Vehicle Patents (Class 703/8)
  • Publication number: 20150046133
    Abstract: A communication simulating system includes: a communication recording device that records, into a vehicle condition database, a vehicle condition including a step, a place and a vehicle stringed together, vehicle state information that has been input as communication content between a vehicle electric equipment system and a vehicle communication apparatus in a step performed at a predetermined place; a vehicle state information acquiring device that acquires vehicle state information from the vehicle condition database in accordance with a selected vehicle condition; a storage unit that stores communication definition files specifying the respective ones of the same processes as the communication processes executed by a plurality of ECUs included in the vehicle electric equipment system; and a communication control device that communicates with a vehicle communication apparatus in accordance with the communication process and the vehicle state information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Yosuke Morita, Katsunori Miyazawa, Yuki Harada, Yuichiro Ikeda, Akiei Satani
  • Publication number: 20150046138
    Abstract: A method comprising using at least one hardware processor for: providing a plurality of behavioral models of vehicular components; providing a plurality of simulated vehicular components; providing a model of interaction between at least some of said vehicular components; and generating a simulation test for said vehicular components by defining continuous behavioral functions for said plurality of behavioral models and for said plurality of simulated vehicular components, wherein each of said continuous behavioral functions comprises a superimposition of a finite number of continuous functions each having a finite number of parameters, and wherein at least some of said continuous behavioral functions interrelate in accordance with said model of interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Allon ADIR, Alex GORYACHEV, Tamer SALMAN, Gil SHUREK
  • Patent number: 8949094
    Abstract: An optimization wizard substantially automates the task of calculating thermal deflection analysis of a part. The optimization wizard requests a user to provide a mesh model representing the part and provide part definitions, such as the part's stiffness, expansion coefficient, etc. In addition, the wizard requests the user to provide boundary conditions by modifying normality of any elements in the mesh model and by fixing conditions of one or more nodes in all direction or in a one sliding direction. An initial and a final temperature may also be provided by the user. The optimization wizard receives the user inputs and generates an executable file describing the relationships and effects each input has on the part's deflection under the provided thermal conditions. The executable file is provided to a solver to determine the part's thermal deflection under the provided conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sanjib Nath, Lisa J. Feick
  • Patent number: 8949095
    Abstract: A method to improve design efficiency by reducing power plant complexity and engineering costs by minimizing power plant changes when installing into new powertrain groups. A three-dimensional grid is defined for the powertrain group with power plant and transmission zones to define projections for attaching selected components to a powertrain version. The zones correspond to matrices dividing each of a width, length, and height of a respective plant and of a transmission into specified proportions. A respective zone is designated for attaching each of the selected components within the group. Each powertrain version is designed to place each selected component for a powertrain version within a predetermined tolerance margin of its respective designated zone. The grid organization is also applied to placement of components and placement of the powertrain itself within the underhood environment of a vehicle, a vehicle platform, or a group of vehicle models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney L. Lopez, Deepak B. Chhaya, Michael A. Scheuer, Chris P. Roxin, John A. Norcutt
  • Patent number: 8942868
    Abstract: A train system that includes a plurality of train units including a first train unit and second train unit coupled together. Each first and second train unit includes a controller configured to detect a change in train configuration of the train units, and comprising a plurality of inputs; train integrity signal lines spanning each train unit and coupled with the controller at the plurality of inputs and configured to transmit signals between a front end and a rear end of the train system, the signals indicating a status of train integrity of the train system; and a plurality of relays in communication with the controller, and configured to indicate a coupling or non-coupling status of each train unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Thales Canada Inc
    Inventors: Abe Kanner, Ioan Farcasiu, Paul Dooyeweerd
  • Patent number: 8942964
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for simulating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and simulating an environment in which the UAV may be flying. A plurality of visual sensors, e.g., cameras, positioned on the UAV, may be simulated. A UAV simulator is configured to simulate the UAV and a graphical simulator is configured to simulate the environment. The UAV simulator may be configured to: estimate pitch, roll and/or groundspeed based, at least in part, on outputs from the visual sensors, determine a position and/or an orientation of the simulated UAV in the simulated environment based, at least in part, on the estimate(s) and provide the position and/or orientation to the graphical simulator. The graphical simulator may be configured to display the simulated UAV at the position and/or orientation in the simulated environment and/or to display the simulated camera view(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: George T. McWilliams, III, Kevin J. Alley, Christopher I. Mentzer
  • Patent number: 8942965
    Abstract: System and method for using forecast ocean currents to improve the prediction of an underwater vessel's trajectory as compared to using a simple dead reckoned path determined by vessel commanded heading and speed through the water. System and method include a motion model specific to underwater gliders that incorporates 4d forecast currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian S. Bourgeois, Samantha J. Zambo
  • Publication number: 20150019187
    Abstract: A failure-effect validation system includes an effects modeler configured to develop a cumulative effects model for failure modes of the complex system, and by which a model of the complex system is extendible to form an extended complex-system model. The effects modeler is also configured to develop search targets each of which includes logical expressions of notable hazards and other factors that contribute to the cumulative effects, such as crew workload, safety margin and/or physiological effects. A model analysis system is configured to perform an automated analysis using the extended complex-system model and search targets, and in which the automated analysis includes a graph search of possible states of the extended complex-system model to locate search targets. And the effects assessment system is configured to selectively generate a layout of failure analysis data including at least a portion of the extended complex-system model and results of the automated analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David H. Jones, Tyler J. Petri, Daniel J. Fogarty, Chad R. Douglas, Roger Nicholson, Lars Fucke, Stephen Sweeney, Ricardo M. Fricks
  • Patent number: 8935174
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are present for analyzing voyage efficiency. Historical data for a completed voyage of a ship is obtained. A baseline voyage solution for a completed voyage is generated with a software application executing on a processor unit using a model of the ship and the historical data. The baseline voyage solution is compared to an actual voyage solution used for the completed voyage to form a comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Philip J. Ballou, John R. Murk
  • Publication number: 20150007666
    Abstract: A method of monitoring usage of a component of an aircraft can include: monitoring a usage of the component by using a torque measurement system to calculate torque events in a time period; categorizing the usage of the component by assigning a usage value based upon whether the number of torque events in the period of time is above or below a threshold; and determining a life used of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Tucker, Tom Wood, Robert Wardlaw, Bang Nguyen, Allen Altman
  • Patent number: 8930173
    Abstract: A vehicle behavior estimation device includes: a storage unit configured to store a restriction condition at a point of a vehicle for which behavior is estimated; vehicle state data that includes position information and speed information of the vehicle; behavior parameters that include speed information and acceleration information of the vehicle; and physical restriction conditions that include an upper limit and a lower limit of the acceleration information; and a processor configured to obtain the vehicle state data by using the restriction condition at the point; calculate behavior parameters of a vehicle model that satisfy a physical restriction condition from the vehicle state data and the restriction condition at the point; update the vehicle state data of the vehicle model based on the behavior parameters; and repeat processing to calculate behavior parameters by using the updated vehicle state data and to update the vehicle state data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takuro Ikeda, Eiji Kitagawa
  • Publication number: 20150006130
    Abstract: A method for simulating a movement Track of a vehicle for a vehicle using a handheld device requires a first senor and a second sensor. The method detects three-axis acceleration variations of the vehicle using the first sensor when the vehicle is moving. When at least one of the detected three-axis acceleration variations is greater than a preset threshold, a movement speed of the vehicle is detected using a position system and three-axis angle variations are detected using the second sensor. The method further stores the detected movement speeds and detected three-axis angle variations as vehicle data into a storage device. When the vehicle stops moving, the method stops storing the detected movement speeds and detected three-axis angle variations when and simulate a movement Track according the vehicle data stored in the storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: CHIH-YUAH TSAI
  • Patent number: 8924073
    Abstract: A Portable Maintenance Aid (PMA) having multiple applications for the electrical testing and data acquisition for various air/ground vehicle platforms is disclosed. The PMA includes an interface adapter that has a number of electrical testing interfaces and data collection ports in addition to a stray voltage detector. The portable testing aid also includes a user interface that transmits data to the interface adapter and a display that communicates the testing and maintenance information to the user. The portable testing aid also includes a communication system for transferring information between the user interface, the display, and the interface adapter. The PMA provides a preload tester/stray voltage tester that is sustainable, less replaceable and has capability of filling the test voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Marino, Dennis D. Duke, Roy A. Stott, Paul L. Tran, Danny C. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20140372093
    Abstract: An aircraft design apparatus calculates aircraft specifications, which are aircraft specifications, based on a plurality of design parameters required to design an aircraft; judges whether or not the calculated aircraft specifications meet constraints that indicate the aircraft feasibility and that are set in advance and given optimizing conditions for optimizing the aircraft; changes the design parameters so that the calculated aircraft specifications meet the constraints and also meet the optimizing conditions; and executes iterative processing in which the aircraft specifications are repeatedly calculated based on the changed design parameters. By doing so, with the aircraft design apparatus, it is possible to achieve a more optimal aircraft design and it is also possible to reduce the time and effort required to design an aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hikaru Takami, Kensuke Sakaki, Jiro Hatsuda
  • Patent number: 8909507
    Abstract: Predicted environment conditions are received for time steps within a prediction horizon N. Information is accessed regarding expected system responses generated by a system model, each expected system response related to a different combination of control parameters and starting environment conditions applied to the model. An optimal response is designated for each combination of starting environment conditions for each time step from time step N?1 to the current time step based in part on the expected system response and the predicted environment conditions, each optimal response in a time step based at least in part on an optimal response determined for a later time step. For the current time step, for starting environment conditions substantially similar to the current environment conditions, the combination of control parameters that results in the system response designated as the optimal response is determined from the expected system responses and is applied to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vasilios Tsourapas, Chinmaya B. Patil
  • Patent number: 8903692
    Abstract: A method for the detection of failure in a turbomachine by monitoring the performance of the turbomachine is provided. The method includes measuring at least one performance parameter of the turbomachine in order to obtain an actual signature for the performance of the turbomachine; comparing the actual signature of the turbomachine with a database of failures associating reference signatures for the performance of the turbomachine with identifiers of failure, the database of failures being obtained by the simulation of failures on the basis of a theoretical model of the thermodynamic cycle of the turbomachine; and determining the identifier of failure of the turbomachine for the actual signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Stanislas Callot, Benoit Beaupel
  • Patent number: 8898040
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating differential or difference equations that can govern a nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying dynamic process or system. The methods and systems for estimating the equations may be based upon estimations of observed outputs and, when desired, input data for the equations. The methods and systems can be utilized with any system or process that may be capable of being described with nonlinear, time-varying and parameter-varying difference equations and can used for automated extraction of the difference equations in describing detailed system or method behavior for use in system control, fault detection, state estimation and prediction and adaptation of the same to changes in a system or method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Adaptics, Inc.
    Inventor: Wallace E. Larimore
  • Patent number: 8898042
    Abstract: Systems and methods of selecting sampling points (product designs) in a multi-objective engineering design optimization of a product are disclosed. The method comprises (a) receiving a description of the product to be optimized, (b) selecting an initial set of sampling points in a design variable space of the product, (c) obtaining numerically-simulated structural responses of each of the current set, (d) deriving a set of approximate POPs from optimization using metamodels constructed from numerically-simulated structural responses, (e) establishing subregions around POF kernels that are selected from approximate POPs using “Piercing” procedure, (f) creating a set of Diversity Basis Points by populating the subregions with a space filling criterion, (g) selecting another set of sampling points from a combined group of the Diversity Basis Points and POF kernels using “Piercing” procedure, (h) reducing the subregion size, and (i) repeating (c)-(h) until a termination condition has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Livermore Software Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Nielen Stander
  • Publication number: 20140343912
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing customized fuel economy ratings. The method includes collecting customer drive cycle information from a first vehicle operated by a customer and simulating an operation of a second vehicle based on the customer drive cycle information. Based on the simulating, the method includes calculating the customized fuel economy rating of the second vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Trevor J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20140343902
    Abstract: A finite element analysis (FEA) model of a vehicle and a rigid wall definition are received. The FEA model comprises a number of nodes connected by finite elements that are organized in groups. The rigid wall comprises one or more segments each corresponding to a load cell installed thereon. A list of groups that are desired to have a detailed rigid wall force (RWF) summary is defined by user. A contribution weighting factor is calculated for each node in the FEA model. A time-marching simulation of the vehicle colliding with the rigid wall is conducted. At each solution cycle, a nodal force contribution is calculated for each node according to node type. The calculated nodal force contribution modified with the contribution weighting factor is accumulated in the detail RWF summary under respective groups and segments. A full detailed RWF summary is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: John O. Hallquist
  • Patent number: 8880380
    Abstract: Crashworthiness designing of a structure using a Hybrid Cellular Automata (HCA) algorithm where field states are computed using finite element analysis (FEA) and the material distribution of the structure is updated at each iteration using cellular automata method. The HCA algorithm optimizes the topology of the structures to achieve certain performance within the limits of various constraints applied to ensure crashworthiness of the structures. The HCA algorithm may also be applied to designing of structures to be fabricated by an extrusion method having the same cross section along the direction of extrusion or stamped structures having thickness varying across the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., The University of Notre Dame Du Lac
    Inventors: Kishore K. Pydimarry, Duane T. Detwiler, John E. Renaud, Neal M. Patel, Byungsoo Kang, Chandan K. Mozumder
  • Patent number: 8876534
    Abstract: A method for pilot situational awareness comprises calculating a location; providing terrain data for the calculated location; processing the terrain data and positioning a light source generally proximal to a view point of a pilot data to generate a synthetic image, the synthetic image representing an appearance of the terrain data illuminated by an appearance of the light source positioned generally proximal to the view point of the pilot; and displaying the synthetic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Frank, Radu E. Denghel
  • Patent number: 8862449
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the design and execution of an aerospace or aeronautic system are provided. The aerospace or aeronautic system may incorporate planetary environment models and models of equations of motion. The planetary environment models mathematically represent planetary environment specifications, such as atmosphere and wind. Atmosphere models include standard day atmosphere models and non-standard day atmosphere models, and wind models include continuous wind turbulence models and discrete wind turbulence models. The models of equations of motion include models of three-degree-of-freedom equations of motion with variable mass and models for six-degree-of-freedom equations of motion with variable mass. As a result, the present invention can design and execute a target system more accurately than the conventional system that provides only standard day planetary environment models, continuous wind turbulence models, or fixed mass equations of motion models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacey Gage
  • Patent number: 8850798
    Abstract: A regeneration system for a filter that filters exhaust gas of an engine includes a soot loading determination module that determines soot accumulation in the filter. A regeneration control module receives the determined soot accumulation from the soot loading determination module, compares the soot accumulation to a first soot accumulation threshold, and selectively increases oxidation levels in the exhaust gas in response to the comparison between the soot accumulation and the first soot accumulation threshold to initiate regeneration in the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: David B. Brown, Stuart R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8849625
    Abstract: A simulator used in a distributed process simulation includes: a storage unit configured to store map information, agent information, and area allocation information; a simulation execution unit; a condition determination unit configured to determine the condition of the reference agent to be referenced by the simulation execution unit based on a movement state of the agent; an allocation discrimination unit configured to discriminate another computer allocated an area in which the reference agent corresponding to the condition can be located; and an agent information acquisition unit configured to acquire the information about the agent satisfying the condition of the reference agent from the other discriminated computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Takuro Ikeda, Eiji Kitagawa, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 8849636
    Abstract: An arrangement for verifying a real model by using a virtual model is provided. The arrangement comprises a real model which has a real coordinate system, a virtual model which has a virtual coordinate system, a first position determination element, which is applied in/on the real model in a defined manner, and a real tool element, which is arranged in the real model. A position and/or orientation of the real tool element in the real model can be determined relative to the first position determination element. An operation of the real tool element can be triggered in the real model, and the operation of the real tool element can be imaged in the virtual model. The operation of the real tool element in the real model and the imaged operation in the virtual model can be logically or functionally assigned to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Becker, Holger Schmidt, Ilke Oencue Calis
  • Publication number: 20140278313
    Abstract: A method is provided for performing a simulation on an aircraft. The method includes: receiving, at an onboard maintenance computer (OMC) a simulation script that includes one or more steps for adjusting at least one parameter of the aircraft; processing, by the OMC, the simulation script to determine simulation data; and sending the simulation data from the OMC to one or more signal producer member systems of the aircraft to adjust the at least one parameter of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David Michael Kolbet, Kevin Marshall, Daniel Lutz, Charles Yager
  • Patent number: 8834163
    Abstract: A network connects stations in a distributed physics based simulation system. When the simulation detects that a weapon, especially a missile or directed energy beam, is engaging a target vehicle, one physics station determines damage status of the target vehicle. The detonation or strike of the weapon is applied to a model of the vehicle composed of pieces each made up of a number of parts. Where the damage to a piece of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the piece is removed from the vehicle, and where a predetermined maximum damage is reached for the vehicle, the vehicle is considered destroyed. The damage assessment from the weapon is made using raytracing in a physics engine that is also used to control movement of virtual objects in the simulation according to rules of physics of the physics engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Eytan Pollak, Jack Charles Wells, II, Merrill Lay
  • Patent number: 8838357
    Abstract: Disclosed is a braking force distribution control device for a vehicle which has a braking apparatus capable of individually controlling braking forces of the wheels as required. Front or rear wheels having higher braking force sharing rate being referred to control reference wheels and the front or rear wheels having lower braking force sharing rate are referred to control object wheels. A difference value between braking slip index values of the left and right wheels of said control object wheels is referred to a reference difference value. A braking force distribution control is executed on the control object wheels so that the magnitude relationship in wheel speeds of the left and right wheels of the control object wheels is converse to that of the left and right wheels of the control reference wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8838424
    Abstract: A device for synthesizing an electrical and electronic architecture (100) of a complete product (1) that is to satisfy given requirements. The device has first means (10) for representing said product to subdivide the product into a plurality of zones and to reserve a network of pathways allocated to said wired connections, second means (20) for drawing up a list of equipment (60) to be installed in said product (1), said list comprising, for each piece of equipment (60), the zones in which the equipment may be arranged, third means (500) for drawing up at least one functional scheme, including information relating to the wired connections (80) leaving the equipment (60) and to their destinations, fourth means (30) for placing each piece of equipment (60) in a zone (14) and for routing and fifth means (40) for evaluating said architecture (100) to determine whether it is compatible with said requirements, and to store the architecture and the evaluation in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Nicolas Brule, Jean-Marc Bathellier
  • Patent number: 8831793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving vehicle survivability. In some embodiments, an evaluation model may be built based at least in part on mission information. The mission information may comprise vehicle information regarding at least one vehicle and threat information regarding a plurality of threats to the at least one vehicle. The evaluation model may be used to assign a numerical measure to each potential action of a plurality of potential actions for the at least one vehicle, where the numerical measure may be based on measures of signature exposure relating to multiple threats of the plurality of threats. A sequence of actions to be executed by the at least one vehicle may be selected based at least in part on the respective numerical measures assigned to the plurality of potential actions, to improve the at least one vehicle's survivability against the plurality of threats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Carl R. Herman
  • Patent number: 8831913
    Abstract: A method of design optimization, the method comprising producing a first computer model of a first geometry, producing a CFD mesh from the first computer model, using the CFD mesh from the first computer to produce a measure of the fluid dynamic performance of the first geometry, producing a new computer model of a new geometry, producing a CFD mesh from the new computer model, using the CFD mesh to produce a measure of the fluid dynamic performance of the new geometry, and “identifying an optimal geometry using the fluid dynamic performance measurements of the first and new geometries previously produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations Limited
    Inventors: Carren Holden, Adam Nurdin, Neil W. Bressloff, Andrew K. Keane
  • Patent number: 8831922
    Abstract: The failure sign detection apparatus includes an abnormality detector to make a comparison between a failure detection parameter of a vehicle device mounted on a vehicle and a predetermined abnormality detection threshold, and make a determination whether there is an abnormality in the vehicle device based on a result of the comparison, a failure sign evaluation index calculator to calculate a failure sign evaluation index for evaluating a sign of failure of the vehicle device based on an abnormality duration period over which the detected abnormality continues and a parameter threshold difference indicative of a difference between the abnormality detection threshold and the failure detection parameter, and a failure sign detector to detect a sign of failure of the vehicle device based on the failure sign evaluation index calculated by the failure sign evaluation index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadaaki Sakakibara, Hirokazu Watanabe, Yoshio Nakagaki, Kenji Fukuta
  • Patent number: 8825460
    Abstract: In order to be able to simulate a development system of a complex development environment, such as a test bench environment for motor, drive train, transmission, vehicle component, or vehicle development, utilizing an automation device and development tools in a continuous and reproducible manner, device models (7) generating development data (23) run in a simulation device (6), wherein the device models (7) at least partially process simulation data (24) from a test model (20), and a number of real development tools (5) are connected to an automation device (4) and/or to the simulation device (6) via real interfaces, and development tools (5) process the development data (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Avl List GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Walenta, Martin Klöckl, Manfred Krainz
  • Patent number: 8798975
    Abstract: The invention provides a computer-implemented method and system intended for designing an assembly of a plurality of objects. The assembly is modeled by a directed acyclic modeling graph having nodes and arcs. Each node represents an object of the assembly. Each arc represents the use of an end node by an origin node. At least one arc is uniquely identified by an identifier. The assembly is further modeled by at least one relation having at least one tuple containing a first chain of at least one identifier. The method comprises determining at least one mapping between the first chain and a second chain of at least one identifier as well as substituting at least one occurrence of the first chain in the tuple of the relation with the second chain. The invention provides a means to repair broken tuples automatically and thus to facilitate design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Dassault Systemes
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Rameau, Laurent Alt
  • Publication number: 20140207434
    Abstract: A method includes: indicating a first and second virtual models selected by a user; and generating a list including: a first set of names of object blocks that are in the first virtual model but that are not in the second virtual model; and a second set of names of object blocks that are in the second virtual model but that are not in the first virtual model. The method further includes: selectively displaying the first and second sets of names on a display; and, in response to user input to merge object blocks from the first virtual model to the second virtual model: copying the object blocks from the first virtual model to the second virtual model; and connecting the object blocks in the second virtual model based on connections between the object blocks in the first virtual model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ritesh Goyal, Onassis Matthews
  • Patent number: 8788250
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes the use of grids composed solely or in part of a set of contiguous cells having six or more principal flow directions within a single layer is disclosed for use in numerical simulation. The grids are particularly well-adapted for use in modeling flow in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs where fingering or channeling is experienced. Methods of constructing a bisected periodic grid and a substantially constant width radial grid in connection with the present disclosure are also provided. The problem of grid orientation effects is lessened by providing grids with an increased number of principal flow directions, typically six or more. The improved grids may be used in many preexisting simulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Adam S. Coutee
  • Publication number: 20140200872
    Abstract: An aspect of an online learning system includes collecting data, via a computer processing device, from a plurality of data sources including multiple disparate detectors, the data including at least one of historical alarm data, failures, maintenance records, and environment observations. The data is stored in tables each corresponding to a subject of measurement. The online learning system also includes identifying common fields shared across the tables, merging at least a portion of the data across the tables having the common fields, and creating an integrated data model based on results of the merging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dongping Fang, Arun Hampapur, Qing He, Hongfei Li, Zhiguo Li, Dhaivat P. Parikh, Buyue Qian
  • Publication number: 20140200873
    Abstract: An aspect of an online learning system includes collecting data, via a computer processing device, from a plurality of data sources including multiple disparate detectors, the data including at least one of historical alarm data, failures, maintenance records, and environment observations. The data is stored in tables each corresponding to a subject of measurement. The online learning system also includes identifying common fields shared across the tables, merging at least a portion of the data across the tables having the common fields, and creating an integrated data model based on results of the merging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dongping Fang, Arun Hampapur, Qing He, Hongfei Li, Zhiguo Li, Dhaivat P. Parikh, Buyue Qian
  • Publication number: 20140195214
    Abstract: Automatic driver modeling is used to integrate human-controlled vehicles into an autonomous vehicle network. A driver of a human-controlled vehicle is identified based on behavior patterns of the driver measured by one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle. A model of the driver is generated based on the behavior patterns of the driver measured by the one or more sensors of the autonomous vehicle. Previously stored behavior patterns of the driver are then retrieved from a database to augment the model of the driver. The model of the driver is then transmitted from the autonomous vehicle to nearby vehicles with autonomous interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Timothy M. Lynar, Cristian Vecchiola
  • Publication number: 20140195213
    Abstract: Automatic driver modeling is used to integrate human-controlled vehicles into an autonomous vehicle network. A driver of a human-controlled vehicle is identified based on behavior patterns of the driver measured by one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle. A model of the driver is generated based on the behavior patterns of the driver measured by the one or more sensors of the autonomous vehicle. Previously stored behavior patterns of the driver are then retrieved from a database to augment the model of the driver. The model of the driver is then transmitted from the autonomous vehicle to nearby vehicles with autonomous interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Timothy M. Lynar, Cristian Vecchiola
  • Patent number: 8768656
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Certusoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Sermet Yucel, M. Germana Paterlini, Samuel E. Martin, William D. Headrick
  • Patent number: 8762116
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a temperature of a motor of a vehicle having an ignition when the ignition is turned on following a period of time in which the ignition had been turned off. An amount of time for which the vehicle had been turned off is determined. A motor temperature model is run using a time step to simulate the amount of time for which the vehicle had been turned off to determine an initial value of the temperature of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chia-Chou Yeh, Steven E. Schulz, Daniel J. Berry
  • Publication number: 20140172397
    Abstract: A system includes a simulator device having a computing device having a computer processor and a computer readable medium. The simulator device further includes a communication port configured for communicating with an emissions inspection tool. The simulator device also has a database associated with the computing device and including multiple vehicle profiles, wherein individual ones of the multiple vehicle profiles include a plurality of Engine Control Units (ECUs), and wherein individual ones of the plurality of ECUs are configured to simulate a plurality of Parameter IDs (PIDs) and corresponding response codes. The individual ones of the multiple vehicle profiles are independently selectable for providing at least one PID response code to the vehicle inspection tool. The computing device is configured to perform a vehicle simulation for auditing a vehicle inspection tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 8751203
    Abstract: A distributed simulation system is composed of simulator stations linked over a network that each renders real-time video imagery for its user from scene data stored in its data storage. The simulation stations are each connected with a physics farm that manages the virtual objects in the shared virtual environment based on their physical attribute data using physics engines, including an engine at each simulation station. The physics engines of the physics farm are assigned virtual objects so as to reduce the effects of latency, to ensure fair fight requirements of the system, and, where the simulation is of a vehicle, to accurately model the ownship of the user at the station. A synchronizer system is also provided that allows for action of simulated entities relying on localized closed loop controls to cause the entities to meet specific goal points at specified system time points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: L—3 Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Falash, Eytan Pollak, Yushan Chen, Jon Williams
  • Patent number: 8751051
    Abstract: A switch control system for controlling an electrically conductive fluid supply to a tank, includes a detection circuit, a gate circuit, a control circuit and a switch circuit. The detection circuit detects a fluid level in the tank and outputs a voltage level signal. The gate circuit receives the voltage level signal and outputs control signals accordingly. The control circuit receives the control signals and outputs a first voltage and a second voltage accordingly. The switch circuit receives the first voltage and the second voltage and turns on and turns off the electrically conductive fluid supply to the tank in accordance with the first voltage and the second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiang Yu, Xiao-Yong Ma, Qi Chen
  • Patent number: 8744823
    Abstract: A method for creating, from a first axisymmetrical surface, a second surface belonging to a sub-system of a complex system, in which the second surface observes at least one constraint, is disclosed. The method includes: modeling the first axisymmetrical surface, while observing the constraints with at least one parameter, the modeling step including a sub-step for discretizing the first axisymmetrical surface in several points, the parameter being a coordinate of one of these points in a reference system associated with at least one portion of this sub-system, and a sub-step for reconstructing the first axisymmetrical surface from the at least one point and from the at least one constraint; modifying the at least one parameter in the reference system for modeling the second surface; and recording the second surface in a memory of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventor: Delphine Sautreau
  • Patent number: 8739049
    Abstract: A vehicle simulation system includes a compiler module, a parser module, a wrapper module, a modeling module, and a simulation module. The compiler module generates object code that is compatible with a first type of operating system based on source code that is executable by a vehicle control module and that is compatible with a second type of operating system. The parser module generates a definitions file and an extensible markup language (XML) file based on the source code and the object code. The wrapper module generates a library file based on the object code and the definitions file. The modeling module generates model-based source code for a virtual model based on the XML file and a user configuration of the virtual model. The simulation module simulates operation of a plant of a vehicle with the virtual model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Michael A. Kropinski, Minghui Kao, Gary Ferries, Hamid M. Esfahan, Wen-Chuan Lin, Michael A. Steele, Onassis Matthews
  • Patent number: 8738164
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically generating an optimal configuration of a product, using logic implemented on a digital computer processing system. A general configuration will be broken down into a hierarchy of subdesigns by a designer of an artifact type. A particular instance of the type must satisfy user-specified external parametric constraints. Constraints may take the form of a range of values for some performance characteristic or to satisfy laws or business requirements. Hierarchical decomposition facilitates solution of complex problems. Criteria for a best solution may be specified for a given subdesign, a collection of subdesigns, or globally. Tentative selection of a particular subdesign may impose internally generated constraints upon a subsequent subdesign. If no acceptable solution is found for a subdesign, the candidate overall configuration rolls back to the most complete viable partial collection of subdesigns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Certusoft, Inc.
    Inventors: Sermet Yucel, M. Germana Paterlini, Samuel E. Martin, William D. Headrick
  • Patent number: 8731868
    Abstract: A method (200) for the characterization of vibrational and/or acoustic transfer path related data of a physical system (100) where vibration or acoustics may play a role. The method (200) has a step of receiving (210) input data for at least one input point of the physical system and/or response data for at least one response point of the physical system (100). The method (200) further has a step of receiving (220) at least one system response function between the at least one input point and the at least one response point indicative of the transfer of vibration and/or acoustic signals. The method (200) also has a step of applying (230) at least one parametric model characterising at least one load on the physical system as a function of the input data, where the parametric models are identified from the input data and/or response data and the physical system response functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: LMS International NV
    Inventors: Karl Hans Bert Janssens, Peter Paul Germain Mas, Peter Akos Gajdatsy, Herman Van Der Auweraer, Ludo Jean Pierre Gielen