Abstract: An in-vehicle navigation system includes a receiver for receiving real-time traffic information (RTTI), a database for storing routine trip information, and a processor for running a regular route application. The regular route application includes a learning mode program and an operational mode program. The learning mode program records information regarding trips regularly taken by a vehicle and populates the database with records of routine trip information. The recorded trip information can include driver identifiers, trip departure times, origin points, destination points, dates of travel, days of travel, and route data. When the vehicle begins a new trip, the operational mode program determines whether the vehicle is engaging in a routine trip. This is accomplished by comparing current vehicle location or departure time information to routine trip information in the database.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for selecting a starting gear for a vehicle having an engine (3), an AMT-type transmission (5) and a power take-off (9) for maneuvering at least one body device on the vehicle. The method includes the steps of generating a first signal upon activation of the power take-off (9) for the maneuvering of at least one body device mounted on the vehicle. The gear selection strategy of the transmission (5) is controlled for selection of a predetermined starting gear in dependence on at least the first signal and maintaining the predetermined starting gear for as long as at least one predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: When an engine is restarted after a predetermined period of being stopped oil is supplied to a clutch pack for a 2–3 and/or 3–4 shift while a transmission is engaged in the first speed for the first time since starting. The amount of oil drained during the predetermined period of being stopped is complemented in advance such that shift quality of a first 2–3 and/or 3–4 shift is enhanced.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus is provided for ensuring safe execution of a navigation function even when a vehicle travels high altitude areas. The navigation apparatus has a function of searching for a route to a destination, and comprises the following structure: a memory device 30 for storing map data or the like, a data memory 70 for being capable of storing part of the map data or the like stored in the memory device 30, a position detector 500 for detecting positional information on a vehicle position, a controller 80 for causing the map data stored in the memory device 30 to be stored in a backup memory area 74 of the data memory 70 when the vehicle reaches a predetermined altitude based on the positional information, and a display controller 50 for displaying the map data read from the data memory 70 on a display device 51.

Abstract: An electronic traction vehicle comprising a principal power unit, a power storage unit mounted on a vehicle platform. A plurality of wheels are rotably mounted on the vehicle platform with an electric motor coupled to at least one wheel. A drive controller is coupled to the electric motor and a vehicle controller having an input and output terminal is coupled to the drive controller. A data bus network is coupled to the drive controller and the vehicle controller. An A/C bus assembly is coupled to the principal power unit, the power storage unit and the electric motor through the drive controller. Another embodiment of the electronic traction vehicle provides at least four electric motors and four drive controllers coupled to four wheels and the data bus network and A/C power bus assembly. Another embodiment of the electronic traction vehicle provides the components of the vehicle as moduled including an auxiliary module removably connected to the data bus network and the A/C bus assembly.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: The system (1) comprises at least one device (2) of avionics type, at least one interface means (3) available to an operator, information transmission means (4) capable of connecting together the device (2) and the interface means (3), a means (11) of avionics type for determining, in the form of at least one image, a representation of information to be transmitted from the device (2) to the interface means (3) and for transmitting this representation in the form of at least one image to the interface means (3) which is formed so as to display, on at least one display screen (13), the image corresponding to the representation of said information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a closed route for travel features a database having geographic information and input information including a starting point and a desired route length. The geographic information from the database and the input information are processed to define an outbound path from the starting point to a turning point, the turning point determined based on the desired route length, and to define an inbound path from the turning point to the starting point, the outbound path and the inbound path together defining the closed route. A representation of the closed route may be output as a static map, interactive map or a turn-by-turn listing.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-induced course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the motive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: A system determines three-dimensional attitude of a moving platform using signals from two closely spaced Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas. The system includes three rate gyroscopes and three accelerometers rigidly mounted in a fixed relationship to the platform to aid in determining the attitude. The system applies signals from one of the two GPS antennas to sufficient channels of a GPS receiver to support navigation. The system applies signals from a second of the two GPS antennas to the additional receive channels to support interferometry. The system resolves the ambiguity normally associated with the interferometric heading solution by having closely spaced GPS antennas, and uses interferometry to refine a coarse heading estimate from a GPS plus Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) transfer alignment solution. The system achieves sub-meter spacing of the two GPS antennas by merging many temporal interferometric measurements and the attitude memory provided by the IMU time-history solution.

Abstract: In a GPS-supported inertial attitude and heading reference system equipped with a Kalman correction filter and a multiple axis fiber optic gyroscope, the invention provides for only that scale factor error which is determined for the measurement axis (e.g. the vertical axis) with relatively fast motion dynamics to be used as the Kalman filter correction value for the scale factor error correction for all the measurement axes of the FOG to determine and compensate for the scale factor error caused by changes in the wavelength of a common light source. The scale factor error correction is used only with a long time constant.

Abstract: A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for exchange of travel data in a roadway information system associated with a first roadway vehicle and a second roadway vehicle. In one embodiment, the roadway information system may comprise, for example, a first mobile client system associated with the first roadway vehicle, a second mobile client system associated with the second roadway vehicle, a wireless communication network, and a processing system communicatively coupled to the wireless communication network. The first mobile client system may deliver first travel related data to the processing system via the wireless communication network. The processing system may deliver second travel related data to the second mobile client system via the wireless communication network, where the second travel related data relates at least in part to the first travel related data.

Abstract: A method and system of polyline generation for rendering a representation of a geographic region is provided. Within a database containing geographic data, polyline data entities represent geographic features. Each polyline data entity is associated with a drawcode that defines attributes of the data entity, and organized within the database based on the drawcode. During a rendering process, a processor can read a group of data from a database stored on a disc that is organized to contain all polyline data entities associated with the same drawcode. The processor can then render all geographic features in an area that are similar using one or a minimum number of disc reads.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an outdoor power implement. The monitoring system comprises an accelerometer, a GPS receiver, a processing module, and a storage device. The accelerometer collects impact force data of the outdoor power implement. The GPS receiver collects position data of the outdoor power implement. The processing module is coupled to the accelerometer and the GPS receiver and has a filter module operable to receive the impact force data from the accelerometer, filter the impact data, and provide filtered impact data. The filter module comprises a resistor capacitor filter circuit having a cutoff frequency at 50 Hz. The processing module also has a data extraction module operable to receive the positioning data from the GPS receiver. The storage device is coupled to the processing module and is operable to record the filtered impact data and the positioning data. The outdoor power implement may include a lawnmower.

Abstract: The evaluation system for vehicle operating conditions comprises an automatic control device (10, 27) for setting target vehicle operating conditions and controlling the vehicle so as to achieve the target operating conditions, and a display device (4) mounted on the vehicle. The system determines whether operation that worsens fuel economy has been performed or not on the basis of the operating conditions of the vehicle; determines the operating state of the automatic control device (10, 27) based on the operating conditions of the vehicle; computes the excess fuel consumption, which is the fuel amount consumed in excess by operation that worsens the fuel economy, based on operating conditions of the vehicle and the operating state of the automatic control device (10, 27); and displays the computed excess fuel consumption to the display device (4).

Abstract: A system used to detect and annunciate a loss of occupancy detection in transit systems normally operating under automatic train control operation is disclosed. Upon manual or automatic engagement of operation the system, in collaboration with the existing automatic train control electronics, detects and annunciates the loss of occupancy detection by querying the train's trailing speed control blocks for any valid nonzero speed command that would allow other trains to enter that already occupied block—causing a collision! Additionally, in the present invention the system's self checking error and failure detection operation is automatically checked during normal running mode of operation and as such each individual component of the entire automatic train operation is checked for failure in its entirety and the system is void of undetected latent failures owing to its design, stability, and simplicity of operation.