Abstract: An imaging system for an automated production line comprising: a primary imaging device configured to capture an image of an item on the automated production line and compare the image of the item to one or more verification images stored in a database; a secondary imaging device configured to capture one or more of the verification images and update the database in parallel with the operation of the primary imaging device while the automated assembly line is in operation.

Abstract: A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle configured to recognize an exceptional situation by querying at least one sensor and if necessary applying a corrective or applied steering torque to a steering wheel. The driver assistance system configured to differentiate between a lower reliability and a higher reliability and upon the recognition to set the steering torque depending on the reliability.

Abstract: A steering assembly, including a steering wheel having a receiving opening arranged on a base member of the steering wheel and a steering rod having an end portion at least partially received in the receiving opening. The receiving opening has an inner contour and the end portion of the steering rod has an outer contour that corresponds to the inner contour. The receiving opening also has a conical expansion located downstream, with respect to an assembly direction of the steering wheel and steering rod, of the inner contour. The steering rod includes a frustoconical transition portion located downstream, with respect to the assembly direction of the steering wheel and steering rod, of the outer contour. The frustoconical transition portion is complementary to the conical expansion of the receiving opening.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that outputs an impact signal and a processing device that is programmed to calculate an acceleration envelope from the impact signal, determine a number of times the impact signal crosses a predetermined threshold, and determine whether the impact signal represents a pedestrian impact. Whether the impact is a pedestrian impact is based at least in part on the acceleration envelope and the number of times the impact signal crosses the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processing device programmed to identify a first zone and a second zone in an image of an area ahead of a vehicle. The processing device compares a first brightness associated with the first zone to a second brightness associated with the second zone to determine a brightness difference. The processing device can determine whether at least one vehicle headlight has malfunctioned based at least in part on the brightness difference.

Abstract: A system may include a wireless transceiver configured to scan for advertised services; and a processor programmed to receive a service identifier of a service from the wireless transceiver, verify a name included in the service identifier indicates that the service identifier is an in-vehicle component, and decode, from the service identifier, a relative location within the vehicle, a zone controlled by the in-vehicle component, and a category of functionality of the in-vehicle component. A method may include enumerating characteristics of a service of an in-vehicle component describing configurable functions of the in-vehicle component; retrieving a control state of the in-vehicle component using a read characteristic of the service; generating a user interface of the in-vehicle component indicating the configurable functions and the control state; and updating the control state of the in-vehicle component using a write characteristic of the service responsive to user input to the user interface.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle air extraction system in fluid communication with a cabin of the vehicle is provided. The extraction system may have a housing arrangement and a pair of extractors attached to the housing arrangement. A chamber may be formed between the housing arrangement and pair of extractors. An air pump may be in fluid communication with the chamber. The pair of extractors may be an inner extractor and an outer extractor. A controller may be configured to activate the air pump to supply airflow to the chamber to close the inner extractor and/or prevent inadvertent opening of the inner extractor.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat portion with a carrier assembly having an adjustable thigh support assembly disposed therein. First and second slide members are disposed on a support platform coupled to the carrier assembly in a carriage receiving area. A carriage assembly is configured for lateral reception in the carriage receiving area. The carriage assembly includes first and second guide channels. The first and second slide members are slideably received in the first and second guide channels of the carriage assembly to slideably couple the carriage assembly to the carrier assembly for lateral movement of the carriage assembly between extended and stowed positions relative to a rear portion of the seat portion.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a housing defining a viewable portion having indicia. A first set of light sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. A light guide extends between the viewable portion and the first set of light sources. A decorative layer and a diffusive layer are disposed between an upper surface of the light guide and viewable portion. A second set of light sources is configured to emit light toward the viewable portion. The first set of light sources illuminates a first region of the viewable portion and the second set of light sources illuminates a second region of the viewable portion.

Abstract: In a vehicle, a controller divides a route into route segments. The controller operates a traction battery over the route segments to achieve a target state of charge upon completion of one of the route segments. The target state of charge is based on a target battery power defined by a classification for each of the route segments including the one of the route segments according to a set of fuzzy rules applied to vehicle acceleration and road grade associated with the route segments. Fuzzy rules may be applied to the classification for each of the route segments.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that detects a speed of at least one nearby vehicle and outputs a speed signal representing the speed of the at least one nearby vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a processing device programmed to determine a set point speed based on the speed signal output by the sensor. The processing device generates a command signal to control a host vehicle in accordance with the set point speed.

Abstract: A vehicle and a method of controlling a powertrain are provided. The vehicle may include a controller programmed to operate a powertrain in a hybrid mode. The controller may be further programmed to, responsive to a request to operate the powertrain in electric mode, transition powertrain operation from the hybrid mode to the electric mode without shifting gears until a change in accelerator pedal position exceeds a threshold following the transition.

Abstract: An autonomous control system for a vehicle that controls the speed and steering system of the vehicle to operate in a lane-keeping mode or a lane-changing mode. Position sensors sense the location of surrounding vehicles. A lane determining system identifies a current lane where the vehicle is located. A source of oncoming lane course data provides information as to the course of the current lane. A controller provides instructions to the steering system and speed control system to maneuver the vehicle in either the lane-keeping mode or the lane-changing mode. The driver may override the control system by providing a manual input to the steering system or the speed control system.

Abstract: An improved two-wire hall-effect speed sensor circuit includes two separate voltage regulation circuits. The voltage regulator circuits, hall plates, signal processing circuits, and output stage are implemented on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In addition to a supply terminal and a return terminal, the ASIC includes an intermediate terminal. Both voltage regulation circuits may be aided by capacitors, one between the supply terminal and the return terminal, the other between the intermediate terminal and the return terminal. The speed sensor circuit is suitable for use with non-twisted wires, enabling use of a common supply wire for multiple sensors, thus reducing the number of terminals required on the controller and on connectors.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a computer in a vehicle, and the computer includes a processor and a memory. The computer is configured to determine an operational state of a vehicle, calculate a road grade value from data from a first sensor, calculate an effective road grade value from a torque demand value, update modeling variables to map the road grade value substantially to the effective grade value when the operation state is determined to be a steady-state condition, and calculate a road grade characteristic with the road grade value and the modeling variables.

Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for vehicles utilizes surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and/or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to utilize surface slope data to control steering, braking, or other vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to generate a warning and/or control the vehicle if a jackknife condition is imminent. The surface slope data may be obtained utilizing sensors on the vehicle, or the surface slope data may be obtained utilizing a database that includes topographical data.

Abstract: An autonomous control system for a vehicle that controls the speed and steering system of the vehicle to operate in a lane-keeping mode or a lane-changing mode. Position sensors sense the location of surrounding vehicles. A lane determining system identifies a current lane where the vehicle is located. A source of oncoming lane course data provides information as to the course of the current lane. A controller provides instructions to the steering system and speed control system to maneuver the vehicle in either the lane-keeping mode or the lane-changing mode. The driver may override the control system by providing a manual input to the steering system or the speed control system.

Abstract: A controller and control strategies minimize shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift during regenerative braking by maintaining the transmission input speed substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing. The controller and the control strategies control the regenerative braking torque during a downshift occurring during regenerative braking in such a way that the transmission input speed is maintained substantially linear when the transmission input speed is slowing during a torque phase of the downshift.

Abstract: A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes an underbody and a subframe. A connector extends along an axis and connects the subframe and the underbody. A first wedge is fixed to one of the underbody and the subframe about the axis and a second wedge is fixed to the other of the underbody and subframe about the axis. The first wedge includes a protrusion and the second wedge defines a recess receiving the protrusion in a direction along the axis. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the subframe may rotate relative to the underbody. During this rotation the first wedge and second wedge rotate relative to each other and the protrusion moves along the recess to apply a tensile load to the connection to break the connection.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a handlebar and a vibration generator supported on the handlebar. A sensor is configured to detect an overcoming vehicle. A controller is configured to activate the vibration generator when the sensor detects an overcoming vehicle.

Abstract: Systems are provided for EGR mass and air mass estimation during steady state and transient operations. By utilizing a combination sensor comprising of a manifold absolute pressure sensing element and a differential pressure sensing element sharing a common pressure chamber with connections to the intake manifold, errors in EGR mass estimation may be reduced.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a particulate matter sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during a measurement mode, generating a particulate flow rate based on the sensor and adjusting one or more engine operating parameters based on the flow rate. The method further includes, during a reduced contamination mode, heating the sensor to repel particulate from the sensor, and not adjusting the one or more operating parameters based on the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a condensate level in a charge air cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting an air flow to a membrane in response to a condensate level in the charge air cooler.

Abstract: A method for supplying fuel to a direct injection fuel pump of an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, pressure and/or temperature of a fuel supplied to the direct injection fuel pump may be adjusted to ensure liquid fuel is supplied to the direct injection fuel pump so that the possibility of engine air-fuel ratio errors may be reduced.

Abstract: An autonomous steering system for a vehicle includes a park assist steering module configured to generate a first steering angle command across a communication network of the vehicle. A backup assist steering module is also configured to generate a second steering angle command across the communication network of the vehicle. A steering angle controller is configured to receive the first and second steering angle commands and generate a third steering angle command for controlling a steered wheel of the vehicle based on acceptable steering column torque conditions for the respective steering module.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for closed-loop adjusting a laser intensity of a laser ignition device of a hybrid vehicle. The laser intensity applied over consecutive laser ignition events is decreased until a flame quality is degraded for a threshold number of cylinder combustion events. The laser intensity is then increased to improve flame quality and the closed-loop adjustment is reiterated.

Abstract: A method for a fuel system comprises receiving a first indication of inconsistency in a fuel level indicator output during a fuel consumption cycle, receiving a second indication of inconsistency in a fuel level indicator output during a refueling event, and indicating electrical degradation of the fuel level indicator responsive to the first and second indications of inconsistency indicating coincident ranges of inconsistency for the fuel level indicator output. By gauging the consistency of a fuel level indicator output during both upward and downward travel, electrical degradation may be distinguished from mechanical degradation. In this way, a range of inconsistency may be determined, and a reported fuel level adjusted while the fuel level indicator output is within the range of inconsistency.

Abstract: A system includes a computer programmed to determine, along a nominal path to be traversed by a vehicle, a potential field representing a driving corridor for the vehicle. The computer is further programmed to identify a position of the vehicle relative to the potential field at a current time, and apply a torque to q steering column of the vehicle. The torque is based at least in part on the position. The potential field includes an attractive potential that guides the vehicle to remain within the corridor.

Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. A transfer case assembly includes a transfer case shaft having a magnetized region and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the transfer case shaft, mounted on at least one bushing supporting the transfer case shaft. A drive axle assembly includes an axle housing, an input shaft having a magnetized region, and a magnetic torque sensor, for detecting torque of the input shaft, mounted to the axle housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting spark plug fouling in an ignition system of an engine. In one example, a method may include directing current flow into a primary winding of an ignition coil of the ignition system for a duration of dwell period responsive to a dwell command from a controller, reducing the current flow to discharge an initial spark, and discharging additional sparks. The method may further include selectively generating an indication of a recommendation to change one or more spark plugs of the ignition system based upon a primary current measured after the dwell period.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled temperature-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of a humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor, indicating humidity sensor degradation when relative humidity readings change by less than a threshold while temperature at the sensor changes greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: A method of indicating potential hazards to a driver of a motor vehicle may include determining the presence of a potential hazard, determining a direction to the potential hazard relative to the driver of the motor vehicle, selecting one or more of a plurality of speakers provided in the motor vehicle and surrounding the driver, the one or more speakers being in substantially the same direction relative to the driver as the potential hazard, and emitting a warning sound from said one or more speakers.

Abstract: An automotive side view mirror attachment assembly includes a polymeric outer shell having a metal reinforcement member coupled thereto, wherein the polymeric outer shell forms form closures about connecting features of the metal reinforcement member, so as to provide an operably coupling between the polymeric outer shell and the metal reinforcing member that is secured by independent connection locations that are effective to support an external mirror assembly in multiple dimensions.

Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame and a seat post removably engaged with the frame. A light source is supported by the seat post. A power source is supported by the seat post. A switch is disposed between the light source and the power source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for smoke testing an evaporative emissions control system of a vehicle using exhaust gas are disclosed. In one example, a method for an engine comprises: during a first condition, routing exhaust gas to a sealed fuel system; and pressurizing the fuel system with the exhaust gas such that exhaust gas will escape from a leak in the fuel system. In this way, the location and the size of an evap system leak may be determined without the need for, and without using, expensive off-board testing equipment.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes an armature, and a plurality of exterior shell sections. Each of the exterior shell sections include an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer, and have a counterpart or corresponding exterior shell section. The armature may include a hub, a generally U-shaped rim and at least two spokes connecting the hub and the generally U-shaped rim. The first layer of each of the plurality of exterior shell sections includes a protrusion that extends into and conforms to the generally U-shaped rim. Also, the intermediate layer of each of the plurality of exterior shell sections is molded over the inner layer. Each of the plurality of exterior shell sections and its counterpart are interlocking.

Abstract: A system for detecting a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer is provided herein. An imaging device is configured to capture images of the trailer and a controller is configured to process images captured by the imaging device. The controller derives a template image having a trailer contour and matches the template image to a search image. The hitch angle is determined based on a positional relationship between the template image and the search image.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an assembly is provided comprising a first member including a 6xxx series aluminum alloy heat treated to have a yield strength of at least 200 MPa and an r/t (bendability) ratio of up to 0.4. One or more members may be secured to the first member with a rivet (e.g., a self-piercing rivet). The heat treated alloy may have a yield strength of at least 260 MPa and may have a bendability ratio of up to 0.3. A method of forming an assembly is also provided, including heat treating a 6xxx series aluminum alloy to produce an alloy having a yield strength of at least 200 MPa and an r/t (bendability) ratio of up to 0.4 and riveting a member including the heat treated alloy to one or more additional members.

Abstract: A method for a fuel system is presented, comprising directing purge air through a first fuel vapor canister but not a second fuel vapor canister based on a load of the first fuel vapor canister being greater than a threshold. In this way, purging of the first canister may be prioritized and completed without passing desorbed fuel vapors through the second canister, thereby reducing the amount of time needed to purge the first canister, and reducing overall emissions.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reliving excess vacuum from a fuel tank. In response to elevated fuel tank vacuum levels, a canister purge valve is opened to dissipate the vacuum to an engine intake manifold while the engine is not combusting. Alternatively, the purge valve is opened to dissipate the excess vacuum to the intake manifold while the engine is combusting during conditions when the likelihood of air-fuel ratio errors are lower or when any incurred errors are better tolerated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a purging operation of a fuel vapor canister in a boosted engine. One method comprises purging stored fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister to an inlet of the compressor via an ejector while bypassing a canister purge valve, the ejector being fluidically coupled to the fuel vapor canister by a distinct passage and motive flow through the ejector being regulated by a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is temporarily closed in response to an operator tip-in event to discontinue the purging operation.

Abstract: A method for a fuel system, comprising: during a first condition, purging fuel vapor from a fuel vapor canister to a fuel vapor accumulator; and then during a second condition, evacuating fuel vapor from the fuel vapor accumulator to a fuel tank. The fuel vapor accumulator increases the volume of the fuel system, providing a temporary storage for desorbed fuel vapor. In this way, canister breakthrough of hydrocarbons can be mitigated, thereby reducing bleed emissions.