Abstract: The method and system for aiding in the design of an automotive vehicle enables dynamic placement of particle injection points into a flow domain to permit visual observation and alteration of resulting particle trajectories with respect to a computer aided design model representative of the vehicle. Various particle trajectories, representing windshield washer spray, water droplets along the vehicle surface, and the like can be simulated relative to the vehicle surface with or without the influence of a flow field around the vehicle surface to evaluate a vehicle design, compare alternate designs and compare results from physical aerodynamic tests to predicted results.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle active suspension system having a plurality of actuatable hydraulic motors, each corner having a motor connecting the sprung mass with its associated unsprung mass. Each motor has an associated spool valve for connecting either of two expandable fluid chambers of said motor to a pump or reservoir. Each corner has an associated force sensor for sensing the force value between its associated unsprung mass and the sprung mass. An analog, closed force loop control circuit provides a valve control signal having a value functionally related to the difference between a sensed force value and a desired force value for a selected corner. The closed loop control circuit includes a variable gain amplifier for controlling the value of the valve control signal as a function of the frequency of variations in the difference between the sensed force value and the desired force value on the selected corner.

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: An apparatus (20) to simulate the behavior of vehicle occupant and safety systems in a rollover accident, comprising: a frame (30) adapted to receive a portion of a vehicle to be tested or test buck (40), the frame being articulated, about a pivot (36), to enable it to rotate a predetermined amount; forcing device (24;72) for causing the frame, and test buck, to rotate.

Abstract: A method of dynamic durability analysis and fatigue area identification using modal techniques for a structure includes the steps of simulating a finite element model of the structure to determine modal stresses and modal displacements for an element of the structure and performing a modal transient analysis using the modal displacements. The method also includes the steps of determining a stress bound for the element from the modal stresses and modal transient analysis, determining if a stress bound for the element is greater than a predetermined value and identifying the element as a critical element if the stress bound for the element is greater than the predetermined value. The method further includes the steps of determining a stress time history for the critical element and using the stress time history to perform a fatigue analysis to identify an area of fatigue within the structure.

Abstract: A tire for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a ground contacting tread having at least one tread groove formed therein and extending axially from the tread center to the tread edge, wherein in a first region of the tire tread, which is the central tread region and is the region of contact between the tire and the ground when the motorcycle is in the condition of moving in a straight line, the alignment of the tread groove is substantially circumferential, and in a second region of the tire tread, which is at the axial edge of the tread and is the region of contact when the motorcycle is in the condition of turning under maximum cornering, the alignment of the tread grooves is substantially transverse, and in a third region, which is the tread region between the first central region and the second axial region and which is the ground contacting region when the motorcycle is turning at less than the maximum cornering condition, the groove alignment changes progressively axially outwardly from substantially circu

Abstract: A circuit configuration for controlling a major number of consumers (5) such as the electromagnetically operable multi-directional valves of an anti-lock control system (MWV1-MWVn) comprises a control unit (2, 3) whose output signals can be fed to the consumers (5) via amplifier stages (4). The individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are designed as so-called “intelligent power drivers” and essentially consist of a power amplifier (18) with integrated electronic controls and monitors. The control unit (2, 3) and the amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) are interconnected to form a closed loop or chain. Data transfer is performed from a synchronous serial interface of the control unit (2, 3), via the individual amplifier stages (4; VS1-VSn) and back to a serial entry of the control unit (2, 3).

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A method for conducting a computerized simulation of a collision between at least two objects. The method includes creating a representation of each of the objects. Each representation is typically is a mesh of nodes and surface elements. The method also typically includes colliding the representations of the objects such that the representations contact each other, and at least a first representation experiences a respective deformation at each of a plurality of contact points. In addition the method typically includes, for at least a subset of the plurality of contact points, computing a respective local collision force associated with the deformation at such contact points, and calculating a resultant generalized collision force acting at a predetermined point associated with the first representation based on the local collision forces. Typically, the respective local collision force is related to a distance the region of the representation is deformed by a deformation relationship.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a units designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A method for simulating control functions of a control device, in which a control program code for execution of control functions is stored in a first memory area of a memory belonging to the control device, the control program code including one or more control program code modules for the control functions, and containing at least one switching device for switching over from a control program code module SPCM to a simulation program code module. At least one simulation program code module for one or more test control functions is made available in a second memory area of the memory. The switching devices switch over from the control program code module to a pertinent simulation program code module stored in the second memory area. The control program code is then processed, the simulation program code module being executed, via the switched-over switching device, instead of the control program code module.

Abstract: A method for designing an aircraft to ground communications system identifies a plurality of unique functions in the communications system. The components, hardware and software, necessary to implement each of the plurality of unique functions are isolated such that the components for implementing a specific function are partitioned to allow independent testing and certification of the hardware and software components for each unique function.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and computer program for determining possible configurations of a racing vehicle Four-Link assembly. A user of the computer program is prompted for measurements of the Four-Link assembly bracket apertures relative to the garage floor. The measurements are entered into the computer program to produce reference points for the vehicle. The computer program then permits a calculation of lines comprised of the relevant Four-Link assembly bracket apertures and an interpolation of points on each line representing a possible Four-Link configuration. The computer program then renders either a video display and/or a printout of the possible Four-Link configurations and the intersect points of the lines created by the interpolated lines representing Four-Link configurations.

Abstract: A suspension control system for an automotive vehicle is provided. This suspension control system comprises front and rear variable damping force shock absorbers and a control unit which controls the shock absorbers to assume damping force characteristics in a range between preselected higher and lower damping coefficients. The control unit controls the front and rear shock absorbers in a manner wherein the damping force characteristics of the front shock absorber in an extension stroke and of the rear shock absorber in a compression stroke are modified to the higher damping coefficients respectively when vehicle speed is substantially zero.

Abstract: A computer based system and method orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors reach study is electronically performed to determine occupant reach with respect to the at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the vehicle, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or any combination thereof, so that the design meets the reach criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the reach criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle based on occupant vision orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors vision study is electronically performed to determine occupant vision with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined vision criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the vision criteria.

Abstract: Enhanced realism of a real-time simulator having multiple computer-controlled units results from making the units capable of reacting to only those other units that each of them can be aware of because of their spatial relationships to the unit. Awareness is based upon probabilities; it can persist after a relationship changes; and it can be influenced by a unit's designation of a target. Each unit selects a target based upon a score incorporating multiple aspects of its tactical situation, and can change targets when the situation changes. A unit selects a strategy in response to which of a set of tactical configurations exist between the unit and its target; the strategy can change short of completion when the configuration changes. A plan produces guidance commands from the high-level strategy. The guidance commands are converted into control settings for guiding the subject unit using a physics engine for simulating the physical dynamics of the unit.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the criteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modeling interactions between bodies. The method comprises representing two bodies undergoing translations and rotations by two hierarchical swept volume representations. Interactions such as nearest approach and collision can be modeled based on the swept body representations. The present invention can serve as a practical tool in motion planning, CAD systems, simulation systems, safety analysis, and applications that require modeling time-based interactions. A body can be represented in the present invention by a union of convex polygons and convex polyhedra. As used generally herein, polyhedron includes polygon, and polyhedra includes polygons.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors reflection study is electronically performed to determine occupant reflection reception with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined reflection criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the reflection criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors occupant-to-vehicle interaction study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined interaction criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the interaction criteria.

Abstract: A computer based system and method for designing an automotive vehicle orients an occupant representation, in electronic form, with respect to a three-dimensional electronic representation of a portion of the vehicle. At least one vehicle system is represented, also in electronic form, with respect to a common reference point, at least one human factors study is electronically performed to determine occupant interaction with at least one vehicle system, and an outcome of that study is reported to a vehicle designer. The designer then has an option to vary, or alter, the occupant orientation, the location of the vehicle system, or both, so that the design meets a predetermined criteria of the study. However, the designer may opt to retain the design despite non-compliance with the criteria.

Abstract: The invention provides first signals (w.sub.z, a.sub.L, a.sub.Q, a.sub.V1, a.sub.V2, a.sub.V3) representing the vehicle movements relative to an inertial reference system (K.sub.I) for use in a chassis regulation and/or control system in a vehicle. Based on the first signals, correction values (beta.sub.S, beta.sub.S ', beta.sub.S ", alpha.sub.S, alpha.sub.S ", psi.sub.S ', psi.sub.S ") for correction of the first signals are determined in such a way that vehicle movements relative to a road surface-fixed reference system (K.sub.S) are inferred from corrected first signals (S.sub.cor i). The invention has the advantage that the inertial sensor signals disturbed by road surface inclinations are projected into the road surface plane, obtaining signals which represent the vehicle movement relative to the road surface.

Abstract: A method for designing pneumatic tires for rolling conditions employs a finite element tire model configured by an operator. A first set of variables is applied to the tire model and steady state footprint conditions resulting from such application of the variables to the tire model are compared against predetermined footprint constraints to determine if the steady state footprint conditions and the footprint constraints have converged. If they have not, the set of control variables is incremented and the comparison is undertaken again until the steady state footprint conditions in the footprint constraints have converged. The concept of the invention is presented with particular application to a determination of the abrasion energy dissipation or wear potential, cornering stiffness, and residual aligning torque.

Abstract: Damped structures with isolators such as, for example, total vehicles, are analyzed and automatically optimized using a model representing the structure, the model possibly consisting of both rigid and flexible components, together with initial values for isolator design variables, a set of design constraints, and an optimization criterion. Each isolator may have frequency dependent or frequency independent parameters. Excitations may come from a combination of internal and external sources that may be expressed as deterministic or random functions. Finite element modeling is used to determine eigenvectors of flexible finite element components. A total system model is obtained using the rigid component parameters, eigenvectors of flexible components, and spring-damping parameters of isolators. Vibration analysis using the total system model yields system frequency responses and an optimization function.

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.