Method for determining steering position of automotive steering mechanism
First Claim
1. A method for determining a steering wheel angle of an automotive steering mechanism and controlling an automotive device, comprising the steps of:
- counting steering position data from a steering angle sensor and generating a first signal therefrom representing rotational motion of the steering mechanism;
measuring a yaw rate from a yaw rate sensor and producing a second signal therefrom representing a vehicle yaw rate;
updating a straight path indicator using one of two formulas selected based on an evaluation of a predetermined group of vehicle operating characteristics, including said vehicle yaw rate;
determining a center position estimate in accordance with a predetermined algorithm when said updated straight path indicator exceeds a predetermined value and generating a center position signal therefrom;
estimating an actual steering wheel angle from said first signal and said center position signal and generating an estimated steering wheel angle signal therefrom; and
controlling the automotive device using said steering wheel angle signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for determining a steering wheel angle of a vehicular steering system includes determining a center position for the steering sensor output every time the vehicle is started. The method employs the use of a yaw sensor for computing an estimate of the actual steering position so that a center position may be back computed to provide immediate and accurate steering position data using the steering sensor signal for controlling an automotive device. The accuracy of the initial estimates may be improved upon by implementing interim and final center find algorithms as vehicle operating characteristics permit.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for determining a steering wheel angle of an automotive steering mechanism and controlling an automotive device, comprising the steps of:
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counting steering position data from a steering angle sensor and generating a first signal therefrom representing rotational motion of the steering mechanism; measuring a yaw rate from a yaw rate sensor and producing a second signal therefrom representing a vehicle yaw rate; updating a straight path indicator using one of two formulas selected based on an evaluation of a predetermined group of vehicle operating characteristics, including said vehicle yaw rate; determining a center position estimate in accordance with a predetermined algorithm when said updated straight path indicator exceeds a predetermined value and generating a center position signal therefrom; estimating an actual steering wheel angle from said first signal and said center position signal and generating an estimated steering wheel angle signal therefrom; and controlling the automotive device using said steering wheel angle signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for determining a steering wheel angle of an automotive steering mechanism and controlling an automotive device, comprising the steps of:
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counting steering position data from a steering angle sensor and generating a first signal therefrom representing rotational motion of the steering mechanism; measuring a yaw rate from a yaw rate sensor and producing a second signal therefrom representing a vehicle yaw rate; calculating a vehicle yaw acceleration from said second signal; updating a straight path indicator using one of two formulas selected based on an evaluation of a predetermined group of vehicle operating characteristics, including said vehicle yaw rate and said vehicle yaw acceleration; determining a center position estimate in accordance with a predetermined algorithm when said updated straight path indicator exceeds a predetermined value and generating a center position signal therefrom; estimating an actual steering wheel angle from said first signal and said center position signal and generating an estimated steering wheel angle signal therefrom; and controlling the automotive device using said steering wheel angle signal. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for determining a steering wheel angle of an automotive steering mechanism and controlling an automotive device, comprising the steps of:
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counting steering position data from a steering angle sensor and generating a first signal therefrom representing rotational motion of the steering mechanism; measuring a yaw rate from a yaw rate sensor and producing a second signal therefrom representing a vehicle yaw rate; updating a straight path indicator using one of two formulas selected based on an evaluation of a predetermined group of vehicle operating characteristics, including said vehicle yaw rate; determining a center position estimate in accordance with a predetermined algorithm when said updated straight path indicator exceeds a predetermined value and generating a center position signal only when said straight path indicator exceeds said predetermined value; estimating an actual steering wheel angle from said first signal and said center position signal and generating an estimated steering wheel angle signal therefrom; and controlling the automotive device using said steering wheel angle signal.
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Specification