Abstract: A vehicle includes a detection section and a automated drive controller. The detection section detects actual behavior of the vehicle. The automated drive controller generates a automated drive action plan for the vehicle, issues an instruction relating to behavior of the vehicle based on the generated action plan to a drive source controller that controls a drive source of the vehicle, and compares predicted behavior of the vehicle predicted based on the issued instruction and actual behavior of the vehicle detected by the detection section. In cases where the predicted behavior of the vehicle and the actual behavior of the vehicle detected by the detection section differ from each other by more than a preset range, the automated drive controller issues an instruction to decelerate the vehicle to a brake device of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for announcing a predicted remaining amount of energy includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain traveling state information which contains current vehicle position information; a searching unit configured to search a predicted passage point through which the vehicle is predicted to pass in a future on a basis of the traveling state information; an predicting unit configured to predict a predicted remaining amount of energy, the predicted remaining amount of energy being a predicted amount of traveling energy remaining at the time when the vehicle passes the predicted passage point; and an announcing unit configured to announce information about the predicted remaining amount of energy and the predicted passage point corresponding to the predicted remaining amount of energy to a user.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes at least two wheels configured to be steered independently of each another. A steering setpoint generator is configured to steer the at least two wheels according to a steering program. An operating element is configured to rotate the vehicle during travel about a center of rotation which moves with a principal movement vector. The steering program is configured so that a direction of the principal movement vector of the center of rotation can be changed with the steering setpoint generator.

Abstract: A route guidance method and system using smart signages is disclosed. The route guidance method may include obtaining user information of a user or an object from a first smart signage detecting an access of the user, searching a database for route information about a route to a stored destination corresponding to the user information, identifying a second smart signage being separate from the first smart signage by a distance in a direction of the destination among a plurality of smart signages being on the route of the route information, and extracting, from the route information, a partial route from the first smart signage to the second smart signage and providing the extracted partial route to the first smart signage.

Abstract: A computer of an active vibration damping device calculates an output average duty ratio which is used for realizing operation command values. On the basis of the operation command values and an integer value point number, which is set so as to become larger as a period of rotation of the drive source becomes longer, the computer calculates a reference average duty ratio for realizing the operation command values when an actuator internal temperature is a reference temperature. The computer calculates the actuator internal temperature on the basis of a deviation between the output average duty ratio and the reference average duty ratio.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling significant locations are described. A significant location can be a location that is significant to a user of a mobile device for a variety of reasons. The mobile device can determine that a place or region is a significant location upon determining that, with sufficient certainty, the mobile device has stayed at the place or region for a sufficient amount of time. The mobile device can construct a state model that is an abstraction of one or more significant locations. The state model can include states representing the significant locations, and transitions representing movement of the mobile device between the locations. The mobile device can use the state model to provide predictive user assistance.

Abstract: An obstruction detecting system for identifying the existence of an obstruction or a partial obstruction in or at the opening of a motor vehicle exhaust pipe. The obstruction detecting system may include a sensor having the ability to detect an obstruction or a partial obstruction in a motor vehicle exhaust system. The obstruction detecting system may include a logic device, a plurality of relays, an alarm, and a motor. The obstruction detecting system may be contained in a housing that is capable of being mounted in or near a motor vehicle exhaust system. When the obstruction detecting system senses an obstruction or a partial obstruction in or at the opening of the exhaust pipe, the system may send an electrical signal to an alarm, which may be a visual alarm, an audible alarm, or both.

Abstract: A driver advice system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem comprises a selector for receiving at least one driving condition indicator for the vehicle and for selecting, from a plurality of settings, a preferred setting for the at least one vehicle subsystem in response to the at least one driving condition indicator. The driver advice system includes an indication device for providing to the driver an indication of the preferred setting for one or more of the vehicle subsystems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous electric vehicles may be automatically recharged by routing the vehicles to available charging stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A charge level of the battery of an autonomous electric vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a recharging threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to recharge may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a charging station, recharge the battery, and return to its starting location in order to recharge when not in use.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing an input device are provided. One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for managing an input device for an aerial vehicle. The method includes determining, by one or more controllers, whether a signal from the input device is indeterminate for more than a first threshold period of time. When the signal from the input device is indeterminate for more than the first threshold period of time, the method continues. The method includes determining, by the one or more controllers, a last valid signal from the input device. When the last valid signal from the input device is ON, the method includes determining, by the one or more controllers, whether a high pressure shut-off valve (HPSOV) is closed within a second threshold period of time. When the last valid signal from the input device is ON and when the HPSOV is closed, the method includes changing a position of the input device in a logic of the one or more controllers.

Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.

Abstract: A flying vehicle with a fuselage having a longitudinal axis, a cockpit extending substantially from the center of the fuselage, a left front wing extending from the fuselage, a right front wing extending from the fuselage, a left rear wing extending from the fuselage, a right rear wing extending from the fuselage. Each wing contains a rotor rotatably mounted and a direct drive brushless motor providing directional control of the vehicle. A centrally located ducted fan encompasses the cockpit and provides VTOL capabilities. The central location of the cockpit and central ducted fan aid in balance and stability. The central ducted fan is itself a brushless motor with the stator windings encapsulated in the ducted fan housing and rotor magnets within the fan. All motors and rotatable mounts are controlled by a fly-by-wire system integrated into a central computer with avionics allowing for autonomous flight.

Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.

Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method. The method can include receiving, by one or more computing devices, an input related to power consumption. The method can include filtering, by the one or more computing devices, the received input. The method can include classifying, by the one or more computing devices, the filtered input into one zone of a plurality of zones. The method can include determining, by the one or more computing devices, a setting associated with the classified zone. The setting can determine power production during an idle setting. The method can include causing, by the one or more computing devices, an adjustment to the determined setting at a rate determined by a rate limit.

Abstract: A computerized method performed by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising: receiving, by the UAV, a flight plan comprising a plurality of inspection locations for a structure, wherein the plurality of inspection locations each comprise a waypoint having a geospatial reference; navigating to ascend to a first altitude above the structure; conducting an inspection for an object of interest in at least one of the plurality of inspection locations according to the flight plan, the inspection comprising: navigating to a position above a surface of the structure associated with the object of interest based on monitoring an active sensor, and obtaining, while within a particular distance from the surface of the structure, information from one or more sensors describing the structure such that obtained information includes at least a particular level of detail; navigating to another inspection location of the plurality of inspection locations; and navigating to a landing location.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a computer storage medium, comprising instructions that when executed by one or more processors included in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), cause the UAV to perform operations, comprising: receiving, by the UAV, a flight plan configured to direct the UAV to fly a flight path having a plurality of waypoints adjacent to and above a structure and to capture sensor data of the structure from a camera on the UAV while the UAV is flying the flight path; adjusting an angle of an optical axis of the camera mounted to a gimbal to a predetermined angle within a range of 25 degrees to 75 degrees relative to a downward direction, and capturing sensor data of at least a portion of a roof of the structure with the optical axis of the camera aligned with at least one predetermined location on the structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a computerized system, comprising: a computer system having an input unit, a display unit, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer readable medium, the one or more processors executing software to cause the one or more processors to: display on the display unit one or more images, from an image database, depicting a structure; receive a validation from the input unit indicating a validation of a location of the structure depicted in the one or more images; generate unmanned aircraft information including flight path information configured to direct an unmanned aircraft to fly a flight path above the structure and capture sensor data from a camera on the unmanned aircraft while the unmanned aircraft is flying the flight path; receive the sensor data from the unmanned aircraft; and generate a structure report based at least in part on the sensor data.

Abstract: Many different types of systems are utilized or tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of unmanned vehicles, or drones, that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more unmanned vehicles can be integrated with a dedicated marine electronic device of a marine vessel for autonomous control and operation. Additionally or alternatively, the unmanned vehicle can be manually remote operated during use in the marine environment. Such unmanned vehicles can be utilized in many different marine environment systems or tasks, including, for example, navigation, sonar, radar, search and rescue, video streaming, alert functionality, among many others. However, as contemplated by the present invention, the marine environment provides many unique challenges that may be accounted for with operation and control of an unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations are disclosed. Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations may include an autonomous vehicle identifying map information representing a vehicle transportation network, the vehicle transportation network including a primary destination and a docking location, wherein identifying the map information includes identifying the map information such that the map information includes docking location information representing the docking location.

Abstract: A location and mapping service is described that creates a global database of indoor navigation maps through crowd-sourcing and data fusion technologies. The navigation maps consist of a database of geo-referenced, uniquely described features in the multi-dimensional sensor space (e.g., including structural, RF, magnetic, image, acoustic, or other data) that are collected automatically as a tracked mobile device is moved through a building (e.g. a person with a mobile phone or a robot). The feature information can be used to create building models as one or more tracked devices traverse a building.