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 method for producing a simulator program includes: generating video and audio information from a camera mounted on a vehicle to be simulated; measuring motion data according to a pose change of the camera; processing the motion data and generating motion effect data comprising position and rotary motion information including acceleration and angular velocity for each axis x, y, and z; separating a motion unit from the motion data to generate a motion unit data stream and synchronizing the motion unit data with video/audio data; recognizing and determining a motion unit representing position and rotary motion information for each axis based on the motion unit data stream; and generating a control unit representing position and rotary motion information suitable for a simulator having a fixed degree of freedom and a fixed movement space, based on the motion unit, and producing a control unit shift function and composite control data.

Abstract: An algorithim for modeling the interaction of two colliding rigid objects. The algorithm allows the search of the optimal position and stabilization of two rigid objects when they are in contact due to a force pushing them against each other. The method does use mathematical integration and does not use any initial acceleration or speed conditioning for the results. The pushing direction can be changed at any time of the search for a correct specification. The moving solid is translated and rotated incrementally toward the equilibrium position and orientation in a non-natural way but leading to the same final attitude in a large range of initial conditions. One important novelty of this algorithm is the modeling of rotations involved for the moving object to go toward the natural position and orientation it should adopt. This can be done by the detection of torque during the search and the determination of the center of rotation in a quadratic time.

Abstract: Optimized control algorithms for a vehicle automatic climate control system (ACCS) are developed using math-based models of the vehicle, the ACCS and a vehicle occupant. The models are cross-coupled in closed-loop fashion with feedback from both vehicle systems and occupant. A first feedback loop including the vehicle and the ACCS, simulates how the ACCS interacts with the cabin environment; and a second feedback loop including the vehicle, the ACCS and the occupant, simulates how the occupant will adjust the ACCS to optimize comfort. When the system arrives at a control algorithm that satisfies control objectives and optimizes occupant comfort, an auto-code generation tool is used to create program code directly from the control model, which may be downloaded into a test vehicle for final system confirmation and calibration.

Abstract: A method for determining preselected performance characteristics of a tire tread includes the steps of dividing the tread into a 3-D grid of cells; dividing a tread contact area into longitudinal and transversal strips; associating a longitudinal or transversal stiffness value with each strip using a linear relationship; assigning a preselected deformation state to each longitudinal and transversal strip; determining at least one single force, associated with each strip and acting in the longitudinal or transversal direction by means of the stiffness value and the deformation state; determining at least one total force associated with each contact area by summing all single forces, the total force representing at least one of the performance characteristics; determining a pattern of the total forces of all the contact areas; and analyzing the pattern of total forces to evaluate whether they assume values that optimize at least one preselected performance characteristic of the tread.

Abstract: A portable train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A first program drives the display to depict indicia of a control stand and to respond to control inputs from the input device. A second program drives the display to depict a track to be traversed from a data file in response to the control inputs. A virtual control stand is one of the elements that allows the true portability of a train simulator. The system can display and switch between the present operating parameters of the train and/or a history of the operating parameters of the train, as selected by the input device. Thus, the system can switch from playback mode to simulation mode to provide a take-over of recorded conditions to allow an operator to explore alternate methods for managing the train.

Abstract: A spacecraft emulation system that can emulate both the attitude control subsystem and the non-attitude control subsystem is integrated into a single compact unit. The unit includes an emulated spacecraft control processor for processing attitude control information and an emulated central command and telemetry unit for interfacing simulated spacecraft data. The inlet also includes a first simulation engine that is operative to simulate the spacecraft attitude control system and a second simulation engine that is operative to simulate the spacecraft power, thermal, propulsion and payload subsystems. Both the first and second simulation engines are connected to the emulated spacecraft control processor via a respective bus. A host computer provides the command data and receives the telemetry data from the emulated spacecraft control processor.

Abstract: A remote control locomotive simulator including a display and a first input device similar to a remote control locomotive controller to be operated by the operator to provide train signals. A computer drives the display to move a train relative to a track in response to the train signals. A remote control locomotive controller may be an actual remote control locomotive system or may be a virtual remote control locomotive controller where the input device is one or more of a keyboard, a mouse or a touch screen of the computer. Data associated with a simulator session of this device is recorded and made available for real-time or post-processing analysis including visual review of train management using the included computer generated graphics system.

Abstract: In a product development support method and apparatus, an original solid model of a casing part of a vehicular air conditioner is formed, and an original solid model of an air space part in the casing part is formed by using the solid model of the casing unit. Analysis impediment elements are searched. The analysis impediment elements which require a long period of time for calculation process are removed from the solid model to determined an analysis solid model. Flow analysis is performed by applying boundary conditions to the analysis solid model which are divided into meshes. Analysis results are displayed so that a product model may be finalized based on the analysis results.

Abstract: A method of optimized design of an HVAC air-handling assembly for a climate control system on a vehicle includes the steps of generating a basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly and analyzing a performance of the basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly using an engineering analytical technique. The method also includes the steps of varying the basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly based on the performance analysis and using the optimized basic design of the HVAC air-handling assembly in generating the HVAC air-handling assembly design.

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, resources that may have been allocated to recording the non-violating vehicle may be released, and a determination may be made that additional resources need not be allocated to such recording.

Abstract: An interference removal system is provided for determining the possible removal of a component from an assembly where the component to be removed is in an environment including other components that interfere with its removal. The system uses dimensional data to define the removal component and its environment including other components. A boundary space is established around the removal component where the boundary space includes another component interfering with removal of the removal component. The removal component then randomly moves within the boundary space until it is free from interference with its environment. The system is intended to assist in automated path planning by removing initial interference conditions.

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: The present invention relates to a system and a method for developing an engine model. The system broadly comprises a module for generating a state variable model of an engine, which module receives a plurality of inputs to an engine representative of a particular flight condition and generates a set of estimated engine parameters representative of the model. The system further comprises a comparator for comparing the set of estimated engine parameters to a set of measured engine parameters for generating a set of residuals and an artificial neural network module to be trained and to be used in an implementation configuration after training has been completed. The artificial neural network receives the set of residuals and the engine inputs during a training phase and generates a set of estimated residuals representative of the engine condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is to provide a design method and design system for a vehicular lamp, a program to execute designing of vehicular lamp and a record medium recording the program, which are capable of improving an efficiency of designing a lamp satisfying design conditions including performance conditions required as the vehicular lamp and restriction conditions given to each lamp. A vehicular lamp design system 1 includes: a database unit 2 having standard database 21 registering standard data of a lamp and technology database 22 registering technology data including shape templates utilizable as shape data; and a lamp preparation unit 3. The standard data selection part 31 of the lamp preparation unit 3 generates design data by selecting standard data from the standard database 21 based on given design conditions. The morphing control part 32 updates the design data by use of the parameterized shape templates of the technology database 22 and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is to provide a design method and design system for a vehicular lamp, a program to execute designing of vehicular lamp and a record medium recording the program, which are capable of improving an efficiency of designing a lamp satisfying design conditions including performance conditions required as the vehicular lamp and restriction conditions given to each lamp. A vehicular lamp design system 1 includes: a database unit 2 having a standard database 21 registering standard data of a lamp and a technology database 22 registering technology data; and a lamp preparation unit 3 having a standard data selection part 31 and a morphing control part 32. The standard data selection part 31 generates design data by selecting standard data from the standard database 21 based on given design conditions. The morphing control part 32 updates a necessary part of the design data by use of the technology data of the technology database 22.

Abstract: An assembly 10 which allows a vehicular damper to be virtually created and evaluated. Particularly, the assembly 10 includes a torque producer 31, a frequency filter generator 50, and analyzers32, 34, 36 and 38. The torque produce 31selectively produces a torque signal which is combined with a selected frequency filter provided by the generator 50, thereby producing a dampened signal which is communicated to a transmission assembly 14. The analyzer detects noise and vibration and allows a designer to evaluate the chosen frequency filter. Other filters may be used and a filter is selected based upon the noise and vibration measurements made by the analyzers 32, 34, 36, and 38. An actual damper is then constructed having a frequency characteristic which is substantially similar to the frequency characteristic of the chosen frequency filter.

Abstract: A simulation system for operation of simulated weapons on moving vehicles includes a platform for supporting a trainee and an actuator operable with the platform for providing pitch and roll movement to the platform in conformance with pre-recorded live movements. A demilitarized weapon is operated from the platform with the weapon providing a weapon triggering signal to a system computer. A pulsed laser light source is attached to the barrel of the weapon for emitting a beam and placing an infrared spot onto a video projection screen which displays a recorded scene provided by a video projector. A spot tracker continuously tracks the spot as the trainee aims the weapon toward selected targets within the scene, and provides coordinate location data representative of spot locations on the screen.

Abstract: A grid convergence solution computation system computes a computed value (Ahigh) Of high-order accuracy, using a single grid, computes a computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy, using the same single grid, and computes a grid convergence solution based on the relation between the computed value (Ahigh) of high-order accuracy and the computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy on an assumption that the relation between the computed value (Ahigh) of high-order accuracy, the computed value (Alow) of low-order accuracy, and the grid convergence solution (Aconv) is substantially constant regardless of fineness or coarseness of the grid. The grid convergence solution computation system computes a highly accurate grid convergence solution (Aconv) by using small computational complexity.

Abstract: A modeling method of a steering system for a vehicle comprises the steps of interpreting a coupled relation between an upper tube and a lower tube comprising a steering column, interpreting a coupled relation between the upper tube and an upper bracket and a coupled relation between the lower tube and a lower bracket, and interpreting the movement of a bearing mounted between a steering axle and a steering column using a cylindrical coordinate, thereby improving credibility relative to the interpretation result of a model When the interpretation result is applied to an actual vehicle, the impact absorption capacity and idle vibration capacity are greatly increased, thereby improving the performance of the overall steering system and ensuring safety to the occupants of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly 10 is provided, including a flexible polymer steering column shaft 12 having a fixed end 14 and a free rotational end 16, and a control feature 22 in communication with said free rotational end 16. The flexible polymer steering column shaft 12 provides mechanical feel to the steer-by-wire system where prior mechanically actuated or servomotor devices were required.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for selecting or designing a product, such as a muffler, having a sound output which is less stressful or more pleasing. The process includes the steps of sensing at least one physiological response of a subject (21) while the subject listens to an initial sound output, repeating the sensing step for the new sound output, comparing the physiological responses, and selecting the sound output for use in selecting or designing the product which output produces the physiological response that is the least stressful or most pleasing to the subject. The apparatus includes an audio playback device (15), a sound recording (16) of the initial sound, a sound recording (16) of the new sound, and physiological monitoring apparatus (17) suitable for attachment to and monitoring of the physiological responses of the test subject (21) to the playback of the sound recordings.

Abstract: An adaptive aero-thermodynamic engine model is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of model engine operating parameters, a plurality of nominal component efficiencies and corresponding efficiency modifier functions. The engine model is adapted by measuring a plurality of engine operating parameters corresponding to the plurality of model engine operating parameters during steady state operation of the engine over a plurality of data points, matching each of the model engine operating parameters to respective measured engine operating parameters by iteratively adapting each of the nominal component efficiencies using the corresponding efficiency modifier functions, estimating actual component efficiencies based upon the adapted nominal component efficiencies, and inputting the estimated actual component efficiencies into the engine model.

Abstract: A method for analyzing and designing structures with structural aliasing. The concept of structural aliasing applies in one embodiment of the present invention to structural systems which are cyclically symmetric. In analyzing and designing structural systems such as wheel assemblies of gas turbine engines, it is possible to group the discrete components so as to aliasingly couple particular ordered excitations and harmonic families. With structural aliasing, it is possible to couple the ordered excitations and harmonic families such that resonant response of the wheel assembly does not occur within the operating range of the engine, and also to have the resonant vibratory mode excited in such a manner that the drive coupling of the wheel dampens the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing standardization and reuse of feature driven design of automotive vehicles. An automotive vehicle is represented by a vehicle model, which includes a set of features defining vehicle functionality and information on how to implement each feature. A features database stores information on how a feature is implemented, including the physical parts it requires and the configuration of the parts. A parts database is also provided for maintaining information on vehicle parts. Coupled to the features database and the parts data base is a feature manager arranged to determine physical implementation information for each feature based on the implementation information. The physical implementation information is included in the vehicle model. A conflict manager is provided for resolving conflicts between implementations of separate features, and an optimizer for standardizing parts and implementations across multiple vehicle models.

Abstract: When a single performance or a plurality of antinomical performances are to be achieved, the best mode of a tire is designed under a given constraint condition. Each of blocks included in two pitch groups designated in a pitch array is modeled (100), an objective function representing a tire performance evaluation physical amount, a constraint condition for restricting a tire shape, and a design variable which is an angle of a wall surface determining each of block shapes are determined (102). Next, the design variable is varied continuously by &Dgr;ri to determine a modified model (104 to 108). A value of the objective function of the modified model and a value of the constraint condition are calculated, and a sensitivity of the objective function and a sensitivity of the constraint condition are determined (110, 112).

Abstract: A jig is successively mounted on each of the four wheels of a vehicle. The jig is struck in three orthogonal directions independently, and at the same time, a microphone inside the vehicle measures the sound pressure of noise generated due to the exciting force. An FFT analyzer operates a frequency response function from the exciting force to the sound pressure. In a drum testing machine, a tire to be subject to noise prediction is mounted on a shaft, the tire is rotated, and the axial force in the three orthogonal directions is measured. The axial force signal is input to the FFT analyzer and the auto power spectrum in the three orthogonal directions and the cross power spectrum between two different axial directions are operated. The frequency response functions are synthesized with the auto power and cross power spectrums, and the power spectrum of the road noise is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for providing three dimensional seismic images using directional sensing rotation within a geological structure's complete vector field produced by seismic energy emanating from seismic scatterers in the sub-surface of the geological structure, which significantly reduces the need for distribution of seismic energy sources and receivers over the entire surface of the geological structure. The apparatus includes an omni-azimuthal source of seismic energy 22 positioned adjacent a surface of a geological structure 18 for emitting a signal 27 of sufficient energy and bandwidth to produce seismic energy 28 and 97 from the seismic scatterers in the geological structure 18. A plurality of arrays of sensors 20 are also provided. Each array 20 has directional sensing receivers 30 aligned in the geological structure 18 for receiving and measuring the seismic energy 28 and 97 to create a complete vector field.

Abstract: A method and system for aiding in the design of an automotive vehicle enables dynamic placement of particle injection points relative to a computer aided design model representative of the vehicle to permit visual observation and alteration of resulting particle trajectories with respect to the model. Various particle trajectories, representing stones ejected from a tire toward the vehicle surface, soil deposition patterns, and the like can be simulated relative to the vehicle surface to evaluate a vehicle design, compare alternate designs and compare results from physical aerodynamic tests to predicted results.

Abstract: An occupant motion system for managing multiple simulations runs, enabling crash-induced occupant motion to be analyzed across variations in crash conditions and other variables. The system uses a computer system configured to accept multiple values or statistical distributions for input parameters based on an analysis type selected by the user. By automating the specification of input parameters into an occupant simulation system, multiple crash scenarios can be analyzed simultaneously and statistical results can be produced for the occupant motion in a particular crash.

Abstract: System, method and computer product for baseline modeling a product or process. A service database contains process data. A preprocessor processes the data into a predetermined format. A baseline modeling component builds a baseline model from the preprocessed data, wherein the baseline model relates process performance variables as a function of process operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for simulating impact conditions which has a test sled 10, simulated occupant (14), and a pre-impact force-generating device. The pre-impact force-generating device can apply force directly to the simulated occupant being (14), thereby overcoming many of the cost problems associated with applying a low and long duration force directly to a test sled (10). The pre-impact force-generating device can be designed such that instead of providing a low and long duration force to a simulated occupant (14), it provides a short and high impact force to the simulated occupant (14). An impact force-generating device provides impact force directly to the sled (10) which simulates impact conditions.

Abstract: A method of designing a tread unit that may be repeated in succession about the circumference of a tire to produce an acoustically acceptable tread pattern. The impact of an initial design of a tread unit on a road surface is simulated so that a determination of the number of pulses contained in the impact may be made. An analysis is then performed, based on the number of pulses, as to whether the tread unit design satisfies a predetermined acoustic criteria. If the tread unit design satisfies the acoustic criteria, it may be incorporated into the tire tread pattern. Otherwise, the method may be repeated with a modified tread unit design until the predetermined acoustic criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically shutting down a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle system for performing a vehicle function such as brakes for performing braking of the vehicle. A vehicle control system controls the vehicle system by controlling valve switches or actuators to manipulate the vehicle system. A portable handheld computing device includes a program defining a vehicle shutdown sequence. Preferably, the portable handheld computing device is what is known as a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a Handspring® or Palmpilot®. A cradle removably receives the portable handheld computing device to connect the portable handheld computing device with the vehicle control system, such as through the vehicle databus. A switch enables the portable handheld computing device to command the vehicle control system to perform the vehicle shutdown sequence.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the control of the behaviour of one or more simulated vehicles. The device comprises different units (10, 12, 16, 18, 20) for supervising the device, for presenting information and for making it possible to input instructions. The behaviour of the vehicle is controlled with the help of a number of rules (14). Each rule (14) comprises one or more premises (22) and conclusions (24). The premises (22) are assigned an indicator which may indicate different conditions, viz. that the premise (22) shall be true, that the premise (22) shall be false or that it does not matter whether the premise (22) is true or false. The invention also concerns a method of generating rules (14) suited to control the behaviour of a real or a simulated vehicle. The generation may be done by detecting the behaviour of a real/simulated vehicle controlled by a driver. Alternatively, the rules may be generated without detecting the behaviour of a driver-controlled vehicle.

Abstract: A process for constructing a Bayes network for the imaging and diagnosis of a technical system by means of a system description includes the following steps: constructing a system input node for each system input of the system; constructing a system output node for each system output of the system; imaging all components of the system by means of component state nodes, component input nodes and component output nodes; constructing linkages between component state nodes of different components by means of direct logical and/or causal relationships between function states of components; constructing linkages between component output nodes and component input nodes of different components by means of flows of material, energy and/or information in the system; constructing linkages between system input nodes and component input nodes by means of flows of material, energy and/or information in the system; and constructing linkages between component output nodes and system output nodes by means of flows of material

Abstract: A system for enabling an operator to select a signal indicative of an air mode and a ground mode of an airplane is provided. The air mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is in the air, and the ground mode is a state of the airplane when the airplane is on the ground. The system includes a plurality of sensors that sense parameters indicative of whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground. Sensed mode logic that determines whether the airplane is sensed in the air or sensed on the ground is provided, The sensed mode logic generates a signal indicative of a sensed ground mode when at leant two sensors indicate the airplane is sensed on the ground. The sensed mode logic generates a signal indicative of a sensed air mode when less than two sensors indicate the airplane is sensed on We ground. An operator interface is also provided. A simulated air mode and a simulated ground mode are selectable via the operator interface.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of the accumulation fluids in a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of determining a first velocity vector “Vx” for migration of fluid in a region of interest in the subterranean formation. The first velocity vector includes attributes of speed and direction of flow of fluid in a first direction in the region of interest. The method further includes determining a second velocity vector “Vy” for migration of fluid in the region of interest. The second velocity vector includes attributes of speed and direction of flow of fluid in a second direction in the region of interest. The velocity vectors are then extrapolated to identify the fluid accumulation location. The first and second velocity vectors are primarily functions of supplementary pressure “dP” in the region of interest, the permeability “c” of the region of interest, and the viscosity “u” of the fluid in the region of interest.

Abstract: In a method for inverting a seismic signal, an input seismic signal is represented as an input vector i(t) of length m+n−1, an output seismic signal is represented as an output vector o(t) of length m, and a finite impulse response filter is represented as a solution vector u(t) of length n, satisfying a convolutional equation i(t){circle around (x)}u(t)=o(t). An m×, n Toeplitz matrix T(t,&tgr;) corresponding to i(t) is calculated, satisfying a matrix equation T(t,&tgr;)·u(t)=o(t). Both sides of the matrix equation are transformed to a transform domain, to generate a transformed equation. Both sides of the transformed equation are pruned, to generate a pruned equation. The pruned equation is then solved. In one embodiment of the invention, the transformed domain is the frequency domain.

Abstract: A system for designing the interior configuration of a vehicle, where the vehicle is characterized by a vehicle type. The system includes a data storage unit storing a plurality of predetermined validation criteria. A processing unit is operative to generate an aircraft interior configuration design on a basis of the aircraft type. In response to design instructions received from the system user, the processing unit modifies the aircraft interior configuration design accordingly and performs a validation operation on each design instruction, at least in part on the basis of the contents of the data storage unit.

Abstract: A system and method enables nontechnical personnel to provide information relating to vehicle damage information via a graphical user interface of a computer system. The information provided by the user includes damaged vehicle area information, crush depth of the damaged areas information, and vehicle component-by-component damage information. This information is utilized by a &Dgr;V determination module executing on a processor to, for example, obtain respective overall vehicle damage ratings for each vehicle of two vehicles involved in a collision. The overall damage rating is obtained by applying a set of rules, based on a uniform quantification of component-by-component damage, to the subject vehicles and an identical or sister test vehicle from one or more crash tests which provide damage information.

Abstract: High Definition Induction Logging (HDIL) tools can provide reliable information about the vertical and radial variations of resistivity structure in isotropic media. The focusing technique provides quantitative information about the resistivity variation and qualitative information about invasion at the well site. This type of logging tool utilizes transmitter-receiver arrays coaxial with the borehole and thus cannot provide information about anisotropy in vertical wells. This greatly limits the application of array induction tools in the characterization of reservoirs with finely laminated sand/shale sequences. A multi-component induction tool, 3DEX™, has been developed by Baker Atlas and Royal Dutch Shell. It provides the much needed ability to detect anisotropy for sand-shale laminated reservoirs. Data from such a logging tool are inverted to give an estimate of vertical and horizontal resistivity in a vertical borehole.

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 cockpit is supported by a motion base in a state of being capable of making swinging movement. A host computer calculate vehicle motion information in accordance with operation of various operation equipments performed by a driver accommodated in the cockpit. A simulation image is formed, the cockpit is controlled for swinging movement, and various meters or the like in the cockpit are controlled on the basis of an obtained result of the calculation. Thus, the drive simulation is carried out in a state approximate to that of a real vehicle.

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 determine 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 computing three dimensional unsteady flows about an object. An allowable error is established for the vorticity term calculations, and object geometry is provided giving surface points on an object and a region of interest. A mesh is established incorporating points on the object. Initial flow conditions are set at the surface. Vorticity values that will satisfy boundary conditions are set at the provided surface points. A new mesh is established incorporating the provided points and other points in the region of interest. Boxes are generated containing the provided points and other points. Velocities and pressures at each point are calculated from the flow conditions, vorticity values and boundary conditions., A time variable is incremented and each point is moved by applying the calculated velocity. Vorticity at each point is then recalculated. The method is iterated starting with the step of satisfying boundary conditions until the incremented time variable exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator comprising:

Abstract: A method of determining a tread pattern for a pneumatic tire, the method including the steps of defining a first unit as including at least one pitch which is not less than a standard long pitch (PLa) and at least one pitch which is not more than a standard short pitch (PSa); defining a second unit as including at least one pitch within one of a first range of not less than the standard long pitch (PLa) and a second range of not more than the standard short pitch (PSa) but not including a pitch within the other range; defining a third unit as all the pitches therein are more than the standard short pitch (PSa) and less than the standard long pitch (PLa); selecting a number of the first units, second units and third units from a total number of units (U); and determining a tread pattern composed of a series of units based on the selected first units, second units and third units.

Abstract: In an optimization apparatus 30, a known compositional ratios and the like, and mechanical behaviors thereof are inputted by an experimental data input unit 40 and a learning is conducted in a non-linear calculation unit 32 in order to establish a corresponding relation between compositional ratios of multi-component materials and the like, and mechanical behaviors thereof as a conversion system based on a neural network. Compositional ratios and the like are inputted in an optimization item input unit 42, and a mechanical behaviors are predicted in an optimization calculation unit 34 from compositional ratios and the like of the multi-component materials using the optimization item and the conversion system of the calculation unit 32, and an objective function is optimized until the objective function, expressing the mechanical behaviors are converged.

Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.