Abstract: A method of designing a vehicle air system is provided. This method includes the use of a computer to simulate operation of a proposed vehicle air system over a time period, wherein the proposed vehicle air system comprises an air compressor and a pneumatically operable device, and wherein the step of simulating operation of a proposed vehicle air system over a time period includes: simulating selective operation of the air compressor to add air to the proposed vehicle air system; and simulating selective operation of the pneumatically operable device to exhaust air from the proposed vehicle air system. The computer is then used to calculate a duty cycle of the air compressor over the time period and to output the duty cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding an operator in the alignment of the wheels of an automotive vehicle which has been either modified from a original manufacturer configuration, or for which no previously established alignment settings are known. Initially, the operator identifies known information about the vehicle and selects a desired characteristic of the vehicle for which the vehicle alignment is to be optimized. A set of initial alignment settings are presented to the operator, based upon the selected characteristic for the vehicle, and the vehicle alignment is adjusted thereto. One or more subsequent measurements of the vehicle are acquired. Alignment adjustments to further improve the selected characteristic, identified in response to the vehicle measurements are presented to the operator. The process of alignment adjustment, measurement, and presented adjustments is repeated until an optimal alignment setting for the selected characteristic is reached.

Abstract: An automated warning system for a platform assembly. The system includes a measuring device mountable on the platform assembly for measuring a parameter representing loading on the assembly, a warning device for generating a warning, and a processor operatively connected to the measuring device and the warning device. The processor is configured to receive information relating to at least one of the design and operation of at least one of the platform assembly and the object, determine a limit for the parameter based on the information, compare the parameter to the limit, and activate the warning device to generate a warning when the parameter compares unfavorably to the limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing module-based diagnostics are described. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor values from an actual engine plant are input to an engine component quality estimator which generates performance estimates of major rotating components. Estimated performance differences are generating by comparing the generated performance estimates to a nominal quality engine. The estimated performance differences, which are indicative of component quality, are continuously updated and input to a real-time model of the engine. The model receives operating conditional data and the quality estimates are used to adjust the nominal values in the model to more closely match the model values to the actual plant. Outputs from the engine model are virtual parameters, such as stall margins, specific fuel consumption, and fan/compressor/turbine efficiencies.

Abstract: A simulator having a computer-aided design (CAD) programs for verifying algorithms of a shift controller of an automatic transmission. The simulator includes a simulator main unit (a computer) which stores the programs and inputs the algorithm, and pseudo-signal generator which generates pseudo signals including operation signals for the hydraulic actuators. The programs includes first calculating means for calculating outputs of first to third models describing behavior of the engine, the transmission and the vehicle body at a first calculation cycle based on the algorithm and the pseudo signals. A second calculating means inputs the calculated outputs of the first and second models and calculates an output of a fourth model describing non-linear behavior in the second model at a second calculation cycle, shorter than the first calculation cycle, and verifies the algorithm based on the outputs of the first models.

Abstract: A method of comparing tire noise pitch sequences based on the tire noise generated by tire tread lug stiffness variations provides a secondary examination technique used to evaluate tire noise pitch sequences that have been selected by traditional evaluation techniques. The method includes the steps of defining the tire noise pitch sequence and the pitch lengths, calculating the differential between the arc length from an arbitrary fixed reference point to the end of each pitch length in the pitch sequence and the arc length of the mean pitch length of the number of pitches from that arbitrary reference point, and analyzing the differential to identify desirable and undesirable tire noise characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method of analyzing paint spray particle trajectory on a vehicle with a computer aided design (CAD) model representative of the vehicle. The method includes the steps of preparing a CAD model of a desired portion of the vehicle and placing a paint spray gun at a desired location with respect to the desired portion of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of specifying a set of particle information describing particles to be sprayed from the paint spray gun and computing a trajectory for a particle stream emanating from the paint spray gun. The method further includes the steps of displaying the trajectory relative to the desired portion of the vehicle on a display to permit visual observation thereof and relocating the paint spray gun if necessary to achieve a desired trajectory.

Abstract: A system and method of section cutting and analysis of a computer model is provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a computer generated model of a structural member and locating at least a first cutting plane and a last cutting plane on the model, such that the first and last cutting planes define a cutting path and cutting the model into at least one section along the cutting path. The method also includes the steps of maintaining the section in a memory of the computer system and analyzing the section using a computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method further includes the steps of determining if the CAE analysis of the section meets a predetermined criteria, modifying the section if the section does not meet the predetermined criteria and using the section in the design of the model if the section meets the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method and system for designing an impingement film floatwall panel system for a combustion chamber for a gas turbine engine comprising the steps of creating an impingement film floatwall panel knowledge base of information. The knowledge base has a plurality of design rule signals with respect to a corresponding plurality of parameter signals of associated elements of impingement film floatwall panels for a combustion chamber, wherein the knowledge base comprises at least one data value signal for each one of the plurality of design rule signals. The steps also include entering a desired data value signal for a selected one of the plurality of parameter signals of an associated element of the impingement film floatwall panels and comparing the entered desired data value signal for the selected one of the plurality of parameters with the corresponding at least one data value signal in the knowledge base for the corresponding one of the plurality of design rule signals.

Abstract: An electronic information on a wire layout path is obtained based on an information on the shape of a wiring harness developed in a 2D plane; assisting jigs suited to the wire layout path are selected; an assembling table suited to the wire layout path is selected; and a 3D shape data of the assisting jigs 32 is read and located on an assembling table 23 together with 3D shapes of a wiring harness 19 and accessories 20, 21 in a virtual 3D space defined in a computer.

Abstract: A system and method for simulating a flow field are disclosed. A grid having cells is generated. Each cell is associated with a set of variables that describe a flow field. A value for each variable of each cell is calculated from a previous value at each period for a predetermined number of periods. The calculated values for each variable are averaged to yield an averaged value for each variable. A flow field is determined from the averaged values.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and filtering non-violation events in a traffic light violation prediction and recording system, including at least one violation prediction image capturing device, such as a video camera, and a violation prediction unit. The prediction unit generates a prediction reflecting a probability that the vehicle will violate a red light phase of the traffic signal. A non-violation event filter determines whether the vehicle approaching the traffic signal is actually performing a non-violation action. Non-violation events may include a variety of actions performed by the vehicle, and are fully configurable to meet the needs and policies of various specific intersections and jurisdictions. When the non-violation event filter determines that the vehicle is performing a non-violation action, it causes some number of resources that may have been allocated to recording the non-violating vehicle, and/or prevents further resources from being allocated to such recording.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for simulating the movement of motor vehicle and bicycle traffic in an environment. Among other things, the system and method scan all traffic signals in the environment over a predetermined time interval, and then update parking activity, pedestrian movement, and motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment. The system and method also check whether any parking activity was generated for the predetermined time period, and simulates pedestrian movement in the environment. Finally, the system and method simulate motor vehicle and bicycle movement in the environment using predetermined acceleration and deceleration rates, a motor vehicle following model, and a lane changing model.

Abstract: A system for developing a design of an environment such as an aircraft cockpit. A processor generates body models describing a percentage of a body population potentially to be accommodated by the environment. A processor-user interface displays an environment design relative to the body models. The interface accepts user changes to the design and the body models. The processor modifies the design and the body models in accordance with user changes. The system allows a designer of an airplane cockpit to rapidly visualize, analyze and assess its accommodation of a desired percentage of pilots.

Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.

Abstract: A method for designing an engine case static structure of a gas turbine engine includes creating signals representing an engine case static structure knowledge base of information. The knowledge base has a plurality of design rule signals with respect to a corresponding plurality of parameter signals of associated elements of an engine case static structure, wherein the knowledge base comprises at least one data value signal for each of the plurality of design rule signals. A desired data value signal is entered for a selected one of the plurality of parameter signals of an associated element of the engine case static structure and compared to the corresponding data value signal in the knowledge base for the corresponding one of the plurality of design rule signals. Signals representative of a geometric representation of the selected parameter signal may be created.

Abstract: A computerized method of virtual flowbench simulation of fluid flow interaction with an object described in at least one design file includes receiving user-defined input via a user interface, the user-defined input including a specification of the at least one design file, accessing the at least one design file, and accessing a generic template describing basic geometries of the object, and modifying the basic geometries of the object with the at least one design file. Automatically, surface and volume mesh are generated in the object, and fluid flow interaction with the object is simulated. Predetermined data parameters are measured and stored during simulation. The method automatically checks the predetermined data parameter measurements to determine whether steady state has been reached and whether a predetermined maximum number of time steps has been reached.

Abstract: A system and method for orbital planning allows iterative calculations of orbital parameters to be accomplished in an automated way with one parameter solution serving as input to the next parameter's calculation. A software program employs a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow a space mission analyst to set up a series of sub-problems of any desired level of complexity. The program then implements the series automatically and sequentially, incorporating the solution to one sub-problem into the input to the next.

Abstract: A flight control display shows a representation of terrain, the horizon, an aircraft with a fuselage and aircraft wings, and a gamma ladder. The observer has a viewing direction at least in a predefined attitude range, which viewing direction is directed along the momentary flight path. The aircraft is therefore rotated depending on its momentary angle of incidence and angle of yaw with respect to the observer's viewing direction. The representation of the terrain is obtained from the relative position of a geodetic system of coordinates XG, YG, ZG and an aerodynamic system of axes of the airplane, in which case a reference line of the gamma ladder coincides with the horizon.

Abstract: A system 10, which receives a computer, aided model or design 18 and which probabilistically analyzes the model 18 by use of a modified Latin Hypercube sampling technique and combined MARS and Kriging simulation methodologies, thereby allowing a simulation to be conducted at a most probable point of operation and allowing products having desired characteristics and attributes to be created.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for designing a deployment mechanism for a flight surface on an airborne body, including the steps of determining a stowed position of the flight surface, determining a deployed position of the flight surface, identifying a first rotation axis and respective rotation angle and a second rotation axis and respective rotation angle about and through which the flight surface is rotatable in sequence to move the flight surface from the stowed position to the deployed position, or vice versa, and using the identified first and second rotation axes and rotation angles to determine a single equivalent rotation axis and angle, about and through which the flight surface can be rotated from the stowed position to the deployed position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A method at power steering hose assembly design and analysis for a power steering system in a vehicle includes the steps of selecting a mesh model of a design for a power steering system having a power steering hose assembly, selecting a predetermined characteristic of the power steering system for a predetermined operating condition, performing an acoustic analysis on the mesh mocel using the predetermined characteristic and determining an acoustic response cf the power steering hose assembly from the acoustic analysis. The method further includes the steps of determining a noise transmission loss across the power steering hose assembly using the acoustic response, determining whether the transmission loss meets a predetermined noise criteria and modifying a design parameter for the power steering system if the transmission loss does not meet a predetermine noise criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to software for training an aircraft pilot to respond to the failure of one or more engines of a multi-engine aircraft during flight. The software simulates engine failure through the use of software imposed power output limits on the one or more engines for which failure is simulated. In certain embodiments, the software of the present invention sets one or more of the engine condition gauges to a fictitious readings corresponding to readings that would be displayed in the event of an actual engine failure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for designing an energy-absorbing impact zone for a vehicle interior, including acquiring test data representative of an occupant, determining a force versus deflection curve for the vehicle impact zone, analyzing the force versus deflection curve, and utilizing the analysis to adjust the stiffness of the energy-absorbing impact zone and to shape the force versus deflection curve so that a constant area under the force versus deflection curve has the minimum deflection possible without exceeding a certain force limit and a certain head impact criterion.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining the progress toward the achievement of best-in-class motor vehicles. The method may be comprised of several steps. First, internal organizational data is gathered. [The internal organizational data includes critical design characteristics, critical manufacturing characteristics, and critical performance characteristics. The critical design characteristics are those design features which are historically valued by customers. The critical manufacturing characteristics are those manufacturing features which are have also been valued by customers. The critical performance characteristics are those performance characteristics valued by customers.] Second, external organizational data is gathered. [The external organizational data includes a list of design characteristics and manufacturing characteristics that are deemed important by suppliers and competitors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a simulation based environment that allows a product based engineer, with a modest understanding of complex software programs, to use complex math models. The system provides an interface by which basic component models can be used within the simulation. Allowances are made for particular variables to be adaptable by the product based engineer.

Abstract: Physical structures are represented by modeling as topological views having bounding elements related to connectors as mathematical algorithms to enable computational analysis and multi-discipline integration of such physical structures by computer aided design.

Abstract: A method for automatically reconstructing topographical information for a given mesh, altering the mesh by introducing, deleting, or splitting existing polygons when needed. An OctTree space decomposition is used to achieve a log2-complexity search method to find the closest vertex in the polygonal soup to a given point in space. Linear complexities are used to find triangles connected to a given vertex and all triangles connected to a given triangle. The triangles are split to enforce conductivity.

Abstract: A system and method that utilizes information relating to vehicle damage information including damaged vehicle area information, crush depth of the damaged areas information, and vehicle component-by-component damage information to estimate the relative velocities of vehicles involved in a collision. The change in velocity is estimated using a plurality of methods, and a determination is made as to which method provided a result that is likely to be more accurate, based on the damage information, and the types of vehicles involved. The results from each method may also be weighted and combined to provide a multi-method estimate of the closing velocity. The methods include using crash test data from one or more sources, estimating closing velocity based on the principals of conservation of momentum, and estimating closing velocity based on deformation energy resulting from the collision.

Abstract: A method for presenting a graphic user interface (GUI) facilitating generation of selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters includes step for defining the geometry of a vehicle to be tested, defining the environment in which the vehicle is to tested, generating the selected ones of the Euler grid and the Navier-Stokes grid responsive the set of predetermined parameters generated in two defining steps, and post-processing the output of the generating step. Computer readable instructions for permitting a general purpose computer to instantiate a graphic user interface (GUI) generating selected ones of a Euler grid and a Navier-Stokes grid from a single set of predetermined parameters and a storage medium storing the computer readable instructions are also described.

Abstract: A spatially-resolved spectrometer is used to measure streaking in molded sample plastic parts produced using a molding tool with various mold inserts which produce certain desired topological surface features upon these sample plastic parts. The measurements from one or more of these sample plastic parts are then provided to a computerized device which appropriately filters the data and calculates overall data shape, average peak and valley shift, and a quality number indicative of data slopes. These calculations are then used to determine an optimum set of ingredients and processing conditions to be used for the full-scale plastic part production.

Abstract: A transient fault detection system and method is provided that facilitates improved fault detection performance in transient conditions. The transient fault detection system provides the ability to detect symptoms of engine faults that occur in transient conditions. The transient fault detection system includes a Hidden Markov Model detector that receives sensor data during transient conditions and determines if a fault has occurred during the transient conditions. Detected faults can then be passed to a diagnostic, system where they can be passed as appropriate to maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A method for calculating parameters about an axisymmetric body in a cavity is provided. The user provides data describing the body, a cavity estimate, and convergence tolerances. Boundary element panels are distributed along the body and the estimated cavity. Matrices are initialized for each panel using disturbance potentials and boundary values. Disturbance potential matrices are formulated for each panel using disturbance potential equations and boundary conditions. The initialized matrices and the formulated matrices are solved for each boundary panel to obtain panel sources, dipoles and cavitation numbers. Forces and velocities are computed giving velocity and drag components. The cavity shape is updated by moving each panel in accordance with the calculated values. The method then tests for convergence against a tolerance, and iterates until convergence is achieved. Upon completion, parameters of interest and the cavity shape are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graphical user interface and software architecture that empowers the user to create new vectors, axes, points, coordinate systems, and other elements, and combinations thereof. The explicit means of creating coordinate systems and primitives are carried out via user input, imported data from files, or any other means of supplying numerical data to computer programs. In addition to geometrical relationships, coordinate system definitions can describe rates of change in the primitives, thus providing additional ways to create vectors.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an air-fuel ratio control apparatus of an internal combustion engine and a method thereof, for estimating with high accuracy an oxygen adsorption amount in an exhaust purification catalyst, and controlling the oxygen adsorption amount in the exhaust purification catalyst at an optimum amount, thereby enabling to maintain high exhaust purification efficiency.

Abstract: The field of view of a sensor mounted on a satellite (or other spacecraft) is obscured by various objects, such as celestial bodies and the satellite's own solar panels. A method is disclosed for visualizing and quantifying, with respect to time, variations in the portions of the sensor's field of view that are obscured. The graphical output of a satellite systems analysis program, which features high-resolution, three-dimensional, animated images of spacecraft, celestial bodies and other objects in the space environment, is utilized. The graphical output is simplified to only a few colors to differentiate only background and irrelevant objects from relevant objects. Differentiation is also made, using different colors, in representation of those portions of the field of view that overlap relevant (obscuring) objects from the remainder of the field of view which is unobscured. By counting pixels of the respective colors, frame-by-frame during animation, the percentage of obscuration over time is quantified.

Abstract: A computer assisted method is disclosed for making an optimized layout of a manufacturing cell to be used, for example, to locate, hold and process workpieces, such as in robotic welding of an assembly of stamped sheet metal parts. The items to be processed and employed in the cell are identified by physical structure and kinematic characteristics and given an initial location to start the process. Further movements of the parts toward attraction points and away from repelling points are evaluated on the computer by an optimization program to arrive at an optimized cell layout.

Abstract: A military command and control system includes functional portions which respond to a set of or plurality of commands. Certain commands are mandatory. Specific responses are made in response to the mandatory commands. System tracks are handled differently than local tracks. Command and control systems which use the mandatory command structure are more readily upgraded than prior-art integrated command and control systems.

Abstract: An electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) end of train (EOT) pneumatic emulation system allows fill train operation of standalone ECP unit trains, even with non-ECP equipped locomotives. The emulation system is based on close integration with the EOT system and allows operation of unit trains equipped with “all electric” ECP without pneumatic overlay or emulation capability, using standard, non-ECP equipped locomotives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety restraint design controller for controlling the design of a safety restraint system so that a predetermined desired level of an occupant's response (89) is produced. The controller has a database (85) for storing an occupant restraint factor response model (90). The model (90) interrelates at least one predetermined restraint factor (88) with the occupant response (89), the restraint factors having a level that is indicative of setting values for controlling the safety restraint design. A database engine connected to the database (85) determines a level for the occupant response (89) based upon the model and upon a first level of the restraint factors.

Abstract: A simulated steering feel system 10 for use in a vehicle, Laboratory Simulator, or entertainment device employs a servo disk motor 14. The servo disk motor 14 is utilized to import improved torque feedback to a steering wheel or input device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing a representative time domain road load profile or model for computer aided engineering simulation of an automotive product.

Abstract: A system for analyzing vehicle and driver behavior includes: a data preprocessing unit that converts operation information of an in-vehicle electrical system, data available via an in-vehicle data network, and additional information available from an electrical device constituting a vehicle into a format capable of calculation therein; a vehicle model and estimation unit that estimates variables which can not be measured by means of in-vehicle sensors based on the preprocessed data; a model-based reconstruction unit that reconstructs an accident scenario by unifying the preprocessed data and the estimated variables from the vehicle model and estimation unit to a common time stamp; and an assessment unit that assesses vehicle and driver behavior based on the accident scenario reconstructed by the model-based reconstruction unit.

Abstract: The invention includes computer instructions that operate to receive a selection of a center of motion for an assembly of computer aided design (CAD) models of a mechanical design and a selection of a component of the assembly associated with the selected center of motion. Once the selections are received, a range of motion for the component is determined. Then, the computer instructions operate to receive a selection of an origin for a grid pattern, where the grid pattern is automatically generated based upon the determined range of motion. This automatically generated grid pattern is automatically displayed at the selected origin. In one embodiment, the computer instructions are part of a mechanical design software application. In one embodiment, the mechanical software application including the computer instructions is embodied in a distribution storage medium.

Abstract: A method has been invented for predicting the build-up of heat, material aging, and subsequent belt separation failure in rolling steel-belted pneumatic tires (20). The procedure employs finite element analysis and a new fatigue crack propagation model that takes output generated by the finite element model to predict distance and time to belt separation in the tire. The finite element model uses input information on tire load, speed and inflation pressure (12) to calculate the temperature and energy release rate at the corresponding tips of the fatigue crack to generate four-dimensional response surfaces of crack-tip energy release rate as a function of crack length, crack-tip circumferential angular position, and crack-tip temperature. The fatigue crack propagation model samples the response surface and is numerically integrated to predict distance and/or time to belt separation failure (30).

Abstract: Process for designing flight controllers, in which first for the rigid airplane and then for the elastic airplane the damping and the phase delay for each excitation frequency is determined, and the flight controller is adapted in such a manner that the structural responses to each excitation frequency for both the rigid airplane and the elastic airplane in the open control circuit outside two design fields, applicable to the elastic airplane, are laid around the instability points in the data field comprising damping and phase delay, whereby for the design of the elastic airplane between the phase delays of −270 degrees and −495 degrees, a damping exceeding −6 dB is allowed.

Abstract: A portable flight simulator is installed upon a conventional vehicle trailer for storage and transportation to various sites. The apparatus includes a folding video screen which when erected provides a relatively wide and long field of view for the operator of the simulator, rather than a relatively small and close video monitor display. The screen and video projector are immovably affixed to an operator cab or cockpit when the simulator apparatus is erected for operation, with cockpit movement and attached screen and projector being controlled by the operator in the cockpit. A conventional personal computer and flight simulator program provide the video signal for the projector, which projects the video program onto the screen. The operator reacts to the video program by using a control stick to control the orientation of the video program conventionally. Audio output may also be provided for realistic sound effects, or music for the operator.

Abstract: A satellite simulator to aid in the development and test of a spacecraft command and telemetry application for ground stations permits a satellite simulator to be implemented effectively and with less cost than has traditionally been possible with customized systems. From the spacecraft command and telemetry processing system, the present invention appears as a satellite that can provide a configurable telemetry stream and can accept configurable commands. The invention provides core satellite simulation capabilities required for ground station spacecraft command and telemetry processing systems such as OS/COMET or for large-scale simulation networks such as multi-service simulation systems. The present invention offers an inexpensive risk mitigation that relieves application developers of total dependency on the satellite simulation development schedule. Moreover, the present invention can be used to demonstrate the features of ground station application systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for simulating the driving behavior of vehicles on a test stand in which the engine of the vehicle is coupled on the test stand to an electronically controllable braking apparatus and a first simulation model calculates simulation values of variables which are representative of the driving state of the vehicle in that the reaction of the vehicle to the behavior of the engine and the values of the variables as determined immediately prior thereto are calculated, with at least one evaluation variable w being calculated on the basis of the values measured on the test stand for measurable variables and engine torque M and the values calculated therefrom with the simulation model for non-measurable variables.

Abstract: A method for analyzing vehicle information. The method utilizes a multi-dimensional relational database or a data cube and On Line Analytical Processing technology to integrate information which is acquired from various different sources and allows all of the data to be analyzed in an efficient, concise and unambiguous manner.