Abstract: A system comprises a writer to form a plurality of color mits on a base material, wherein at least one of the color mits may represent computer-readable instructions comprising data other than pixel-image data. The plurality of color mits may include a first color mit and a second color mit, wherein the first color mit represents information data, and the second color mit represents that the first color mit contains a particular type of information data. The system also may include a reader to read colors of the plurality of color mits on the base material. The system may comprise a device to map at least one of the color mits to computer-readable instructions. The system may further comprise a processor configured to transmit signals using a colored light.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for using a rotating camera for vehicular operation. One example of a method for improving driving includes determining, by a processor in the vehicle, that a trigger has activated, orienting, based on the determining, a single rotating camera towards a direction of interest, and activating a recording functionality of the single rotating camera, where the vehicle comprises the single rotating camera and one or more fixed cameras, and where the single rotating camera provides a redundant functionality for, and consumes less power than, the one or more fixed cameras.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining weight distribution of a vehicle. A method of performing autonomous driving operation includes determining a vehicle weight distribution that values for each axle of the vehicle that describe weight or pressure applied on a respective axle. The values of the vehicle weight distribution are determined by removing at least one value that is outside a range of pre-determined values from a set of sensor values. The method further includes determining a driving-related operation of the vehicle weight distribution. For example, the driving-related operation may include determining a braking amount for each axle and/or determining a maximum steering angle to operate the vehicle. The method further includes controlling one or more subsystems in the vehicle via an instruction related to the driving-related operation. For example, transmitting the instruction to the one or more subsystems causes the vehicle to perform the driving-related operation.

Abstract: Techniques are described for determining weight distribution of a vehicle. A method of performing autonomous driving operation includes receiving two sets of values from two sets of sensors, where a first set of sensors measure weights or pressures applied on axles of a vehicle, and where a second set of sensors measure pressures in tires of the vehicle. The method performs an error detection and removal operation to remove or filter out any erroneous values from the two sets of values to obtain two sets of filtered values. The method determines one or more values that describe a weight or pressure applied on the axle to obtain the weight distribution of the vehicle based on the first set of filtered values or the second set of filtered values. Based on the obtained weight distribution of the vehicle, the method can determine a driving operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems and methods for real-time remote control of vehicles with high redundancy. In some embodiments, two copies of at least one control command are received using two different wireless communication protocols, and are compared. The at least one control command is executed when the two copies are in agreement, but is rejected when the two copies differ. In other embodiments, additional wireless communication protocols may exist to provide a redundant mode of communication when one of the two different wireless communication protocols are unavailable. In yet other embodiments, redundant GPS units may be used to determine availability of any of the communication protocols, and relevant control commands may be downloaded in advance to circumvent the lack of coverage.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems and methods for real-time remote control of vehicles with high redundancy. In some embodiments, two copies of at least one control command are received using two different wireless communication protocols, and are compared. The at least one control command is executed when the two copies are in agreement, but is rejected when the two copies differ. In other embodiments, additional wireless communication protocols may exist to provide a redundant mode of communication when one of the two different wireless communication protocols are unavailable. In yet other embodiments, redundant GPS units may be used to determine availability of any of the communication protocols, and relevant control commands may be downloaded in advance to circumvent the lack of coverage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a control system for an object placing device of an autonomous vehicle includes a processor, and a computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: receive a signal comprising instructions to activate the object placing device; and provide instructions to the object placing device to place a plurality of signaling devices in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Abstract: The disclosed technology enables automated parking of an autonomous vehicle. An example method of performing automated parking for a vehicle comprises obtaining, from a plurality of global positioning system (GPS) devices located on or in an autonomous vehicle, a first set of location information that describes locations of multiple points on the autonomous vehicle, where the first set of location information are associated with a first position of the autonomous vehicle, determining, based on the first set of location information and a location of the parking area, a trajectory information that describes a trajectory for the autonomous vehicle to be driven from the first position of the autonomous vehicle to a parking area, and causing the autonomous vehicle to be driven along the trajectory to the parking area by causing operation of one or more devices located in the autonomous vehicle based on at least the trajectory information.

Abstract: A system and method providing truck-mounted sensors to detect trailer following vehicles and trailer conditions are disclosed. A system of an example embodiment comprises: a vehicle control subsystem installed in an autonomous truck, the vehicle control subsystem comprising a data processor; and a truck-mounted sensor subsystem installed on a portion of a tractor of the autonomous truck to which a trailer is attachable, the truck-mounted sensor subsystem being coupled to the vehicle control subsystem via a data connection, wherein the truck-mounted sensor subsystem is configured to emit electromagnetic waves propagating in a space under the trailer, to generate object data representing objects detected by receiving a reflection of the electromagnetic waves, and to transfer the object data to the vehicle control subsystem.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deploying emergency roadside signaling devices are disclosed. In one aspect, system for an autonomous vehicle includes one or more signaling devices configured to visually notify other vehicles when placed on or near a roadway, and an object placing device configured to place the one or more signaling devices. The system further includes a processor and a computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: determine that the autonomous vehicle has experienced a malfunction, and provide instructions to the object placing device to place the one or more signaling devices on or near the roadway.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.

Abstract: The angle of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle is an important parameter to the stability of the vehicle and trailer. A tow vehicle pulling a trailer in a straight line is generally more stable than when the vehicle is turning. While turning, the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is not a straight line but is another angle depending on how sharply the tow vehicle is turning. To safely operate a vehicle towing a trailer, for a given steering input and speed, there is a maximum angle between the tow vehicle and trailer whereby exceeding the angle causes instability and may cause the trailer or tow vehicle to roll over or jackknife. Accordingly, the angle between the trailer and tow vehicle must be determined to ensure the vehicle and trailer will continue to be in control.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valve and an actuator. The valve has a portion movably disposed within a valve pocket defined by a cylinder head of an engine. The valve is configured to move relative to the cylinder head a distance between a closed position and an opened position. The portion of the valve defines a flow opening that is in fluid communication with a cylinder of an engine when the valve is in the opened position. The actuator is configured to selectively vary the distance between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: Techniques are described for estimating road friction between a road and tires of a vehicle. A method includes receiving, from a temperature sensor on a vehicle, a temperature value that indicates a temperature of an environment in which a vehicle is operated, determining a first range of friction values that quantify a friction between a road and tires of a vehicle based on a function of the temperature value and an extent of precipitation in a region that indicate a hazardous driving condition, obtaining, from the first range of friction values, a value that quantifies the friction between the road and the tires of the vehicle, where the value is obtained based on a driving related behavior of the vehicle, and causing the vehicle to operate on the road based on the value obtained from the first range of friction values.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for an autonomous vehicle to interact with its surrounding are described. One example method implemented by an autonomous vehicle processor includes receiving an input indicative of presence of one or more conditions for an autonomous vehicle to interact with an environment of the autonomous vehicle, determining, based on the one or more conditions, one or more interfacing signals to be outputted and outputting the one or more interfacing signals for a duration that depends on the one or more conditions.

Abstract: Described are devices, systems and methods for managing a supplemental brake control system in autonomous vehicles. In some aspects, a supplemental brake management system includes brake control hardware and software that operates with a sensing mechanism for determining the brake operational status and a control mechanism for activating the supplemental brake control in an autonomous vehicle, which can be implemented in addition to the vehicle's primary brake control system.

Abstract: Disclosed are distributed computing systems and methods for controlling multiple autonomous control modules and subsystems in an autonomous vehicle. In some aspects of the disclosed technology, a computing architecture for an autonomous vehicle includes distributing the complexity of autonomous vehicle operation, thereby avoiding the use of a single high-performance computing system and enabling off-the-shelf components to be use more readily and reducing system failure rates.

Abstract: The angle of a trailer with respect to a tow vehicle is an important parameter to the stability of the vehicle and trailer. A tow vehicle pulling a trailer in a straight line is generally more stable than when the vehicle is turning. While turning, the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is not a straight line but is another angle depending on how sharply the tow vehicle is turning. To safely operate a vehicle towing a trailer, for a given steering input and speed, there is a maximum angle between the tow vehicle and trailer whereby exceeding the angle causes instability and may cause the trailer or tow vehicle to roll over or jackknife. Accordingly, the angle between the trailer and tow vehicle must be determined to ensure the vehicle and trailer will continue to be in control.