Abstract: A system and process for streaming delivery of dynamically scalable media content over a network, such as, for example, the Internet or a wireless network, while automatically accounting for both fluctuating network bandwidth and packet loss. A system of rate-distortion based packet selection and organization is used to maximize the quality of streamed media files that have been encoded using any conventional scalable encoder. Media file quality is maximized for available bandwidth by scoring packets comprising encoded media files based on their contribution to the quality of a reconstructed media file, then preferentially transmitting those packets having the highest scores. In addition, where packets are lost during transmission, those packets that will provide the maximum rate-distortion decrease, are preferentially retransmitted prior to other lost packets which, if transmitted in the same time slot, would provide a lesser rate-distortion decrease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer based control system for controlling hydraulic and electromechanical actuators on a power machine, such as a skid steer loader. The computer based control system is configured to implement a number of features to enhance certain operational aspects of the power machine.

Abstract: A system and method for managing user preference settings in a vehicle includes an electronic control unit having a microcontroller and memory. The electronic control unit controls vehicle accessory devices. A data controller is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving the user preference data to control the accessory devices. The keyless receiver is in communication with the microcontroller of the electronic control unit for receiving a control signal from a key fob. A PDA including a processor, memory, and transceiver in electrical communication can be used to transmit the user preference data to the data controller. The preference data is transmitted to the memory of the electronic control unit, which executes an algorithm to control the accessory devices according to the user preference data.

Abstract: A system for determining position coordinates and attitude coordinates of a moving object employs a plurality of transmitters that transmit navigation signals, the transmitters having known positions and orientations in a given coordinate system. A single antenna that is carried by the moving object receives signals associated with far-field regions of electromagnetic fields of the navigation signals transmitted from the transmitters. A satellite receiver that is carried by the moving object obtains the signals received by the antenna. Phase difference circuitry derives a phase difference between an open circuit voltage of the antenna and a reference phase of a local oscillator in the receiver. A calculation circuit calculates position coordinates and three-dimensional attitude coordinates, within the given coordinate system, of the antenna relative to the transmitters based on the known positions and orientations of the transmitters and the phase difference obtained by the phase difference circuitry.

Abstract: In a music information reproducing device 1, a music information reproducing unit 2 reads a music information file 6 stored in a storage unit 4 and reproduces it as consecutive audible sound signal to sound audible sounds from a loud speaker 5. The music information file 6 comprises predetermined music information that a robot can recognize by analyzing as an audible sound signal and that specifies a movement pattern data for making the robot perform a movement pattern and normal music information for reproducing music. The robot 2 is a human form or an animal form robot that moves each part of the robot 2 in accordance with the specified movement pattern. A robot that performs a movement pattern along music by inputting the music as an audible sound signal and a movement pattern control program of the robot is provided in a cheap price.

Abstract: A method for generating a power setting parameter table. The method includes the steps of generating an index from a plurality of first and second inputs and determining a power setting parameter corresponding to each index and second input. The first inputs may include flight speed and temperature values and the second inputs may include altitude values.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring the function of an agricultural working machine comprises at least one sensor that is designed for generating a sensed signal containing information on noise caused by at least one movable element of the working machine. A computer receives the sensed signal of the sensor and generates an output signal value based on the sensed signal delivered by the sensor and a comparative value. Defect messages can be generated to alert the operator of a defect condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a controlled member on a rotary-wing aircraft is provided with at least one control intended to be subject to the action of a pilot of the rotary-wing aircraft and capable of moving a linkage, a device connected to the linkage for operating the controlled member as a function of movement of the linkage, a ram incorporated into the linkage which is capable of influencing the movement of the linkage as a function of control commands received, a trim device capable of acting on the control and on the linkage as a function of control commands received, a computer determining the control commands which are transmitted to the ram and to the trim device, and at least one sensor which is capable of measuring the values of a parameter that represents an action exerted by a pilot of the rotary-wing aircraft on an auxiliary control.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The system comprises a supervising unit (10) which comprises at least one storage member (12). In the storage member (12) there is a set of rules (14) of a particular kind for how the driver of the vehicle and/or the vehicle shall behave in different situations. The system also comprises a user interface (16) and adaptation means (13) arranged to adapt said set of rules such that at least some of the rules (14) with conclusions (24) belonging thereto are suited to form the basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle. The invention also concerns a vehicle and a method of generating basis for decisions concerning the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a driver of a vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system with decryption functions. The navigation system may receive from a portable data storage medium an encrypted authentication key, an encrypted first portion of a geographic database, and an unencrypted second portion of the geographic database. The navigation system may then decrypt the encrypted authentication key so as to gain access to a set of verification information and to a decryption key for decryption of the encrypted first portion. The navigation system may then use the verification information to validate use of the database, such as by ensuring that the data storage medium is authorized to hold the database or that the navigation system is authorized to access the database. In turn, the navigation system may then use the decryption key to decrypt the encrypted first portion, so as to gain access to the database as a whole. The navigation system may then use information in the database to convert location coordinates into map information for presentation to a user.

Abstract: A system and method are described that use impulse radio technology to enhance the capabilities of a robot. In one embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of the robot. In another embodiment, a system, a robot and a method are provided that use the communication, position and/or radar capabilities of impulse radio technology to help a control station better control the actions of a robot in order to, for example, monitor and control the environment within a building.

Abstract: An image of a reference object is captured using a camera and displayed. A measurement starting point is pointed by an image position pointing device. A corresponding view line is obtained using a position on the image and a position and a direction of the camera, a robot approaches to the reference object such that it does not deviate from a projecting direction to move to a position suitable for measurement. A light is projected on the reference object and measurement of an inclination of a face of the object in the vicinity of a measuring point is started. An image including a bright line image on the reference object is photographed and 3-dimensional positions of points sequentially measured along a working line. A movement path of a robot is created using these positions as teaching points for a working robot.

Abstract: With a robot and a control method for it, information is read in from the outside, based on which a particular object is detected, and it is judged upon detecting the object whether or not the object satisfies given conditions, based on the judgment results of which a robot generates predetermined actions. Thus, a robot can be realized that acts naturally like a living thing. Consequently, its entertaining quality for human beings can be increased greatly.

Abstract: A robot that is capable of substantially autonomous movement includes a processing device, a memory, and a mobility structure controlled by the processing device. The processor directs the robot to move with any predetermined safe area having a boundary and a reference point. Optionally, the robot also exhibits features of social interactivity by accepting an input from a human, selecting dynamic content from a data base wherein the dynamic content is responsive to the input, and presenting the human with a response corresponding to the dynamic content selection.

Abstract: An articulated robot is controlled by dynamically modifying a combination of a hardware dependent middleware layer and a hardware independent application layer. A memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware dependent software programs and a memory device for storing a plurality of sets of robot hardware independent software programs are prepared. During execution of software programs, a software program compatible with a robot hardware configuration is introduced from the former memory device, and this software program is dynamically combined with the set of hardware independent software programs. The robot is thus appropriately controlled, meeting the needs of users.

Abstract: A clicker-training technique developed for animal training is adapted for training robots, notably autonomous animal-like robots. In this robot-training method, a behaviour (for example, (DIG)) is broken down into smaller achievable responses ((SIT)-(HELLO)-(DIG)) that will eventually lead to the desired final behaviour. The robot is guided progressively to the correct behaviour through the use, normally the repeated use, of a secondary reinforcer. When the correct behaviour has been achieved, a primary reinforcer is applied so that the desired behaviour can be “captured”. This method can be used for training a robot to perform, on command, rare behaviours or a sequence of behaviours (typically actions). This method can also be used to ensure that a robot is focusing its attention upon a desired object.

Abstract: A system and method for transmission of communication signals between a controller and a robotic device in a data storage library. The system and method include a substantially planar electrical insulator having opposed first and second sides, and first and second substantially planar oppositely charged electrical conductors on the first and second sides of the insulator for use in providing electrical power to the robotic device. The system and method also include circuitry for generating the communication signals for transmission between the controller and the robotic device on one of the first and second conductors. The width of the second conductor is less than the width of the first conductor and the second conductor is substantially centered on the second side of the insulator relative to the width of the first conductor to reduce fringing of an electromagnetic field resulting from a transmitted communication signal.

Abstract: Global positioning systems (GPSs) estimate positions of vehicles based on signals from earth-orbiting satellite transmitters. For accuracy and reliability reasons, these systems have traditionally not be used for critical phases of aircraft navigation and guidance, such as aircraft landings. However, recent years have seen the development of ground-augmented GPS systems for use in automatic landing systems. These augmented systems rely on broadcast correction data to correct positions estimates, or solutions, and thus provide more accurate position solutions. Unfortunately, the conventional methods of measuring accuracy in these augmented systems cannot adequately cope with loss of correction data or satellite signals and thus lead to more aborted landings than acceptable. Accordingly, the inventor devised a ground-augmented GPS system that incorporates a better method for determining the accuracy of its position solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method, the apparatus comprising a controlled element (10), such as a robotic manipulator, and a dynamically updatable control system (11). The control system (11) uses a control system equation (eq. (1)) to determine control signals (dq/dt) for controlling the controlled element (1) given any required inputs (q, V) to the control system equation (eq. (1)). The control system (11) is dynamically updatable in that in response to a script file indicating a code structure (11d) preferably having linked nodes (12a 13a-c) and representing at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)), the control system (11) creates the code structure (11d), at run-time, and does so such that the nodes (12a 13a-c) can be queried (i.e. are executable logic) to provide values for at least some components (W,F,&agr;,&bgr;) of the control system equation (eq. (1)).

Abstract: An improved robot arrangement for performing predetermined tasks, such as paint finishing, features equipping a robot with a plurality of manipulatable arms, with at least two of the arms performing like operations. Alternatively, a plurality of commonly controlled manipulator arms may be provided by clustering a plurality of conventional single arm robots on a common mounting stand.