Artificial Intelligence (e.g., Fuzzy Logic) Patents (Class 701/77)
  • Patent number: 9020744
    Abstract: A method of controlling a three-wheeled vehicle comprises: determining a state of a load sensor associated with a portion of vehicle; selecting a first start mass when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state; selecting a second start mass when the load sensor is in a loaded state; determining at least one vehicle parameter during operation of the vehicle; determining a calculated mass based at least in part on the at least one vehicle parameter; determining an effective mass based at least in part on the calculated mass and a selected one of the first and second start masses; defining an output of an electronic stability system of the vehicle based at least in part on the effective mass; and controlling a stability of the vehicle using the output of the electronic stability system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8862355
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, current is directed to a starter motor and an electric brake sequentially by limiting the current supplied to one while current is supplied to the other, an order of delivering the current based on a timing of a restart request relative to an electric brake request, as well as vehicle operating conditions at the time the requests were received. By coordinating the operation of a starter motor with the operation of an electric brake, loading of the engine system's electrical supply can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Chad Everette Griffin, Felix Nedorezov
  • Patent number: 8764126
    Abstract: A controller for controlling braking of a wheel of a vehicle. The controller includes a first connection to a friction brake, a second connection to a motor/generator, a third connection to a plurality of sensors, and a fuzzy logic module. The motor/generator is configured to drive the wheel in a driving mode and to brake the wheel in a regenerative braking mode. Operating parameters of the vehicle are sensed by the plurality of sensors. The fuzzy logic module is configured to determine a stability of the vehicle and the wheel based on data from the plurality of sensors. The fuzzy logic module allocates braking force between the friction brake and the motor/generator operating in the regenerative braking mode based on the stability of the vehicle and the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hsien-Cheng Kevin Wu, Edward Heil
  • Patent number: 8600609
    Abstract: A method for operating a longitudinal driver assist system of an automobile, in particular an ACC system, wherein environmental data of the automobile are evaluated with respect to travel in a longitudinal convoy with at least three automobiles which include the automobile and at least two additional automobiles, which are driving immediately behind one another and each have an active longitudinal driver assist system. A convoy value is formed, and at least one operating parameter of the driver assist system is adapted depending on the convoy value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Manfred Holzmann, Carmen Staudte
  • Patent number: 8577588
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8463498
    Abstract: A method for controlling the side slip angle of a rear-wheel drive vehicle when turning; the control method provides for the steps of: detecting the position of an accelerator control which is displaced along a predetermined stroke; using a first initial part of the stroke of the accelerator control for directly controlling the generation of the drive torque so that the generated drive torque depends on the position of the accelerator control; and using a second final part of the stroke of the accelerator control to directly control a side slip angle of the vehicle when turning so that the side slip angle depends on the position of the accelerator control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Amedeo Visconti, Martino Cavanna
  • Patent number: 8374765
    Abstract: A method includes selecting, from a data table containing a plurality of weighted independent variable columns and rows, where each of the columns represents an independent input variable feature and each row represents a set of stored independent input variables and a corresponding stored dependent variable, a row that best matches received sensor independent input variable data from at least one vehicle sensor, causing a vehicle accelerator to gradually accelerate a vehicle to a vehicle acceleration level corresponding to the stored dependent variable of the selected best match row, and modifying a weight of the weighted independent variable columns based upon received user feedback to the vehicle acceleration level. The weights may then be normalized and the received sensor independent input variable data may be stored within a new row of the data table if the weight modification produces a net overall improvement in the data table dependency mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Stuart H. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8326507
    Abstract: A method is described which is used to check the correct function of the under-pressure brake system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and in particular of the output signals of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is arranged in the under-pressure region of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Tobias Maria Berr
  • Patent number: 8326505
    Abstract: A control system for an electromechanical-braking system provided with actuator elements configured to actuate braking elements for exerting a braking action has a control stage for controlling the braking action on the basis of a braking reference signal. The control stage comprises a model-based predictive control block, in particular of a generalized predictive self-adaptive control type, operating on the basis of a control quantity representing the braking action. The control system further has: a model-identification stage, which determines parameters identifying a transfer function of the electromechanical-braking system; and a regulation stage, which determines an optimal value of endogenous parameters of the control system on the basis of the value of the identifying parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Nicola Cesario, Ferdinando Taglialatela Scafati, Olga Scognamiglio
  • Patent number: 8321111
    Abstract: A pedal system to realize an intended vehicle output in response to pedal depression is provided. The pedal system provides hysteresis in the relationship between the pedal effort and the vehicle output, taking into account a pedal effort in a depressing motion or in a releasing motion, employing a relationship including a straight line or a folded line. A vehicle output command may be delivered by changing the vehicle output relative to the pedal effort depending on the vehicle speed. An appropriate vehicle output command may be delivered by providing a maintaining motion in addition to the depressing motion and the releasing motion with a different pedal effort and vehicle output command relationship, and by changing the sensitivity of the vehicle output command relative to the pedal effort in the maintaining motion depending on the pedal effort-increasing/decreasing direction, vehicle information, and the vehicle output command or the pedal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Ueno, Mitsuhide Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20120280562
    Abstract: A controller for controlling braking of a wheel of a vehicle. The controller includes a first connection to a friction brake, a second connection to a motor/generator, a third connection to a plurality of sensors, and a fuzzy logic module. The motor/generator is configured to drive the wheel in a driving mode and to brake the wheel in a regenerative braking mode. Operating parameters of the vehicle are sensed by the plurality of sensors. The fuzzy logic module is configured to determine a stability of the vehicle and the wheel based on data from the plurality of sensors. The fuzzy logic module allocates braking force between the friction brake and the motor/generator operating in the regenerative braking mode based on the stability of the vehicle and the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Hsien-Cheng Kevin Wu, Edward Heil
  • Patent number: 8275498
    Abstract: A system and method for assessing the risk of conjunction of a rocket body with orbiting and non-orbiting platforms. Two-body orbital dynamics are used to initially determine the kinematic access for a ballistic vehicle. The access may be represented in two ways: as a volume relative to its launcher and also as a geographical footprint relative to a target position that encompasses all possible launcher locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Analytical Graphics Inc.
    Inventor: Salvatore Alfano
  • Patent number: 8260535
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a seat defining a driver seat portion and a passenger seat portion, an electronic stability system, adapted to receive inputs from a load sensor, a wheel rotation sensor and a lateral acceleration sensor, the electronic stability system adapted to provide outputs to at least one of the brake system for braking the vehicle, and the engine control unit to change the power output transmitted to the wheels by the engine, the electronic stability system using a first calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a non-loaded state and a second calibration to determine the outputs when the load sensor is in a loaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventor: Mario Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8249790
    Abstract: It is predicted whether a spin amount is tending to diverge and a vehicle is tending to become unstable, or the spin amount is tending to converge and the vehicle is tending to become stable. When the convergent tendency is predicted, a correction to reduce the spin amount is performed. As a result, the performance of a braking force control can be made difficult when the spin amount is tending to converge. Thus, it is possible to prevent an anti-spin control from being performed when there is actually no need to perform the anti-spin control, such as when the vehicle posture is correcting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Kato
  • Patent number: 8150587
    Abstract: An ECU is configured to disengage a clutch by driving a motor upon detection of starting of a shift operation, and to engage the clutch upon detection of completion of the shift change. The shift operation starting detection is detected upon determination that an operational force given to a shift pedal is equal to or more than a predetermined operational force, and the shift change completion detection is detected upon determination that a rotational angle of a shift drum from a shift gear position before a shift gear operation becomes equal to or more than a first predetermined angle. The shift operation starting detection is also detected upon determination that the rotational angle of the shift drum from a shift gear position before a shift gear operation is a second predetermined angle or more which is smaller than the first predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ahihiko Tomoda, Kanau Iwashita, Yoshihisa Ieda, Koshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8131440
    Abstract: An initial movement state of a vehicle is specified in which a starting-off or acceleration is enabled by stepping on an accelerator pedal. In the specified initial movement state, a starting-off direction of the vehicle and an obstacle existing in the starting-off direction are specified. In the initial movement state, an incorrect starting-off sign action is detected which a driver of the vehicle indicates in a duration prior to the time when the vehicle practically starts off. When the incorrect starting-off sign action is detected, an incorrect starting-off prevention output is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shogo Kameyama
  • Patent number: 8103422
    Abstract: A system and method for the anticipated detection of a bend on a portion of road taken by a motor vehicle comprising the following steps: establishing, by means of a first system, called as the navigation system, a first set of information on the bend in question, the first set of information being associated with a first confidence index; establishing, by means of a second system, called as the image processing system, a second set of information on the bend in question, the second set of information being associated with a second confidence index; and establishing, from the first set of information and the second set of information and by taking into account the first confidence index and the second confidence index, a third set of information on the bend in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Benazouz Bradai, Anne Herbin, Michel Basset, Jean-Philippe Lauffenburger
  • Patent number: 8086383
    Abstract: A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law based on a difference between a reference state amount determined by a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle such that the state amount error is approximated to zero, and then an actuator device of the actual vehicle and the model vehicle are operated based on the control inputs. The FB distribution law determines a control input for operating the model such that a state amount error is approximated to zero while restraining a predetermined restriction object amount from deviating from a permissible range. A vehicle control device capable of enhancing robustness against disturbance factors or their changes while performing operation control of actuators that is as suited to behaviors of an actual vehicle as possible is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Hiroshi Kono, Takayuki Toyoshima, Hiroyuki Urabe, Shuji Shiraishi, Yukihiro Orimoto
  • Patent number: 8060307
    Abstract: A riskiness reference value Riskm is corrected and calculated for each target object according the a road surface friction coefficient based on a vehicle-to-target time and a collision allowance time, and a riskiness Riskm (?Am) for each three-dimensional object is set based on the riskiness reference value Riskm with a range which uses a probability distribution given in an azimuthal angle direction where each target object exists, whereby a riskiness Risk (?A) is set for each azimuthal angle. Then, alarming and brake controlling are made to be executed according to a riskiness Risk (0) at an azimuthal angle of 0, and a steering angle control amount ?strt is obtained from the current riskiness Risk (?A) of each azimuthal angle and an estimated riskiness Risk (?A)e of each azimuthal angle after a set time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 8060275
    Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jahan Asgari, Timothy Feldkamp, Craig Stephens, Moses Fridman, Davor Hrovat, Arthur Varady, Mitch McConnell
  • Patent number: 7957875
    Abstract: A brake system control method determines vehicle operating conditions, compares the conditions to an allowable range, and uses a neural network to predict an expected coefficient of friction when the conditions are within the range. When the conditions fall outside of the range, the method determines an amount of required braking force using a constant coefficient of friction, and calculates the required braking force using the expected coefficient of friction when the conditions are within the range. The vehicle operating conditions include a vehicle speed, brake pressure, modeled brake rotor temperature, and apply state. The expected coefficient is multiplied by a constant or a calculated correction factor. A vehicle has an engine, transmission, and braking system, with a controller and an algorithm for predicting a coefficient of friction for two brake rotors, calculating a hydraulic brake pressure, and for applying the braking system using the hydraulic brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David B. Antanaitis, Chia N. Yang
  • Publication number: 20100222980
    Abstract: A method is described which is used to check the correct function of the under-pressure brake system of a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and in particular of the output signals of a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is arranged in the under-pressure region of the brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Tobias Maria Berr
  • Publication number: 20100121548
    Abstract: A correction method in which characteristic curves and/or correction values are produced, by way of which the drive current for one or more electrically activated hydraulic values operated in an analog fashion is measured during a pressure regulation in such a way that, during the operation of an anti-lock regulation, one or a respective characteristic curve is first prescribed and then the prescribed characteristic curve is corrected, particularly in a learning process, wherein, after a pressure build-up phase, the current pressure model value (Pmod) is compared to and/or analyzed using a model locking pressure level (Pmax).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Jochen Müller, Jochen Zimmermann, Robert Schmidt, Dieter Burkhard
  • Patent number: 7529608
    Abstract: A drive control device is provided with a determining section and a voltage increasing section. The determining section determines if the actual acceleration is deficient in comparison with the acceleration requested by the driver or if the generator output is deficient in comparison with the acceleration requested by the driver. The voltage increasing section increases the voltage supplied to the electric generator from a vehicle mounted electric power source when the determining section determines that the actual acceleration or the generator output is deficient. As a result, the generator output deficiency is eliminated and the required motor torque is produced, thereby enabling the vehicle to start into motion appropriately in accordance with the acceleration requested by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6950712
    Abstract: A control system using a genetic analyzer based on discrete constraints is described. In one embodiment, a genetic algorithm with step-coded chromosomes is used to develop a teaching signal that provides good control qualities for a controller with discrete constraints, such as, for example, a step-constrained controller. In one embodiment, the control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy. In one embodiment, the genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal for a fuzzy logic classifier system that develops a knowledge base. The teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from the knowledge base. The control system can be used to control complex plants described by nonlinear, unstable, dissipative models. In one embodiment, the step-constrained control system is configured to control stepping motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sergei V. Ulyanov, Sergei Panfilov, Kazuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6941212
    Abstract: The invention provides a technique for learning a stability factor of a vehicle by which the stability factor of the vehicle can be calculated in response to a state of the vehicle. To this end, a state of the vehicle during traveling is detected, and it is decided based on the detection information whether or not the current traveling state of the vehicle is a stable turning state. If it is decided that the current traveling state of the vehicle is a stable turning state, then the stability factor of the vehicle is calculated in accordance with a predetermined arithmetic operation expression based on a vehicle speed, a steering angle and a yaw rate detected during traveling, and the calculated value is determined as a learned value of the stability factor of the vehicle thereby to determine the stability factor in the current state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Sakata
  • Patent number: 6772055
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system for generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The system comprises a supervising unit (10) which comprises at least one storage member (12). In the storage member (12) there is a set of rules (14) of a particular kind for how the driver of the vehicle and/or the vehicle shall behave in different situations. The system also comprises a user interface (16) and adaptation means (13) arranged to adapt said set of rules such that at least some of the rules (14) with conclusions (24) belonging thereto are suited to form the basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The invention also concerns a vehicle and a method of generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Hans-Ove Hagelin
  • Patent number: 6272421
    Abstract: The subject of the application has a fuzzy controller which forms a pressure rate of change as a function of a wheel slip, a wheel acceleration, a locking pressure and a ratio between the actual pressure and the locking pressure. The rate of change is supplied, via an integrating unit, to an actuator of an electromechanical braking system. The locking pressure can thereby be adapted dynamically as a function of the wheel slip. Optimal antilock braking control for electromechanical braking systems is achieved through the selection of the input and output variables and the rule base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Anno Mertens
  • Patent number: 6266601
    Abstract: A control device for controlling the running behavior of a four wheeled vehicle has a mathematical tire model of each wheel defining a relationship between longitudinal and lateral forces vs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Soga, Yoshikazu Hattori
  • Patent number: 6178369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a control system for generating defined actuating forces in a brake which is electrically operable by way of an actuator, wherein there is a first static relation between the brake's actuating travel and the actuating force. The process and the control system permit determining the actuating forces which develop during operation without additional sensors. To achieve this object, according to the present invention, a second relation which corresponds to the operation of the brake is determined from the first relation and an information which represents the variations of the first relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventor: J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Böhm
  • Patent number: 6175798
    Abstract: An algorithm for an anti-lock brake system controller monitors the voltage appearing at a status port to determine whether the controller has been installed the correct vehicle. The algorithm is responsive to detection that the controller has been installed in an incorrect vehicle to disable the anti-lock brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Scott E. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6092006
    Abstract: A control system for a motor vehicle has several components for carrying out different tasks to control the vehicle. The data, which are necessary from the components, are acquired independently by the components either via data interrogation or via request relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Dominke, Holger Bellmann, Jens-Olaf Mueller, Torsten Bertram, Asmus Volkart, Christian Grosse, Wolfgang Hermsen
  • Patent number: 6088646
    Abstract: An antiskid control system for aircraft braking consisting of an iterative system having inputs including wheel speed, time since touchdown and the value of the control current generated by the previous iteration. Utilizing the previous value and applying fuzzy logic rules, the system modifies itself to adjust for variations in the coefficient of friction between the wheels and the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Colin T. Wiel
  • Patent number: 5977869
    Abstract: In the motor vehicle speed control arrangement, the distance to an object detected in front of the motor vehicle is detected by a distance sensor and supplied to a control unit which forms one or more manipulated variables for setting the driving speed of the motor vehicle as a function of at least a desired distance to the detected object which is determined at least from the instantaneous driving speed and/or a prescribed desired speed. In order to improve the comfort performance of the speed control, the arrangement provides that, in the event of a loss of detection of the object by the distance sensor, the control unit determines the reason for the loss of detection of the object and forms the manipulated variables for setting the driving speed as a function of the reason for the loss of detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Peter Andreas
  • Patent number: 5893895
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine for producing propulsive forces, an electric motor for selectively generating assistive drive forces in addition to the propulsive forces and generating electric energy converted from the propulsive forces, and an energy storage unit for selectively supplying electric energy to the electric motor and storing electric energy converted by the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Ibaraki
  • Patent number: 5842143
    Abstract: A circuit configuration for evaluating signals from a yaw rate sensor is used in particular for movement stabilization in a motor vehicle. There is provided a controller which receives the signals from the yaw rate sensor and from further sensors. The further sensors detect motion state dependent variables, such as for example wheel speed, steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration and longitudinal acceleration. The controller calculates from one or more of these further sensors a reference yaw rate. The reference yaw rate is compared with the yaw rate measured by the yaw rate sensor. The plausibility of the yaw rate sensor signal is also checked, taking account of the motion state. If the difference between the measured yaw rate and the reference yaw rate determined in the plausibility check is above a predetermined threshold value, then the yaw rate sensor is identified as being faulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Lohrenz, Frank Menten, Gregor Probst