Vehicle Patents (Class 703/8)
  • Patent number: 8060345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David J. Lee, Margaret J. Taboada
  • Publication number: 20110270486
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew Stevens, Christopher J. Mendes
  • Publication number: 20110264428
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Jérémy MALAIZE, Antonio Sciarretta, Youssef Touzani, Van Bui Tran
  • Publication number: 20110260006
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Cyrus Mohammad Ali Nejat
  • Patent number: 8046205
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Brian William Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
  • Patent number: 8046204
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian William Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
  • Patent number: 8036863
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David P Schankin, Suhui W Wang, Chih-Hung Chung, Zhaohui Sun
  • Patent number: 8036761
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Higuchi, Hirotoshi Tonou, Takeshi Yamazaki, Yu Moriyama
  • Publication number: 20110246160
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicants: Airbus (S.A.S.), Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Emmanuel Cloury, Arnaud Jaupitre, Katharyn Wheller
  • Publication number: 20110246246
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: THE CRAWFORD GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Sven Johnson
  • Patent number: 8032344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20110224817
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bella Dubrov, Yehuda Naveh, Shlomo Hoory, Alfons Steinhoff, Ute Twisselmann
  • Patent number: 8019581
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Sheha, Stephen Petilli, Angie Sheha
  • Publication number: 20110218825
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: DAVID HERTENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8014886
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Michael Knapp, Alan George David Fisk, Gary Stuart Wallace
  • Publication number: 20110213596
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas P. Rheaume
  • Patent number: 8005563
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James M. Cobb, John G. Barnes, Alan K. Jones, Brian K. Sollenberger, Patrick B. Stone
  • Patent number: 8005657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Carl R. Herman, Stephen C. Moraites, James W. Jephson
  • Patent number: 7996197
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick G. Xavier
  • Publication number: 20110191079
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Rzehorska, Klaus Kutschi, Rüdiger Teichmann, Roland Wanker
  • Patent number: 7987078
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Junmin Wang
  • Patent number: 7979255
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Susan Hanke, Stefan Pufe
  • Publication number: 20110153298
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas J. Stein, Charles Sherwin
  • Publication number: 20110144963
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: The Crawford Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Sven Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110137691
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management in a manner such that the carbon emissions produced by vehicle travel are reduced are disclosed. Different vehicle travel modes under consideration for use to satisfy a travel plan are evaluated and selected based at least in part on their relative environmental impacts such that an aggregate reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved via a judicious selection of vehicle travel modes used to carry out a vehicle travel plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: THE CRAWFORD GROUP, INC.
    Inventor: Ryan Sven Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110127374
    Abstract: Methods for minimizing the effects of pylori induced disturbances of the airflow at the propeller blades (2) of propeller propulsion devices (3) attached to an aircraft component (5) by means of upstream pylons (4), comprising steps of injecting fluid on the zone of the propeller blades (2) from the rear part of said pylons (4) for minimizing the effects of said disturbances detected through the values of a first set of parameters such acoustic pressure and vibration in the aircraft structure and vibration in the propeller blades (2) that are obtained continuously or according to models linked to one or more parameters of a second set of parameters indicative of the aircraft flight conditions such as flight altitude, flight speed propulsion power, propeller rotation speed obtained from a tachometer signal, ambient temperature of the air. The invention also refers to systems for implementing said methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS, S.L.
    Inventors: Maria Caballero Asensio, Jorge Pablo Verde Preckler, Mats Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20110131026
    Abstract: The portable simulation system is a computer-based driving simulator, which uses an actual vehicle as an input device, and a portable display to present a Virtual Driving Environment (VDE) to the driver. Vehicle's steered wheels are placed atop of the turntables permitting free operation of the steering wheel. The vehicle remains immobile while its engine and power steering can be turned off during the simulation. External non-invasive sensors can be placed under the gas and brake pedals, permitting any vehicle to be used in the simulator, including the driver's own vehicle. A digital interface to the vehicle's systems, like OBD II, can be used to increase the fidelity of the simulation. A portable computer used for driving simulation and VDE presentation provides a low cost simulation option. A simple configuration of the portable simulator does not require an external power source and can be set-up and operated at any parking space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Konstantin Sizov
  • Publication number: 20110131025
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a person with information for statically adjusting wheels, or tyres, of a motor vehicle comprises: a data storage module defining a model of vehicle operation through a plurality of model parameters; a control module adapted to set a parameter for evaluating the on-road behaviour of the vehicle and to receive values of measurement parameter correlated with the on-road behaviour of the vehicle and measured on the vehicle wheels, in order to set values of model parameters defining a starting configuration of the model parameters; a processing module adapted to perform simulations of the on-road behaviour of the vehicle using said model, while varying the value of at least one of the model parameters in order to determine, according to the set evaluation parameter, a modified model parameter configuration corresponding to an on-road behaviour of the vehicle that is better than that corresponding to the starting configuration; a module for presenting to the person service information fo
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giulio CORGHI
  • Patent number: 7953578
    Abstract: Systems and methods of limiting contact penetration in numerical simulation of non-linear structure response using implicit finite element analysis are described. According to one aspect, a finite element analysis (FEA) model of a structure is defined as a number of nodes and elements based on geometry and material properties of the structure. A time-marching analysis of the FEA model is then performed. The time-marching analysis results contain a number of solutions of non-linear structure response at respective time steps. Solution at each time step requires at least one iteration to compute. Non-linear structure response is determined in the following manner: 1) determining a search direction; 2) calculating a contact penetration parameter in the search direction; and 3) finding a minimum energy imbalance location along the search direction as a solution which is further restricted by the CPP such that contact penetration of the structure is substantially limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Livermore Software Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Grimes Roger, XinHai Zhu
  • Patent number: 7945432
    Abstract: Each spot weld in a structure is represented by a cluster of at least one solid element in a finite element analysis model of the structure. Each spot weld is used for tying together two parts. Each of the two parts are generally represented or modeled as a number of two-dimension shell elements. Since the tie-connection between the spot weld and the two parts can be located arbitrarily within the respective part, the shell elements representing the two parts do not have to be aligned in space. The only requirement is the two shell elements must be overlapped each other such that the spot weld can tie the two shell elements (i.e., one from each part) together. A spot weld failure criterion used for determining failure including shear and axial stresses acted on the spot weld, shell element size and spot weld location sensitivity scale factors and strain rate effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Livermore Software Technology Corporation
    Inventor: John O. Hallquist
  • Patent number: 7941306
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise obtaining and analyzing data from at least one discrete machine, automatically determining relationships related to the data, taking corrective action to improve machine operation and/or maintenance, automatically and heuristically predicting a failure associated with the machine and/or recommending preventative maintenance in advance of the failure, and/or automating and analyzing mining shovels, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Furem, Daniel W. Robertson, Gopal Madhavarao
  • Patent number: 7933858
    Abstract: A system is described that treats a solver as an ordered sequence of steps involving the different objects that have to be simulated and relationships between them. Tasks and the order of the tasks are obtained from each object and relationship. The tasks are merged into a sorted list. The solver traverses the list and passing each task to a corresponding object and relationship where the objects are interleaved during processing. The object or relationship then executes the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Autodesk, Inc.
    Inventor: Jos Stam
  • Patent number: 7933746
    Abstract: A product design method includes accessing a defined product design structure. The product design structure includes a number of customer concerns, a number of physical properties associated with components of the product, and a number of relation models. Each customer concern is associated with at least one physical property via at least one mathematical relationship defined in at least one of the relation models. The method also includes receiving a value associated with one or more of the physical properties and calculating (using one or more of the relation models) the effect of the received value associated with the one or more physical properties on one or more of the customer concerns. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the calculated effect on the one or more customer concerns and receiving one or more adjustments of the value associated with one or more of the physical properties to create a desired effect on one or more of the customer concerns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Targeted Convergence Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Kennedy, Michael N. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7925479
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for predicting airflow rates. According to some embodiments, some process steps can include developing a three-dimensional computer-aided design model of a test body topology; discretizing the test body topology; discretizing a volume surrounding the test body topology, the volume being bounded by a test chamber; identifying test body components upon which to collect empirical data; obtaining empirical data for identified components; establishing an airflow model; validating the airflow model in comparison to experimental data; obtaining a flow rate from the validated airflow model; and determining whether the mass flow rate is acceptable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kurt Zielinski, Mike Unger, James McKillen, Karl Forster, Bob Larson
  • Publication number: 20110076648
    Abstract: A simulation system provides a simulated environment to at least one user in a simulation area. The simulation system includes a video system configured to provide high definition video of the simulated environment across a field of view of the user. The video system provides high definition live action video. The simulation system also includes an audio system configured to provide high definition audio related to the provided high definition video of the simulated environment and a motion system configured to move the at least one user on x, y, and z axes to simulate movement in the simulated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Richard D. Lindheim, David B. Wertheimer, Robert Wolterstorff, Monty Lunde, Craig Barr
  • Patent number: 7917345
    Abstract: A train simulator, including a microprocessor, a display and an input device for the microprocessor. A program drives the display with the track data during simulation, determines if an exception has occurred during the simulation; and provides a multimedia message if an exception has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J Hawthorne
  • Patent number: 7912681
    Abstract: A method for designing a flight vehicle includes determining a preferred aerodynamic shape of a structure of the vehicle; modifying the preferred aerodynamic shape based upon constraints; and determining, using aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics, limit loading conditions for the modified aerodynamic shape. A computer-implemented system for designing a flight vehicle includes at least one computer operable to determine a preferred aerodynamic shape of a structure of the vehicle; modify the preferred aerodynamic shape based upon constraints; and determine, using aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics, limit loading conditions for the modified aerodynamic shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Jim C. Narramore, Stacey Kelly, Robert Milliken
  • Publication number: 20110060557
    Abstract: A method and device for testing a vehicle design under predefined ambient conditions. A test driver is subjected to impressions of movement, which are generated as a function of the vehicle design and the ambient conditions, the vehicle design being present during the generation of the impressions of movement exclusively as a visual model, which is displayed to the test person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: GIOVANNI DE PASCA, JOERG QUERENGAESSER, CLEMENS RICKERT
  • Patent number: 7899652
    Abstract: A support vector machine with wavelet kernel was developed for accurate modeling of nonlinear systems. A method of providing an optimized model of a nonlinear system includes using a support vector machine (SVM) having a wavelet kernel, where support vectors include a family of multidimensional wavelets. Training the SVM allows optimization of the number of support vectors, the weights of the support vectors, and the translation factors of the support vectors. Use of a novel linear programming approach reduces computational demands required for training, allowing optimized support vectors to give an optimized model of the nonlinear system. Further, on-line retraining is possible, so that the model can be adapted to changing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Zhao Lu, Jing Sun, Kenneth R. Butts
  • Patent number: 7899651
    Abstract: In a method for estimating an entrance angle of a V-ribbed belt from a flat pulley to a V-ribbed pulley, the entrance angle is estimated easily at a stage of pulley layout design. The V-ribbed belt 10 forms a track which enters at an entrance angle of approximately zero degree (substantially perpendicular to a plane that includes an axis 3a of rotation) into the flat pulley 3, is wound along the outer peripheral face of the flat pulley 3 without deviating in the axial direction thereof, and extends substantially linearly from a winding end point c at the flat pulley 3 to a winding start point d at a drive pulley 1. The entrance angle ? of the V-ribbed belt 10 from the flat pulley 3 to the drive pulley 1 is obtained on the basis of the track of the V-ribbed belt by, for example, a three-dimensional CAD or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Takahashi, Eijiro Nakashima, Hideaki Kawahara
  • Publication number: 20110046823
    Abstract: A process and device for optimising the performance of an aircraft in the presence of a lateral dissymmetry is disclosed. The device (1) includes means (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9) for controlling, during a lateral dissymmetry, at least one rudder such as to generate an optimum sideslip for reducing the drag of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
    Inventors: Pierre Ezerzere, Stephane Puig, Fabien Calderara
  • Publication number: 20110040541
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a procedure for fitting relevant parameters in SCR catalyst models and to an apparatus for carrying out such procedures. Following the procedure of the present invention, it is possible to make a first estimate of the SCR model parameters by fitting the parameters individually. This is possible because of special measurements that simplify and isolate reactions in the SCR model. The set of parameters determined via this method are used as a starting point for a global optimization of the model parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast- natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Edwin Adrianus Cornelius Van Den Eijnden, Robert Peter Maria Cloudt
  • Publication number: 20110040542
    Abstract: Computer-assisted systems and methods for integrating aesthetic and functional design processes for real-world objects can include a computerized module for defining an aesthetic representation of a real-world object, and a computing module supplied with approximation model data of a CAE simulation module to calculate functional quality value(s) using a parametric description of the aesthetic representation as input. An interface can issue a physical signal to a user, with the physical signal communicating the quality value(s) to the user. A computerized module can change the parametric description of the aesthetic representation of the object in the aesthetic design process taking the obtained functional quality value into account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard SENDHOFF, Markus OLHOFER
  • Publication number: 20110040534
    Abstract: This procedure proposes the appropriate equations that determine the rotor movement in order to obtain the aerodynamic actions for each blade in each iteration (the forces that are transmitted to the helicopter and the moments with respect to the articulations), and they are resolved by discretizations made in the rotor disc, such that that the blade elements of the partition are connected to the disc, which does not rotate, instead of to each blade. The blades pass through an azimuth range in each iteration, making a division of each blade longitudinally into ne elements, and the rotor disc into na sectors, corresponding to divisions of the range of azimuth angles. Therefore, partitions are made on ne·na blade elements, identifying each blade element by means of its distance to the rotor axis and its azimuth angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: INDRA SISTEMAS, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Gonzalez Cuadrado
  • Patent number: 7881915
    Abstract: 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 a 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian W. Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
  • Patent number: 7881914
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian W. Trotta, Christopher Charles Wills
  • Patent number: 7882298
    Abstract: 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 communic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Aue
  • Patent number: 7869985
    Abstract: Disclosed is a 3D vehicle simulator system for an ECU embedded system comprising an external input apparatus 130, to which signals of one or more external sensors are inputted, an ECU embedded system 120 for processing and executing signals inputted form the external input apparatus 130, an external output apparatus 140 for receiving and outputting the output signals of the ECU embedding system 120, a vehicle simulator 110 for calculating at real time the signals inputted from the ECU embedded system 120, and for 3D-modeling and outputting the status of the vehicle, and a display 150 for displaying the 3D-modeled vehicle outputted form the vehicle simulator 110.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sungkyunkwan University Foundation for Corporate Collaboration
    Inventors: Jae Wook Jeon, Suk Hyun Seo, Sang Won Lee, Ji Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 7865342
    Abstract: A computer reads data from a database in an external recording device to generate an analysis model which represents the surface profile of a member with a mesh. Next, the computer initializes the meshes of the analysis model by setting thereto a gas attribute corresponding to a non-leakage site and thereafter sets to any mesh a liquid attribute corresponding to a leakage site, and changes the attribute of meshes adjacent to the meshes having the liquid attribute from the gas attribute to the liquid attribute. Then, the computer connects meshes of which attribute has been set to the liquid attribute to generate a leakage path and outputs information relating to the leakage path on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jianrong Shen
  • Patent number: 7860690
    Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments and applications of the invention, an automated custom configuration system (and method) is provided for facilitating the configuration and customization of desired products, services, or other objects that require users to gather and assimilate disparate relevant information (e.g., knowledge of makes, models, types, features, options, limitations, codes, and prices of the desired product/service (or group of the same) to be configured and customized). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, custom configuration may be facilitated through a parametric drawing engine which provides illustrations of configuration data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Edgenet, Inc.
    Inventors: Srikanth Gadamsetty, Chad Johnson, Tim Howland, Don Dehm, Peter Brumm, Raj Rajbhandari, Dinesh Deva