Abstract: A vehicle surrounding monitor device 10 includes a front area millimeter-wave radar 11 to a left dead angle millimeter-wave radar 18 which monitor different areas around a host vehicle 100, a vehicle speed sensor 21 and the like which detect the traveling state of the host vehicle 100, a winker signal sensor 31 which detect the state of a driver, and an obstacle detection method determination ECU 41 which controls the operation of the front area millimeter-wave radar 11 and the like and information processing. The obstacle detection method determination ECU 41 sets priority on the front area millimeter-wave radar 11 and the like on the basis of the traveling state of the host vehicle 100 and the state of the driver detected by the vehicle speed sensor 21, the winker signal sensor 31, and the like, and controls the operation of the front area millimeter-wave radar 11 and the like and the information processing on the basis of the priority.

Abstract: A method includes receiving speed constraints associated with two independent vehicle components and receiving speed constraints associated with a first dependent vehicle component and a second dependent vehicle component. The method further includes defining a relationship between the received speed constraints of the independent vehicle components and the first and second dependent vehicle components. Moreover, speed values of an unknown speed constraint associated with a third dependent component are derived based on the defined relationship between the received speed constraints of the independent vehicle components and the first and second dependent vehicle components.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp control system includes a target irradiating direction setting unit which sets, in accordance with a running condition of a vehicle, a target irradiating direction of the lamp. An actuator controls an irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the target irradiating direction based on a reference direction. The actuator includes a reference setting section which executes a reference setting operation to set the irradiating direction of the lamp to be directed in the reference direction. The target irradiating direction setting unit includes a condition determining section which determines whether the reference setting section has executed the reference setting operation, and a reference setting command section which, when the condition determining section determines that the reference setting section has not yet executed the reference setting operation, instructs the reference setting section to execute the reference setting operation.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle trailer includes an electronically controlled braking system having an electronic control unit that has a parameter memory having one or more memory areas that can store vehicle-specific data. The electronic control unit controls the electronically controlled braking system based on the vehicle-specific data, and has an interface to an external computer. To permit reliable correlation of the vehicle-specific data to the commercial vehicle trailer, information is displayed on the trailer itself that characterizes the vehicle-specific data and that can be read into the computer via a reader unit. Based on such information, the appropriate vehicle-specific data is transferred to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A control method of the torque of a road vehicle having a powertrain system provided with an engine and a driveline which transmits the torque generated by the engine to the road surface; the method contemplates the steps of: determining a target torque; modeling the powertrain system as a single physical component which presents a characteristic mechanical inertia and a characteristic torsional elasticity; determining a current load torque of the vehicle; determining a target torsion of the powertrain system according to the target torque and the current load torque; determining a current torsion of the powertrain system and a current torsion speed of the powertrain system; determining a requested torque on the basis of the energy balance according to the target torsion, the current torsion, the current torsion speed, and the current load torque; and using the requested torque on the basis of the energy balance to control the torque generation of the engine.

Abstract: An analysis unit for a driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an input for receiving image information which is captured by a camera, a calculating device for using image information to calculate a variable which describes an angle of inclination of the vehicle, a determining device for using the variable to determine an output signal, wherein the output signal relates to a vertical orientation of electromagnetic radiation which is to be emitted by a transmitter unit, and an output for outputting the output signal. A driver assistance system, a computer program product and a method for operating a driver assistance system, are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic control system, electronic control unit and an associated methodology for adapting a vehicle system are provided. A visual sensor detects a three dimensional profile of an occupant of a vehicle. An electronic control unit determines at least one of three dimensional locations and orientations of a plurality of body parts of the occupant of the vehicle, a body-volume of the occupant of the vehicle and body dynamics of the occupant of the vehicle based on the three dimensional profile detected by the visual sensor. The electronic control unit adapts a vehicle system based on at least one of the determined three dimensional locations and orientations, the determined body-volume and the determined body dynamics.

Abstract: The auxiliary control system contains at least a first interaction device and a second interaction device that are capable of mutually detecting the presence of each other by a wireless means. The first interaction device is carried by a driver of a motor vehicle having a built-in anti-theft system, and the second interaction device is tapped into a Main Body ECU in parallel with the original control interface of the built-in anti-theft system. As such, when the driver carrying the first interaction device enters into or moves out of an effective sensing range from the motor vehicle, the second interaction device would detect the presence or absence of the first interaction device. The second interaction device then issues appropriate deactivating or activating signals to the Main Body ECU which in turn disarms or arms the various anti-theft means of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for configuring trigger parameters for captured test fleet vehicle data collection. The method includes selecting at least one vehicle identifier from a captured test fleet database, associating at least one trigger condition with the at least one selected vehicle identifier in the database, associating at least one vehicle parameter to be collected at an occurrence of the at least one associated trigger condition with the selected vehicle identifier in the database, and sending the at least one associated trigger condition and the at least one associated vehicle parameter from the database to a telematics unit of at least one test vehicle associated with the vehicle identifier via a wireless connection.

Abstract: A health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) and method for monitoring the health and/or usage of one or more components of a vehicle. In various embodiments, the present invention uses a plurality of wireless sensors configured, when activated by a vibration of the vehicle, to monitor one or more components of the vehicle and to communicate health and/or usage data of the one or more components of the vehicle to a data access point. The data access point may relay real-time health and/or usage data to an operator of the vehicle, or the health and/or usage data may accessed later. Such a system allows critical components of the vehicle to be monitored so as to reduce failures, and so that repairs to, or replacements of, the critical components of the vehicle may be planned, thus reducing unscheduled downtime.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method for testing an aircraft prior to flight. The method includes receiving a user signal from a pre-flight test input source, the user signal indicating that a pilot of the aircraft has directed engine control circuitry, which is arranged to electronically control operation of a set of piston engines of the aircraft during flight, to begin testing the aircraft in an automated manner. The method includes, in response to the user signal, conducting a pre-flight test of the aircraft from the engine control circuitry. The method includes, upon completion of the pre-flight test, outputting a result of the pre-flight test from the engine control circuitry.

Abstract: An adaptive guidance system (AGS) regulates the altitude and heading of a parasail to arrive at a target at a prescribed altitude. Since the altitude profile depends both on unknown wing loading, and wind magnitude and direction, the AGS estimates the glide slope and wind on the fly and provides a command to a stability augmentation system (SAS) that results in the desired glide slope and heading by performing a sequence of maneuvers and sensing the response. According to one embodiment, the SAS operates in the linear region and includes a PID controller that uses the difference between the actual heading and heading command to create an actuator output. The actuator output is limited by a position/rate limiter that imposes the physical limitations of the response time of the actuator/servos and position limits to prevent entering the nonlinear region.

Abstract: A network of processing units having at least one switch that allows disruption of the network between a first and a second processing units is provided. Disruption of the network by means of the switch effectively disconnects the first processing unit from the network and couples the first processing unit to a controller of the network. The controller is adapted to exchange data with the disconnected processing unit and thereby allows selective and direct data exchange with a selected processing unit. In particular, in the framework of heterogeneous and hierarchical networks of processing units, the switch techniques provide direct access to processing units and sub-networks and allow for an efficient and fast performance of diagnostic and maintenance procedures of sub-networks and their corresponding processing units, such as performing a flashing procedure.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided comprising: a main body; a plurality of wheels coupled to the main body; a traction motor associated with the main body and coupled to at least one of the wheels for driving the one wheel; control apparatus coupled to the traction motor and generating a motor drive signal to the traction motor; and a first sensor for generating a speed signal indicative of a speed of the driven wheel. The control apparatus may calculate acceleration of the one wheel using changes in the speed signal over time and calculate an acceleration of the vehicle using torque applied by the traction motor and a mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for controlling a fleet of vehicles includes a plurality of detection units and a control unit. Each detection unit is configured to at least facilitate obtaining information as to a respective vehicle of the fleet. The control unit is coupled to the plurality of detection units, and is configured to at least facilitate providing one or more recommendations for one or more of the vehicles based at least in part on the information.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a device for controlling negative torque having a central control unit; an internal combustion engine; a device for braking the wheels; an input for a resistive torque; at least one element with negative torque (generator, alternator, air conditioning compressor, lighting); and at least one device for regulating each element. The central control unit controls each regulating device in order to meet the resistive torque demand.

Abstract: An electronic controller for motor vehicle control systems having at least one valve actuation circuit is described herein. The electronic controller uses pulse width modulation to control the load current (iL) flowing through an essentially inductive load (L), and has at least one electronic current measuring circuit which has at least one analog/digital converter which converts an analog measurement signal for the load current (iL) into a digital measurement signal for the load current (iL). The at least one analog/digital converter is a sigma-delta modulator. A method for measuring current using sigma-delta modulation and to the use of the electronic controller in a motor vehicle brake system is also described herein.

Abstract: A keyless entry device can accurately judge or determine whether a portable device exists inside or outside a vehicle. A vehicle-side controller includes a memory that stores an inside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an inside of a vehicle. Also included is an outside data group having a plurality of intensity information of a request signal transmitted from the plurality of transmitting antennas when the portable device is located along an outside of the vehicle. The vehicle-side controller judges an area where the portable device exists from the intensity information of the request signal received from the portable device. The controller instantly judges the inside or the outside of the vehicle, when the portable device exists in an area apart from a boundary.

Abstract: Method and device for controlling a vacuum apparatus. A method for controlling a vacuum apparatus that applies vacuum to a vacuum accumulator with a pump of a pneumatically operated servo unit of a motor vehicle. The method comprises the steps of determining the pressure in the vacuum accumulator; determining the ambient pressure; adapting a pump control signal to the ambient pressure; comparing the pressure in the vacuum accumulator with an adapted pump control signal; and outputting a pump actuation signal that is a function of the comparison.

Abstract: A method is provided for situationally adjusting a vehicle. The method includes, but is not limited to acquiring data of at least a partial area of an environment of the vehicle with at least one sensor with the vehicle. In addition, the approach of at least one object toward the vehicle is detected using the data acquired by the at least one sensor. Furthermore, dimensions of the at least one object are determined using the data acquired by the at least one sensor. Moreover, at least a partial area of an interior of the vehicle is adjusted to the dimensions of the at least one object.

Abstract: To determine a characteristic quantity representative of grip conditions of a wheel of a vehicle running on a given ground surface, the following steps are performed: for two wheels mounted on the same axle of the vehicle, imposing a given simultaneous steering angle variation, the steering angle variation being of the same amplitude for the two wheels but in opposite directions; and measuring the characteristic quantity for at least one of the two wheels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a defrost unit for a vehicle. A prediction is performed as to whether condensation has formed against a surface of the vehicle. The defrost unit is automatically activated when it is predicted that the condensation has formed against the surface. Another prediction is made as to whether condensation has dissipated from the surface while the defrost unit is operating. The defrost unit is automatically deactivated when it is predicted that the condensation has dissipated.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, processes and systems for use in determining navigation. Some embodiments provide methods that receive a communication at a mobile navigation system from an external device, determine whether the communication comprises navigation information, extract the navigation information when the communication comprises navigation information, identify a navigation location based on the navigation information, retrieve a current location, and generate navigation instructions between the current location and the navigation location.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a first imaging sensor having a first forward field of view and a second imaging sensor spaced from the first imaging sensor and having a second forward field of view, which at least partially overlaps with the first forward field of view. A control processes image data captured by at least one of the first and second imaging sensors to determine an object present in the first and/or second forward fields of view. The control is operable to modulate a headlamp of the vehicle responsive to the processing of image data captured by the at least one of the first and second imaging sensors. The control may process image data captured by both of the imaging sensors to determine a distance between the equipped vehicle and an object present in the overlap of the first and second forward fields of view.

Abstract: A motor vehicle travel path control which monitors, during an autonomous braking event initiated by a collision preparation system the actual motor vehicle travel path in relation to the driver intended motor vehicle travel path, and in the event a departure from the driver intended motor vehicle path occurs, the motor vehicle travel path control adjusts braking so as to return the motor vehicle travel path to that intended by the driver.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system calculates a risk potential indicative of a degree of convergence between a host vehicle and a preceding obstacle. Then, the system performs a driver notification operation that produces a driver notification stimulus based on the risk potential such as decreasing the driving force exerted against the vehicle as the risk potential increases and increasing an actuation reaction force exerted on the accelerator pedal during its operation as the risk potential increases. If a failure is detected in a reaction force generating device serving to add a reaction force to the accelerator pedal in accordance with the risk potential, then the system corrects an engine torque characteristic such that the engine torque does not increase even if the accelerator pedal is depressed to suppress an odd feeling in the vehicle performance by the driver when a failure occurs in the reaction force generating device.

Abstract: An on-vehicle communication system has a plurality of buses relay-connected through a relay connection unit, each of the buses having at least one ECU connected thereto. In the vehicle communication system, a basic routing table that specifies a relay point for transmitting from the relay connection unit to the ECU is stored in a ROM and a transmission list report message about message IDs is transmitted. The ECU receives the transmission list report message and sends back a transmission request message about a message ID, which is not included in the transmission list report message but should be received, to the relay connection unit. The transmission request message is received by a table creation unit in the relay connection unit. The table creation unit creates a new additional routing table indicating a correspondence relationship between an ID requested by the transmission request message and a transmission destination and being stored in a RAM.

Abstract: An analog-style gauge for displaying the value of a parameter measured or sensed by a remote sensor. The gauge comprises an actuator having a selectively rotatable shaft and a pointer fixedly attached to the actuator shaft and capable of being internally illuminated by light directed into the pointer. A light source is disposed to direct light of at least two colors into the pointer. Control circuitry is operably connected to the actuator, the light source and a remote sensor. The control circuitry rotates the actuator shaft within a range of motion in response to signals received from the remote sensor indicative of changes in the value of the sensed parameter. The control circuitry changes the color of light directed into the pointer when the pointer reaches a pre-determined point within the range of motion, whereby the internal illumination of the pointer will change color when the pointer reaches a predetermined point within the range of motion.

Abstract: A sound-directed-outside-vehicle emitting device includes a storage unit 2-A for storing criteria by each of which to determine whether or not a running zone is a high-risk zone, each of the criteria describing a status of the vehicle, and a navigation device 1-A for acquiring information showing a status of the vehicle. The sound-directed-outside-vehicle emitting device compares the information acquired by the navigation device 1-A with the criteria stored in the storage unit 2-A to determine whether the above-mentioned vehicle is running through a high-risk zone, and does not stop the output of a warning sound when determining that the vehicle is running through a high-risk zone even if a switch 4 for commanding a stop of the output of the warning sound is operated.

Abstract: A method to monitor integrity of a signal in a distributed control system for a powertrain system includes communications link transmitting signals between control modules. Integrity of each of the control modules is monitored. The signal is generated and verified in an originating control module and transmitted to a receiving control module whereat it is subsequently verified.

Abstract: A load backup device includes an abnormality detection part which detects an abnormal operation of a processing part, and a backup driving part which drives a load based on an output from the abnormality detection part when the abnormality detection part detects the abnormal operation of the processing part.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for inductively coupling tire rotations related signals to a tire electronics module associated with a tire are provided. The tire electronics module is configured to receive the tire rotation related signals through inductive transmission from a signal transmission module that includes at least a piezoelectric element and a transmitter inductor. The signal transmitter module and the tire electronics module may be physically separated from each other and may be separately or collectively encased in a protective coating.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a potential threat to a vehicle. The system generates a warning to a driver of the vehicle of the potential threat. The system includes an object detection device, a controller, and a human-machine interface (HMI). The object detection device is configured to detect objects next to the vehicle, approaching the vehicle from a side, and approaching the vehicle from behind. The controller receives an indication of a detected object from the object detection device, and determines a position, a speed, an acceleration, and a direction of travel of the detected object.

Abstract: Vehicle mirrors and telematics systems are provided. A vehicle mirror comprises a mirror housing and an accelerometer. The mirror housing is configured to be mounted within a vehicle. The accelerometer is disposed within the mirror housing, and is configured to measure an acceleration of the vehicle. A diagnostics device is configured to provide diagnostics information pertaining to the vehicle. A navigation device is configured to provide navigation information as to a position of the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer, the diagnostics device, and the navigation device. The controller is configured to generate vehicle determinations using the acceleration, the diagnostics information, and the navigation information. A transmitter is coupled to the controller, and is configured to transmit determination information pertaining to the vehicle determinations.

Abstract: One or more embodiments include systems and methods for regulating control of a vehicle infotainment system. In one embodiment, a vehicle computing system includes a user interface which has one or more output components and one or more input components. Software executing in memory of the vehicle computing system may be programmed with rules to reduce driver distraction such as preventing inputs or outputs during vehicle operation. Inputs may be intercepted from the one or more input components of the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, outputs may be intercepted to the output components of the user interface. The intercepted inputs or intercepted outputs may be evaluated for one or more violations based on the rules. If the one or more violations are detected, the inputs or outputs may be prevented during vehicle operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are stability display apparatus and methods. One apparatus comprises a driving state detection unit configured to detect a driving state of a vehicle in operation; a controller comprising an instability estimation unit configured to estimate an instability index indicating driving instability of the vehicle based on the driving state of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit and configured to determine changes in the instability index; and a display unit configured to display the instability index estimated by the instability estimation unit in a display region within a range less than or equal to an upper limit that is a limit of display and configured to display in the display region a representation of the changes of the instability index when the instability index is beyond the upper limit.

Abstract: A vehicle safety arrangement having a sensor unit (7) comprising at least one sensor (8, 9) responsive to acceleration; an actuator (13) for activating a safety device, the actuator being located remotely from the sensor unit; and a control unit (2) located remotely from the sensor unit and from the actuator, the control unit having no sensors responsive to acceleration and being operable to receive information from the sensor unit and to transmit an actuating command to the actuator to activate the safety device.

Abstract: A device with an improved user interface and mounting features comprises a sensor operable to detect a mounting configuration of the device, a display, and a processing system coupled with the sensor and the display. The processing system is generally operable to receive an indication of the detected mounting configuration from the sensor and present information on the display according to the detected mounting configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle display apparatus includes an image display device (30) disposed in a region where an operator is unable to operate the display apparatus (30), and a transparent display input device (100) installed in a region from a surface portion of the instrument panel (40) to an upper portion of a center console (50). The vehicle display apparatus is designed to allow the operator to operate the image display device (30) from a remote position by manipulating the transparent display apparatus (100) disposed near the operator.

Abstract: A simplified method for calibrating a variable-displacement hydraulic PTO system on an agricultural windrower when powering a header wherein the variable-displacement pump is operated at maximum flow capacity while the engine is operated at a pre-determined speed and a flow balance valve is adjusted to achieved a pre-determined cutterbar speed. Operation of the cutterbar at the pre-determined speed allows sufficient hydraulic fluid flow through the remaining parallel fluid circuit to power the remaining equipment, typically a reel, on the header. Controls for managing pump displacement and engine speed as well as indication of cutterbar speed are typically available on the windrower tractor thereby eliminating the need for additional diagnostic equipment and making the method suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: A vehicle failure analysis system for a vehicle equipped with a plurality of control systems, each of which includes one or more components, includes: a faulty system identification unit that identifies a faulty control system from among the plurality of control systems; and a faulty component identification unit that identifies a faulty component from among the one or more components which are constituents of the identified control system.

Abstract: An on-vehicle electronic control device 100A serially transmits A/D conversion data of plural channels from a second control circuit unit 300A including a multichannel A/D converter 204A to a microprocessor 110A disposed in a first control circuit unit 200A. The A/D conversion data are organized into a communication packet and transmitted via first and second buffer memories 204b and 204d, and when there is an abnormality in the A/D conversion data, transfer between the first and second buffer memories 204b and 204d is prohibited and an abnormality report is performed with respect to the microprocessor 110A. As a result, erroneous data are not transmitted, and communication congestion and the burden of the microprocessor 110A are alleviated.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper blade driven by a first motor; and a wiper blade driven by a second motor. The motors are drive-controlled by control microcomputers, respectively. The control microcomputers are connected to each other through a communication line. While exchanging position information of the wiper blades through the communication line, the control microcomputers synchronously drive the motors on the basis of a position relationship between both of the wiper blades. When an abnormality occurs in a communication state of an in-vehicle LAN, a setting state of a wiper switch is grasped through a switch signal line directly connected to the wiper switch, and wipers are prevented from being stopped when such communication abnormality occurs.

Abstract: A control module of a vehicle comprises a drive diagnostic module and a hybrid control module. The drive diagnostic module determines a load energy of an accessory drive system of the vehicle and determines a slip percentage of a belt of the accessory drive system based on an engine speed and a motor speed. The hybrid control module determines a requested motor torque based on at least one of the load energy and the slip percentage. The control module controls a motor of the vehicle based on the requested motor torque.

Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a sensor circuit board 30 which is mounted with sensors 33, 34 for detecting a predetermined physical quantity; a control circuit board 20 which controls an operation of an electric component on the basis of the physical quantity detected by the sensors 33, 34; and a housing 40 which accommodates the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20, wherein at least one of the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20 is mounted to a circuit board support stepped portion 47 formed in an inner surface of the housing 40 so that the sensor circuit board 30 and the control circuit board 20 are arranged in a layered state.

Abstract: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing and utilizing information for vehicle travel, such as information about traffic flow on roads, and about parking lots. In an encoding method according to the present invention, at least one component including information for vehicle travel is generated. Information about a time point is included in the generated component. The information about the time point includes a selector, having a bit element indicating whether to use the present date and time and indicating the type of loaded information, and at least one of information elements indicating a year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, depending on the value of the selector.

Abstract: A boat control system detects a wire break status in a duplicated communication system. A hull of a boat is provided with a main remote control side ECU and a subremote control side ECU, and the subremote control side ECU communicates with an engine side ECU via the main remote control side ECU. Both of the remote control side ECUs are provided with storage buffers in which communication status confirmation data transmitted between nodes is stored. A broken wire detection section of the engine side ECU starts a determination when a system is started, and broken wire detection sections of both of the remote control side ECUs start a determination when communication status confirmation data is received from another node. Data indicating that communication is in an abnormal status is stored as an initial value in a main remote control data storage buffer.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring the effectiveness of a braking function in a powered system. The system includes a sensor configured to measure a parameter related to the operation of the powered system. Additionally, the system includes a processor coupled to the sensor, to receive data related to the parameter. Subsequent to activating the braking function, the processor is configured to determine the effectiveness of the braking function of the powered system, based upon whether the parameter data varies by a predetermined threshold. A method and a computer software code are also provided for monitoring the effectiveness of a braking function in a powered system.

Abstract: The vehicle-use electricity management system includes an electricity demand detection means to detect electricity consumed by electrical loads, and an electricity price information generation means to generate electricity price information indicative of a price of electricity supplied to the electrical loads based on the electricity demand. At least one of the electrical loads includes an electricity consumption ability determination means to determine whether electricity supplied to the own electrical load can be consumed unconditionally based on comparison between the electricity price information received from the electricity price information generation means and electricity consumption ability information stored in the own electrical load, and an electricity consumption control means to control an amount of electricity consumed by the own electrical load based on a determination result made by the electricity consumption ability determination means.