Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100114448 | REDUCED ENERGY VACUUM PUMP CONTROL - A method is provided that includes determining a state of a vehicle ignition switch; determining a state of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle state including at least one of whether the vehicle is in a torque producing mode, whether the vehicle is moving, and whether the vehicle brake system is engaged; and, controlling the vacuum pump in response to the vehicle state and the ignition switch state. | 05-06-2010 |
20100305795 | System And Method For Displaying Power Flow In A Hybrid Vehicle - A system and method is provided for determining a mode of operation of a hybrid vehicle, obtaining torque data and speed data based on the mode of operation, and displaying component icons as well as a graphical representation of power flows. The graphical representation of power flows is displayed between pairs of the component icons. The component icons represent components of the hybrid vehicle including an engine, a battery, drive wheels, and an electric machine arrangement. | 12-02-2010 |
20100308986 | System for Transmitting Data Between a Hybrid Electric Vehicle and a Remote Transceiver - A method of transmitting driver specific vehicle data includes entering driver specific hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) operating parameter settings for a plurality of drivers into a vehicle controller; identifying a vehicle driver; displaying driver specific HEV data within the vehicle; and configuring HEV operating parameters in accordance with the driver specific HEV operating parameter settings. | 12-09-2010 |
20110068895 | Control of a Vehicle Having a Passive Entry-Passive Start Function - A method for controlling mobilizing and immobilizing a vehicle using a valid passive entry-passive start key includes detecting that a vehicle operator exits the vehicle, determining that the key is absent from the vehicle, automatically immobilizing the vehicle by preventing vehicle propulsion; if a power source of the vehicle is immobilized after the operator exits the vehicle, automatically mobilizing the vehicle to allow vehicle propulsion when a key authorized to operate the vehicle is detected in the vehicle after a vehicle door is opened and closed, and automatically placing the vehicle in a low energy consumption operating state, if a reference period expires after the operator exits the vehicle with the power source running. | 03-24-2011 |
20110160991 | Method and System for Extending an Operating Range of a Motor Vehicle - A method and system are described for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having an economy mode of operation. When the vehicle fuel level decreases below a first threshold, an indication is provided to a vehicle user that the vehicle will enter the economy mode of vehicle operation. The economy mode of vehicle operation is automatically entered a predetermined period of time after providing the indication to the vehicle user. The economy mode of vehicle operation is exited in response to a user command to exit the economy mode of vehicle operation. | 06-30-2011 |
20110224841 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE'S ENERGY SOURCE - One or more embodiments may include a method for remotely obtaining information about an energy source of a vehicle. Information identifying one or more vehicles and one or more drivers of the vehicles may be received at one or more computing devices remote from a vehicle. Instructions from the one or more remote computing devices may be transmitted requesting information from the identified vehicle(s) about a status of an energy source for the identified vehicle(s). The status information may be received at the remote computing device(s). Based on the energy source status information and the driver identifying information, a vehicle energy source status with respect to one or more attributes of the vehicle drivers may be calculated. Additionally, the vehicle energy source status may be displayed at the one or more devices. | 09-15-2011 |
20120176231 | Information Display System And Method - An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179311 | Methods and Apparatus for Reporting State of Charge in Electric Vehicles - A computer-implemented method of displaying vehicle range includes receiving input corresponding to a level of charge remaining in a vehicle having at least a partial electric power source usable for vehicle locomotion. The method also includes determining a maximum remaining range which the vehicle can travel based at least on the level of charge. The method further includes displaying a maximum range boundary overlaid on a map, including at least an indicator at the center of the range indicating a current location of the vehicle. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179313 | Method and Apparatus for Energy Usage Display - A computer-implemented method includes displaying a plurality of power consuming and producing vehicle components. The method also includes determining what components are currently consuming power and what components are currently delivering power, and to what magnitude the power is flowing between components. The method additionally includes displaying one or more arrows showing a powerflow from at least one power producing component to at least one power consuming or producing component. The method further includes displaying an indicia indicating the magnitude of the powerflow associated with the one or more arrows. Also, the method includes, for at least one power consuming component, displaying a gauge relating to a level of power being consumed by the at least one power consuming component. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179346 | Regenerative Braking Feedback Display And Method - Driver braking performance feedback may be conveyed to a vehicle operator as a braking efficiency score using a vehicle display system. The display system may include a vehicle display for displaying a braking efficiency indicator or gauge corresponding to the braking efficiency score. The braking efficiency score may be based on a comparison of the total regenerative braking energy recaptured during at least one braking event to a either a maximum amount of braking energy that may be recaptured during the at least one braking event or an actual total braking energy expended during the at least one braking event. The braking efficiency score may be displayed upon the completion of a braking event or upon a completion of a trip including a plurality of braking events. The display may also convey a distance corresponding to a portion of a trip distance achieved through regenerative braking. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179347 | Regenerative Braking Feedback Display And Method - Driver braking performance feedback may be conveyed to a vehicle operator as a braking efficiency score using a vehicle display system. The display system may include a vehicle display for displaying a braking efficiency indicator or gauge corresponding to the braking efficiency score. The braking efficiency score may be based on a comparison of the total regenerative braking energy recaptured during at least one braking event to a either a maximum amount of braking energy that may be recaptured during the at least one braking event or an actual total braking energy expended during the at least one braking event. The braking efficiency score may be displayed upon the completion of a braking event or upon a completion of a trip including a plurality of braking events. The display may also convey a distance corresponding to a portion of a trip distance achieved through regenerative braking. | 07-12-2012 |
20130009765 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING A RANGE LIMIT BASED ON A VEHICLE'S ENERGY SOURCE STATUS - Various embodiments relate to determining a range limit for a vehicle based on the vehicle's energy source status. An energy status of a vehicle and a location of an energizing station for the vehicle may be received at a computer. The computer may be operable to communicate with one or more vehicle systems. A travel distance value from a current location of the vehicle to the location of the energizing station may be calculated. Additionally, a range limit value for the vehicle based on the energy source status and the travel distance value may be calculated. Based on the range limit value, one or more range values of the vehicle with respect to returning to the energizing station may be determined. | 01-10-2013 |
20130073113 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING A RANGE FOR THE VEHICLE - A method to control a vehicle includes assigning a predicted driving pattern to a predicted path for the vehicle, and providing a range for the vehicle using the predicted energy efficiency and an amount of energy available to the vehicle. The predicted driving pattern has an associated predicted energy efficiency. A vehicle includes a propulsion device coupled to wheels of the vehicle via a transmission, and a controller electronically coupled to the propulsion device. The controller is configured to: (i) assign a predicted driving pattern to a predicted path for the vehicle, the predicted driving pattern having a predicted energy efficiency, and (ii) provide a range for the vehicle using the predicted energy efficiency and an amount of energy available to the vehicle. | 03-21-2013 |
20130073129 | VEHICLE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - An information display system includes an information display that communicates relevant information relating to the operation of a vehicle. The information display conveys a score representing lifetime or long-term driving or operating efficiency of the vehicle. The score can be conveyed numerically or graphically using a number of indicators. Each indicator may correspond to a different achievement level attained for efficient driving or vehicle use behavior. | 03-21-2013 |
20130131946 | Reduced Energy Vacuum Pump Control - A method is provided that includes determining a state of a vehicle ignition switch; determining a state of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle state including at least one of whether the vehicle is in a torque producing mode, whether the vehicle is moving, and whether the vehicle brake system is engaged; and, controlling the vacuum pump in response to the vehicle state and the ignition switch state. | 05-23-2013 |
20130166123 | VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING TRAVEL RANGE - A vehicle system is provided with a controller and an interface communicating with the controller. The controller is configured to receive input that is indicative of available electric energy of a storage device, actual electrical power usage of a climate control system, and thermal requests. The controller is also configured to generate output that is indicative of an estimated travel range in response to the input. The interface is configured to display a range indicator based on the estimated travel range. | 06-27-2013 |
20130226377 | CONTROLLED SHUTDOWN OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A vehicle is provided with a motor that is configured to provide drive torque and to facilitate regenerative braking. The vehicle also includes a controller that is configured to receive input that is indicative of a vehicle speed and a battery state of charge (BSOC), and to disable the drive torque when the BSOC is less than a maximum discharge limit. The controller is also configured to activate regenerative braking when the BSOC is less than the maximum discharge limit and the vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed. | 08-29-2013 |
20140039726 | Methods and Systems for Monitoring a Vehicle's Energy Source - One or more embodiments may include a method for remotely obtaining information about an energy source of a vehicle. Information identifying one or more vehicles and one or more drivers of the vehicles may be received at one or more computing devices remote from a vehicle. Instructions from the one or more remote computing devices may be transmitted requesting information from the identified vehicle(s) about a status of an energy source for the identified vehicle(s). The status information may be received at the remote computing device(s). Based on the energy source status information and the driver identifying information, a vehicle energy source status with respect to one or more attributes of the vehicle drivers may be calculated. Additionally, the vehicle energy source status may be displayed at the one or more devices. | 02-06-2014 |
20140372019 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD - An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used. | 12-18-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090009123 | STATICALLY STABLE BIPED ROBOTIC MECHANISM AND METHOD OF ACTUATING - A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis. | 01-08-2009 |
20090236155 | Efficient Actuation and Selective Engaging and Locking Clutch Mechanisms for Reconfiguration and Multiple-behavior Locomotion of an at least Two-Appendage Robot - The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot. | 09-24-2009 |
20110152613 | ARTICULATED DEVICE WITH VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera. | 06-23-2011 |
20110240381 | EFFICIENT ACTUATION AND SELECTIVE ENGAGING AND LOCKING CLUTCH MECHANISMS FOR RECONFIGURATION AND MULTIPLE-BEHAVIOR LOCOMOTION OF AN AT LEAST TWO-APPENDAGE ROBOT - The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot. | 10-06-2011 |
20110253865 | APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A DEVICE - An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom. | 10-20-2011 |
20110272199 | Statically Stable Biped Robotic Mechanism and Method of Actuating - A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis. | 11-10-2011 |
20120190453 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE-OFFLINE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE - A game system is provided that is configured for providing a dynamic online and offline interactive experience. The game system includes two portions; an interactive apparatus and an interactive application. The interactive apparatus may be, but is not limited to, toys such as robots, dolls, vehicles, play sets, and board games. The game system is configured such that a user's interactions with one of the interactive apparatus and the interactive application may affect the continuation of the user's interactive experience with the other. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191880 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING ACCESSORIES CONNECTED TO APPARATUS - USB host controller and USB devices, associated methods and computer products are provide that addresses specifically the limitation of the USB standard for USB device controllers to support other devices on alternative interfaces. The implementation is applicable to most USB host controllers and USB devices, and is particularly applicable to a game system that includes an accessory having a communication port and an interactive apparatus having a communication port operable to mate with the communication port of the accessory. The interactive apparatus is operable to identify a type of accessory coupled to the communication port of the interactive apparatus. | 07-26-2012 |
20130228663 | APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A DEVICE - An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom. | 09-05-2013 |