Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Francois-Xavier Bernard

Philippe Fillatreau

Gerard Mouaici

Isabelle McKenzie

David VanZuilen

Isabelle Desmier

David M Vanzuilen

David M Vanzullen

A method of controlling an electronic compass assembly includes calibrating magnetic field sensors to produce a calibration product and determining whether a magnetic interference condition exists based upon the calibration product. In one example, the calibration product includes a calibration ellipse. In another example, the method includes determining a first length of time that corresponds to a duration of a magnetic interference condition or a second length of time that corresponds to an elapsed time after the magnetic interference condition. A portion of the electronic compass is controlled based upon the first length of time or the second length of time.

Compass heading noise immunity

An electronic compass assembly includes a first collection portion and a second collection portion that each collect magnetic field data. The magnetic field data collected by the second collection portion partially overlaps the magnetic field data collected by the first collection portion. A processor module determines a calibration output based upon the magnetic field data from the first collection portion if a first predetermined condition exists and determines the calibration output based upon magnetic field data from the second collection portion if a second predetermined condition exists. An example method for controlling the electronic compass includes calibrating the electronic compass based upon one of a first magnetic field data set or a second, partially overlapping magnetic field data set. In another example, the processor module counts the number of magnetic field data points collected by one of the first magnetic field data set, the second magnetic field data set, or both, and determines a calibration output if the number exceeds a threshold. The processor module then uses acceptance criteria to determine whether to accept or reject the calibration output.

Electronic compass and method of calibration

A method for controlling an electronic compass includes receiving raw magnetic field data into a calibration module and determining a calibration output based upon the raw magnetic field data. The raw magnetic field data is also received into a compass heading module for determining compass heading outputs based upon the raw magnetic field data. The calibration module filters the raw magnetic field data and validates the calibration outputs independently from output data filtering and results validation in the compass heading module.

Electronic compass and method of controlling an electronic compass using independent calibration and compass heading modules

An example method for controlling an electronic compass includes determining compass tracking angles in a coordinate system for magnetic field data points that correspond to magnetic field sensor signals produced as a vehicle rotates relative to a surrounding magnetic field. The magnetic field data points produce an expected curve in the coordinate system. The rotation of the vehicle is tracked relative to the surrounding magnetic field based upon the compass tracking angles and whether the vehicle has rotated a desired amount is determined based at least partially upon the expected curve and the compass tracking angles.

Electronic compass and method for tracking vehicle rotation

A sensor () includes a single capacitor () that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes () of the capacitor. Two different oscillators () are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode () that is received around an inner electrode () such that there is spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. A glass member () seals off the spacing between the electrodes and provides physical support to position the inner electrode to keep the electrodes electrically isolated.

Fuel sensor

A fuel sensor () includes a single capacitor () that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a fuel mixture flows between the electrodes () of the capacitor. Two different oscillators () are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode () that is received around an inner electrode () such that there is a spacing between the electrodes through which the fuel flows. The fuel acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. The inventive fuel sensor can be readily incorporated into a variety of locations within a vehicle fuel supply system depending on the needs of a particular situation. In one example, a portion of the fuel rail () is used as one of the electrodes of the capacitor.

A sensor () includes a single capacitor () that operates in two different modes to obtain capacitance and conductance information when a mixture flows between the electrodes () of the capacitor. The inventive sensor is particularly well-suited for making methanol content determinations within a mixture used to provide hydrogen to supply a fuel cell. Two different oscillators () are selectively used to obtain the conductance and capacitance information. In a disclosed embodiment, a capacitor includes an outer electrode () that is received around an inner electrode () such that there is a spacing between the electrodes through which the mixture flows. The mixture acts as a dielectric of the capacitor allowing the conductance and capacitance measurements to be made. The example sensor includes a temperature sensor () conveniently supported within the inner electrode ().

Growing community of inventors

Corronsac, France

Francois-Xavier Bernard