Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A method includes receiving location data corresponding to a physical location of a user at a computing device and receiving prey data corresponding to a relative position of an animal at the computing device from a gun scope. The method further includes determining a location of the animal relative to the computing device based on the location data and the prey data.

Abstract: Maps are created that display representations of GPS data generated from a plurality of GPS devices. The GPS data received from the GPS devices is embodied as a representation having descriptive features that visually indicate the location, direction of travel, and speed of travel of the GPS device, and the representation is associated with a road segment on the map. The display of the GPS data from a plurality of GPS devices can be used for editing information about roads on maps and determining preferred routes.

Abstract: A non-scaled, linearly compressed pictographic mapping system is provided for the visual display of information in a navigational aid. Unlike today's road maps which use a point-arc-polygon paradigm, the new mapping uses a non-scaled, linearly-compressed pictographic design that shows roads as linear pictograms. The display has a columnar layout, whereby the descriptive elements are grouped together by type, and displayed one above the other in columns. The maps may also contain icons representing points of interest arranged in a cloud fashion. In this manner, the mapping paradigm also serves to increase traveler safety, provide navigation assistance during address-less trips, create valuable advertising space and new promotional opportunities, and dramatically increases the travelers' communications and entertainment options.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reminding a calendar schedule and a recording medium are provided. First, a schedule and a location of an event are set in a calendar, and first positioning information of the location is obtained. Then, second positioning information of a current location of a mobile device is obtained. Next, the current location is determining whether to be within a signal range of a signal source. Once the current location is within the signal range, the time for moving from the location with the second positioning information to the location with the first positioning information is calculated. Finally, a reminding time is set according to the transferring time, and a reminding action is taken at the reminding time. Thereby, the reminding time of the event can be dynamically adjusted to avoid delay caused when the mobile device is too far from the event location.

Abstract: An auto-powered mobile machine with controls for a riding operator and a system for carrying and making efficient use of a variety of attachable tools. Wireless radio communication from the controls to a lower tool may allow the swivel to spin any number of times without limitation. Hydraulic tool position controls are wirelessly coupled to a remote sensor that responds to a string datum line, a curb, direction of gravity, or GPS data.

Abstract: According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present invention, a safety control system for vehicles, includes, a communication device having at least one of an input accessible from within the vehicle and an output communicated within the vehicle, at least one sensor operable to sense at least one condition related to vehicle operation, and a controller communicated with the sensor and the communication device to selectively suppress at least one of said input and said output in response to a sensed parameter of said at least one condition being outside of a threshold. When an input is suppressed, the driver is prevented from accessing or inputting information into the communication device. When an output is suppressed, communication between the device and the driver of a vehicle is suppressed to, among other things, avoid distracting the driver during certain driving situations or conditions relating to the driver, vehicle and/or environment.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to traffic impact prediction in a transportation network. Link level background traffic demand in a transportation network may be estimated based on information about available routes, and based on expected background traffic volumes between origins and destinations. A background traffic flow model that optimizes a background flow of the expected background traffic volumes among the available routes to minimize a sum of background congestion costs, background path entropy, and errors between an observed background traffic flow and the optimized background flow may be applied. Alternative routes may be identified based on the available routes and event based control plans. Expected additional event based traffic volumes may be received. A link level total traffic demand in the transportation network may be estimated based on the expected additional event based traffic volumes, the identified alternative routes, and the estimated background traffic demand.

Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.

Abstract: A computer controlled electric vehicle is disclosed that includes two high power batteries, a motor drive circuit, an electric motor that drives the vehicle drive train, a generator, an internal combustion engine, and battery charging circuitry. The batteries are connected to the motor drive circuit in a mutually exclusive fashion where only one battery is online or connected at any given time and the other battery is offline. The offline battery is recharged by battery charging circuitry that receives its power from a generator that is mechanically driven by an onboard hydrocarbon engine. When the online battery is depleted, the computer disconnects the online battery from the motor drive circuit and connects the offline battery to the motor drive circuit. The depleted battery is then charged in readiness for the next battery switch event. An external power plug enables recharging of the batteries when external power is available.

Abstract: A variable-geometry suspension apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus having a resiliently compressible member, such as a coil-over damper, an actuator and support structure, such as a chassis of a vehicle. The resiliently compressible member is mounted to the support structure for compression under the weight of a mass suspendable by the apparatus. The compressible member is mounted with at least one end of the compressible member displaceable in a displacement direction having a component perpendicular to the direction of compression, so that such displacement varies the geometry of the suspension apparatus and thereby varies the compression of the compressible member. The actuator is arranged for displacing the end of the compressible member in the displacement direction to vary the geometry and thereby vary the compression. Applications include motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles.

Abstract: In drive control of an operating machine configured to drive a structure by a hydraulic motor configured to be driven by operating oil supplied from a hydraulic pump through a control valve and an electric motor configured to cooperate with the hydraulic motor, a speed command generated based on a manipulation amount of a remote control valve configured to determine an operation amount of the structure is subjected to speed feedback control performed based on an actual rotation speed of the hydraulic motor and pressure difference feedback control performed based on an operating oil pressure difference between a suction port and discharge port of the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the performance of the aircraft comprising: collecting data reflecting operation status of the aircraft; generating the customized message based on the collected data, wherein, the customized message is configured to include one or more main parameters related to the operation status of the aircraft; storing or transmitting the customized message; and detecting the performance of the aircraft based on the customized message.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has a first running mode with an engine stopped and a second running mode with the engine operating. An ECU monitors information related to the frequency of intermittent startup of the engine in response to the startup and stoppage of the engine during vehicle running. The ECU executes running control such that startup of the engine is suppressed during the first running mode when in an operation pattern in which the frequency of intermittent startup is high. Accordingly, discomfort to the driver and degradation in fuel efficiency caused by repeating stoppage and startup of the engine frequently in a short period of time can be prevented.

Abstract: Determination of a most efficient intermediate destination while traveling toward a primary destination is provided. With respect to its effect on the primary destination, the most efficient intermediate destination such as a fast-food restaurant, gas station, ATM, etc., may be determined. The navigation system may search in a user-defined radius for all intermediate destinations and present the deviation costs associated with each destination thereby allowing the user to choose the most efficient option. The deviation costs may be determined by the navigation system with respect to user preferences for minimizing time, minimizing distance, minimizing fuel consumption, restaurant preferences, and the like, and their impact on the primary destination arrival time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a position information sharing method and a positioning device and system. The position information sharing method includes sending a position query request to a first positioning device or a positioning server. The position query request carries a first positioning device identifier. Position information of the first positioning device is received. The position information is sent by the first positioning device or the positioning server according to the position query request. The position information of the first positioning device can be displayed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a self-arming immobilizer system for immobilizing a vehicle. In an embodiment, the system comprises a signal input for receiving a signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle; and an immobilizer unit adapted to receive the signal input, and in response to the signal indicating the absence of an authorized operator in a position of control in the vehicle, switch one or more relays to disable one or more circuits in the vehicle to immobilize and secure the vehicle. In an embodiment, the immobilizer unit is adapted to disable a gear shift link solenoid to disable the gear shift. In another embodiment, the immobilizer unit is adapted to disable a gun rack solenoid to lock the gun rack. In another embodiment, the vehicle is immobilized at idle, and the system allows the vehicle to keep idling until deactivated by an authorized operator.

Abstract: A vehicle-based positioning system (VBPS) for a vehicle traversing a guideway, the VBPS includes an inertial navigation system (INS) on-board the vehicle, wherein the INS is configured to detect inertial parameters of the vehicle while the vehicle traverses the guideway, the detected inertial parameters including roll, pitch and yaw of the vehicle. The VBPS includes a guideway database, wherein the guideway database is configured to store inertial parameters of the guideway at a plurality of locations along the guideway, the stored inertial parameters include roll, pitch and yaw of the guideway. The VBPS further includes a vital on-board controller (VOBC), the VOBC is configured to determine a position of the vehicle based on a comparison of the detected inertial parameters with the stored inertial parameters. The VOBC is configured to limit comparison of the inertial parameters with the stored inertial parameters based on a latest checkpoint passed by the vehicle.

Abstract: The application relates to a device and a method for increasing the safety of a motor vehicle. A first sensor unit (2) senses the surroundings, in particular in order to detect free spaces and objects (0), and the position and movement thereof. A second sensor unit (20) senses the state of the surroundings, a third sensor unit (30) senses the state of the vehicle, and a fourth sensor unit (40) senses the driver's commands. The data are merged and a driving safety coordinator (6) determines at least one reliable driving corridor (K1, K2, K3, K4 to Kn) predictively and situationally in order to determine the operational safety. The driver's command can be limited to the driving corridor (K1, K2, K3, K4 to Kn) by means of components (9) which can be actuated actively and/or the motor vehicle (1) can be kept in the driving corridor (K1, K2, K3, K4 to Kn) by means of the components (9) which can be actuated actively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to recognize the drivers and/or passengers within the automobile. Based on the recognition, the vehicle may change a configuration of the automobile to match predetermined preferences for the driver and/or passenger. The configurations may also include the recognition of a unique set of gestures for the person. Further, the configuration can also include the tracking of health data related to the person.