Apparatus and method for measuring temperature and electrical resistivity of a movable object

An apparatus for connecting an electrical measurement system, which includes at least a first and a second conductor, to a movable object to measure at least one of a temperature and an electrical resistivity of the movable object includes a first and a second connector, and a first and a second contact wire. The first and the second contact wires are electrically communicable with the first and the second conductors, respectively, and are wound around at least a portion of the first and the second connectors, respectively, such that the first and the second contact wires are engageable with the movable object at a first and a second contact point, respectively. The first and the second contact wires each has a polarity. The first and the second connectors are made of a material having a higher electrical and thermal resistivity than the first and the second contact wires.

Adaptive human-machine system and method

The invention relates to an adaptive human-machine system and method. The invention relates to an adaptive, human-machine-interaction, system and method for executing system-actions at times in accordance with performance times of past user-actions to either accommodate user habits or to modify user behavior.

ADAPTIVE HUMAN-MACHINE SYSTEM AND METHOD

An adaptive, human-machine-interaction, system and method for executing system-actions at times in accordance with performance times of past user-actions to either accommodate user habits or to modify user behavior. 1. A method for adapting human-machine interaction , the method comprising:providing a processor-enabled, adaptive-system configured to execute a system-action at an execution time at least partially determined by performance times of at least one prior user-action;measuring a time at which a user-action is performed; andchanging an execution time of a system-action in accordance with the time at which the user-action is performed.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the changing an execution time of the system-action includes delaying the system-action to a time subsequent to a performance time of a user-action by the user.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the changing an execution time of the system-action includes advancing the execution time of the system-action.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the system-action includes emitting a notification claim 1 , the notification selected from the group consisting of audio signal claim 1 , visual signal claim 1 , and haptic signal.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the system-action is selected from the group consisting of modifying a setting of an in-vehicle infotainment system claim 1 , activating a microphone claim 1 , modifying a headlight setting claim 1 , modifying a setting of a climate control system claim 1 , modifying a wiper system claim 1 , providing route guidance ascertained by a navigation system claim 1 , issuing a reminder for a service action claim 1 , and modifying a level of automation in an autonomous driving mode.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user-action is selected from a group consisting of fastening a seat belt claim 1 , starting a vehicle claim 1 , removing a key from an ignition claim 1 , modifying a headlight setting claim 1 , modifying a setting of an in-vehicle ...

Method And Apparatus For Road Surface Grip Level Differentiation

A system and method for estimating road grip conditions. More particular, the invention relates to a system and method for computationally estimating a road condition of a road location using tire-road grip data received from at least one or a plurality of vehicles and transmitting this road condition via a network such that users may anticipate upcoming road conditions. 1. A method comprising:receiving a first data from a first vehicle indicating a first tire-road grip level value and a first location;receiving a second data from a second vehicle indication a second grip value and the first location;determining a road condition in response to the first grip value and the second grip value; andtransmitting the road condition and the first location to a third vehicle.2. The method of further comprises receiving a third data indicating a vehicle configuration from the third vehicle and wherein the transmitting of the road condition includes control data wherein the control data is determined in response to the vehicle configuration and the road condition.3. The method of wherein the road condition is also determined in response to weather data indicating weather conditions at the first location.4. The method of further comprising transmitting a control signal to the third vehicle in response to the road condition.5. The method of wherein the transmitting is performed in response to a request from the third vehicle.6. The method of wherein the transmitting is performed in response to a navigation route of the third vehicle.7. A method comprising:determining a tire-road grip level value of a road surface;determining a first location of the road surface;transmitting a first data indicating the grip level value and the first location; andreceiving a second data indicating a road condition at a second location.8. The method of further comprising:generating a control signal to couple to a traction control system in response to the road condition.9. The method of further ...

MOTION SICKNESS MITIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

Systems and methods are provided for mitigating motion sickness. When motion sickness is predicted, the motion sickness mitigation system alters vehicle performance, cabin conditions, and/or alerts the occupant to upcoming vehicle actions, to avoid or alleviate motion sickness. A controller includes a processor that receives an occupant profile and traffic information for an upcoming trip of the vehicle on a route. Using the occupant profile and the traffic information, the processor calculates whether the occupant will experience motion sickness when the vehicle travels on the route. A vehicle performance signal correlated to the calculation, is delivered by the processor to initiate motion sickness mitigation. The vehicle performance signal varies operation of a steering actuator, an acceleration actuator, and/or a brake actuator to implement the motion sickness mitigation. 1. A motion sickness mitigation system of a vehicle comprising:a steering system of the vehicle including a steering actuator steering the vehicle through the steering system;a braking system including a brake actuator actuating the braking system;an accelerator system including an accelerator actuator actuating the accelerator system; and receive an occupant profile that includes a biometric condition of an occupant, preferences of the occupant and historical travel information of the occupant in the vehicle,', 'receive traffic information for an upcoming trip of the vehicle on a route,', 'calculate, using the occupant profile and the traffic information, whether the occupant will experience motion sickness when the vehicle travels on the route, and', 'deliver a vehicle performance signal correlated to the calculation, to initiate motion sickness mitigation,, 'a controller including a processor configured towherein the vehicle performance signal varies operation of the steering actuator, the accelerator actuator or the brake actuator to implement the motion sickness mitigation.2. The motion ...

Lifting mechanism using negative stiffness

A lifting mechanism includes a load bearing structure, and a carrier. The carrier is configured for supporting a load. The carrier is moveable relative to the load bearing structure in a substantially vertical direction relative to a ground surface, along a vertical axis. A load carrying spring applies a spring force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. A negative stiffness device interconnects the carrier and the load bearing structure. The negative stiffness device applies a device force that biases the carrier relative to the load bearing structure in a direction along the vertical axis. The device force opposes the spring force. The device force includes a magnitude that is substantially equal to the spring force in any of a plurality of different positions of the carrier relative to the load bearing structure along the vertical axis.

DYNAMIC SAFETY SHIELDS FOR SITUATION ASSESSMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN COLLISION AVOIDANCE TASKS

A system and method provided on an ego-vehicle for assessing potential threats in a vehicle collision avoidance system, and/or to plan safety-allowed vehicle trajectories for vehicle path planning. The method includes detecting objects in a predetermined vicinity around the ego-vehicle, and determining the relative velocity or other measure between each detected object and the ego-vehicle. The method defines a virtual dynamic safety shield around each detected object that has a shape, size and orientation that is determined by predetermined properties related to the current state of traffic around the ego-vehicle. The method also defines an action grid around the ego-vehicle. The method assesses the threat level of a potential collision between each detected object based on how the shield for that object and the action grid interact. The interaction between the shields and the grid induces actions aimed at aborting collisions and allows for trajectory planning. 1. A method for identifying potential threats , said method comprising:detecting a plurality of objects in a predetermined vicinity around an ego-vehicle;determining a predetermined measure between each detected object and the ego-vehicle;defining a virtual dynamic safety shield around each detected object having a size determined by the measure between the object and the ego-vehicle;defining an action grid around the ego-vehicle; andassessing a potential interaction between each detected object and the ego-vehicle based on whether and how much the shield for that object and the action grid overlap.2. The method according to wherein detecting a plurality of objects includes employing a plurality of sensors on the ego-vehicle.3. The method according to wherein detecting a plurality of objects includes employing communications signals between the ego-vehicle and the objects.4. The method according to wherein determining a predetermined measure includes determining a relative velocity between each detected ...

APPROACH FOR VEHICLE NANO-RECTENNA PANEL

A method of designing a nano-rectenna panel (NRP) of a vehicle includes generating one or more performance benchmarks associated with nano-rectenna devices that comprise the NRP. A material for the nano-rectenna devices is identified based on one or more of the one or more performance benchmarks. The method also includes designing the NRP based on the material. 1. A method of designing a nano-rectenna panel (NRP) of a vehicle , the method comprising:generating one or more performance benchmarks associated with nano-rectenna devices that comprise the NRP;identifying a material for the nano-rectenna devices based on one or more of the one or more performance benchmarks; anddesigning the NRP based on the material.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for power absorbed by the NRP.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for directivity of the NRP.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for beam solid angle of the NRP.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for divergence of current density.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for thermal power dissipation.7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the generating the one or more performance benchmarks includes generating a benchmark for energy transfer from electrodes to the nano-rectenna devices.8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying the material includes searching a database of known materials and corresponding characteristics for a match with the one or more performance benchmarks.9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the identifying ...

HEAT EXCHANGERS CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBES AND METHODS FOR THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF

Vehicular radiators and other heat exchangers containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are provided, as are methods for manufacturing nanotube heat exchangers. In one embodiment, the nanotube heat exchanger includes a coolant flow passage, an airflow path, a heat exchanger core bounding at least a portion of the coolant flow passage and the airflow path. The heat exchanger core contains a plurality of CNTs configured to enhance heat transfer from a coolant conducted through the coolant flow passage to airflow directed along the airflow path during operation of the nanotube heat exchanger. The CNTs can be, for example, single walled CNTs or other CNTs incorporated into one or more regions of the heat exchanger core by applying a nanotube coating to selected surfaces of the heat exchanger core or by producing the heat exchanger core to include one or more sintered, CNT-containing components. 1. A nanotube heat exchanger , comprising:a coolant flow passage;an airflow path; anda heat exchanger core bounding at least a portion of the coolant flow passage and the airflow path, the heat exchanger core containing a plurality of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) through which heat is transferred from a coolant conducted through the coolant flow passage to airflow directed along the airflow path during operation of the nanotube heat exchanger.2. The nanotube heat exchanger of further comprising a nanotube coating applied to a surface of the heat exchanger core and containing the plurality of CNTs.3. The nanotube heat exchanger of wherein the nanotube coating comprises:a surface contacted by airflow directed along the airflow path; anda directional CNT array containing the plurality of CNTs, which are oriented to extend substantially perpendicular to a primary direction of airflow along the airflow path.4. The nanotube heat exchanger of wherein the nanotube coating comprises:an outer surface contacted by coolant flowing through the coolant flow passage; anda directional CNT array containing ...

Integrated interface for situation awareness information alert, advise, and inform

Systems and method are provided for generating an integrated interface in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving data associated with an environment of the vehicle; encoding the environment data into a plurality of layers; extracting data from the plurality of layers into a point cloud; projecting the point cloud onto a meta-template defining a basic element and manipulable features of the basic element; and generating display data based on the projecting.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE MONITORING WITH RADAR

Methods and systems are provided for mobile platforms. A mobile platform comprises a body and a radar system. The body includes a wheel assembly, and the radar system is installed on the wheel assembly. 1. A mobile platform comprising:a body including a wheel assembly; anda radar system coupled to the wheel assembly.2. The mobile platform of claim 1 , further comprising:one or more tires installed with the wheel assembly,wherein the radar system includes one or more radar units, and each of the one or more radar units facing one of the tires.3. The mobile platform of claim 2 , wherein:each tire includes a patch; and a transmitter installed on the wheel assembly and configured to transmit radar signals to the patch of a respective one of the tires; and', 'a receiver installed on the wheel assembly and configured to receive radar signals from the patch of the respective one of the tires., 'each radar system includes4. The mobile platform of claim 2 , wherein:each tire includes a side wall; and a transmitter installed on the wheel assembly and configured to transmit radar signals to the side wall of a respective one of the tires; and', 'a receiver installed on the wheel assembly and configured to receive radar signals from the side wall of the respective one of the tires., 'each radar system includes5. The mobile platform of claim 1 , wherein each radar system includes:a transmitter installed on the wheel assembly and configured to transmit radar signals to a path on which the mobile platform is travelling; anda receiver installed on the wheel assembly and configured to receive radar signals from the path.6. The mobile platform of claim 1 ,wherein the wheel assembly includes one or more wheels and a drive shaft coupled to one or more of the wheels; andthe radar system is installed on the drive shaft.7. The mobile platform of claim 1 ,wherein the wheel assembly includes a fender; andthe radar system is installed on the fender.8. The mobile platform of claim 1 ,wherein ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING TEMPERATURE AND ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY OF A MOVABLE OBJECT

An apparatus for connecting an electrical measurement system, which includes at least a first and a second conductor, to a movable object to measure at least one of a temperature and an electrical resistivity of the movable object includes a first and a second connector, and a first and a second contact wire. The first and the second contact wires are electrically communicable with the first and the second conductors, respectively, and are wound around at least a portion of the first and the second connectors, respectively, such that the first and the second contact wires are engageable with the movable object at a first and a second contact point, respectively. The first and the second contact wires each has a polarity. The first and the second connectors are made of a material having a higher electrical and thermal resistivity than the first and the second contact wires. 1. An apparatus for connecting an electrical measurement system to a movable object to measure at least one of a temperature and an electrical resistivity of the movable object , the electrical measurement system having at least a first conductor and a second conductor , the apparatus comprising:a first connector and a second connector each rotatable about a fixed axis;a first contact wire electrically communicable with the first conductor, the first contact wire being wound around at least a portion of the first connector such that the first contact wire is engageable with the movable object at a first contact point; anda second contact wire electrically communicable with the second conductor, the second contact wire being wound around at least a portion of the second connector such that the second contact wire is engageable with the movable object at a second contact point;wherein the first contact wire and the second contact wire each have a polarity; andwherein the first connector and the second connector are each made of a material having higher electrical and thermal resistivity than the ...

METHOD TO ESTIMATE TIRE-ROAD FRICTION, PRIOR TO SAFETY SYSTEMS ENGAGEMENT

Technical solutions are described for estimating tire-road friction in a vehicle pro-actively, prior to safety systems of the vehicle are engaged. An example method includes computing a slip for the vehicle based on one or more wheel speeds, acceleration, and tire pressure measurement. The method further includes determining a slope (α) as indicator of tire-road friction for the vehicle based on the acceleration and the slip. Further, the method includes sending the slope to an autonomous controller of the vehicle for adjusting vehicle kinematics according to the estimated friction using the slope. 1. A method for estimating tire-road friction in a vehicle proactively , prior to safety systems engagement , the method comprising:computing a slip for the vehicle based on one or more wheel speeds, acceleration, and tire pressure measurement;determining a slope (α) as indicator of tire-road friction for the vehicle based on the acceleration and the slip; andsending the slope (α) to an autonomous controller of the vehicle for adjusting vehicle kinematics according to the slope (α).4. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the slope comprises determining a slope of a line on a plot for the acceleration vs slip claim 1 , the line being drawn on the plot from the origin to a point represented by present values of the acceleration and the slip.5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , notifying an operator of the vehicle based on the slope prior to the safety system being engaged.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , sending the slope to a controller.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , sending the acceleration vs slip to a server computer to warn other vehicles about surface friction.8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , indicating a tire-health to an operator of the vehicle based on the slip claim 1 , the tire-health being deteriorated in response to the slip vs acceleration being below a ...

Motion sickness mitigation system and method

Systems and methods are provided for mitigating motion sickness. When motion sickness is predicted, the motion sickness mitigation system alters vehicle performance, cabin conditions, and/or alerts the occupant to upcoming vehicle actions, to avoid or alleviate motion sickness. A controller includes a processor that receives an occupant profile and traffic information for an upcoming trip of the vehicle on a route. Using the occupant profile and the traffic information, the processor calculates whether the occupant will experience motion sickness when the vehicle travels on the route. A vehicle performance signal correlated to the calculation, is delivered by the processor to initiate motion sickness mitigation. The vehicle performance signal varies operation of a steering actuator, an acceleration actuator, and/or a brake actuator to implement the motion sickness mitigation.

Approach for vehicle nano-rectenna panel

A method of designing a nano-rectenna panel (NRP) of a vehicle includes generating one or more performance benchmarks associated with nano-rectenna devices that comprise the NRP. A material for the nano-rectenna devices is identified based on one or more of the one or more performance benchmarks. The method also includes designing the NRP based on the material.

Dynamic security shields for situation assessment and decision making in collision avoidance tasks

Ein System und ein Verfahren, die an einem Ego-Fahrzeug zum Bewerten von potentiellen Gefahren in einem Fahrzeugkollisionsvermeidungssystem und/oder zum Planen von sicherheitszulässigen Fahrzeugbahnen für die Fahrzeugwegplanung vorgesehen sind. Das Verfahren umfasst das Detektieren von Objekten in einer vorbestimmten Umgebung um das Ego-Fahrzeug und das Bestimmen der relativen Geschwindigkeit oder eines anderen Maßes zwischen jedem detektierten Objekt und dem Ego-Fahrzeug. Das Verfahren definiert eine virtuelle dynamische Sicherheitsabschirmung um jedes detektierte Objekt, die eine Form, Größe und Orientierung aufweist, die durch vorbestimmte Eigenschaften in Bezug auf den aktuellen Zustand oder Verkehr um das Ego-Fahrzeug bestimmt sind. Das Verfahren definiert auch ein Handlungsraster um das Ego-Fahrzeug. Das Verfahren bewertet das Gefahrenniveau einer potentiellen Kollision zwischen jedem detektierten Objekt auf der Basis dessen, wie die Abschirmung für dieses Objekt und das Handlungsraster in Wechselwirkung treten. Die Wechselwirkung zwischen den Abschirmungen und dem Raster induziert Handlungen, die auf das Unterdrücken von Kollisionen gezielt sind, und ermöglicht eine Bahnplanung.

METHOD FOR APPRECIATING THE FRICTION BETWEEN TIRES AND ROAD BEFORE OPERATING THE SAFETY SYSTEM

Es werden technische Lösungen beschrieben, um die Reibung zwischen Reifen und Straße in einem Fahrzeug proaktiv zu schätzen, bevor die Sicherheitssysteme des Fahrzeugs zugeschaltet werden. Ein exemplarisches Verfahren beinhaltet das Berechnen eines Schlupfes für das Fahrzeug basierend auf einer oder mehreren Raddrehzahlen, Beschleunigung und Reifendruckmessung. Das Verfahren beinhaltet ferner das Bestimmen einer Neigung (α) als Indikator für die Reifen-Straßen-Reibung für das Fahrzeug basierend auf der Beschleunigung und dem Schlupf. Ferner beinhaltet das Verfahren das Senden der Neigung an die autonome Steuerung des Fahrzeugs, um die Fahrzeugkinematik gemäß der geschätzten Reibung unter Verwendung der Neigung. Technical solutions are described to proactively estimate the friction between the tire and the road in a vehicle before the vehicle's safety systems are engaged. An exemplary method includes calculating a slip for the vehicle based on one or more wheel speeds, acceleration, and tire pressure measurement. The method further includes determining an inclination (α) as an indicator of the tire-road friction for the vehicle based on the acceleration and the slip. Further, the method includes transmitting the inclination to the autonomous control of the vehicle to the vehicle kinematics according to the estimated friction using the inclination.

Optical data media detection techniques

An optical disc machine initially identifies a disc positioned in it by moving the focal point of its optical pick-up unit between an outer surface and an interior reflective data carrying surface. The time required for the focal point to travel between the two reflective layers, proportional to the distance between the layers, is compared with one or more thresholds to identify the type of disc present. Example types are CDs and DVDs that can be distinguished from each other because of different distances between their two layers. Variations in the velocity of a motive source that drive the focal point to traverse the disc are compensated in order to avoid erroneous measurements of the distance between reflective layers, and thus to avoid misidentifying the disc types. Different types of DVDs or CDs may also be identified by measurement of reflected light intensity with respect to a threshold that is updateable.

Optical data media detection techniques

An optical disc machine initially identifies a disc positioned in it by moving the focal point of its optical pick-up unit between an outer surface and an interior reflective data carrying surface. The time required for the focal point to travel between the two reflective layers, proportional to the distance between the layers, is compared with one or more thresholds to identify the type of disc present. Example types are CDs and DVDs that can be distinguished from each other because of different distances between their two layers. Variations in the velocity of a motive source that drive the focal point to traverse the disc are compensated in order to avoid erroneous measurements of the distance between reflective layers, and thus to avoid misidentifying the disc types. Different types of DVDs or CDs may also be identified by measurement of reflected light intensity with respect to a threshold that is updateable.

Erkennungsverfahren für optische datenmedien