Abstract: Systems and non-transitory computer-readable media for creating a field guidance plan template. Receiving, via an interface of an off-road work vehicle, a set of attributes associated with a defined area of a work field for a field operation of the off-road work vehicle. The set of attributes define features of the work field. Generating a field guidance plan for the defined area of the work field. The field guidance plan designed to assist the off-road work vehicle in traversing the defined area during the field operation. The field guidance plan also including a set of field guidance lines. Extracting the set of attributes of each field guidance line of the set of field guidance lines in the field guidance plan. Creating and storing a field guidance plan template based at least in part on the set of attributes the field operation.

Abstract: A digital fence of a work area is generated and loaded into a machine control system that controls an off-road machine. The machine control system detects whether the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence and automatically controls operating parameters of the off-road machine when the off-road machine is within a threshold distance of the digital fence.

Abstract: Control of a vehicle to perform a task employs first control input provided by a human operator and second control input provided by an automated controller. A relationship between the first control input and the second control input is determined. Either the first control input or the second control input is used to control the vehicle to perform the task based on the determined relationship. An indicator may be used to indicate to the operator when the control input provided by the human operator is being used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of the apparatus securing a portable device to smooth surfaces, or objects. An injection molded platform which allows multiple suction cups to be attached to secure a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, tablet, e-reader, or other digital media device to a smooth surface, or object. The primary platform is an injection molded part specifically designed to accommodate the insertion of mini suction cups, small suction cups, and medium suction cups. The injection molded platform contains multiple openings specifically designed to allow the attachment of an array of suction cups, and alternative mechanisms including kickstand assembly, elastic straps or cording. It is a further object of the invention to provide a platform apparatus that can be attached to smooth surfaces for different sized devices with touch screen capabilities, and devices with camera and video functions.

Abstract: A robotic mower sensor assembly for detecting a boundary wire signal. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of analog inductive sensors with a first inductive sensor oriented along a first axis and a second inductive sensor oriented along a second, different axis. Each inductive sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire. A control unit communicating with the sensor assembly is configured to operate the robotic mower in response to the signals from the sensor assembly which are indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire.

Abstract: A head mount device is worn by a person to retain an electronic device in a desirable position for hand-free use as a video recorder. A head strap assembly with tri-glide adjustment mechanisms extends from the sides and top of the main body mounting plate, allowing the device to fit most head sizes. The mounting plate is preferably an injection-molded part for holding the electronic device in a horizontal position with an elastic retention strap securing mechanism between the mounting plate and the electronic device. An elastic strap extends from an upending portion of the mounting plate, wraps around the electronic device, extends through a slot in the mounting plate, and fastens back upon itself via hook and loop fasteners to capture the device in landscape orientation. The design of the mounting plate and preferred length of the retention strap fit most modern smartphone designs by simply tightening the retention strap around the smartphone.

Abstract: A navigation system for a robotic mower includes a boundary wire defining a boundary of a specified area; a boundary sensor assembly, and a vehicle control unit with a navigation arbitration logic configured to arbitrate a selection between at least a straight propagation mode and an arc propagation mode. The navigation arbitration module is configured to select the arc propagation mode when the sensor assembly indicates that the mower approaches the boundary of the specified area and has a distance from the boundary that is equal to or smaller than a specified turn distance. The boundary sensor assembly generates a sensor signal representative of a measured yaw angle of the mower relative to the boundary wire, and the navigation arbitration logic is configured to generate output information representative of a desired yaw angle dependent on an assumed actual yaw angle.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of the apparatus securing a portable device to smooth surfaces, or objects. An injection molded platform which allows multiple suction cups to be attached to secure a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, tablet, e-reader, or other digital media device to a smooth surface, or object. The primary platform is an injection molded part specifically designed to accommodate the insertion of mini suction cups, small suction cups, and medium suction cups. The injection molded platform contains multiple openings specifically designed to allow the attachment of an array of suction cups, and alternative mechanisms including kickstand assembly, elastic straps or cording. It is a further object of the invention to provide a platform apparatus that can be attached to smooth surfaces for different sized devices with touch screen capabilities, and devices with camera and video functions.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of a portable electronic device to smooth surfaces for self-photos or videos, for example. A flat panel/card holds multiple, mini, double-sided suction cup units. One side of each cup unit may be connected to a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, or other lightweight digital media device with a smooth LCD or touch screen. The other side of each cup unit may be connected to a generally vertical surface or other object. The panel/card may be a single-layer plastic card with retention slots into which the double-sided suction cups are inserted. The panel/card may also function as a stored-value card, pre-paid gift card, or credit card incorporating bar codes, scratch-off codes, and magnetic strip features.

Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide a system for autonomous machine management comprising a number of autonomous machines, a number of nodes, a performance estimation module, and a navigation system. The number of autonomous machines is configured to perform area coverage tasks in a worksite. The number of nodes is configured to define a number of worksite areas for the worksite. The performance estimation module is executed by a processor unit and configured to calculate a percentage of work completed in the number of worksite areas. The navigation system is configured to operate an autonomous machine to perform the area coverage tasks and move between the number of worksite areas.

Abstract: A navigation system for a robotic mower includes a boundary wire defining a boundary of a specified area; a boundary sensor assembly, and a vehicle control unit with a navigation arbitration logic configured to arbitrate a selection between at least a straight propagation mode and an arc propagation mode. The navigation arbitration module is configured to select the arc propagation mode when the sensor assembly indicates that the mower approaches the boundary of the specified area and has a distance from the boundary that is equal to or smaller than a specified turn distance. The boundary sensor assembly generates a sensor signal representative of a measured yaw angle of the mower relative to the boundary wire, and the navigation arbitration logic is configured to generate output information representative of a desired yaw angle dependent on an assumed actual yaw angle.

Abstract: A robotic mower sensor assembly for detecting a boundary wire signal. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of analog inductive sensors with a first inductive sensor oriented along a first axis and a second inductive sensor oriented along a second, different axis. Each inductive sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire. A control unit communicating with the sensor assembly is configured to operate the robotic mower in response to the signals from the sensor assembly which are indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of a portable electronic device to smooth surfaces for self-photos or videos, for example. A flat panel/card holds multiple, mini, double-sided suction cup units. One side of each cup unit may be connected to a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, or other lightweight digital media device with a smooth LCD or touch screen. The other side of each cup unit may be connected to a generally vertical surface or other object. The panel/card may be a single-layer plastic card with retention slots into which the double-sided suction cups are inserted. The panel/card may also function as a stored-value card, pre-paid gift card, or credit card incorporating bar codes, scratch-off codes, and magnetic strip features.

Abstract: A head mount device is worn by a person to retain an electronic device in a desirable position for hand-free use as a video recorder. A head strap assembly with tri-glide adjustment mechanisms extends from the sides and top of the main body mounting plate, allowing the device to fit most head sizes. The mounting plate is preferably an injection-molded part for holding the electronic device in a horizontal position with an elastic retention strap securing mechanism between the mounting plate and the electronic device. An elastic strap extends from an upending portion of the mounting plate, wraps around the electronic device, extends through a slot in the mounting plate, and fastens back upon itself via hook and loop fasteners to capture the device in landscape orientation. The design of the mounting plate and preferred length of the retention strap fit most modern smartphone designs by simply tightening the retention strap around the smartphone.

Abstract: A multi-purpose carrying pouch attaches to surfaces/objects, to retain an electronic device in a desirable position for hand-free use as a camera or video recorder. An upper bi-fold flap with integrated suction cup unfolds and extends upwards from a main body of the pouch. The main pouch compartment is opened/unzipped to allow the electronic device to be stored, or to be inserted in an upright position with both zipper-sliders moved to a central region along the zipper near the device to capture the device in portrait orientation. An elastic strap extends transversely from a zipper pocket formed in the pouch, wraps around the electronic device, and fastens to a lower bi-fold flap to capture the device in landscape orientation. The zipper pocket and strap may be located in various locations, for example, on the interior or exterior surface of the pouch.

Abstract: A multi-purpose holster attaches to surfaces/objects, to retain an electronic device in a desirable position for hands-free use as a camera or video recorder. An elastic first strap extends transversely from a main body of the holster, wraps around the electronic device and fastens to itself to capture the device in portrait orientation. An elastic second strap extends parallel to the main body and around the electronic device, and fastens to the rear of the main body or to a portion of the first strap to capture the device in landscape orientation. The holster may include suction cup, loop and/or other suspension mechanisms to suspend the holster from the vertical surface of other object, and/or the first and second straps may be used to strap the holster to the surface/object.

Abstract: A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support. An attachment is coupled to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of the attachment with respect to the boom. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch accepts a command to enter a ready position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within the target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within the target attachment angular range associated with the ready position state in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.

Abstract: A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation.

Abstract: Control of a vehicle to perform a task employs first control input provided by a human operator and second control input provided by an automated controller. A relationship between the first control input and the second control input is determined. Either the first control input or the second control input is used to control the vehicle to perform the task based on the determined relationship. An indicator may be used to indicate to the operator when the control input provided by the human operator is being used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for scheduling mowing tasks by a robotic mower is provided. An estimated height of grass cut by the robotic mower is determined for a predetermined number of past mowing tasks. The estimated height of grass cut is compared with a predicted height of grass in an operating environment for the robotic mower. Then, a mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by decreasing a time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being greater than the predicted height of grass. Alternatively, the mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by increasing the time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being less than the predicted height of grass.