Vehicle Patents (Class 703/8)
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Publication number: 20120130695Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Vasilios Tsourapas, Chinmaya B. Patil
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Publication number: 20120109610Abstract: A method predicts and quantifies the threat posed to a human-operated device based on an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor. A model of the device together with a model of anticipated hazards and the current state of both the device and the hazards are used to iteratively generate an optimal device trajectory through a constraint-bounded corridor or region within state space. Device dynamics are forward-simulated over a time horizon. A method generates a threat assessment metric from the resulting sequence of optimal vehicle states. This threat assessment may be used to devise various types and levels of operator assistance. The human operator can control the device within a safe corridor or region. Threat assessment is based on the nearness of successive optimal trajectory predictions to limits of safe device handling rather than on deviation from a predefined path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Sterling J. Anderson, Steven C. Peters, Karl D. Iagnemma
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Publication number: 20120101793Abstract: The invention in particular has as an object aid in diagnosis of a system of an aircraft, comprising a plurality of sub-systems at least one of which comprises means for monitoring and notification of at least one detected event, using graphs of feared events. After a message of notification of occurrence of the said detected event has been received (500), a set of feared events linked to this message is created (510) from the said graph of feared events, and logic expressions—using as operands elements of the system coherent with the feared events of the said set—are constructed (515) according to the logic links represented in the said graph of feared events. A group of feared events then is created (520) according to elements of the said logic expressions. The minimal vertexes of the logic expressions associated with the feared events of the said group are calculated and form a diagnosis of the said system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicants: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.), Airbus (S.A.S.)Inventors: Vincent Cheriere, Christophe Abelin, Jeremy Roger, Laia Vilalta-Estrada
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Publication number: 20120101794Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for the residual analysis of a residuum to detect system errors in the system behaviour of an aircraft. The device for the residual analysis of a residuum comprises an apparatus to generate the residuum at least dependent on the reference variable and the system output variable, a comparator unit to provide an analytical result by comparing the residuum to a given threshold, a first unit to provide a constant threshold portion, a second unit to provide an adaptive threshold portion at least dependent on the reference value, which can change over time, and a third unit to provide the threshold by linking the constant threshold portion to the adaptive threshold portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Marcus GOJNY, Udo B. CARL, Helge SACHS
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Patent number: 8155940Abstract: A system and method for predicting fatigue life in metal alloys for very high cycle fatigue applications. The system and method are especially useful for cast metal alloys, such as cast aluminum alloys, where a fatigue endurance limit is either non-existent or hard to discern. Fatigue properties, such as fatigue strength in the very high cycle fatigue region, are based on a modified random fatigue limit model, where the very high cycle fatigue strength and infinite life fatigue strength are refined to take into consideration the sizes of the discontinuities and microstructure constituents since the fatigue life scatter depends upon the presence of discontinuities and microstructure constituents. The sizes of the discontinuities and microstructure constituents that can initiate fatigue cracks can be determined with extreme value statistics, then input to the modified random fatigue limit model.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Qigui Wang, Bob R. Powell, Jr., Peggy E. Jones, Cherng-Chi Chang
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Patent number: 8149237Abstract: An information processing apparatus according to the present invention deforms stored first mesh information of a three-dimensional object based on a deformation instruction for instructing deformation of the three-dimensional object, to acquire second mesh information, acquires a first slice information group, which is a plurality of slice information, based on the second mesh information, determines color information of the points after deformation from stored 3D voxel information, sets new color information for the points of the first slice information group based on the determined color information of the points to acquire a second slice information group, and displays that second slice information group. With this information processing apparatus, it is possible to render deformation in the shape of a three-dimensional object in real time, along with the color information of its surface and interior.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: National University Corporation Nara Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Megumi Nakao, Tomohiro Kuroda
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Patent number: 8145461Abstract: A method for verifying an inertial unit for a moving body, the unit being mounted on a movement simulator, and the method includes: theoretical modeling of the inertial unit on the movement simulator, supplying theoretical inertial data representing measurement inertial data deemed to be measured by the inertial unit; simulation modeling including modeling of the inertial unit in a real navigation environment, the simulation modeling being fed with control commands and supplying simulation inertial data representing output data from the inertial unit in real navigation environment; calculating control commands as a function of the measurement inertial data, the simulation inertial data, and the theoretical inertial data; and validating the inertial unit by comparing the path of the moving body with a reference path.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: MBDA FranceInventor: Laurent Bourzier
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Publication number: 20120053916Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing estimation of parameters for an aircraft simulator having a simulation model and covariance matrix. According to embodiments of the invention the method comprising providing a first estimation of predetermined parameters of the aircraft's maneuvers performance, performing maneuvers with the aircraft, collecting actual flight data over a time representing the maneuvers of the aircraft, dividing the actual flight data into segments with quasi-constant velocity, feeding recorded flight control data of each segment into the simulation model, comparing output from the simulation model with actual flight data to determine an error vector and updating the covariance matrix and the estimation of the desired parameters using the error vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventor: Aviv Tzidon
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Publication number: 20120041734Abstract: A system and method for collaborative building of a shared self-refining surrogate model for engineering simulations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes running a reduced order engineering simulation model on a complex system, and querying a shared self-refining surrogate model upon receiving a request for a higher order simulation for a reduced order simulated item. The method also includes estimating a required higher order simulation result having a desired confidence interval for the reduced order simulated item, and determining whether the required higher order simulation result having the desired confidence interval is in the shared self-refining surrogate model.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventor: Thierry Chevalier
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Publication number: 20120029893Abstract: A simulation system, method, and article of manufacture. A simulation system has a discrete and a continuous portion. The discrete portion further has a peripheral emulator in communication with the continuous portion of the simulation system. A portion of a peripheral emulator is separated and is caused to operate in a thread of a continuous system. The continuous system and the peripheral are in loose synchronization and therefore sparsely communicate with each other. The configuration significantly reduces the frequency of inter-thread communications between the continuous system and the discrete system that are performed in response to a continuous clock in a simulation system including the continuous system and the discrete system, thereby reducing communication cost. Accordingly, the operation speed of the simulation system can be increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hideaki Komatsu, Fimitomo Ohsawa, Shuichi Shimizu
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Patent number: 8104159Abstract: A method for manufacturing a belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in which multiple V blocks of a plurality of types having different thicknesses are attached to an endless body. The method includes forming a plurality of V block groups respectively having a different ratio of different types of V blocks; and forming a series of V blocks by attaching a plurality of V blocks to the endless belt to provide said plurality of V block groups. The V block groups have different ratios of the plurality of types of V blocks to provide a belt whose noise level is low and dispersed.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd, Cvtec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masashi Hattori, Katsumori Fujii, Ryo Nakamura, Hideki Makino, Yohei Ito
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Publication number: 20120010803Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for estimating a vehicle arrival time. The system receives information representing prior travel times of vehicles between pre-determined vehicle stops along a vehicle route. The system receives real-time data representing a current journey. The current journey refers to a movement of a vehicle currently traveling along the route. The system calculates a regular trend representing the current journey based on the received prior travel times information and the received real-time data. The system computes a deviation from the regular trend in the current journey. The system determines a future traffic status in subsequent vehicle stops in the current journey. The system estimates, for the vehicle, each arrival time of each subsequent vehicle stop based on the calculated regular trend, the computed deviation and the determined future traffic status.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Wanli Min, Laura Wynter
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Publication number: 20120010863Abstract: The invention relates to a simulator for simulating the stresses on a human body generated in the course of the movement of a vehicle, having a control element, a control unit, a display device of the surroundings and actuating elements. So that the full imitation of all physical inertia forces acting on the human body in the course of the various driving conditions is achieved, the invention provides that the control unit is connected with the actuating elements, and that the actuating elements are connected with the human body by means of an element (vest 8) directly acting on the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventor: ALEXEY BORISOVICH LUKYANOV
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Patent number: 8095394Abstract: A rich-media system allows a user to illustrate damage and request payment in accordance with an insurance policy or another arrangement. The rich-media system includes network servers that may operate and appear to remote client applications and remote computers as if the network servers were a single computer. A damage indicator tool resident to one of the network servers enables a remote user to visually illustrate damage to an item through a rich-media application. The damage indicator may support a relative pointing device and an absolute pointing device. An incident animator tool linked to the damage indicator tool in some rich media systems enables the remote user to visually recreate an event in a second rich media application. An optional scheduler linked to the incident animator tool and the damage indicator tool may enable the remote user to schedule an appointment to have the damage inspected or repaired.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Progressive Casualty Insurance CompanyInventors: Vikki Nowak, Brian Brylinksi
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Patent number: 8090561Abstract: A system and method are provided for visually simulating physical installation of a virtual wheel portion on a wheeled vehicle. The system generally comprises a portable display unit, a controller unit, and a support unit. The portable display unit is operable to graphically render an image of a preselected virtual wheel. The controller unit is operably coupled to the display unit for generating the image selectively for one of a plurality of distinct virtual wheel types. The controller unit adaptively generates the preselected virtual wheel image responsive to a viewing factor. The support unit is coupled to the display unit for adjustably situating such display unit to substantially mask a wheel of the vehicle, whereby the image of the preselected virtual wheel is visually integrated with the vehicle in substantially seamless manner to visually simulate its physical installation on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Jai Shin
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Patent number: 8090560Abstract: A method for haul road design based on greenhouse gas emissions comprises receiving a first set of performance data associated with a plurality of machines and establishing a greenhouse gas emission limit for the plurality of machines based on the first set of performance data. A target greenhouse gas emission level for each of the plurality of machines is determined based on the greenhouse gas emission limit, and total effective grade is determined based on the target greenhouse gas emission level for the respective machine. The method also includes generating a haul road design based on the total effective grade.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jonny Ray Greiner, Yang Liu, Bhavin Jagdishbhal Vyas
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Patent number: 8086430Abstract: The present invention uses spring models to position a finite element occupant model within a pre-simulation. Initially, a starting position and a final position for the finite element occupant model are determined. A first end of each of a plurality of spring models are attached at a first end to one or more components of the finite element occupant model in its starting position. The motion of the second end of each spring model is prescribed using positioning parameters and/or properties of each spring model are specified using spring parameters so that each attachment point is pulled to its final position through tension on the spring models. The specified positioning parameters and/or spring parameters describe how each spring model repositions the components of the finite element occupant model from the starting position to the final position.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dylan Thomas
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Patent number: 8082666Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bodywork component of a motor vehicle that has first been shaped and is then thermally surface-treated, said method comprising iterative simulated steps with variable geometric data of tools that are used in the shaping process. According to the invention, a continuous check verifies whether the expected geometric data of the component lies within the permitted tolerance range of the nominal geometric data of the component. If this is not the case, the geometric data and the generation of corrected tool geometric data is modified. This takes place in two stages, the first stage for the shaping steps and the subsequent stage for the process steps of the thermal surface treatment.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jens Baumgarten, Oliver Lenhart, Peter Plapper
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Publication number: 20110313740Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Takuro IKEDA, Eiji Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8078443Abstract: A bill of material and a design layout are aligned to generate a configuration for a virtual vehicle. The bill of material includes a part number and usage associated with a part. The design layout includes a CAD model of the part. CAD models in vehicle position are generated from the design layout. Logical positions are identified based on the usage and the CAD models in vehicle position are associated with the logical positions. Feature conditions are applied to the CAD models in vehicle position representing content and position configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: David Michael Knapp, Gary Stuart Wallace, Lars Thure Johansson
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Patent number: 8078373Abstract: A method for predicting the dynamics of a vehicle using information about the path on which the vehicle is travelling that has particular application for enhancing active safety performance of the vehicle, to improve driver comfort and to improve vehicle dynamics control. The method includes generating a preview of a path to be followed by the vehicle where the preview of the path is generated based on actual values of a plurality of vehicle parameters. The method further includes obtaining a corrected value of at least one of the plurality of vehicle parameters corresponding to the actual values of each of the plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein the corrected value of the at least one of the vehicle parameters is obtained based on a target path to be followed by the vehicle on the road, and wherein the target path is obtained on the basis of a plurality of road parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Weiwen Deng, Yong H. Lee
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Publication number: 20110288841Abstract: A vehicle simulation system includes a first simulation model that when executed simulates a software ring along with other software of a vehicle module. The vehicle simulation system further includes a second simulation model of the software ring. A bypass switch that has a first state and a second state. A bypass switching module switches the bypass switch between the first simulation model and the second simulation model based on a bypass signal and a ring enabling signal. A simulation control module executes code of a vehicle simulation model including software in-the-loop (SIL) testing of a selected one of the first simulation model and the second simulation model based on state of the bypass switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Johan Larsson, Tobias Berndtson, Kenneth K. Lang, Xuefeng Tim Tao, Colin Hultengren, Michael A. Kropinski, Manmeet Mavi, Sriram Venkataramanan, David W. Wright
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Publication number: 20110288840Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael A. Kropinski, Minghui Kao, Gary Ferries, Hamid M. Esfahan, Wen-Chuan Lin, Michael A. Steele, Onassis Matthews
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Patent number: 8065464Abstract: A method for transmitting data from and to a control device, in particular an engine control device for a motor vehicle that has a first communication interface and a second communication interface, the method having the following steps: connecting the first communication interface to a development tool, and connecting the second communication interface to one or more function units during the development phase of the control device, transmitting data from the control device to the development tool via the first communication interface using a first communication protocol, transmitting data from the development tool to the control device via the first communication interface using the first communication protocol, breaking the connection between the first communication interface and the development tool, connecting the first communication interface to one or more additional 20 function units, and transmitting data between the control device and the other function unit or function units via the first communicaType: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Axel Aue
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Patent number: 8065252Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineering design method and a system of implementing same. In one embodiment, the method includes a construction process of knowledge components and a design process based on the knowledge components. The knowledge components pack universal modules in the standard forms. Accordingly, the knowledge components are independent from design layouts or design processes of products, and reusable in different projects and platforms. The design process integrates a variety of software platforms via an uniform environment and calls the knowledge components to complete the engineering designs. Further, the design process defines a data relation and an execution relation of the knowledge components and establishes a relationship between the knowledge components without programming. The universal module comprises at least operations, methods, rules and/or flows of an engineering design process and engineering analysis process.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Sysware Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi-Zhang Li, Zhen-Hua Wang, Yuan-Yu Chen, Xin Xu, Chao Su
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Patent number: 8060458Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineering design method and a system of implementing same. In one embodiment, the method includes a construction process of knowledge components and a design process based on the knowledge components. The knowledge components pack universal modules in the standard forms. Accordingly, the knowledge components are independent from design layouts or design processes of products, and reusable in different projects and platforms. The design process integrates a variety of software platforms via a uniform environment and calls the knowledge components to complete the engineering designs. Further, the design process defines a data relation and an execution relation of the knowledge components and establishes a relationship between the knowledge components without programming. The universal module comprises at least operations, methods, rules and/or flows of an engineering design process and engineering analysis process.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Sysware Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yi-Zhang Li, Zhen-Hua Wang, Yuan-Yu Chen, Xin Xu, Chao Su
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Patent number: 8060345Abstract: A system and method for knowledge based development of interior models for configurable spaces, including storing a digital definition of the interior section of the passenger vehicle and parameters related to the objects, storing a digital definition of a plurality of three dimensional stay-out spaces associated with one or more of the objects, defining one or more collision rules between a first three dimensional stay-out space and a second three dimensional stay-out space, the rules define whether the first three dimensional stay-out space and the second three dimensional stay-out space may overlap, and designing the interior section to accommodate objects based on the defined collision rules and object parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: David J. Lee, Margaret J. Taboada
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Publication number: 20110270486Abstract: A system, method and computer program for simulating vehicle energy use is provided. The system comprises a server, an energy modeling tool is linked to a server and generates energy consumption data that provides an energy consumption function of a vehicle under consideration. The data logging tool is linked to test vehicles and collects drive cycle data from real-world driving conditions. The data logging tool then communicates the drive cycle data to the server over a network. The fleet management tool is also linked to the server and combines the energy consumption data with the drive cycle data to estimate the energy use of a vehicle under consideration.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Matthew Stevens, Christopher J. Mendes
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Publication number: 20110264428Abstract: A system for studying a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle equipped with a thermal engine and an electric traction motor is disclosed including a first electric motor (M1), means (S1, S2) for real-time simulation of the operation of the thermal engine and for simulation of the thermal engine control means; and means (PTRI, M2) for reproducing mechanically the engine speed obtained from the simulation means on the rotating shaft of the first electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Jérémy MALAIZE, Antonio Sciarretta, Youssef Touzani, Van Bui Tran
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Publication number: 20110260006Abstract: This project is related to the inventor, Cyrus Nejat, previous patent Application Number: U.S. Ser. No. 12/011,127. In this study, the main discussion emphasizes on building a spacecraft based on mathematics. The orientation of the low thrust engine spacecraft was structured in such a way that the Kinematics and kinetics equations be written for large elements, by means of the purposed Nejat Kinetics Expansions and Nejat Kinematics Expansions. These equations were used to design Nejat Space Station. Simplified CN (Cyrus Nejat) Equations of Motion used for the Special Spacecraft Rout in Space.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: Cyrus Mohammad Ali Nejat
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Patent number: 8046204Abstract: A system and method for collecting and modeling simulated movement data on a graphical display is provided. Simulated movement data from a simulation is accessed from a database. The simulated movement data comprises each location of an object on a graphical display for multiple points in time of the simulation. A three-dimensional representation is associated with the object and the three-dimensional representation is displayed at each location on the graphical display for each point in time of the simulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd.Inventors: Brian William Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
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Patent number: 8046205Abstract: A system and method for receiving and displaying simulated movement data on a graphical display in real-time is provided. Simulated movement data from a simulation is received. The type and location of each object to be displayed on a graphical display for a time step is extracted from the simulated movement data. The extracted data is transferred to an application for determining an appropriate three-dimensional representation to associate with each type of object in the first point in time. Each three-dimensional representation is displayed according the location of each object for the first point in time of the simulation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: HNTB Holdings LtdInventors: Brian William Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
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Patent number: 8036761Abstract: A simulation apparatus is composed of an integrated plant model process unit 1, virtual ECUs 50A to 50C that simulate other controllers, and a simulation management unit 2 that manages the execution of an input and output process to a real ECU 300, a process by the integrated plant model process unit 1, and a process by the virtual ECUs 50A to 50C, and so on, and the simulation management unit 2 causes the integrated plant model process unit 1, the virtual ECUs 50A to 50C, and so on to execute the processes required for the operation of the real ECU 300 during a given period on the basis of the operation of the real ECU 300.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Takashi Higuchi, Hirotoshi Tonou, Takeshi Yamazaki, Yu Moriyama
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Patent number: 8036863Abstract: A method for customizing a bearing bore in a housing so that the bearing assembly will transmit load in a desired manner over a predetermined range of operating temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David P Schankin, Suhui W Wang, Chih-Hung Chung, Zhaohui Sun
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Publication number: 20110246246Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments comprise a processor configured to make selections from among a plurality of vehicle travel modes based on a vehicle travel mode selection rule using, at least in part, received travel plan information. In a preferred embodiment, this selection can be based on any of a number of factors, including monetary costs and carbon emissions associated with different vehicle travel mode options.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: THE CRAWFORD GROUP, INC.Inventor: Ryan Sven Johnson
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Publication number: 20110246160Abstract: The invention in particular has as an object a method and a device for developing and qualifying a part of the software component of a training simulator for operating a vehicle. Software modules developed for an engineering simulator, modeling the performance of a part of the vehicle, are integrated (400) with a virtualization software application to form a virtual machine that allows the running of these modules in an environment separate from that for which they were developed. Certified (405), the virtual machine may be integrated (435) with other software modules in the training simulator. The training simulator then may be certified (440) without its being necessary to certify the part thereof linked to the virtual machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicants: Airbus (S.A.S.), Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)Inventors: Emmanuel Cloury, Arnaud Jaupitre, Katharyn Wheller
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Patent number: 8032344Abstract: A method of setting a parameter in a method of detecting a decreased tire air pressure for detecting a decreased tire air pressure based on a wheel rotational speed obtained from tires attached to a four-wheel driving vehicle. The method includes a vehicle model preparation step of preparing a vehicle model including a suspension member; a tire model preparation step of preparing a tire model; a step of inputting a friction coefficient between a tire and a road surface; and a simulation step of performing a running simulation of the vehicle model attached with the tire model. A determination parameter for determining whether the tire has a decreased air pressure or not is set based on wheel rotational speeds of the tires of the respective four wheels obtained in the simulation step.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazuyoshi Miyamoto
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Publication number: 20110224817Abstract: A truck configuration satisfying a truck configuration problem is automatically determined. The truck configuration problem is transformed to a target function, outputting values indicative of configurations satisfying the truck configuration problem. Stochastic local search methods are applied on the target function to determine the truck configuration. Preprocessing may be performed to improve efficiency, performance or the like of the stochastic local search methods. The truck configuration problem may be obtained from several sources, which may be independent of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bella Dubrov, Yehuda Naveh, Shlomo Hoory, Alfons Steinhoff, Ute Twisselmann
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Patent number: 8019581Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for presenting navigational directions using a combination of a mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone, and a complementary device, such as a vehicular navigational or display device. In particular, using location information acquired by the mobile communication device, driving direction is obtained (such as from a server) and displayed to a user via the complementary device. The mobile communication device and the complementary device maybe connected to each other over a wired connection or a wireless connection.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Angie Sheha
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Publication number: 20110218825Abstract: A three-dimensional vehicle scene including an image can be rendered within an interactive user interface. The image can be generated from a model and can be rotatable by user selections of user selectable rotation controls. Vehicle panels can be shown and hidden within the interactive user interface responsive to positionings of an interface pointer. While one of the vehicle panels is shown, user-configurable damage fields can be included in the user interface to describe damage to the vehicle. Input of the damage fields can be used to indicate damage for insurance claim purposes and can be used to update damage indicia on the interface. Damage indicia can be overlaid on top of the image. A damaged vehicle can be shown in the interface by combining (in real-time and at runtime) the image of the undamaged vehicle and the damage indicia, which overlay the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: DAVID HERTENSTEIN
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Patent number: 8014886Abstract: A bill of material and a design layout are aligned to generate a configuration for a virtual vehicle. The bill of material includes a part number and usage associated with a part. The design layout includes a CAD model of the part. CAD models in vehicle position are generated from the design layout. Logical positions are identified based on the usage and the CAD models in vehicle position are associated with the logical positions. Feature conditions are applied to the CAD models in vehicle position representing content and position configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: David Michael Knapp, Alan George David Fisk, Gary Stuart Wallace
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Publication number: 20110213596Abstract: A method for developing features to be used in an automobile design. The features are developed and documented in an architecture-independent manner, so that they can be used on any vehicle platform where appropriate. The feature development process includes using requirements which have been defined using formal methods, thereby assuring the quality of the requirements. The feature development process also includes the documentation and standardized use of all technical terms and data elements, the development of computer simulation models and hardware-in-the-loop simulations to verify the requirements, and review of a feature and its requirements by peer groups at various stages of the process. The result is a Feature Technical Specification which can be used by any product development team, and which contains only clear, concise and accurate requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Douglas P. Rheaume
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Patent number: 8005657Abstract: A method of determining survivability is disclosed. The method can include selecting a mission scenario and providing data associated with the scenario as input to a plurality of low-level modeling tools each associated with a corresponding spectrum, and performing a spectral analysis of the selected scenario using each of the low-level modeling tools for the corresponding spectrum. The method can also include generating an event probability matrix for each analyzed spectrum based on the output of the low-level model, the event probability matrix including a probability of detection, a probability of tracking, and a probability of engagement for each of a plurality of mission scenario reference points. Using the event probability matrix as input, a constructive analysis can be performed using a high-level simulation system configured to simulate actual event occurrence for a specific run of the mission scenario and a probability of survival based on a result of the constructive analysis can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Carl R. Herman, Stephen C. Moraites, James W. Jephson
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Patent number: 8005563Abstract: A system automatically moves large scale components of a vehicle such as an airplane, into final assembly alignment. A noncontact measurement system determines the locations of aerodynamically significant features on each of the components. The measured locations of the components are used to control an automated jacking system that includes assembly jacks for individually moving the components into assembly alignment. A system is provided for calculating the cruise configuration of the vehicle “as-built” and for transferring the cruise configuration into the vehicle where it is recorded in the form of a physical monument.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
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Patent number: 7996197Abstract: A method for correct and efficient detection of clearances between three-dimensional bodies in computer-based simulations, where one or both of the volumes is subject to translation and/or rotations. The method conservatively determines of the size of such clearances and whether there is a collision between the bodies. Given two bodies, each of which is undergoing separate motions, the method utilizes bounding-volume hierarchy representations for the two bodies and, mappings and inverse mappings for the motions of the two bodies. The method uses the representations, mappings and direction vectors to determine the directionally furthest locations of points on the convex hulls of the volumes virtually swept by the bodies and hence the clearance between the bodies, without having to calculate the convex hulls of the bodies. The method includes clearance detection for bodies comprising convex geometrical primitives and more specific techniques for bodies comprising convex polyhedra.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventor: Patrick G. Xavier
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Publication number: 20110191079Abstract: A method for testing a vehicle or a sub-system thereof on a test stand or in a road trial is described, wherein the method provides force and torque transmitting interfaces which are at least partially present in reality. To be able to further increase the flexibility of test runs or test drives, at least one further sub-system or one component which is not present in reality is reproduced independently of said interfaces via a simulation program which is supplied with real, actual measured values and/or signals of the real part, wherein the output signals of the simulation model are fed to a control device of the real part for further processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: Martin Rzehorska, Klaus Kutschi, Rüdiger Teichmann, Roland Wanker
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Patent number: 7987078Abstract: A method of modeling a diesel engine that is capable of multiple combustion modes and equipped with a turbocharger and EGR loop. The model comprises a set of equations, each equation representing one of the following as a time derivative: pressure at the intake manifold, pressure between the turbine and an intake manifold throttle, pressure at the exhaust manifold, the compressor power, and the fresh air fraction (the ratio of fresh air to EGR). The model is used to determine what engine conditions (such as throttle positions and turbocharger output) will result in desired pressures and fresh air fraction.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Southwest Research InstituteInventor: Junmin Wang
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Patent number: 7979255Abstract: In an aircraft power system architecture, power requirements stem from functional top-level aircraft requirements and from the interrelationship among many systems. Thus, to balance power in the overall aircraft power system architecture or at least a portion of the power system architecture at the aircraft level, these interrelationships are considered. A method, system and computer program product are provided for the management of power system architectures at the aircraft level during pre-design. The designer can specify top-level aircraft parameters, and power values in all the systems of the aircraft at varying levels of complexity can be displayed.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Susan Hanke, Stefan Pufe
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Publication number: 20110153298Abstract: A system simulates conditions in a vehicle enclosure during a tripped rollover by manipulating an indestructible test article modeling the vehicle. A movable test platform upholding the test article in an unsecured manner is driven by an accurately repeatably programmable propulsion source in a horizontal test-initiation direction. The initiation of motion causes the test platform to tilt downwardly in a rollover direction opposed to the test-initiation direction. A height-adjustable trip block on the test platform is brought to bear against a lower portion of the test article, imparting to the test article rotational motion about a horizontal tipping axis oriented normal to each of the test-initiation direction and the rollover direction. The rotational motion inclines the test article upwardly from the test platform in the rollover direction and ejects the test article from the test platform for capture on an accompanying landing platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Douglas J. Stein, Charles Sherwin
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Publication number: 20110144963Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management in a manner such that the carbon emissions produced by vehicle travel are reduced are disclosed. Simulations can be performed on vehicle travel plans and bodies of vehicles within various types of fleets to estimate their environmental impact. Based on such estimations, travel managers can adopt travel programs that employ a judicious selection of vehicle travel modes to carry out vehicle travel plans in a manner that benefits the environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: The Crawford Group, Inc.Inventor: Ryan Sven Johnson