Fail-safe System Patents (Class 701/39)
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Patent number: 10694078Abstract: An example computing system of this disclosure includes a memory and processing circuitry in communication with the memory. The memory is configured to store a predictive movement model. The processing circuitry is configured to receive road condition information, to detect a discrepancy between the received road condition information and a portion of the predictive movement model, and to update the predictive movement model based on the received road condition information to correct the discrepancy. The processing circuitry is further configured to control one or more display devices in communication with the processing circuitry to adjust video data output by the one or more display devices based on the updated predictive movement model.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventors: Staffan Davidsson, Vincent Nils Oliver Tollesson
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Patent number: 10643256Abstract: A method configures and maneuvers a self-driving vehicle to deliver a charitable item. One or more processors receive a first message indicating that a donor has a charitable item available for pickup from a pickup location, and a second message indicating that a recipient at a delivery location has a need for the charitable item. The processor(s) match the charitable item to a self-driving vehicle (SDV) that is configurable to transport the charitable item from the pickup location to the delivery location. In response to a risk analysis concluding that a level of a need for the charitable item is greater than a risk to the charitable item and the SDV when transporting the charitable item to the delivery location, the processor(s) modify one or more physical components of the SDV in order to transport the charitable item from the pickup location to the delivery location.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover
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Patent number: 9227476Abstract: Various systems and methods for automated air suspension pressure drop are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLCInventor: John Harvey Grimm
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Patent number: 8977550Abstract: Part units of speech information are arranged in a predetermined order to generate a sentence unit of a speech information set. To each of a plurality of speech part units of the speech information, an attribute of “interrupt possible after reproduction” with which reproduction of priority interrupt information can be started after the speech part unit of the speech information is reproduced or another attribute of “interrupt impossible after reproduction” with which reproduction of the priority interrupt information cannot be started even after the speech part unit of the speech information is reproduced is set. When the priority interrupt information having a high priority rank than the speech information set being currently reproduced is inputted, if the attribute of the speech information being reproduced at the point in time is “interrupt impossible after reproduction,” then the priority interrupt information is reproduced after the speech information is reproduced.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tokujiro Kizaki
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Patent number: 8930036Abstract: An electrical network architecture including a reconfigurable interface layer, along with a corresponding reconfiguration methodology. The interface layer is comprised of reconfigurable interface devices which allow a plurality of sensors and actuators to communicate with a plurality of control units. Each sensor or actuator is connected to multiple interface devices, which in turn are connected to a bus. The control units are also connected to the bus. In the event of an interface device failure, other interface devices can be reconfigured to maintain communication between sensors, actuators and control units. In the event of a control unit failure, the interface devices can be reconfigured to route sensor and actuator message traffic to a different control unit which can handle the functions of the failed control unit. The overall number of control units can also be reduced, as each control unit has flexible access to many sensors and actuators.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dipankar Das, Vinod Kumar Agrawal, Seetharaman Rajappan
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Patent number: 8884577Abstract: In a control apparatus for a rotary electric machine receiving power from a DC power supply, a DC-AC converting circuit is provided with serially connected circuits each having high-potential-side and low-potential-side switching elements. When a short-circuit occurs at the switching elements, all the switching elements are turned OFF for failsafe and a path connecting the machine and the battery is opened. In such a case, a switching element belonging to part of the switching elements is turned ON, with potential at all the terminals of the rotary electric machine being the same. A location of the short-circuit occurs is identified, based on changes in current passing through the machine and being detected in response to turning ON the switching element. The changes are at least one of a reduction change in deviation of the current from a zero point and a reduction change in an absolute value of the current.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hiroya Tsuji
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Patent number: 8886405Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle, and provides a power supply apparatus of a fuel cell vehicle. More specifically, an InfraRed (IR) data transmitter transmits and receives data to/from a hydrogen charger and a power supply apparatus, that is connected to the IR data transmitter, selectively supplies power thereto according to the opening/closing of a fuel door. In particular, a sensing apparatus is connected to the power supply apparatus and senses opening/closing of the fuel door and a normal power source that is connected to the sensing apparatus for opening/closing the fuel door selectively supplies power to the sensing apparatus when the normal power source is off.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyung Ki Kim, Sang Hyun Kim, Jihyun Shim
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Patent number: 8838297Abstract: An apparatus and method for forecasting a geostationary satellite anomaly is provided. The method may include storing at least one piece of space environmental information, satellite information, and satellite anomaly event information, and estimating a satellite anomaly susceptibility to a space environmental phenomenon based on the at least one piece of space environmental information, the satellite information, and the anomaly event information.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Electronics and Telecomunications Research InstituteInventor: Moon Hee You
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Patent number: 8818573Abstract: A detection device determines whether an uncontrolled movement of a control surface of an aircraft is occurring. The device includes means for calculating the difference between a theoretical command and an actual command in order to form a residual value, and means for detecting an uncontrolled movement of the control surface, if a comparison value depending on this residual value is greater than a threshold value If the comparison value is greater than the threshold value during a confirmation time, then the uncontrolled movement of the control surface of the aircraft is confirmed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Airbus Operations (SAS), Universite Bordeaux I, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Philippe Goupil, Rémy Dayre, Hervé Le Berre, Anca Gheorghe, Ali Zolghadri, Jérôme Cieslak
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Patent number: 8818648Abstract: A hybrid construction machine includes a hydraulic pressure work element driven by hydraulic pressure generated by driving power of an internal combustion engine or a motor generator, and also includes an electric-motor work element driven by an electric motor. A superordinate control unit generates a control command which controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element. A subordinate control unit controls drive of the hydraulic pressure work element and the electric-motor work element based on the control command generated by the superordinate control unit. The subordinate control unit monitors an error in the superordinate control unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoko Takanashi, Hideaki Yuasa, Kiminori Sano
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Patent number: 8810189Abstract: Example embodiments disclose a drive system including a machine including a plurality of phases and configured to generate power based on a plurality of phase currents, each respectively associated with the plurality of phases and a direct current (DC) bus, operatively connected to the machine. The DC bus includes a high-side line, a low-side line, and an inverter including a plurality of switching systems, operatively connected between the high-side line and the low-side line, the plurality of switching systems, each configured to output a respective one of the plurality of phase currents. The drive system also includes a controller, operatively connected to the DC bus and the machine, the controller configured to determine if a failure exists in the drive system based on the plurality of phase currents and a DC bus voltage, the DC bus voltage being a voltage across the high-side line and the low-side line.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Brij N. Singh, Chris J. Tremel, Alan K. Gilman
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Patent number: 8798858Abstract: An emergency release locking system for a trunk lid, with a lid lock and a catch device which has a catch hook and in the case of the opened rotary latch limits the opening movement of the lid, with an emergency release system disposed in the trunk, and with an actuator that is controlled by a control unit of the vehicle and drives a blocking element, which above a predetermined or predeterminable recommended speed of the vehicle stops at least the releasing action of the emergency release system on the catch hook of the catch device. The control unit is assigned, apart from a sensor unit for detecting the current driving speed of the vehicle, one sensor unit each for detecting the current operating position of the emergency release system and of the catch hook of the catch device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventor: Florian Zysk
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Patent number: 8773054Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of estimating a motor rotation angle that does not affect precision of a detected angle of a crank angle sensor, which is an alternative sensor, when abnormality occurs in a resolver and a peripheral circuit, and performing a motor control without failure of an inverter or peripheral device. A vehicle system includes a motor, a resolver detecting a rotor rotation angle of the motor, a motor control circuit controlling the motor based on information on rotor rotation angle and torque command value, an engine connected to the motor through a crankshaft, and a crankshaft sensor detecting revolutions of the crankshaft, in which the motor control circuit estimates rotor rotation angle based on a variation rate of the number of revolutions of the crankshaft when abnormality of the resolver is detected, and performs a weak field control based on estimated rotor rotation angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kosei Goto, Yukihiko Oishi
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Patent number: 8775024Abstract: A steering damper system for a saddle riding type vehicle having an MR damper includes a damping force calculating unit arranged to calculate a damping force according to a steering angle speed, and an adjusting command output unit arranged to determine a running state from a vehicle speed and a steering angle detected by sensors, with reference to a reference table, and correcting the damping force calculated according to the running state. The reference table has areas divided by a steering angle range according to vehicle speed, and damping force adjustment factors according to running states are assigned to these areas. The steering angle range dividing the areas becomes narrower with an increase in vehicle speed, to accurately reflect the running states of the vehicle. A proper damping force can be generated according to a running state of the vehicle. The steering damper system eases the rider's burden accompanying steering operations, and is excellent in controllability.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuo Hara, Yasuhiro Oomura
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Patent number: 8706377Abstract: A controller system in which a plurality different main functions are integrated includes a plurality of microcontrollers. Each of the microcontrollers is associated with one of the main functions. At least one monitoring unit is implemented for the plurality of the main functions, for example a brake monitor and a comfort monitor. When the at least one monitoring unit detects a defect of a main function in the controller, only the defective main function is deactivated.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Lothar Weichenberger, Franz Obesser
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Patent number: 8620527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: Acellerated Systems Inc.Inventors: Terence Wade Stone, Robert Gordon Lankin
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Patent number: 8600604Abstract: This invention is a system and process for determining and verifying the voracity of data gathered for use in recording and tracking vehicle usage. The device operates to verify and detect events that may affect data integrity by sensing a condition indicative of faulty data acquisition or of corruption of data integrity. Data evidencing potential problems are encoded and included with normal data uploaded to a central server. The central server compares the encoded entries against criteria that have been determined to indicate potential data inconsistencies.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.Inventors: Otman Adam Basir, David Bullock
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Patent number: 8560171Abstract: The damping force of a damping force generation apparatus is controlled by operating an actuator on the basis of a control input u calculated by a state feedback controller K designed such that an L2 gain of a closed loop control system S which includes a generalized plant G designed by making use of a delay-approximated model M and the state feedback controller K therefor becomes less than a previously set positive constant ?. The delay-approximated model M is designed such that a delay element R representing operation delay of the actuator and a delay compensation element R* cancelling out the delay act on a mechanical motion model of the damping force generation apparatus. The delay-approximated model M is a bilinear system, and is designed to approximate a delay-considered model which is a control model designed on the basis of the mechanical motion model of the damping force generation apparatus and in consideration of the delay.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jin Hozumi
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Patent number: 8548658Abstract: A method for the fail-safe operation of a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and additional vehicle assemblies. A substitute measure that then still allows the vehicle to be operated under emergency running conditions is initiated if a vehicle assembly fails. A performance quantity that is characteristic of the driving-dynamics situation in which the vehicle finds itself is recorded prior to initiating the substitute measure, and is compared to at least one limit value. The substitute measure is initiated if the limit value is exceeded or not attained. A device which includes a device for implementing such a method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ute Rollmann, Peter Ahner, Michael Bildstein, Michael Lehner, Felix Reber, Oliver Kaefer
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Patent number: 8532875Abstract: Motor vehicle having a closed ride height control system which contains a control unit in which a switch-off limiting value for at least one operating parameter of at least one component of the ride height control system is monitored, wherein in raising processes the activation of the component is prohibited or aborted when the switch-off limiting value is reached, and upward transgression of the switch-off limiting value of the operating parameter is permitted in the case of lowering processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Marek Engelhardt, Dierk Hein
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Patent number: 8515620Abstract: A motor vehicle, with a drive train comprising a drive assembly, a transmission and wheels (2). The drive train further including actuators (3, 4) for adjusting at least one of the tracking and/or the camber. Sensors (5), for determining the tracking and/or camber, are integrated in the motor vehicle, and a control unit (6) only operates the actuators (3, 4), to adjust the tracking and/or the camber, when the drive train is in a defined actual static condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Karl-Hermann Ketteler, Thomas Winstel, Guenther Horsak, Marc Wiesenthal
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Patent number: 8463506Abstract: Provided is a rear wheel toe angle control system that can prevent the impairment of the tracking performance of the electric actuator and enable the rear wheel toe angle control system to ensure the stability of the vehicle even when the electric actuator for steering the rear wheel according to the operating condition of the vehicle is subjected to an axial force. An ECU (12) serving as a rear wheel toe angle control unit for variably controlling the rear wheel toe angle (?r) of the motor vehicle (V) by using an electric actuator (11) is provided with a duty ratio correcting unit (25) that corrects the target duty ratio (Dtgt) for achieving the target rear wheel toe angle (?rtgt) according to the load condition of the electric actuator (11) that depends on the lateral acceleration (Gy) of the motor vehicle (V).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Yanagi, Akiyoshi Kobayashi, Shogo Nishizawa, Yutaka Horiuchi, Kohei Maruyama
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Patent number: 8447418Abstract: A control system has regular ECUs and a recovery ECU. Each regular ECU controls driving of current consumers, respectively, drivable by driving methods and connected through output channels. The recovery ECU has output drivers, respectively, producing driving currents based on the driving methods and channel changing blocks corresponding to the respective driving methods. When receiving information indicating failure of an output channel of one regular ECU, the recovery ECU specifies the driving method of the failed channel, controls the driver of the specified driving method to produce a driving current, and controls the changing block of the specified driving method to select one output channel, through which the current consumer connected with the failed ECU through the failed channel is also connected with the changing unit. The recovery ECU performs substitute driving instead of the failed ECU to supply the current to the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kenji Katou
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Patent number: 8421616Abstract: The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Inventor: Daniel J. Herbold
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Patent number: 8370022Abstract: A suspension system is provided to execute a control for avoiding a state in which an operation of an electric motor which is a power source of an electromagnetic actuator is kept halted at a certain operational position while the motor is generating a motor force. Where a target rotational position of the motor becomes equal to a specific operational position (e.g., a rotational position at which an electrifying current amount of one phase reaches a peak value), a control for shifting the target rotational position by ?? is executed. Where the rotational position of the motor is kept located at the certain position for a time period longer than a prescribed time, a control for changing the rotational position of the motor is executed.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirofumi Inoue, Hideshi Watanabe, Takuhiro Kondo
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Patent number: 8352118Abstract: An automobile monitoring arrangement tracks and records automobile operation for post-use automobile operation analysis and in a manner with default-operation modes that facilitate use by automobile owners/supervisors and by those supervised by the automobile owners/supervisors. In one specific embodiment, a record of automobile-operation data contains periodic recordings of speed and direction of an automobile while it was being driven, as such data is provided by a conventional electronic compass and the automobile's electronic speed indicating signal. A processor performs calculations using speed and directional data to calculate acceleration and rate of directional change. Automobile operation data from the recording devices and the calculations performed is compared to stored reference data to determine if the vehicle was abused or driven in an unsafe manner by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Strategic Design Federation W., Inc.Inventors: Lisa Mittelsteadt, John Mittelsteadt, Robert J. Crawford
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Patent number: 8285448Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a suspension system configured to execute a control for avoiding a state in which an operation of an electric motor which is a power source of an electromagnetic actuator is kept halted at a certain operational position while the motor is generating a motor force. Where a target rotational position of the motor becomes equal to a specific operational position (e.g., a rotational position at which an electrifying current amount of one phase reaches a peak value), a control for shifting the target rotational position by ?? is executed. Where the rotational position of the motor is kept located at the certain position for a time period longer than a prescribed time, a control for changing the rotational position of the motor is executed. According to the present suspension system, it is possible to suppress imbalance in heat generation in the motor and to thereby reduce a load to be applied to the motor. Accordingly, a suspension system with high utility is realized.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirofumi Inoue, Hideshi Watanabe, Takuhiro Kondo
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Patent number: 8260496Abstract: An aware vehicle network system and method for one or more vehicles each having adaptive active suspensions includes at least one vehicle having a vehicle position detector for determining a vehicle position and a road condition detector for determining road condition information for any given position determined by the vehicle position detector. A transmitter sends the road condition information and the vehicle position over a vehicle communication network. A central network device receives the road condition information and the vehicle position and calculates ideal active suspension parameters based thereon. The network device sends ideal active suspension parameters over the vehicle communication network to at least another vehicle having an adaptive active suspension. The adaptive active suspension is adjusted based on the ideal suspension parameters received from the network device.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
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Patent number: 8258936Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for acquiring integrated operational data and support data regarding a vehicle. The apparatus comprising a network interface for communicating with the vehicle and a processor that is coupled to the network interface. The processor is configured to transmit a first request for operational data to the vehicle, receive the requested operational data from the vehicle, the requested operational data including at least one event indicator, and retrieve the support data that corresponds to a selected event indicator from a stored location.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Pradeep Mahalingaiah
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Patent number: 8165749Abstract: A control system for an adjustable damping force damper of a suspension apparatus of a vehicle, includes a lateral acceleration detecting unit detecting a lateral acceleration of the vehicle at a gravity point thereof, a yaw rate detecting unit detecting a yaw rate of the vehicle and a control unit controlling a damping force of the damper. The control unit calculates a first target damping force based on an output of the lateral acceleration detecting unit, calculates a second target damping force based on a lateral acceleration at an axel position which is estimated by an output of the yaw rate detecting unit, compares an absolute value of the first target damping force with that of the second target damping force and sets a target controlling value of the damping force in accordance with the first or second target damping force which has a larger absolute value.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Masaki Izawa, Takafumi Kato
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Patent number: 8165750Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Tsukasaki, Masaru Kogure
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Patent number: 8116934Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomoyasu Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8116938Abstract: A first observer gain of an actual damping force estimating observer 21 calculates a dynamic characteristic compensating signal, and a second observer gain of an actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23 calculates a vehicle model compensating signal, from an output deviation corresponding to a difference between a sprung speed (observation output) provided from a vehicle 2 and an estimated sprung speed (estimated observation output) provided from a vehicle approximation model of the actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23. The dynamic characteristic compensating signal is input into a dynamic characteristic providing unit of the actual vehicle model state amount estimating observer 23, and is used for adjustment of the setting of the dynamic characteristic providing unit. Therefore, it is possible to curb time lag occurrence in a control, and thereby perform a vibration control with improved accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignees: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd., Kobe UniversityInventors: Noriaki Itagaki, Nobuyuki Ichimaru, Takahide Kobayashi, Tatsuya Gankai, Takanori Fukao
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Patent number: 8116940Abstract: A data collection system for a vehicle is provided. The data collection system includes a first data collection node configured to obtain data from a vehicle subsystem, and a processor communicatively coupled to the data collection node via a wiring system, wherein the wiring system includes a plurality of conductors and an overbraid surrounding said plurality of conductors, said overbraid comprising at least one fiber optic cable integrally woven therein and configured for the transmission of data related to an operational status of the vehicle subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kirby J. Keller
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Patent number: 8094003Abstract: An on-vehicle display control unit includes a CPU to which vehicle data of various kinds are inputted and a graphic LSI arranged to generate display data to be outputted to a display. The graphic LSI is arranged to generate predetermined display data from image data generated by a meter ECU. However, if there is a problem in a state of the meter ECU or an input status of 3D moving picture data, the graphic LSI receives a fail safe control from the CPU (4), thereby to generate fail safe display data corresponding to the predetermined display data. This realizes an on-vehicle display system capable of stably displaying important vehicle information.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Teruhisa Masui, Fumiaki Fujimoto, Osamu Nishida, Masayuki Fujisawa
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Patent number: 8095269Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method includes accessing data associated with one or more vehicle parameters and determining, based on the data associated with the one or more vehicle parameters, if a vehicle rollover is imminent. The method includes determining, in response to a determination that a vehicle rollover is imminent, a roll countering solution. The method includes determining, based on the roll countering solution, one or more vehicle thrusters to execute the determined roll countering solution. The method includes signaling the one or more vehicle thrusters to discharge to execute the determined roll countering solution.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: James A. Pruett, Timothy E. Adams, Christopher T. Moshenrose
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Patent number: 8073592Abstract: A steering system includes: an electric power steering device which includes a steering unit of front wheels having an electric motor for generating an auxiliary torque in accordance with at least a steering torque and for transmitting the auxiliary torque to the steering unit; toe angle changers for changing toe angles of rear wheels in accordance with at least a front wheel turning angle and a vehicle speed; and a steering controller for controlling the electric power steering device and the toe angle changer. The steering system further includes a toe angle changer anomaly detection unit and/or an electric power steering device anomaly detection unit, and when a toe angle changer abnormal state is detected, an auxiliary torque target value and/or a viscosity in the electric power steering device is controlled, and when an electric power steering device abnormal state is detected, the toe angle changer is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Nishimori, Hiroyuki Tokunaga, Masaya Yamada
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Patent number: 8050821Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for regulating state variable estimators used in a hybrid active damping system for a vehicle powertrain. The state estimator provides variable estimates for operating states, such as real-time torque values of axles and dampers, that are not readily measurable with production powertrain and driveline hardware. This facilitates implementation of other control algorithms, such as torque oscillation damping control schemes which use multivariable feedback. The apparatus and method monitors the operating mode of the powertrain, and resets the state estimator for the hybrid active damping ring (HADR) under predetermined operating conditions. For instance, the state estimator includes an array of current state and predicted state variables that are set equal to corresponding reference values or measured values if the powertrain enters into four-wheel drive low (4WDLO).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert L. Morris, R. Anthony Hansen, Michael D. Haggerty
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Patent number: 8046137Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Patent number: 8000859Abstract: A solenoid control system for a vehicle comprises a primary controller, a failover controller, and a failover control module. The primary controller generates a first solenoid drive signal based upon a control signal. The failover controller selectively generates a second solenoid drive signal based upon the control signal. The failover control module receives an operating signal that indicates whether the primary controller is functioning properly and selects the second drive signal to drive a solenoid when the operating signal indicates that the primary controller is not functioning properly.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jack P. Koski, Mark A. Vernacchia
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Patent number: 7962264Abstract: A method for adapting a monitoring device of a control unit for a restraint system of a motor vehicle, having a redundant detection device and a triggering unit, having the method steps of: providing a first definable threshold value as a timing pattern for the monitoring device in a first operating range of the motor vehicle; detecting at least a second operating range of the motor vehicle by way of the redundant detection device at a first point in time; and transferring data from the redundant detection device to the monitoring device in order to adapt the monitoring device by utilizing at least one second definable threshold value in the second operating range of the motor vehicle, and an apparatus therefor.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Markus Fislage, Ruediger Karner, Alexander Jansen, Christophe Kolb
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Patent number: 7917270Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle electronic stability control (“ESC”) system utilizing values for a variable obtained from a primary source and a redundant source includes the steps of receiving a first value for the variable from the primary source, receiving a second value for the variable from the redundant source, generating a normalized value as a function of the first value and the second value, determining whether the primary source is operating correctly, utilizing the first value for operation of the vehicle ESC system if the primary source is operating correctly, and utilizing the second value for operation of the vehicle ESC system if the primary source is not operating correctly and the second value is not greater in absolute value than the normalized value.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Hualin Tan, David M. Sidlosky, Theresa M. Kondel
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Patent number: 7890230Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle motion control device capable of controlling the driving force distribution to the wheels with superior stability and response while effectively utilizing the tire grip.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichiro Tsukasaki, Masaru Kogure
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Patent number: 7890233Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Publication number: 20100324781Abstract: An aware vehicle network system and method for one or more vehicles each having adaptive active suspensions includes at least one vehicle having a vehicle position detector for determining a vehicle position and a road condition detector for determining road condition information for any given position determined by the vehicle position detector. A transmitter sends the road condition information and the vehicle position over a vehicle communication network. A central network device receives the road condition information and the vehicle position and calculates ideal active suspension parameters based thereon. The network device sends ideal active suspension parameters over the vehicle communication network to at least another vehicle having an adaptive active suspension. The adaptive active suspension is adjusted based on the ideal suspension parameters received from the network device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
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Patent number: 7834756Abstract: A method and system for assessing or otherwise determining defective operation of an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be a vehicle or non-vehicle ECU having any number of modules configured to provide and/or support any number of operations. The defective ECU operations may be determined as a function of a voltage drop across a shunt included on the ECU.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Lear Corporation GmbHInventors: Klaus-Dieter Grebner, Volker Marr
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Patent number: 7835843Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes a step of determining whether an output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than a reference rotation speed at which determining regions with all of the gear speeds in a stepped automatic transmission do not overlap, a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by dividing the turbine rotation speed NT by the output shaft rotation speed NOUT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is not equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed, and a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by subtracting a value, which is obtained by multiplying the output shaft rotation speed NOUT by the gear ratio, from the turbine rotation speed NT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kawamura, Toshio Sugimura, Hideo Masaki
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Patent number: 7826937Abstract: The control system (1) comprises at least one control panel (P1, Pn) comprising a plurality of operable control means (2) for controllable pieces of equipment (EC1, ECk) of the aircraft, each of which is controlled by first and second computers (3A1, 3Ak, 3B1, 3Bk), and a communication system (4) comprising a first and a second communication channel (5, 6) which are separate from each other and follow different paths (C1, C2), the first communication channel (5) connecting the control means (2) to the first computers (3A1, 3Ak) and the second communication channel (6) connecting the control means (2) to the second computers (3B1, 3Bk), each of said communication channels (5, 6) comprising two different digital communication buses (8, 9; 10, 11).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Airbus FranceInventors: William Roux, Jean Yves Vilain
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Patent number: 7788006Abstract: In a rollover stability method for a vehicle in a situation which is critical with respect to the driving dynamics, a critical rollover situation is detected by analyzing a control variable and the stabilization intervention is activated or de-activated as a function of the control variable. The regulation intervention is maintained even in driving situations featuring relatively low transverse acceleration if the control variable or a characteristic property of the stability algorithm is calculated as a function of the steering angle and/or the longitudinal vehicle velocity.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Matthew Nimmo, Matthias Hey, Christopher Dzumaryk, Flavio Nardi, Andris Samsons
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Patent number: 7756619Abstract: An active vibration insulator includes an electromagnetic actuator, a controller, and a bad-roads processor. The electromagnetic actuator generates vibrating forces depending on electric-current supplies. The controller carries out vibrating-forces generation control. In the vibrating-forces generation control, the electric-current supplies are made variable so as to actively inhibit vibrations generated by an on-vehicle vibration generating source of a vehicle from transmitting to a specific part of the vehicle based on cyclic pulsating signals output from the on-vehicle vibration generating source. Thus, the controller lets the electromagnetic actuator generate the vibrating forces. The bad-roads processor stops the vibrating-forces generation control effected by the controller when the vehicle travels on bad roads.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Takayoshi Yasuda, Hideki Oshima, Takehiko Fushimi, Daichi Mizushima, Kenichi Sato