Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a drone. The drone may include: a navigation unit configured to determine the location of the drone and navigate the drone to designated locations; a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read RFID tag information from RFID tags; and a wireless network transceiver configured to periodically transmit the location of the drone and RFID tag information to an inventory management system. Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method performed by a drone. The method may include: receiving navigation path information; navigating the drone along the navigation path based on satellite location signals; determining current position information based on the satellite location signals; reading RFID tag information from a first RFID tag; and transmitting the RFID tag information and the current position information via a wireless client to a central computing system.

Abstract: A navigation method for indoor escaping is executed by at least one processor of an electronic device. At least three message transmitters fixed in a building around the electronic device are connected with the electronic device. Messages are received from each message transmitter. The messages include location information of each message transmitter and a floor plan of the building. A current position of the electronic device is determined according to the location information of each message transmitter and signal strength of each connection between the electronic device and each message transmitter when receiving a fire alarm and a position of the fire. An optimal escape route is calculated according to the floor plan of the building, the position of the electronic device, and the position of the fire. Navigation is provided to a user of the electronic device to escape from the building.

Abstract: An approach for providing mapping information and route information based on exception information received from various users travelling within a common area is described. A navigation system processes travel information associated with one or more devices for comparison against predetermined route information. The navigation system also determines one or more exceptions based, at least in part, on the comparison. The predetermined route information, mapping information, or a combination thereof it then caused to be updated based, at least in part, on the processing of the one or more exceptions.

Abstract: A client navigation system establishes a wireless connection to a navigation server on a computer network. The client requests a route by uploading start and destination specifications. The server calculates an optimal route based on real-time data available on the network. A generic natural language description is used to specify the optimal route downloaded to the client. The natural language description is a plain text description for each link using pre-defined generic terms. The client interprets the route, interfaces with the local mapping data and reconstructs the optimal route. The route is subsequently displayed and highlighted on the client.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobility aid which uses one or more sensors, processors, motors, and drive wheels to maintain a distance between the mobility aid and a user which conforms to preset parameters as the user walks without touching the walker.

Abstract: A position of a loading device on a conveying vehicle, relative to a receiving area, is calculated. The loading device is automatically positioned based on the relative position. The relative position of the loading device relative to the receiving area is output. An operator input is received and material is automatically unloaded from the loading device to the receiving area.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, transmission, auxiliary and high-voltage electrical loads, a drivetrain, and an electrical system. The electrical system, characterized by an absence of a DC-DC converter, includes a full-bridge active rectifier/inverter, a semi-active auxiliary rectifier, an MGU connected to the engine via the drivetrain, and a controller. The controller executes a first operating mode in which the bridge rectifier is disabled and the MGU operates as a motor to restart or assist the engine, and a second operating mode in which the MGU is a generator, with the rectifier/inverter powering the HV-ESS and HV electrical load. The auxiliary rectifier provides an auxiliary DC output voltage to the LV-ESS and auxiliary electrical load. Switches may be positioned between a DC bus connection point and the HV-ESS and LV-ESS, with a switch closed and another opened in the first operating mode, and vice versa in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A method is provided that aids the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) in optimizing their car's driving range. In response to the car's current driving range falling below that required to travel to a destination entered into the EV's control system, for example via the car's navigation system, the system provides the driver with one or more recommendations as to how to increase range, recommendations such as lowering top speed, altering the temperature settings of the car's HVAC system, etc. Additionally, the system provides the driver with real time driving range feedback, thereby helping the driver to evaluate the various recommendations and determine which approach is best suited to the current conditions.

Abstract: A train-of-vehicle travel support device which enables a train-of-vehicle travel of a plurality of vehicles even on a running road in which no magnetic marker is embedded. The train-of-vehicle travel support device includes a sensor unit obtaining road line shape data of a feature on a road surface, a processor unit obtaining running control data based on comparison of the road line shape data obtained by the sensor unit and reference data which has been previously stored, and an inter-vehicle communication device transmitting wirelessly the running control data obtained by the processor unit to a following vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided that aids the driver of an electric vehicle (EV) in optimizing their car's driving range. In response to the car's current driving range falling below a preset value, the system provides the driver with one or more recommendations as to how to increase range, recommendations such as lowering top speed, altering the temperature settings of the car's HVAC system, etc. Additionally, the system provides the driver with real time driving range feedback, thereby helping the driver to evaluate the various recommendations and determine which approach is best suited to the current conditions.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a first movable part of a crane. Position a first crane part above a calibration point at a first predetermined co-ordinate in a reference system. Measure a first distance between a first transmitter/receiver element of a first distance measuring device mounted on the first movable crane part and a second transmitter/receiver element of the first distance measuring device disposed in a stationary manner in the reference system. Measure an orientation of the first transmitter/receiver element in accordance with the first predetermined co-ordinate, the measured first distance and a first item of information concerning the surroundings. Perform a transformation in the reference system in accordance with the ascertained orientation of the first transmitter/receiver element for transforming distance measured during operating of the crane by means of the first and second transmitter/receiver elements to determine a position of the first movable crane part.

Abstract: A vehicular steering control device which comprises a rudder angle varying device which changes a relationship between an operational position of steering wheel operated for steering by a driver and a rudder angle of front wheels; and a rudder angle control device which performs an automatic steering control of the front wheels for a trajectory control of a vehicle by controlling the rudder angle varying device. The rudder angle control device performs a termination control which removes a deviation in the relationship between an operational position and a rudder angle of the front wheels, namely, an N deviation when the automatic steering control is terminated. A speed of removing the N deviation is lowered when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is small, compared to when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is large.

Abstract: A system and method of the subject technology automatically generates an electronic journal of a series of events based on input from data sources already used to record the series of events, and then displays those events in an electronic publication representative of the series of events. A GPS track may be used in connection with the series of events to generate the electronic journal in connection with an interactive map.

Abstract: A computer system identifies data representing interest of users in a plurality of geographic sites, such as images of geographic sites submitted by people to public photo sharing sites. The system generates a “heat map” representing densities of the interest data. The system generates a route from a starting location to an ending location. The route includes at least one of the plurality of geographic sites, even if the route is not the maximally efficient route from the starting location to the ending location (measured, e.g., in terms of the total time required to travel the route or the total distance of the route). The system favors high-temperature sites for inclusion in the route, but ensures that the route does not deviate too far from the route having the shortest possible distance between the starting location and the ending location at the expense of including high-temperature sites.

Abstract: A method of controlling autonomous or driverless vehicles in a specific control zone or in a convoy is disclosed. The vehicles enter the zone or form a convoy and come under the control of a zone authority or escort vehicle that coordinates the movements of the vehicles until they leave the zone or convoy. Escort vehicle communicate with central control facilities, each other or escorted vehicles. The behavior of the escorted or controlled vehicles is modified to insure that it matches a set of rules established by the zone authority. Possible zones include parking areas, indoor passages and areas with security concerns. The zone authority or escort vehicle may simultaneously control multiple autonomous vehicles and possible additional driver operated vehicles. Messages establishing control or providing continuing administration of rules or movements of escorted or controlled vehicles may be delivered by any type of communications link.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on storage devices, for monitoring, security, and surveillance of a property. In one aspect, a system includes multiple robotic devices, multiple sensors, wherein the multiple sensors includes a first sensor, multiple charging stations, and a monitor control unit. The monitor control unit may include a network interface, one or more processors, and one or more storage devices that include instructions to cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations may include receiving data from the first sensor that is indicative of an alarm event, accessing information describing the capabilities of the each of the robotic devices, selecting a subset of robotic devices from the multiple robotic devices, and transmitting a command to each robotic device in the subset of robotic devices that instructs each respective robotic device to deploy to the location of the first sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and an electric machine configured to provide drive torque and regenerative braking torque. The electric machine is selectively coupled to the engine via a clutch. The vehicle additionally includes a torque converter with an associated bypass clutch coupling the electric machine and transmission. The bypass clutch has an associated torque capacity. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request indicative of an anticipated regenerative braking request, increase the torque capacity prior to the regenerative braking event by a quantity corresponding to an anticipated regenerative braking torque associated with the anticipated regenerative braking event.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for failsafe detection of vehicle components are provided herein. A system for failsafe detection may include one or more touch sensors determining presence information associated with a number of hands or other appendages an operator of a vehicle has in contact with a steering wheel of the vehicle. The system may include an electronic power steering (EPS) component estimating presence information indicative of whether the operator of the vehicle has hands or other appendages in contact with the steering wheel of the vehicle. The system may include a failsafe component comparing the presence information of the touch sensors with the presence information of the electronic power steering component and generating a component determination for one or more of the touch sensors based on the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicular steering control device which comprises a rudder angle varying device which changes a relationship between an operational position of steering wheel operated for steering by a driver and a rudder angle of front wheels; and a rudder angle control device which performs an automatic steering control of the front wheels for a trajectory control of a vehicle by controlling the rudder angle varying device. The rudder angle control device performs a termination control which removes a deviation in the relationship between an operational position and a rudder angle of the front wheels, namely, an N deviation when the automatic steering control is terminated. A speed of removing the N deviation is lowered when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is small, compared to when a magnitude of a steering operation speed is large.

Abstract: A hill start assist method for a vehicle includes a vehicle-mounted controller for sensing an intention to start on an uphill slope, and converts a sensed gradient resistance into a target torque, and enables the engine to have adequate torque reserve in advance; therefore, in the subsequent start, driving wheels can obtain sufficient driving force to ensure that the vehicle will not slide backward. Furthermore, for a manual automobile, the engine torque is boosted in an early stage during a clutch release by a driver, thus accelerating the rotation speed of the engine, and avoiding, to a certain extent, engine stalling caused by a too quick or too much clutch release, compared with the situation where the engine is completely idling.