Abstract: A method of optimizing water applications of a center pivot irrigation system. The field is mapped to determine the yield potentials of various parts of the field. The field map is divided into sectors or zones and the yield potentials of those sectors or zones are determined. The number of sectors or zones to be irrigated is dependent upon the water flow available to the irrigation system. Only those sectors or zones which can receive adequate irrigating water to achieve the predetermined water application depth will be irrigated.

Abstract: A data center system is described which includes multiple data centers powered by multiple power sources, including any combination of renewable power sources and on-grid utility power sources. The data center system also includes a management system for managing execution of computational tasks by moving data components associated with the computational tasks within the data center system, in lieu of, or in addition to, moving power itself. The movement of data components can involve performing pre-computation or delayed computation on data components within any data center, as well as moving data components between data centers. The management system also includes a price determination module for determining prices for performing the computational tasks based on different pricing models. The data center system also includes a “stripped down” architecture to complement its use in the above-summarized data-centric environment.

Abstract: A switchgear panel and a method for servicing/maintaining a switchgear panel are disclosed which provide a Human Machine Interface that includes a first memory unit, and a first circuit breaker on board of which an Intelligent Electronic Device is placed. The Intelligent Electronic Device having an associated memory unit. The first memory unit and/or on the associated memory unit storing sets of data related to one or more of the switchgear panel, the first Intelligent Electronic Device, and the first circuit breaker. The Human Machine Interface is in operative communication with the first Intelligent Electronic Device, to transfer and save one or more of the sets of data stored on the associated memory unit onto the first memory unit or vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to systems, devices and methods for the efficient use of utilities, more particularly to the distribution and provision of electricity supply at appropriate voltages, monitoring and usage by end devices, and to facilitating consumers in changing their energy usage behavior, and to adopt and easily install appropriate sustainable, energy efficient or renewable technologies. Said end devices typically including traditional electric, electronic and lighting appliances requiring AC or DC power provision or low voltage DC power via AC/DC converters.

Abstract: Systems for reducing power usage and/or wastage use sensors to gather information about a circuit and its usage. Triggers are identified based on the information from the sensors, and subsequently used to control power delivery by reversibly effectuating energization and deactivation of particular circuits through smart nodes.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes computing energy usage associated with a domain that includes a plurality of endpoints; identifying particular endpoints of the plurality of endpoints that are capable of switching from a first power source to a battery power source; and communicating a broadcast message to the particular endpoints to switch to their corresponding battery power source.

Abstract: A rider characteristic determining apparatus capable of determining characteristics of a rider controlling a saddle riding type vehicle, and a saddle riding type vehicle including the same, are configured such that the rider's characteristics are determined from a turning movement of the saddle riding type vehicle which reflects results of the rider controlling the saddle riding type vehicle. This enables a stable characteristic determination regardless of individual operation or control by the rider. Further, a turning performance score of the vehicle is calculated based on at least one of vehicle state amounts of a roll direction, a pitch direction and a caster angle which influence the steering angle of the saddle riding type vehicle. This enables a proper evaluation of the turning characteristic of the saddle riding type vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for sensor management is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors, and a sensor controller node communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors, said sensor controller node configured to dynamically task data collections and communications with at least one of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of updating an ATC flight plan of an aircraft in real time to take account of the flight directives. A reference flight plan is designated. In tandem with the receipt of the flight directive messages originating from the ground, then verifying validity of the flight directive messages, if the message is validated in the affirmative, the messages are applied successively to the reference flight plan and stored. Managing, in real time, the complete list of these flight directives and the ATC flight plan.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method are provided that may be carried out by an avionics display system deployed on an aircraft and including a monitor. The avionics display system receives position data indicative of the aircraft's detected position from at least one data source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (i) attributing an error characteristic to the data source, (ii) identifying an airspace assigned to the aircraft at a given time, and (iii) establishing an error-compensated airspace as a function of the error characteristic and the assigned airspace. The aircraft's actual position remains within the assigned airspace provided that the aircraft's detected position resides within the error-compensated airspace. A visual representation of the outer boundaries of the error-compensated airspace is generated on the monitor.

Abstract: An aircraft piloting assistance method and system including determining at least one flyable slope with which the aircraft is assumed to be able to fly, based on a value of at least one flight parameter including the weight of the aircraft. The step for determining said slope or slopes with which the aircraft is able to fly, called flyable slopes is performed by a computer, and presenting the flyable slope to a decision-maker.

Abstract: A method for estimating aircraft airspeed by a processor and an airspeed estimation device, which includes the calculation of a value for aircraft aerodynamic speed (Vcaero), by an aerodynamic calculator, based on aircraft aerodynamic parameters and the calculation of a value for current aircraft speed (Vc) by an anemobarometric unit. An estimated airspeed (Vcest) is determined by adding, by an adding unit, a corrective value, determined by an airspeed integrating unit, to the value for Vcaero. The corrective value is determined, by the airspeed integrating unit, according to a comparison between: a residual speed value (VR), determined by a residual speed determination unit, with the value VR determined by correcting the value for Vcaero to a value that converges toward the value for Vc, and a predetermined threshold value (?).

Abstract: A system for validating ground determination of gross weight of aircraft includes sensor(s) that generates information regarding ground determination of gross weight while parked at parking bay; processing device that receives information regarding ground determination of gross weight of the aircraft from sensor(s); and computer memory communicatively coupled to processing device. Processing device determines ground determination based on information regarding ground determination of gross weight generated by sensor. Processing device determines gross weight in air after takeoff based on indicated airspeed, angle of attack, and thrust applied to aircraft. Processing device determines error between ground determination and air determination of gross weight taking into account reduction in gross weight due to fuel consumed since receiving ground determination. Processing device updates information regarding relationship between ground determination and air determination of gross weight.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation of a vehicle may carry out one or more operations including, but not limited to: obtaining coordinates of a vector connecting two points in space using carrier phase measurements from global navigation system satellites (GNSS); setting the vector as an intended path of a vehicle; storing carrier phase signals from a GNSS receiver received at a first position of the vehicle; receiving carrier phase signals from a GNSS receiver at a second position of the vehicle; and determining a position of the vehicle relative to the intended path from one or more carrier phase signals received at the second position and one or more stored carrier phase signals received at the first position.

Abstract: A passenger transportation system having at least one rail extending along a path; at least one trolley movable along the rail; an actuating device having a linear electric motor, in turn having at least one slide fitted to the trolley, and a linear stator extending at least partly along the path, and having an elongated body, and a quantity of power windings embedded in the elongated body; and a quantity of sensors configured to control the position of the trolley, the sensors being fitted to the elongated body and so positioned as to minimize noise generated by the power windings on the sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating autonomous waterborne vessels in a safe manner. The systems include hardware for identifying the locations and motions of other vessels, as well as the locations of stationary objects that represent navigation hazards. By applying a computational method that uses a maritime navigation algorithm for avoiding hazards and obeying COLREGS using Velocity Obstacles to the data obtained, the autonomous vessel computes a safe and effective path to be followed in order to accomplish a desired navigational end result, while operating in a manner so as to avoid hazards and to maintain compliance with standard navigational procedures defined by international agreement. The systems and methods have been successfully demonstrated on water with radar and stereo cameras as the perception sensors, and integrated with a higher level planner for trailing a maneuvering target.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and to second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: A system for operating an hybrid vehicle is described. The system includes an hybrid operating strategy module for controlling hybrid operating functions of the vehicle based on input data, a navigation system providing vehicle routing input data to the hybrid operating strategy module, and a traffic information system providing traffic information input data to the hybrid operating strategy module. The hybrid operating strategy module determines electric portions of the vehicle route for charging batteries of the vehicle and inner portions of the vehicle route for prioritizing electric driving.

Abstract: A vehicle has a restriction storing device that stores a plurality of restrictions that are respectively created for a plurality of virtual gear ranges, such that, in each of the virtual gear ranges, required driving force as driving force to be applied to a drive shaft corresponding to the same accelerator operation amount tends to be increased as the vehicle speed is higher, and the required driving force corresponding to the same accelerator operation amount tends to be increased as the virtual gear range is shifted to a lower range when the vehicle speed is constant.

Abstract: A method of operating a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, comprising during a first engine-running condition, where a vehicle window or vent is in a more closed position, operating a climate control system to provide a user requested level of thermal comfort, and during a second engine-running condition, wherein the vehicle window or vent is in a less closed position, limiting the performance of the climate control system and biasing shared vehicle resources to provide additional fuel economy. In this manner, thermal comfort of the vehicle passengers can be maintained while providing additional fuel economy.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drive of a vehicle, the hybrid drive having an electric drive and a fuel drive. A database which has assignments between route information and first and second route criteria is provided. The route information represents routes which may be traveled by the vehicle. The first route criterion represents a preferred use of the electric drive on the particular assigned route, and the second route criterion represents a preferred use of the fuel drive on the particular assigned route. Current route information which represents a route traveled by the vehicle is received, and a current route criterion assigned to the current route information is provided from the database, and control information is also provided for using the electric drive if the current route criterion is the first route criterion or for using the fuel drive if the current route criterion is the second route criterion.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling first and second electric motors of a vehicle having an electrically variable transmission during an engine start/stop operation. The system and method determine a type of shift being performed, determine if a first clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine if a second clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine an acceleration limit based on the shift being performed and which clutch is being applied and/or released, determine acceleration and speed profiles based on the shift being performed, which clutch is being applied and/or released and the acceleration limit, determine a first electric motor torque and a second electric motor torque based on the acceleration and speed profiles, and set the torques of the first and second electric motors to the determined first and second electric motor torques.

Abstract: Electronic control systems and related control methods for controlling electric drive motors for propelling a vehicle and electric auxiliary motors for performing work. The apparatus is shown in use with a vehicle that includes a mowing deck. Features of the control systems allow for safe and efficient use of the vehicle. These features include a power take-off timeout, automatic fail-safe brake (parking), and customized drive characteristics.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a drive motor, an air conditioning system, an electric storage device, and a power consumption controller. The drive motor is to generate drive force for the electric vehicle. The electric storage device is to supply power to the drive motor and the air conditioning system. The power consumption controller is configured to control power consumption of the drive motor and the air conditioning system to limit the power consumption of the drive motor while securing preset power consumption of the air conditioning system and to keep securing power for the air conditioning system through limitation of the power consumption of the drive motor until driving of the drive motor is stopped if a remaining charge of the electric storage device approaches zero with consumption of power by the drive motor.

Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus is provided with: a storing device for storing each of a plurality of past driving situations of a self-vehicle as a group of a plurality of driving situation factors, for storing, correspondingly to each of the plurality of past driving situations, an action characteristic value and a driving situation occurrence frequency, and for storing, correspondingly to each of the plurality of driving situation factors, a factor influence value and a factor change frequency; an estimating device for estimating a future driving action of the driver on the basis of the plurality of past driving situations, the action characteristic value, the driving situation occurrence frequency, the factor influence value, and the factor change frequency; and a performing device for performing driving assistance in accordance with the estimated driving action.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for transitioning a mixed-mode autonomous vehicle from a human driven mode to an autonomously driven mode. Transitioning may include stopping a vehicle on a predefined landing strip and detecting a reference indicator. Based on the reference indicator, the vehicle may be able to know its exact position. Additionally, the vehicle may use the reference indictor to obtain an autonomous vehicle instruction via a URL. After the vehicle knows its precise location and has an autonomous vehicle instruction, it can operate in autonomous mode.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine to seek assistance navigating using a first trajectory. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to receive and store data about a plurality of obstacles. A particular obstacle in the plurality of obstacles may partially or wholly obstruct the first trajectory. The autonomous vehicle may select a portion of the stored data that includes data representing the particular obstacle. The selected portion of the stored data may be provided to an assistance center. A second trajectory may be received from the assistance center, where the second trajectory is not obstructed by the particular obstacle.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of the vehicle. The camera has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor that is operable to process captured image data to determine lane delimiters present in the field of view of the camera. The control connects to a vehicle communication bus of the vehicle and receives vehicle data via the vehicle communication bus. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the image processor and to vehicle data received via the vehicle communication bus, the control determines a yaw rate. The control provides the determined yaw rate to a driver assistance system of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing road service to an operator of a vehicle are provided. Such systems and methods presuppose a navigation system of the vehicle is set to route the vehicle to a destination. A road service request from the vehicle is received and a waypoint along the route to the destination is calculated. The navigation system is remotely set to route the vehicle to the waypoint and road service at the waypoint is ordered. The road service includes swapping the vehicle with a new vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes collecting state of health (SOH) data and usage data from a plurality of vehicles. A peer group is identified among the vehicles. A vehicle health prognosis is generated for each vehicle of the peer based on the collected SOH and usage data. The vehicles of the peer group are ranked based on the generated vehicle health prognosis and the rank is reported to an output device that is associated with each vehicle or with a user of each vehicle. If evaluation of the ranking indicates that the health prognosis of a vehicle of the peer group is improvable by modifying vehicle usage, an alert is issued to a user of that vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system may detect a fail of a steering angle sensor in an electric power steering apparatus. The system may include: a steering angle sensor for generating and transmitting a steering angle signal measuring a rotation angle of a steering wheel; a motor for generating an assistant power for smooth steering and transmitting a current and a voltage based on rotation of the motor; and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for receiving the current and the voltage from the motor, sensing the rotation direction of the motor, receiving the steering angle signal from the steering angle sensor, sensing a first rotation direction of the steering wheel, and then, when the rotation direction of the motor is not equal to the first rotation direction of the steering wheel, determining that the steering angle signal has a fail and starting operation of a fail-safe logic.

Abstract: One or more embodiments may include a method for remotely obtaining information about an energy source of a vehicle. Information identifying one or more vehicles and one or more drivers of the vehicles may be received at one or more computing devices remote from a vehicle. Instructions from the one or more remote computing devices may be transmitted requesting information from the identified vehicle(s) about a status of an energy source for the identified vehicle(s). The status information may be received at the remote computing device(s). Based on the energy source status information and the driver identifying information, a vehicle energy source status with respect to one or more attributes of the vehicle drivers may be calculated. Additionally, the vehicle energy source status may be displayed at the one or more devices.

Abstract: A system for predicting tire casing life remaining for a casing in a tire, the system including: a tire condition measurement unit that measures one characteristic value including tire internal pressure information indicating at least one of a tire condition and a vehicle running condition; a temperature history estimation unit that estimates a temperature history of at least one location in at least one casing structural member based on the characteristic value; a member physical property calculation unit that calculates at least one current physical property value of the at least one casing structural member that degrades due to tire internal air temperature based on at least the tire internal pressure information and the temperature history; and a remaining drivable distance prediction unit that predicts a drivable distance of the tire until the current physical property value reaches a physical property value limit set in advance.

Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Selectively Automatic Event Scoring. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will score a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types to a remote server or user if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may further respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.

Abstract: A Comprehensive and Retrofittable Occupant Sensor Suite (CROSS) for logging of accurate occupant dynamics during blast events encountered on the battlefield. The CROSS system is low cost, can be retrofit to any vehicle seat, will not restrict soldier mobility, and is highly expandable to include both wired and wireless sensors. The CROSS system reliably measures and sends all data channels to a vehicle data recorder (VDR), and internally stores data (with its own power backup) in case connectivity to the VDR or vehicle power is lost during a blast event. The CROSS system yields critical information for forensics analysis, the modeling of occupant dynamics during blast events, and the design of protective devices.

Abstract: A method for detecting leakage within an Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) of a vehicle continuously obtains the weather information and the weather forecast for the geographical location that the vehicle is currently in. Based on the weather information, an average time required for the fuel within the fuel-tank of the vehicle to cool off to a pre-determined temperature is calculated. The powertrain control module of the vehicle is activated at a specific instant, based on the average time, to perform the leakage detection within the EVAP system.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus for vehicles is provided. The apparatus comprises a volatile memory storing control data therein, a control component performing control necessary to the vehicle using the control data in the volatile memory, and an update component updating the control data in the volatile memory based on controlled results. The apparatus further comprises a detecting component, recording component and transmitting unit. The detecting component detects an abnormality occurring in the volatile memory and the recording component correlates a history of the detected abnormality with information indicating a region of the volatile memory in which the abnormality occurs and records information indicating the abnormality history. The transmitting unit generates a transmission signal indicating the abnormality history on the basis of the information indicating the recorded history and transmitting the transmission signal to an external device via a communication interface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for locating a vehicle are disclosed, including detecting one or more environmental conditions, the one or more environmental conditions being indicative of an occurrence of an environmental event, determining a probability of the occurrence of the environmental event in response to detecting the one or more environmental conditions, and effecting a preventive action in response to the probability being above a threshold probability, the preventive action being configured to protect the vehicle from the environmental event.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operation system for a vehicle capable of shortening an operation time, reducing an operation load, and improving visibility of a display section. The operation system includes an operation section on which a camera capturing a finger and a touch panel are installed, and a display section installed away from the operation section, and further includes a finger determination processor determining from an image captured by the camera whether or not an object approaching the operation section is a hand, a conversion processor converting a determination signal of the finger determination processor into a display instruction signal and outputting the converted result, and a pop-up processor displaying an operation button or an operation window on the display section before the hand is touched to the touch panel on the basis of the display instruction signal input from the conversion processor.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for driver assistance for consumption controlled driving combines tactile and visual feedback functions, especially in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept and/or a deceleration assistant, wherein the emphasis is, on the one hand, on a modified accelerator pedal characteristic and, on the other hand, on providing ECO tips for an interactive output of efficient driving instructions.

Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a stereo vision system that includes at least one camera and at least one sensor disposed on or in a vehicle; a roadside marker detection unit configured to receive stereo image data from the stereo vision system, and to detect roadside markers from the stereo image data; and a road path estimation unit configured to estimate a road path in a direction of travel of the vehicle, based on the roadside markers detected by the roadside marker detection unit.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote application. The system also includes one or more outputs, controllable by the processor. The processor is configured to receive an advertisement for playback on at least one output, determine the suitability of the received advertisement for playback, permit or deny advertisement playback based on the suitability of the advertisement, and provide access to the at least one output upon permitting advertisement playback.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display system includes a steering switch disposed at a steering wheel, an in-vehicle display having a display screen, and a touch panel covering the display screen. When an operator operates the touch panel, the in-vehicle display is operable to display a touch panel menu including icons on the display screen. When the operator operates the steering switch while the touch panel menu is displayed on the display screen, the in-vehicle display is operable to replace the touch panel menu with a steering switch menu to display the steering switch menu on display screen. The steering switch menu includes the icons arranged differently than the touch panel menu. This in-vehicle display system is suitably used to operate both of the touch panel and the steering switch.

Abstract: A signal representing a numerical value from a vehicular application is received. A power value is calculated and the power value is a predetermined based raised to the power of the numerical value. The calculating using multiplication and shifting operations and the calculating further accesses a look-up table stored in a memory. The calculated power value is returned to the vehicular application. At the vehicular application, the calculated power value is utilized in a calculation and a result of the calculation is obtained. A parameter of the vehicular application according is altered to the result.

Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.

Abstract: A modular control system (500, 510) is disclosed for providing for modular control functions within vehicles. One embodiment of the modular control system (500) includes a driver interface unit (502) for controlling one or more air control units (504) through wireless communications. The air control units (504) can control functions such as air spring pressure, air spring height and the like. Another embodiment of the modular control system (510) uses a driver interface unit (512) for controlling air control units (518) through wire applications (514, 516).

Abstract: A conventional brake control can generate only a small yaw moment compared with a steering control, so that reliable avoidance of obstacles cannot be obtained. With a steering control, the driver gets behind the wheel every time when crossing a lane and has an uncomfortable feeling.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for assisting a driver in avoiding a collision between a host vehicle and obstacle. A processor recursively calculates a time-to-collision with the obstacle and an optimal collision avoidance path for avoiding the collision. The optimum collision avoidance path is recursively generated based on a position and speed of the host vehicle relative to the obstacle and an updated calculated time-to-collision. A sensing device determines whether the driver of the vehicle has initiated a steering maneuver to avoid the obstacle. A steering assist mechanism maintains the host vehicle along the optimum collision avoidance path. The steering assist mechanism applies a steering assist torque for producing steering adjustments to assist in guiding the host vehicle along the optimum collision avoidance path to the target lane. The steering assist torque generated by the steering assist mechanism is recursively adjusted based on a recent updated optimum collision avoidance path.

Abstract: A method for adaptation of a steering wheel torque overlay of a lane keeping aid system in a vehicle comprises requesting a controller steering wheel torque overlay Tr from a controller, measuring an applied steering wheel torque Ta applied on a steering wheel of the vehicle, determining a scaling factor ? as a function of the applied steering wheel torque Ta, and determining a corrective steering wheel torque overlay Tc based on the controller torque overlay Tr multiplied by the scaling factor ?. A system for adaptation of a steering wheel torque overlay, a lane keeping aid system comprising such a system, and a vehicle comprising such a lane keeping aid system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive subject matter ensure that a hands-free driving situation of a motor vehicle can be detected. In the case of such detection of a hands-free driving situation, requirements of a driving assistance system are preferably reset with respect to steering corrections made by the driving assistance systems. In this manner, virtually independent steering of the vehicle such as, for example, and autopilot type of driving assistance functionality is therefore advantageously avoided.