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The primary function of a gauge and information display cluster is to report to the driver the current state of the different systems of the vehicle and particularly to report out of range performance conditions. This paper will examine one implementation of the instrument cluster as a node on the J1939 data link as it relates to that functionality. Traditionally clusters have received their information from a variety of sensors requiring a substantial number of connections. Once the cluster is installed in the vehicle, changing the configuration may only be accomplished by means of a hardware change.

The increasing complexity of the electrical and electronic systems on trucks requires a more sophisticated electrical control system. Replacing many of the discrete electronic controls and wiring with a central Electrical System Controller (ESC) allows for easier integration of system components and improved system response. The use of software control within the Electrical System Controller, provides opportunities for enhanced system capabilities and a fluid platform for future development. This paper examines the software architecture employed within an Electrical System Controller and also examines the factors that govern the software's design. These include a requirement for the ESC to be highly configurable to accommodate a variety of features desired by customers.

With the added complexity of vehicle multiplexed systems, the task of accurately diagnosing vehicle electrical failures is daunting at best. Integration of smart controllers into the electrical system provide the added flexibility and capability of detecting and monitoring operating conditions. This paper discusses one approach to detecting and displaying vehicle electrical diagnostic information either directly to the driver/technician via on-board driver information systems or indirectly via off-board service tools.

Effective application of human figure models to truck interior design requires accurate data on the postures and positions of truck drivers. Errors in positioning of figure models propagate to errors in reach, visibility, and other analyses. This paper describes methods used in a recent study to measure in-vehicle driving postures in Class 6, 7, and 8 trucks. A three-dimensional coordinate measurement machine was used to measure body landmark locations after a driver completed a short road course. The data were used to validate posture-prediction models developed in a previous laboratory study. Vehicle calibration, driver selection, and testing methods are reviewed.

This paper discusses an analytical tool that has been developed to predict what types of interior sound package treatments may be necessary in a truck cab to meet a predetermined target sound level at the driver location. The steps that were taken to develop this tool involved a combination of experimental measurement and analytical based studies. Measurements were conducted to identify the acoustic strengths of the major noise paths through which sound travels from outside to inside the truck. These findings were then used to develop a sound package that reduced the vehicle interior noise to meet the target. Measurements were primarily made on a chassis roll dynamometer with final road verification to substantiate the dynamometer data. Data obtained from these measurements were also used in the analytical model that predicts the impact of various acoustics parts in the vehicle, and has the capability to optimize the sound package treatment in the vehicle.

International Truck and Engine Corporation introduced a new line of High Performance trucks based on its next generation medium duty platform in February 2001. The new 4000 series that reached full production in April 2001 was the first in a series of models based on this platform to be introduced over the next two years. The new platform will replace all but the heaviest trucks in International's lineup. Even though the primary focus of International's next generation product is addressing the needs of the owners, drivers and maintainers of the truck, the new product is also a key enabler for the execution of International's business strategies of cost and complexity reduction. Integral to the attainment of internal objectives was International's ability to develop products on a common platform to serve across fairly diverse markets.