Abstract:
A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.
Abstract:
A vehicle control system (10) including a vehicle motion control subsystem (12) that has an input receiving an intended driving demand (14) and a plurality of coordinator subsystems (16) for coordinating actuators of the vehicle. The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) communicates with the coordinator subsystems (16) to determine whether a single coordinator subsystem (16) can carry out the intended driving demand (14). The vehicle motion control subsystem (12) will distribute demand signals among one or more of the coordinator subsystems (16) to allow the vehicle to implement the intended driving demand (14).
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
Abstract:
A diagnostic/prognostic system monitors performance of a vehicle or other apparatus wherein the vehicle has a plurality of operational components. Each operational component has a predetermined nominal operating state and generates respective electrical signals pursuant to its operation. A data collection memory in the vehicle stores samples of the electrical signals in a rolling buffer. An analyzer in the vehicle is responsive to the electrical signals for detecting a trigger event indicative of at least a potential variance of an operational component from its nominal operating state. A computation center located remotely from the vehicle has a database storing representations of electrical signals for classifying nominal and irregular operating states of the operational components. A transmitter is activated by the trigger event to transmit at least some of the stored samples in the rolling buffer at the time of the trigger event to the computation center. The computation center receives the transmitted samples and classifies them according to the nominal or irregular operating states.
Abstract:
A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control system, is provided including a navigation system 34. The navigation system 34 includes a global positioning system 38. The navigation system 34 detects a ramp and generates a navigation signal including navigation data and map data. A controller 24 is electrically coupled to the navigation system 34. The controller 24 in response to the navigation signal adjusts the speed of the vehicle 22.
Abstract:
A control system 20 for an automotive vehicle 22, such as an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, is provided including a controller 24. The controller 24 is electrically coupled to a radar system and a navigation system. The detection system 28 detects an object and generates an object profile. The navigation system 34 generates a navigation signal. The controller 24 in response to the object profile and the navigation signal, generates a predicted future path profile and inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22 in response to the predicted future path profile. An additional feature of the invention is that the controller 24 may also be electrically coupled to a yaw rate sensor 30. The yaw rate sensor 30 senses the yaw rate of the vehicle 22 and generates a yaw rate signal. The controller 24 in response to the yaw rate signal inhibits resume speed of the vehicle 22.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling an automotive internal combustion engine having NVH feedback uses NVH signals which are processed and compared with human threshold values to determine whether an engine control parameter such as idle speed needs to be adjusted so as to mitigate unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness.
Abstract:
An accumulator 114 is provided in an engine 7 camshaft 73 having at least one lobe and an internal cavity 170. A compliance member 174 is provided for pressurizing the fluid within the internal cavity 170.
Abstract:
A vehicle brake system 10 is provided which compensates for brake pedal feel variation to provide enhanced braking feel. The brake system 10 includes a brake pedal 18, a wheel speed sensor 20, and a database 16 for storing target accelerations and torque to pressure parameters. The brake system 10 may employ a friction brakes 26 and regenerative brakes 29. The brake system further includes a controller 12 for controlling the amount of braking, including the friction brake actuator 24. The controller 12 determines brake acceleration caused by braking torque and determines a target acceleration based on the driver commanded input. The controller 12 also determines a brake acceleration error as the difference between the target acceleration and the brake acceleration. The controller adjusts the torque-related parameter to reduce the brake acceleration error by adjusting the braking torque generated by the friction brake actuator to compensate for brake torque variation.
Abstract:
A motor vehicle includes a rear body opening that is closed by an upwardly-pivoting liftgate assembly that itself defines, when in a closed position, a secondary opening whose lowermost portion achieves a height on the vehicle significantly below the vehicle's beltline. The liftgate assembly also includes a pivotally mounted liftglass assembly for closing the secondary opening, thereby permitting limited access through the secondary opening into an interior space of the vehicle. When the liftglass assembly is in its closed position, the lowermost edge of the liftglass assembly extends downwardly on the vehicle to a height significantly lower than the vehicle beltline. A raised feature of the liftglass assembly, preferably having a color and surface finish that is coordinated with a painted body surface, defines a step that is substantially aligned with the vehicle beltline to thereby aesthetically substantially continue the vehicle beltline across the rear of the vehicle.