U.S. patent application number 12/883968 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for system for estimating a vehicle mass.
Invention is credited to Loren Christopher Dreier, Ingo-Gerd Sauter.
Application Number | 20110004382 12/883968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40547953 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110004382 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dreier; Loren Christopher ;
et al. |
January 6, 2011 |
SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING A VEHICLE MASS
Abstract
A vehicle mass estimation system for use in a vehicle, such as a
truck, including a transmission is provided. A processor may be
operable to receive a signal relating to a mass of at least a
portion of the vehicle. The processor may be further operable to
estimate a vehicle mass based, at least in part, on the signal. The
processor may be further operable to select a desired gear ratio
for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
Inventors: |
Dreier; Loren Christopher;
(Southern Pines, NC) ; Sauter; Ingo-Gerd;
(Aberdeen, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
40547953 |
Appl. No.: |
12/883968 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12021972 |
Jan 29, 2008 |
7818140 |
|
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12883968 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
701/58 ;
702/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 61/0213 20130101;
F16H 59/52 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/58 ;
702/173 |
International
Class: |
F16H 59/00 20060101
F16H059/00; G01G 19/08 20060101 G01G019/08; G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Claims
1. A vehicle mass estimation system, comprising: an input device
associated with a vehicle having a transmission, the input device
operable to receive an input from an operator and to generate a
first mass signal, wherein the input is indicative of a mass of at
least a portion of the vehicle; and a processor operable to:
communicate with the input device; receive the first mass signal
from the input device; estimate the vehicle mass based, at least in
part, on the first mass signal; and select a desired gear ratio for
engagement in the transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a
switch, and wherein a number of activations of the switch
corresponds to a specific mass value.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a
voice recognition circuit operable to receive an audible signal
from the operator.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a
keyboard.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a trailer
and the input is indicative of a mass of the trailer.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a weighing device in
communication with the processor and operable to generate a second
mass signal, wherein the processor is further operable to estimate
the vehicle mass based in part on the second mass signal.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable
to confirm the estimated vehicle mass using another vehicle mass
measurement and wherein the desired gear ratio is selected if the
estimated vehicle mass measurement is confirmed.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further operable
to replace a prior vehicle mass measurement with the estimated
vehicle mass.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the desired gear ratio for
engagement in the transmission is selected if a priority assigned
to the estimated vehicle mass is higher than a priority assigned to
a vehicle mass estimated at another time or using another
method.
10. A method of estimating a vehicle mass comprising: receiving an
input from an operator, wherein the input is indicative of a mass
of at least a portion of a vehicle; generating a first mass signal
based on the input; estimating a vehicle mass based, at least in
part, on the first mass signal; and selecting a desired gear ratio
for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the input is received via an
operator activation of a switch, and wherein a number of operator
switch activations corresponds to a specific mass value.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the first mass
signal comprises converting an operator voice input into the first
mass signal.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the input is received via an
operator activation of a key on a keyboard.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the vehicle comprises a trailer
and the input is indicative of a mass of the trailer.
15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a second
mass signal from an onboard weighing device, wherein the second
mass signal is indicative of the mass of at least a portion of the
vehicle; and estimating the vehicle mass based, at least in part,
on the second mass signal.
16. The method of claim 10, further comprising confirming the
estimated vehicle mass using another vehicle mass measurement,
wherein the desired gear ratio is selected if the estimated vehicle
mass measurement is confirmed.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising replacing a prior
vehicle mass measurement with the estimated vehicle mass.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein the desired gear ratio for
engagement in the transmission is selected if a priority assigned
to the estimated vehicle mass is higher than a priority assigned to
a vehicle mass estimated at another time or using another
method.
19. A vehicle, comprising: a transmission; an input device
associated with the vehicle operable to receive an input from an
operator and to generate a first mass signal, wherein the input is
indicative of a mass of at least a portion of the vehicle; and a
processor operable to: communicate with the input device; receive
the first mass signal from the input device; estimate the vehicle
mass based, at least in part, on the first mass signal; and select
a desired gear ratio for engagement in the transmission based, at
least in part, on the estimated vehicle mass.
20. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising a trailer, wherein
the input is indicative of a mass of the trailer.
21. The vehicle of claim 19, further comprising: a weighing device
in communication with the processor and operable to generate a
second mass signal, wherein the processor is further operable to
estimate the vehicle mass based in part on the second mass
signal.
22. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the desired gear ratio for
engagement in the transmission is selected if a priority assigned
to the estimated vehicle mass is higher than a priority assigned to
a vehicle mass estimated at another time or using another method.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/021,972, filed Jan. 29, 2008, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to vehicle systems, specifically to
such systems used for estimating a mass of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vehicles utilizing automatic or automated mechanical
transmissions (also referred to as automated manual transmissions),
such as trucks, buses, and cars, depend on gear shifting logic or
algorithms to determine the appropriate gear to use for a wide
variety of conditions. Each shift decision may be based on a
balance between fuel efficiency and performance to provide a
desired driving experience. One of the significant parameters
impacting this balance is the total mass or weight of the vehicle.
For example, a truck carrying no payload may shift to a higher gear
by skipping one or more gears to improve fuel efficiency and yet
still maintain an adequate level of performance. However, a truck
carrying a relatively heavy payload may up-shift through each gear
and engage each gear for a longer period of time to improve
performance by transmitting an increased amount of power from the
engine.
[0004] Some systems rely on the equation for Newton's second law of
motion, force=mass.times.acceleration, to calculate a vehicle's
mass or weight for use in a shifting algorithm. For example, the
force is related to the engine torque, which propels the vehicle.
When the engine torque is known, the vehicle mass may be derived
through a calculation based on the vehicle's acceleration. A system
may repeat the calculation several times to provide a mass or
weight value with a better accuracy.
[0005] However, the vehicle must be in motion for this mass
determination method to work because it requires measurement of a
useful acceleration value. Also, this method typically uses an
average of several calculations, and a single inaccurate
calculation may adversely impact the mass or weight value.
Furthermore, collecting and averaging several calculations takes
time during which shifting performance may be negatively
affected.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] According to a first aspect, a vehicle mass estimation
system for use in a vehicle including a tractor, a trailer, and a
transmission is provided. A signal device may be operable to
generate an indication signal. A processor may be operable to
communicate with the signal device and operable to receive the
indication signal from the signal device. The processor may be
further operable to determine whether a vehicle trailer is
connected to the vehicle tractor based on the indication signal.
The processor may be further operable to estimate a vehicle mass
based, at least in part, on the indication signal. The processor
may be further operable to select a desired gear ratio for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
[0007] According to a second aspect, a vehicle mass estimation
system for use in a vehicle including a tractor, a trailer, and a
transmission is provided. A processor in a vehicle may be operable
to communicate with a remote station. The remote station may be
operable to transmit a mass signal indicative of the mass of at
least a portion of the vehicle. The processor may be further
operable to receive the mass signal. The processor may be further
operable to select a desired gear ratio for engagement in the
transmission based, at least in part, on the mass signal.
[0008] According to a third aspect, a vehicle mass estimation
system for use in a vehicle including a tractor, a trailer, and a
transmission is provided. An input device on or in a vehicle may be
operable to receive an input from an operator and to generate a
first mass signal. The input may be indicative of a mass of at
least a portion of the vehicle. A processor may be operable to
communicate with the input device and operable to receive the first
mass signal from the input device. The processor may be further
operable to estimate the vehicle mass based, at least in part, on
the first mass signal. The processor may be further operable to
select a desired gear ratio for engagement in the transmission
based, at least in part, on the estimated vehicle mass.
[0009] According to a fourth aspect, a method of estimating a
vehicle mass is provided. An indication signal may be received.
Whether a vehicle trailer is connected to a vehicle tractor may be
determined based on the indication signal. A vehicle mass may be
estimated based, at least in part, on the indication signal. A
desired gear ratio for engagement in a transmission may be selected
based, at least in part, on the estimated vehicle mass.
[0010] According to a fifth aspect, a method of estimating a
vehicle mass is provided. A mass signal may be received from a
remote station. The mass signal may be indicative of a mass of at
least a portion of a vehicle. A desired gear ratio for engagement
in a transmission may be selected based, at least in part, on the
mass signal.
[0011] According to a sixth aspect, a method of estimating a
vehicle mass is provided. An input may be received from an
operator. The input may be indicative of a mass of at least a
portion of the vehicle. A first mass signal may be generated based
on the input. A vehicle mass may be estimated based, at least in
part, on the first mass signal. A desired gear ratio for engagement
in a transmission may be selected based, at least in part, on the
estimated mass.
[0012] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be included within this
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a two-dimensional drawing illustrating a basic
structure of a vehicle.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of
a vehicle mass estimation system.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an alternate exemplary
embodiment of a vehicle mass estimation system.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another alternate exemplary
embodiment of a vehicle mass estimation system.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of
estimating a vehicle mass.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an alternate example of a
method of estimating a vehicle mass.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another alternate example
of a method of estimating a vehicle mass.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of
updating a vehicle mass estimation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a two-dimensional drawing illustrating a basic
structure of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be a car, bus,
truck, or any other known or future vehicle that utilizes an
automatic or automated mechanical transmission. For example, the
vehicle 100 may be a semi-trailer truck or any other vehicle
including a vehicle tractor 104 and a vehicle trailer 108.
Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may comprise only the vehicle
tractor 104.
[0023] The vehicle tractor 104 may include, but is not limited to,
a cab, a door for entering and exiting the cab, windows, seats for
a driver, operator, and/or passenger, an engine, a transmission, a
front or steer axle having two wheels, and two rear drive axles
having double wheels on each side. Alternatively, the tractor 104
may have a single drive axle (known as a "six wheeler") used to
pull shorter trailers.
[0024] The vehicle trailer 108 may include, but is not limited to,
two tandem axles at the rear, and each of the axles may include
dual wheels on each side (eight wheels on the trailer). The trailer
108 may comprise a box trailer, a cement trailer, a reefer trailer,
a tanker trailer, a dry bulk trailer, a flatbed trailer, a lowboy
trailer, or any known or future trailer.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of
a vehicle mass estimation system. The vehicle mass estimation
system may be in or on a vehicle 200, such as the vehicle 100
previously described. For example, any number of or all the
components of the vehicle mass estimation system may be in or on a
vehicle tractor, such as the vehicle tractor 104, or any number of
or all the components of the vehicle mass estimation system may be
in or on a vehicle trailer, such as the vehicle trailer 108. The
vehicle mass estimation system may include, but is not limited to,
a transmission system 209, a power take-off assembly 213, a memory
205, a processor 201, a signal device 203, a weighing device 217,
and a display 221.
[0026] The transmission system 209 may include, but is not limited
to, a transmission, such as an automatic or automated mechanical
transmission, one or more sensors, at least one transmission
controller, and the power take-off assembly 213. The power-take off
("PTO") assembly 213 may include, but is not limited to, a PTO
component, such as a gear or shaft, that may engage with the
transmission to provide power for any variety of PTO operations.
For example, when an engine is providing power to the transmission,
a PTO component may be driven by a gear or shaft of the
transmission. Consequently, the PTO component may provide power or
energy to a pump, a generator, a ladder, a gear or pulley system,
or any known or future mechanical, fluid, and/or electrical system.
Any PTO component of the PTO assembly 213 may be in or on the
vehicle tractor and/or the vehicle trailer. Alternatively, the PTO
assembly 213 and a respective PTO component may be on a vehicle not
associated with a trailer, such as a fire engine or other
non-trailer vehicle.
[0027] The memory 205 may be a "computer-readable medium,"
"machine-readable medium," "propagated-signal" medium, and/or
"signal-bearing medium" and may comprise any device that contains,
stores, communicates, propagates, or transports software, data,
and/or predetermined values indicative of one or more vehicle
trailer masses or weights for use by or in connection with an
instruction executable system, apparatus, or device. The memory 205
may be in any part of the vehicle 200. The machine-readable medium
may selectively be, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,
optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,
apparatus, device, or propagation medium. A non-exhaustive list of
examples of a machine-readable medium would include: an electrical
connection "electronic" having one or more wires, a portable
magnetic or optical disk, a volatile memory such as a Random Access
Memory "RAM" (electronic), a Read-Only Memory "ROM" (electronic),
an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM or Flash memory)
(electronic), or an optical fiber (optical). A machine-readable
medium may also include a tangible medium upon which software is
printed, as the software may be electronically stored as an image
or in another format (e.g., through an optical scan), then
compiled, and/or interpreted or otherwise processed. The processed
medium may then be stored in a computer and/or machine memory.
[0028] The processor 201 may be in communication with or operable
to communicate with the memory 205, the transmission system 209,
the signal device 203, the weighing device 217, and the display
221. The processor 201 may be in communication with any other
component of the vehicle 200. The processor 201 may be in any part
of the vehicle 200. The processor 201 may be a main processor or a
plurality of processors operable to communicate with electronics
and controllers of the vehicle 200. For example, the processor 201
may be part of a public or private communications area network
("CAN"). The processor 201 may utilize a public electronic
communication protocol, such as SAE J 1939 or SAE J 1587, and/or
may utilize a proprietary electronic communication protocol or any
other type of public or private communication technique. Also, the
processor 201 may be able to determine whether a vehicle trailer is
connected to a vehicle tractor based on an indication signal.
Additionally, the processor 201 may be operable to estimate a
vehicle mass or weight (hereinafter "mass or weight" will be
referred to as "mass") at least in part on the indication signal,
and the processor 201 may be operable to select a desired gear
ratio for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on
the estimated vehicle mass.
[0029] The signal device 203 may be in communication with the
transmission system 209 and may be operable to communicate with the
processor 201. The signal device 203 may be a mechanical and/or
electrical sensor or a plurality of sensors operable to detect
contact of a vehicle trailer, such as the vehicle trailer 108, with
a vehicle tractor, such as the vehicle tractor 104. Alternatively,
the signal device 203 may be a voltage or current supply or a
processor on or in the vehicle tractor or trailer.
[0030] For example, the signal device 203 may be on a tractor bed
or any other part of the vehicle tractor, and when the vehicle
trailer is physically attached to the vehicle tractor, the signal
device 203 may sense the attachment by a mechanical and/or
electrical contact and transmit an indication signal to the
processor 201. Alternatively, when the vehicle trailer comes into
contact with the vehicle trailer, the signal device may transmit an
alternating or direct current ("AC" or "DC") and/or voltage as an
indication signal directly or indirectly to the processor 201. The
indication signal may be a digital or analog signal. The signal
device may transmit the indication signal to the processor 201
through electrical wires or traces or it may transmit the
indication signal wirelessly. The indication signal may also be a
MID137 signal. Trailers manufactured after 2001 may be equipped
with the ability to broadcast a MID137 signal, which may be used to
identify that the trailer has been added, on the vehicle's computer
communications network. Alternatively, the indication signal may
contain information or data that indicates what type of trailer is
being attached, what the mass or weight of the trailer is, what
type of payload the trailer is carrying, and/or the amount of
payload the trailer is carrying.
[0031] For example, when a vehicle trailer is attached to a vehicle
tractor, the signal device 203 may transmit the indication signal
to the processor 201. As previously mentioned, the indication
signal may be a low or high AC or DC signal or a MID137 signal.
Based on the presence or lack of presence of the signal, the
processor 201 may determine whether the vehicle trailer is attached
or not. If the vehicle trailer is not attached, a predetermined
value of the mass of the vehicle tractor, which may be stored in
the memory 205, may be used in a shifting logic or algorithm to
select a desired gear ratio for engagement in a transmission based
on the vehicle tractor mass.
[0032] If the vehicle trailer is attached, the processor 201 may
retrieve a predetermined value of the mass of the vehicle trailer
from the memory 205, such as a mass signal representing the value
of the mass of the vehicle trailer. The "value of the mass" may be
an estimation, calculation, or measurement of mass that may or may
not be equal to an actual mass. The predetermined value of the mass
of the vehicle trailer may be used to estimate a total mass of the
vehicle 200. A desired gear ratio is selected for engagement in a
transmission based, at least in part, on the estimated vehicle
mass. Alternatively, the processor 201 may retrieve a predetermined
value of the mass of the whole vehicle 200 from the memory 205.
[0033] The indication signal may include one or more data
indicative of a type of the vehicle trailer, whether the vehicle
trailer is carrying a payload, and/or the amount of payload in or
on the vehicle trailer. For example, the memory 205 may store data
concerning the mass of the vehicle 200 and or the vehicle trailer
based on the type of trailer, the amount of payload in or on the
trailer, and/or the material or physical properties of the payload.
For example, if a tanker full of petroleum is attached to a vehicle
tractor, the processor 201 may intelligently retrieve a specific
mass value for the vehicle trailer and/or the vehicle 200 based on
the criteria that the trailer is a tanker, the tanker is full, and
the tanker is carrying petroleum. If an empty lowboy is attached to
the vehicle tractor, the processor 201 may intelligently retrieve a
different specific vehicle mass value for the trailer and/or the
vehicle 200 based on the criteria that the trailer is a lowboy and
is empty.
[0034] Alternatively, the indication signal may include the mass of
the vehicle trailer to be attached to the vehicle tractor. For
example, the mass of the vehicle trailer may be measured or
estimated and a corresponding mass value may be stored in the
signal device 203, the memory 205, or any other component on or in
the vehicle trailer. Once the vehicle trailer is attached to the
vehicle tractor, the indication signal containing the mass
information of the vehicle trailer may be transmitted to the
processor 201. The processor 201 may use the mass information to
estimate a total mass of the vehicle 200 and to select a desired
gear for engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on
the estimated vehicle mass.
[0035] Alternatively, the signal device 203 may be an electronic
and/or mechanical component operable to monitor a PTO component of
the PTO assembly 213. For example, the signal device 203 may be a
sensor and/or controller that may continuously or periodically
monitor whether a PTO component is engaged in operation. The signal
device 203 may transmit a signal to the processor 201 indicating
whether or not the PTO component is engaged.
[0036] The processor 201 also may determine whether or not a
vehicle trailer is attached to a vehicle tractor based on the PTO
operation. For example, the PTO component of the PTO assembly 213
may be used to operate a PTO pump or generator in conjunction with
the vehicle trailer. During the occurrence of the PTO operation,
the signal device 203 may periodically or continuously monitor the
PTO component and transmit a PTO message signal to the processor
201. Based on the presence or absence of the PTO message signal,
the processor 201 may determine whether or not a vehicle trailer is
attached to the vehicle tractor. The processor 201 may retrieve a
predetermined value of the mass of the vehicle trailer or the
vehicle 200 from the memory 205 as previously described. The
predetermined value of the mass may be used to estimate a total
mass of the vehicle 200. A desired gear ratio may be selected for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
[0037] However, a PTO operation may occur even when a vehicle
trailer may not be attached to a vehicle tractor. In this
situation, additional information may be transmitted in the PTO
message signal or another signal alerting the system that a vehicle
trailer is not attached. Alternatively, a manual input may be used
to indicate the difference between a PTO operation using a vehicle
trailer and a PTO operation without a vehicle trailer.
[0038] Also, the PTO message signal may be used to calculate a time
period of the PTO operation. For example, the PTO component may be
used to drive a PTO pump that pumps fluid into and out of a vehicle
trailer. As the fluid is being pumped, the processor 201 may
continuously or periodically receive the PTO message signal
indicating that a vehicle trailer is attached to the vehicle
tractor, and based on the reception of the PTO message signal, the
processor 201 may estimate the amount of time the PTO operation has
been occurring.
[0039] Based on the operation time period as well as payload data
(e.g., type of payload, density of payload material), the processor
201 may determine a change in the mass of the vehicle trailer. For
example, the material and other information of the payload, such as
density and/or volume, or dimensional characteristics of the PTO
pump may be stored in the memory 205 or may be coded or entered
into the vehicle mass estimation system. As time passes, the
processor 201 may determine the volumetric flow rate of the liquid
being pumped in and/or out of the vehicle trailer. The processor
201 may determine the amount of liquid entering or exiting the
vehicle trailer based on pump or PTO component characteristics
(e.g., features such as area, volume, or power) and/or information
related to the payload (e.g., density, volume, quantity) in
relation to a time of operation. Alternatively, the PTO message
signal itself may include information indicative of the time of the
PTO operation and/or the payload material or amount entry and exit
rates. Based on the amount of liquid removed from the vehicle
trailer and the material information of the payload, the processor
201 may determine the change in mass of the vehicle trailer. The
processor 201 may estimate a vehicle mass based, at least in part,
on the change in mass and select a desired gear ratio for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass.
[0040] As previously mentioned, the vehicle estimation system may
also include the weighing device 217. The weighing device 217 may
be one or more strain gauges, weight sensors, pressure or
temperature sensors, or any other known or future weighing device
located on a suspension, in a wheel, or any other part of the
vehicle 200. The weighing device 217 may be operable to measure a
mass of at least a portion of the vehicle 200. The weighing device
217 may transmit a mass signal indicative of a mass of at least the
portion of the vehicle to the processor 201.
[0041] The mass information determined by the weighing device 217
as well as other mass information derived from force/acceleration
calculations may be used with any other vehicle mass estimation
technique previously described. For example, the processor 201 may
use the mass information to select a desired gear ratio for
engagement in a transmission in conjunction with the estimation
techniques. Alternatively, the mass estimated by the techniques
previously described may be replaced or confirmed by the mass
determined by the weighing device 217 and/or force/acceleration
calculations or vice versa.
[0042] Any measured or estimated mass may be displayed on the
display 221. The display 221 may be any mechanical and/or
electronic display positioned for accessible viewing by a driver,
operator, and/or passenger of the vehicle 200. For example, the
display 221 may be a light emitting diode, ("LED"), display, liquid
crystal display, ("LCD"), or a cathode ray tube ("CRT") display, or
any other known or future display in the cab of the vehicle tractor
or at any other location in or on the vehicle 200. The display 221
may be capable of showing or illuminating various measurements or
estimations including mass values of all or some of the vehicle
200.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an alternate exemplary
embodiment of a vehicle mass estimation system. The vehicle mass
estimation system of FIG. 3 may include a vehicle 300, such as the
vehicle 100 or 200 previously described, and the vehicle 300 may be
operable to communicate with a remote station 304. A processor 308
and a receiver circuit 312 may be on or in the vehicle 300. The
processor 308 may be substantially similar to the processor 201.
More components, such as the transmission system 209, the power
take-off assembly 213, the memory 205, the signal device 203, the
weighing device 217, and the display 221 of FIG. 2, may be included
in or on the vehicle 300. Alternatively, fewer components may be
utilized. For example, the vehicle mass estimation system may not
include the receiver circuit 312.
[0044] The remote station 304 may be an area, a scale, an unmanned
structure, a manned structure, and/or any known or future facility
to measure or estimate a mass of a vehicle, such as the vehicle
300. The remote station 304 may be located by a loading dock of a
shipping company, retailer, and/or manufacturer, or it may be
located on the premises of a vehicle company that designs, tests,
repairs, and/or manufactures vehicles, such as trucks.
Alternatively, the remote station may be located on public
highways, weigh stations, and/or rest areas.
[0045] The remote station 304 may include an area for all or part
of a vehicle to be weighed, such as a scale. For example, the
vehicle 300, including a vehicle tractor and a vehicle trailer, may
park on top of the scale, and the scale may measure the mass of the
vehicle 300. Alternatively, the vehicle tractor and/or the vehicle
trailer may be weighed separately.
[0046] The weight measurement may be stored in a memory of the
remote station 304 and may be transmitted to the processor 308 by a
wired or wireless transmission. For example, a cable or wire may be
connected to the vehicle 300 during, before, or after the weighing
of the vehicle 300. The wire connection may be any known or future
connection, such as plug or jack connection. The cable or wire
connection may be made on the vehicle trailer and/or the vehicle
tractor.
[0047] Alternatively, a wireless communication may be utilized. For
example, after the mass of the vehicle 300 is measured, the remote
station 304 may wirelessly transmit the mass information via a mass
signal to the vehicle 300. For example, the mass signal may be a
radio frequency ("RF") signal, an infrared ("IR") signal, a Wi-Fi
signal, a Bluetooth signal, and/or any other known or future
wireless signal.
[0048] The mass signal may be received by the receiver circuit 312
on or in the vehicle 300. The receiver circuit 312 may include an
optical sensor or any other wireless sensor and/or an antenna.
Also, the receiver circuit 312 may include electrical components,
such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, filters, and/or power
amplifiers. Such components may be discrete components on a circuit
board or may be integrated on or in a semiconductor device.
Portions or all of the receiver circuit 312 may be manufactured as
an integrated circuit ("IC") module.
[0049] The receiver circuit 312 may receive the mass signal from
the remote station 304 and transmit the mass signal or a portion of
the signal including the mass information to the processor 308. For
example, the receiver circuit 312 may receive the mass signal and
amplify the mass signal via a power amplifier. The amplified signal
may then be converted into a digital signal via an
analog-to-digital converter ("ADC"). The digital signal may include
one or more data indicative of the mass of the portion of the
vehicle 300 that was weighed. The digital signal may then be
transmitted to the processor 308.
[0050] Regardless of whether the mass information is received via a
wired or wireless communication, the processor 308 may use the mass
information in a shifting logic or algorithm to select a desired
gear ratio for engagement in a transmission. For example, the
measured mass information may be used to select a desired gear
ratio for engagement in a transmission in conjunction with the
estimation techniques previously discussed. Alternatively, the mass
measured by the remote station 304 may replace or confirm any of
the mass values estimated by the techniques previously discussed or
vice versa.
[0051] As previously mentioned, the vehicle 300 or a portion of the
vehicle 300 may be weighed in a resting state. However, using a
wireless transmission, the remote station 304 may weigh the vehicle
300 or a portion of the vehicle 300 while the vehicle 300 is in
motion. For example, the vehicle 300 may pass by or through the
remote station 304. The remote station 304 may make a mass
measurement of all or part of the vehicle 300 during this time and
then transmit the mass information to the vehicle 300 in
substantially real time or at a delayed time. Velocity sensors
and/or calculations may be used by the remote station 304 to
determine accurate mass information of the passing vehicle.
[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another alternate exemplary
embodiment of a vehicle mass estimation system. The vehicle mass
estimation system of FIG. 4 may include a vehicle 400, such as the
vehicle 100, 200, or 300 previously described. A processor 403, an
input device 407, and a weighing device 411 may be on or in the
vehicle 400. The processor 403 may be substantially similar to the
processor 201 or 308, and the weighing device 411 may be
substantially similar to the weighing device 217. The vehicle 400
also may include other components, such as the transmission system
209, the power take-off assembly 213, the memory 205, the signal
device 203, and the display 221 of FIG. 2.
[0053] The input device 407 may be any mechanical and/or electrical
device enabling an operator or passenger of the vehicle 400 to
enter mass information for all or a portion of the vehicle 400. For
example, the input device 407 may be a mechanical and/or electrical
switch, such as a button or a lever, on or in the vehicle tractor
and/or the vehicle trailer. An operator of the vehicle 400 may
activate the switch a number of times to indicate a specific mass
value. The number of activations may correspond to the mass of the
vehicle 400 including both the vehicle tractor and the vehicle
trailer. For example, if a vehicle trailer is attached to the
vehicle tractor and the operator knows that the vehicle trailer is
9,000 kg, then the operator may push a button nine times or pull a
lever nine times. Each time the button is pushed or the lever is
pulled, a signal may be generated and transmitted to the processor
403 or an intermediate component, such as a counter. Alternatively,
the input device 407 may transmit a signal indicative of the number
of activations after all of the activations have been made.
[0054] Alternatively, the input device 407 may be a keyboard or a
voice recognition circuit in or on the vehicle 400. The keyboard
may be a pad having a plurality of buttons or a touch screen. The
operator may input the mass of all or part of the vehicle 400 using
the keyboard. Also, the voice recognition circuit may be any known
or future voice recognition circuit used to extract one or more
data from an audible signal. The voice recognition circuit may
include electrical components, such as resistors, capacitors,
inductors, filters, power amplifiers, ADC's, and/or beamformers.
Such components may be discrete components on a circuit board or
may be integrated on or in a semiconductor device. Portions or all
of the voice recognition circuit may be manufactured as an
integrated circuit ("IC") or module.
[0055] An operator may verbally recite the mass of the vehicle as
an audible signal. The audible signal may be received by the voice
recognition circuit via a microphone, a plurality of microphones,
or any other known or future audible signal receiver. The audible
signal may be sampled and converted into a digital signal by an
ADC. The digital signal may be indicative of the mass of the
vehicle 400 and may be transmitted to the processor 403. The
processor 403 may interpret the digital signal to acquire mass
information, such as processing text data from the speech to obtain
a mass value. Various voice encryption and security features may be
utilized to allow for certain operators to use the voice
recognition circuit.
[0056] The processor 403 may use the mass information obtained from
the input device 407 in a shifting logic or algorithm to select a
desired gear ratio for engagement in a transmission. For example,
the inputted mass information may be used to select a desired gear
ratio for engagement in a transmission in conjunction with the
estimation techniques previously discussed. Alternatively, the
inputted mass information may replace or confirm any of the mass
values estimated by the techniques previously discussed or vice
versa.
[0057] The weighing device 411 and/or force/acceleration
calculations may also be used in conjunction with the input device
407. For example, the weighing device 411 may determine the mass of
the vehicle trailer or the whole vehicle 400, such as the weighing
device 217. The mass information measured by the weighing device
411 may replace or confirm the mass information generated by the
input device and/or any of the estimation techniques previously
discussed or vice versa.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of
estimating a vehicle mass. Fewer or more steps may be provided, and
the steps may be arranged in different orders. In step 500, an
indication signal may be received. For example, the indication
signal may indicate that a vehicle trailer is attached to a vehicle
tractor. The indication signal may be a low or high AC or DC signal
and/or a MID137 signal. Alternatively, the indication signal may be
indicative of a type of the vehicle trailer and/or may be
indicative of a mass of all or a portion of a vehicle, such as the
vehicle trailer. Also, the indication signal may indicate that a
PTO operation is occurring and/or indicate a time period of the PTO
operation, such as how long the PTO operation has been occurring.
The indication signal may also indicate a type and/or amount of
payload that may be entering or exiting the vehicle trailer during
the PTO operation. In step 504, a determination is made based on
the indication signal whether or not a vehicle trailer is connected
to a vehicle tractor.
[0059] In step 508, a vehicle mass may be estimated based, at least
in part, on the indication signal. For example, when an indication
signal indicates that a vehicle trailer is present, a predetermined
value indicative of the mass of the vehicle trailer or the entire
vehicle may be retrieved from a memory to estimate the vehicle
mass. The retrieval of the predetermined value may be based on the
vehicle trailer type, the type of payload, and/or the amount of
payload in or on the vehicle trailer. Alternatively, the indication
signal itself may include one or more data indicative of the
vehicle trailer mass. Also, a change in mass may be estimated based
on how long a PTO operation is occurring and whether a payload is
exiting or entering the vehicle trailer due to the PTO
operation.
[0060] In step 512, a mass signal generated by an onboard weighing
device may be received. The mass signal may be indicative of at
least a portion of the vehicle, such as the vehicle trailer. The
onboard weighing device may be any weighing device previously
described.
[0061] In step 516, the vehicle mass may be estimated based in part
on the mass signal. For example, the mass information from the mass
signal may replace or confirm the mass information estimated in
step 508 or vice versa.
[0062] In step 520, the vehicle mass may be estimated using force
and acceleration calculations previously mentioned. The estimated
mass based on the force and acceleration calculations may replace
or confirm the mass information estimated in steps 508 and 516 or
vice versa.
[0063] In step 524, a desired gear ratio may be selected for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass. A shifting logic or algorithm may utilize
the estimated vehicle mass in selecting the gear ratio by replacing
or confirming a previous or simultaneous mass determination.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an alternate example of a
method of estimating a vehicle mass. Fewer or more steps may be
provided, and the steps may be arranged in different orders. In
step 601, a mass signal may be received from a remote station. The
remote station may be any remote station previously described. The
mass signal may be indicative of a mass of at least a portion of
the vehicle. The mass signal may be received wirelessly or via a
wired transmission as previously described. Also, the mass signal
may be received while the vehicle may be at rest or in motion.
[0065] In step 605, the vehicle mass may be estimated using force
and acceleration calculations previously mentioned. The estimated
mass based on the force and acceleration calculations may replace
or confirm the mass information in step 601 or vice versa.
Alternatively, any other mass estimation technique may be used,
such as utilizing an onboard weighing device and/or an indication
signal, as previously mentioned.
[0066] In step 609, a desired gear ratio may be selected for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the mass
signal from the remote station and/or the estimated vehicle mass. A
shifting logic or algorithm may utilize the vehicle mass
information in selecting the gear ratio by replacing or confirming
a previous or simultaneous mass determination or estimation.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating another alternate example
of a method of estimating a vehicle mass. Fewer or more steps may
be provided, and the steps may be arranged in different orders. In
step 700, an input may be received from an operator. The operator
may be a driver, a passenger, or any other person or machine
working on or with the vehicle. The input may be activations of a
mechanical and/or electrical device. For example, the input may be
a switch, such as a button or a lever, and the number of
activations of the switch may correspond to a specific mass value
of all or a portion of the vehicle. Alternatively, the input may be
a manual entry or an audible signal of the mass of the vehicle. For
example, an operator may verbally recite the mass of the
vehicle.
[0068] In step 704, a first mass signal may be generated based on
the input. The first mass signal may be indicative of a mass of at
least a portion of the vehicle. For example, a signal may be
generated every time an input device, such as the input device 407,
is activated, or a signal indicative of the number of activations
may be generated. Alternatively, the operator may enter a specific
mass using a keyboard, and a signal may be generated based on the
entered mass. Also, a voice or audible signal from the operator may
be converted into the first mass signal. Any known or future voice
recognition technique may be utilized.
[0069] In step 708, a vehicle mass may be estimated based, at least
in part, on the first mass signal. For example, the mass value
entered by the operator may be used as the actual mass of all or a
portion of the vehicle, such as a vehicle trailer. The entered
value may be an estimation because the input may not exactly
correspond to the actual mass. For example, an operator may
activate a switch nine times corresponding to 9,000 kg when the
actual mass may be 9,400 kg. Alternatively, only a vehicle trailer
mass may be entered, and the total mass of the vehicle may be
estimated by using any known or future mathematical
calculation.
[0070] In step 712, a second mass signal generated by an onboard
weighing device may be received. The second mass signal may be
indicative of at least a portion of the vehicle, such as the
vehicle trailer. The onboard weighing device may be any weighing
device previously described.
[0071] In step 716, the vehicle mass may be estimated based in part
on the second mass signal. For example, the mass information from
the second mass signal may replace or confirm the mass information
estimated in step 708 or vice versa.
[0072] In step 720, the vehicle mass may be estimated using force
and acceleration calculations previously mentioned. The estimated
mass based on the force and acceleration calculations may replace
or confirm the mass information in steps 708 and 716 or vice versa.
Alternatively, any other mass estimation technique may be used,
such as utilizing a remote station and/or an indication signal, as
previously mentioned.
[0073] In step 724, a desired gear ratio may be selected for
engagement in a transmission based, at least in part, on the
estimated vehicle mass. A shifting logic or algorithm may utilize
the estimated vehicle mass in selecting the gear ratio by replacing
or confirming a previous or simultaneous mass determination.
[0074] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of
updating a vehicle mass estimation. Fewer or more steps may be
provided, and the steps may be arranged in different orders. In
step 801, conditions for determining if a remote station may be
utilized for estimating a vehicle mass may be determined. For
example, the conditions may include, but are not limited to,
detection of a mass signal from a remote station, user input or
programmed condition, an environmental condition, or any other
condition criteria. If the use of a remote station is confirmed by
a condition, a vehicle mass is estimated or determined based on the
remote station, in step 805, such as previously described in step
601.
[0075] In step 809, conditions for determining if an indication
signal may be utilized for estimating a vehicle mass may be
determined. For example, the conditions may include, but are not
limited to, detection of an indication signal, as previously
described, user input or programmed condition, an environmental
condition, or any other condition criteria. If the use of an
indication signal is confirmed by a condition, a vehicle mass is
determined based on the indication signal, in step 813, such as
previously described in steps 500, 504, and 508.
[0076] In step 817, conditions for determining if an operator input
may be utilized for estimating a vehicle mass may be determined.
For example, the conditions may include, but are not limited to,
detection of a mass signal from an input device, as previously
described, a programmed setting enabling the system to accept a
mass signal from an input device, an environmental condition, or
any other condition criteria. If the use of a mass signal from an
input device is confirmed by a condition, a vehicle mass is
determined based on the mass signal, in step 821, such as
previously described in steps 700, 704, and 708.
[0077] In step 825, conditions for determining if an onboard
weighing device may be utilized for estimating a vehicle mass may
be determined. For example, the conditions may include, but are not
limited to, detection of a mass signal from an onboard weighing
device, as previously described, detection of the onboard weighing
device itself, a programmed setting enabling the system to accept a
mass signal from an onboard weighing device, an environmental
condition, or any other condition criteria. If the use of a mass
signal from an onboard weighing device is confirmed by a condition,
a vehicle mass is determined based on the mass signal, in step 829,
such as previously described in steps 512, 516, 712, and 716.
[0078] In step 833, conditions for determining if force and
acceleration calculations, as previously mentioned, may be utilized
for estimating a vehicle mass may be determined. For example, the
conditions may include, but are not limited to, detection of
programmed logic or functions to calculate force and acceleration,
detection of sensors for supplying information for the
calculations, user input or a programmed setting enabling the
system to accept force and acceleration calculations, an
environmental condition, or any other condition criteria. If the
use of force and acceleration calculations are confirmed by a
condition, a vehicle mass is determined based on the calculations,
in step 837, such as previously described in steps 520, 605, and
720.
[0079] In step 841, updating shifting based on an estimated or
determined vehicle mass may be determined. For example, if none of
the conditions previously mentioned are met, then the system may
continue to use the present mass information in the shifting logic
for the transmission. However, if a condition is met, then the
shifting logic may be updated by updating the present vehicle mass
information with a more recent estimated vehicle mass. A priority
or hierarchy order may be programmed into the system for choosing a
vehicle mass estimation of one method over another. For example, if
a condition associated with an indication signal is confirmed as
well as a condition associated with a remote station, preprogrammed
logic may assign a higher priority to a vehicle mass determination
by a remote station. Therefore, the vehicle mass determined by the
remote station may be used for selecting a desired gear ratio for
engagement in the transmission. The priority logic may be based on
the precision of estimation of each of the different techniques,
environmental conditions, or any other criteria.
[0080] The vehicle mass estimation system previously described may
include instructions that may be executable by the processor 201,
308, or 403. The instructions may be stored in a computer-readable
medium, such as the memory 205. The instructions may implement the
methods, acts, and processes previously described. The instructions
for implementing the processes, methods and/or techniques
previously discussed may be provided on computer-readable storage
media or memories, such as a cache, buffer, RAM, removable media,
hard drive or other computer readable storage media. Computer
readable storage media may include various types of volatile and
nonvolatile storage media. The functions, acts, or tasks
illustrated in the figures or described herein may be executed in
response to one or more sets of instructions stored in or on
computer readable storage media. The functions, acts, or tasks may
be independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage
media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by
software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro code and
the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing
strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel
processing and the like. In one embodiment, the instructions may be
stored on a removable media device for reading by local or remote
systems. In other embodiments, the instructions may be stored in a
remote location for transfer through a computer network or over
telephone lines. In yet other embodiments, the instructions may be
stored within a given computer, CPU, GPU, or system.
[0081] Any of the features, steps, processes, or methods previously
discussed may be mixed and matched together to create a variety of
mass estimation systems and/or methods for a vehicle.
[0082] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be
regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be
understood that the following claims, including all equivalents,
are intended to define the scope of this invention. The claims may
include the phrase "one of A and B" as an alternative expression
that means one or more of A or one or more of B.
* * * * *