having a drive unit (e.g., an internal combustion engine) for generating a driving torque, a drive shaft (e.g., a crankshaft) coupled to the drive unit for transmitting the driving torque to an output shaft, and a torsional vibration damper connected to the drive shaft for damping torsional vibrations of the drive shaft, capturing a reference vibration signal of the drive shaft in a reference state, capturing an operating vibration signal of the drive shaft in an operating state deviating from the reference state, and comparing the reference vibration signal to the operating vibration signal.

Abstract: A controller for determining whether a previously-detected vehicle malfunction still exists. If the malfunction is no longer detected in the sensor signals, a vehicle control system operates in a first operational state or normal operational state with respect to the previously-malfunctioning sensor (e.g., signals from the sensor are used to control the vehicle). If the malfunction continues to be detected, the vehicle control system operates in a second operational state or malfunction state with respect to the malfunctioning sensor in which the signals from the sensor are not used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: Method for determining wear of a friction plate of an automatically actuated friction clutch, particularly in a motor vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine, wherein initially at a prescribed clutch slip and a prescribed clutch torque in an earlier friction lining test point an earlier clutch actuation travel is determined and stored, later again at the prescribed clutch slip and the prescribed clutch torque in a later friction lining test point a later clutch actuation travel is determined, thereafter the earlier clutch actuation travel and the later clutch actuation travel are compared to each other and a differential value is determined, and thereafter a friction lining wear is determined using the differential value, in order to reliably determine friction lining wear in a time interval and with only little effort, so that a depreciation of function due to a worn friction lining can be prevented in a timely manner.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating a vehicle using infrared data is provided. In particular, evaluation data for the vehicle is obtained, which includes infrared data for a plurality of sides of the vehicle as well as vehicle identification data for distinguishing the vehicle from another vehicle. The infrared data is processed to enhance a set of signal features. Additional non-infrared based data also can be obtained for evaluating the vehicle. The evaluation data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present. The anomaly(ies) can be correlated with a possible problem with a component of the vehicle. Data on the anomaly, problem, and/or vehicle identification can be provided for use on another system, such as a remote inspection station, maintenance system, and/or the like.

Abstract: A fuel-saving management system allowing fuel-saving management and associated driver assistance. The system includes, mounted on a vehicle, information detectors detecting various information on the driving state of the vehicle, an information processor, in addition to processing the information detected by the information detectors, generating a warning when processed information satisfies required warning conditions, and an information storage device storing the processed information. In this system, when either a time during which the processed information is maintained to satisfy the required warning conditions, or an elapsed time of the processed information exceeds a previously set time, the information processor stores the occurrence of this overtime event into the information storage device. A setter allowing modification of the required warning conditions, and a printer outputting the information relating to the processed information are also mounted.

Abstract: A controller for determining whether a previously-detected vehicle wheel speed sensor malfunction still exists. The controller includes an electronic, non-volatile memory, and an electronic processing unit connected to the electronic, non-volatile memory. The electronic processing module includes a malfunction monitoring module, a failure handling module, and a signal checking module. The malfunction monitoring module monitors the operation of at least one wheel speed sensor and generates a fault signal when the at least one sensor malfunctions. The failure handling module causes drive cycle information and the fault information to be stored in the electronic, non-volatile memory. The signal checking module performs a signal check on information from the at least one wheel speed sensor. A tell-tale indicator is deactivated and/or a vehicle control system resumes normal operation if the wheel speed sensor passes the signal check.

Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion device. The theft deterrent apparatus includes an authentication unit, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and an operation control unit arranged to control operation of the propulsion device. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device in accordance with an authentication result of the authentication unit. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device without referring to the authentication result of the authentication unit.

Abstract: In a method for determining a roadway state (STATE) of a roadway on which a vehicle (10) is travelling which has at least one wheel (14) and an acceleration sensor (24) which is assigned to the wheel (14), in order to determine a vertical component of an acceleration of the wheel (14), a characteristic value which is representative of the roadway state (STATE) is determined as a function of a measured signal (AC_VERT) of the acceleration sensor (18).

Abstract: A system for on-site collection of evaluation data at a vehicle repair installation site is disclosed. Generally the system includes a computing tool connected to a database, a workflow operations guiding module that runs on the computing tool, an evaluation module, a comparison module, a data-mining module, a certification module, a legal compliance module, and a repair procedure compliance module. As a vehicle is repaired, the workflow operations guiding module prompts a coach with questions. The evaluation module performs a quantitative analysis of the answers provided by the coach and the comparison module compares the result of the quantitative analysis against aggregated or averaged information. The certification module compares information from the comparison module against predetermined certification criteria and the data mining module identifies correlations, trends or patterns in collected data by the system.

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.

Abstract: A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for feedback of states of an electric component to an engine control device of an internal combustion engine using a control unit for the electric component including a detection device configured to detect faults. The method includes configuring the control unit, connecting the control unit to the engine control device via a signal line, receiving a PWM signal generated in the engine control device, tying the signal line to ground for a feedback of data of the electric component to the engine control device; and identifying a fault based on a duration of the connection to ground.

Abstract: A process for monitoring a direction of drive from an automatic or automated vehicle transmission at near-zero vehicle speed via an engaged gear. A desired direction of drive of the transmission is determined from an engaged gear at the time the vehicle begins motion. An actual direction of drive is determined from the transmission and if different from the desired direction of drive, an error signal is produced. The process including determining the actual drive either from a sensed rotational direction of a transmission input shaft and a sensed rotational direction of a transmission output shaft or a sensed valve setting, a sensed pressure in an transmission electro-hydraulic control system or on a transmission shifting element or from a sensed direction of rotation of a transmission gearset element or from axial movement or force of a transmission constructional element.

Abstract: An enhanced wheel data processing unit may analyze tire air temperature data from a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and antilock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor fault codes from an ABS controller within a vehicle. When the enhanced wheel data processing unit determines that the tire air temperature is above a predetermined threshold for a given tire and that an ABS wheel speed sensor fault code exists for the wheel end corresponding to the same tire, the enhanced wheel data processing unit may initiate a vehicle shutdown or derate procedure. The vehicle shutdown or derate procedure may include instructions to give an operator of the vehicle a warning indicator for a predetermined time period before shutting down or derating the engine power to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for assigning a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle by exchanging electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the first motor vehicle in a predetermined temporal signal pattern and received by the second motor vehicle, where they are compared as to whether the received electromagnetic signals correspond to a signal pattern stored in the second motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle then is assigned as a function of the comparison. This method is particularly suited to assigning trailers to a towing vehicle.

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 system and method for monitoring the stability of a hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring the system and its subsystems output response signals to its inputs to identify the system operating status. For example, for a hybrid powertrain system equipped with an electrically variable transmission (EVT), three signals are monitored. They are the two electrical motor speeds representing the direct subsystem response to their feedback control inputs and the EVT output speed representing the entire system's response. A stability monitoring system includes a mean determination module that determines a mean signal of the signals and an oscillation determination module that determines a signal oscillation signal based on the instant signal and the mean signal.

Abstract: In a microcomputer, a signal processing device computes a control signal, such as an accelerator position, a throttle position, based on a sensor output signal, such as an output signal of an accelerator position sensor, an output signal of a throttle position sensor. A torque control device executes a torque control operation to coincide an actual torque with a requested torque based on the control signal. Furthermore, a torque monitor device determines whether a torque increase abnormality exists based on the control signal. A signal abnormality diagnosis device determines whether an operational abnormality of the signal processing device exists based on a relationship between the sensor output signal and the control signal. A monitor IC monitors operational states of the torque monitor device and of the signal abnormality diagnosis device and determines whether an operational abnormality of the torque monitor device or of the signal abnormality diagnosis device exists.

Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide a vehicle-mounted driving recorder that can obtain necessary situation data only surely and accurately and that can contribute to effective use of a memory and to facilitation of an after-the-fact analysis of the situation data. The vehicle-mounted driving recorder comprises a situation data receiving section that receives situation data as being data indicating behavior, a surrounding situation and an operation situation of a vehicle and that temporarily stores the situation data in a temporary data storage section specified in a predetermined area of a memory, and a data administration section, in case that a plurality of contents indicated by the received situation data satisfy a previously specified given condition, that transfers a part or all of the situation data during a certain period before and after a time when the condition is satisfied from the temporary data storage section to the situation data storage section specified in a predetermined area of the memory.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated vehicle control system, which eliminates the possibility of interfering with motion control devices and is capable of accurately controlling the targeted behavior of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining a voltage level across an electrical circuit of a powertrain includes measuring a plurality of voltage levels and utilizing a comparison test between at least two voltage levels of the plurality of voltage levels to determine the circuit voltage level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle that allow said vehicle to be taught a route by a human operator and then have it automatically drive the route with no human intervention. The method works in three steps: teaching, route profiling, and playback. In the teaching step the vehicle is manually driven by a operator along a route which can consist of an arbitrary sequence of maneuvers including tramming forwards, switching directions, tramming backwards, turning, or pausing movement. During this phase raw data from vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders are logged to a file throughout teaching for later processing. During the (offline) route profiling step, the raw data in the log file are processed into a route profile, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path.

Abstract: A method and system for redundancy management is provided for a distributed and recoverable digital control system. The method uses unique redundancy management techniques to achieve recovery and restoration of redundant elements to full operation in an asynchronous environment. The system includes a first computing unit comprising a pair of redundant computational lanes for generating redundant control commands. One or more internal monitors detect data errors in the control commands, and provide a recovery trigger to the first computing unit. A second redundant computing unit provides the same features as the first computing unit. A first actuator control unit is configured to provide blending and monitoring of the control commands from the first and second computing units, and to provide a recovery trigger to each of the first and second computing units. A second actuator control unit provides the same features as the first actuator control unit.

Abstract: A method and a measuring system determine a wheel load. These involve measuring a deformation of a tire and using a set of equations and equation parameters to calculate from the deformation the wheel load acting on the tire. In addition, a wheel load or a variable dependent on the load, which is used to calculate the wheel load, is received from an external system. Finally, the two wheel loads determined in different ways are compared, and the equations and/or equation parameters are adapted on the basis of the comparison.

Abstract: A first transmitting antenna is disposed so as to allow communication in a first range accommodating a transmitting and receiving unit attached to a first wheel and a transmitting and receiving unit attached to a second wheel. A second transmitting antenna is disposed so as to allow communication in a second range that accommodates the transmitting and receiving unit attached to the first wheel and does not accommodate the transmitting and receiving unit attached to the second wheel. A controller associates an identification code of the transmitting and receiving unit, which has received request signals from the first and second transmitting antennas and has transmitted response signals, with a region shared by the first and second ranges, and associates an identification code, assigned to the transmitting and receiving unit, other than the identification code associated with the region with a region inside the first range and outside the second range.

Abstract: An occupant detection system with noise reduction, a controller having noise reduction for an occupant detection system and a method for reducing noise in an occupant detection system. A high order digital filter is used to filter harmonics of a noise signal from an electrode signal used to determine an occupant presence or absence of the occupant. A way of sampling the electrode signal and the implementation of the high order digital filter cooperate such that the signal processing can be performed by a lower cost general purpose microprocessor as opposed to using a higher cost digital signal processor.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a vehicle communication interface device and a computer processing device to a signal source comprises a first port configured for communication with the communication interface device and a second port configured for communication with the computer processing device. The adapter can include a receptacle configured to receive signals having a data portion and a power portion. The adapter can further identify the received signals as being one of vehicle signals or computer signals. Moreover, the adapter can include a relay having a first state associated with the vehicle signals for relaying the vehicle signals between the first port and the signal source and a second state associated with the computer signals for relaying the computer signals between the second port and the signal source. The relay can be selectively placed in one of the first and the second states associated with the received signals as identified by the receptacle.

Abstract: An electric power steering system of a vehicle has a plurality of Hall ICs for sensing torque applied to a steering wheel, and an electric motor for power-assisting the steering wheel. A supply voltage for the Hall ICs is varied temporarily to check the electric output signals of the Hall ICs. A non-failing device of the plurality of Hall ICs, which generates the electric output signal varying in response to the variation of the supply voltage, is selected. The electric motor is controlled based on only the electric output signal of the non-failing device.