Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a holographic optical element by providing a recording stack comprising at least one recording element laminated on at least one supporting element, irradiating at least a part of the recording stack with at least one recording beam in an irradiating step, wherein during the irradiating step, the recording stack bends, providing a bending deviation threshold for the recording stack, and adjusting at least one first process parameter such that an expected maximum bending deviation of the recording stack does not exceed the bending deviation threshold, wherein the at least one first process parameter influences the bending behavior of the recording stack during the irradiating step.

Abstract: A system for generating a light beam having a plurality of orthogonal function modes includes a light source for generating a plane wave light beam. A MicroElectroMechanical (MEM) system including an array of micro-mirrors for generating the light beam having the plurality of orthogonal function modes applied thereto responsive to the plane wave light beam and control signals for controlling the array of micro-mirrors. A controller generates the control signals to control a position of each of a plurality of micro-mirrors of the array of micro-mirrors. The controller controls the position of the micro-mirrors to generate a plurality of holograms for applying the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes to the plane wave light beam responsive to the control signals.

Abstract: Sub-assembly of external parts for a watch, comprising a water-resistant joint between a first and a second component, which are screwed, one on the other, the first component supports a first inclined toothing, which cooperates with a second inclined toothing of the second component, the first component or second component, or a second ring interposed between them comprises a zone which is elastically deformable under the action of a relative rotation between the first and the second component which is caused by an external force, and the deformation range of which allows compression of the elastically deformable zone allowing clearance of the teeth tips during the relative rotation and a release of this zone, allowing return to cooperation of the tips and the hollows of the teeth in a new relative angular position.

Abstract: A computerized watch is described that includes a cover that forms an outer surface of the computerized watch, a screen configured to output graphical information for display, a set of physical watch hands positioned between the cover and the screen and configured to present a time of day. One or more computer processors and a memory comprising instructions. The instructions, when executed, cause the one or more computer processors to responsive to determining that the computerized watch is operating in a time display mode, manipulate the set of physical watch hands such that the set of physical watch hands present the time of day by obscuring a portion of a display region of the screen, and responsive to determining that the computerized watch is not operating in the time display mode, manipulate the set of physical watch hands such that the set of physical hands do not obscure the screen.

Abstract: A switch actuation device for use in connection with electrical switch mechanism having an actuatable structure. The device includes an actuation mechanism in operable communication with the actuatable structure for use in urging the actuatable structure of the electrical switch mechanism from a first position to a second position. An actuatable electrical switch arrangement is also disclosed.

Abstract: System and method for improving operation of an industrial automation system, which includes a control system that controls operation of an industrial automation process. The control system includes a feature extraction block that determines extracted features by transforming process data determined during operation of an industrial automation process based at least in part on feature extraction parameters; a feature selection block that determines selected features by selecting a subset of the extracted features based at least in part on feature selection parameters, in which the selected features are expected to be representative of the operation of the industrial automation process; and a clustering block that determines a first expected operational state of the industrial automation system by mapping the selected features into a feature space based at least in part on feature selection parameters.

Abstract: A demand response adaptor is provided such that, depending on the device connected to the demand response adapter, the demand response control system can be provided with the second constraints corresponding to the device connected to the demand response adapter, wherein the demand response control system comprises software components for making the decision based on the first constraints, the second constraints and the third constraints, wherein the controller comprises software components for detecting the start of a program by analyzing the amount of electrical power used by the device in function of time detected by the sensor and wherein the controller of the adaptor comprises software components for switching the relay to the nonconductive state when the start of the program is detected until, based on the decision of the demand response control system, the controller switches the relay switch to the conductive state.

Abstract: The present environment controller is adapted for being powered in low-voltage daisy-chained power configuration. The environment controller comprises a low-voltage daisy-chainable power supply comprising a Power Factor Conversion (PFC) flyback converter. The low-voltage daisy-chainable power supply receives a low-voltage power and outputs a high PFC low-voltage power for powering the environment controller.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for improving 3D printing systems and techniques include, in one aspect, a system including: three dimensional (3D) printer hardware; and at least one computer communicatively coupled with the 3D printer hardware, the at least one computer programed to receive 3D print type inputs for an object to be 3D printed and create a 3D print profile including parameters for 3D printing the object using the 3D printer hardware by matching the 3D print type inputs against a database.

Abstract: Even when there are a lot of buildings as a management target, a power consumption of each building can be appropriately managed. A broad area management system 10 is provided with a broad area management apparatus 20 in which a control command reception unit 22 receiving a selection of a control command of a power consumption from an operation terminal of an administrator and a transmission unit 24 transmitting received one control command to a plurality of building management apparatuses 30 are included, and the building management apparatus 30 in which an event program execution unit 34 storing an event program in association with the control command, a reception unit 32 extracting the event program corresponding to the control command from the event program execution unit 34 in a case where the control command is received from the broad area management apparatus 20, an event program extraction unit 33 controlling the power consumption of each facility 15 by executing the extracted event program.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems, apparatus and methods for energy management.

Abstract: An operation detecting device of an opening and closing body for a vehicle, includes: a detecting section that detects an operation by a user with respect to an opening and closing body of a vehicle; an input section that receives an opening and closing body motion signal which indicates whether or not the opening and closing body is in motion or idle; a determination section that determines whether or not the operation is performed using different detection conditions for a case in which the opening and closing body is in motion and a case in which the opening and closing body is idle; and an output section that outputs a control signal which causes the opening and closing body to move or stop based on the determination result of the determination section.

Abstract: The present technology relates to systems and methods for control of home automation activity based on user preferences. More specifically, the present technology relates to using a home automation system to control home automation activity based on user preferences. Example embodiments include receiving an input from a user including a set of preferences, generating a user profile using the set of preferences, receiving data indicating that a mobile device has moved from a first location to a second location, transmitting the user profile to the mobile device for application to the home automation system, receiving data indicating that the mobile device has been at the second location for a period of time, comparing the period of time to a predetermined threshold period of time, and applying the home automation settings associated with the second location to the home automation system.

Abstract: In a method for parameterizing an electrical device, a communication link is set up between a user unit and a computation apparatus. The latter provides a parameterization program for parameterizing the electrical device. The user unit is used to record settings made at the user end that affect the electrical device, and the recorded settings are used to form setting values for parameterizing the electrical device. A parameterization file containing the setting values is produced for the electrical device. In order to be able to perform parameterization of electrical devices, in particular electrical devices that are used in automation installations in a safety-critical environment, in a comparatively simple and inexpensive manner, the parameterization program for parameterizing the electrical device is executed by the computation apparatus and a user interface for the parameterization program is displayed by the user unit.

Abstract: A scent delivery system includes first and second scent delivery units and a central controller. The central controller is configured to generate command data capable of affecting operation of at least the first and second units based on one or more scenting schedules. The central controller is also configured to determine a relatedness and an order of priority between the units, and determine whether a desired activation time for the first unit overlaps at least partially with a desired activation time for the second unit. Based upon a determination that the first unit is related to the second unit and that a desired activation time for the first unit overlaps at least partially with a desired activation time for the second unit, the central controller is further configured to coordinate activity level of each of the first and second delivery units during the overlapping activation time according to the order of priority.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller system has: an input unit system section in which plural input units are combined; a CPU unit system section in which plural CPU units are combined; and an output unit system section in which plural output units are combined. Each system section has: a setting retaining unit to retain a setting indicating whether to use any of the plural units alone or use the plural units in a multiplexed manner; and a comparing unit to make a comparison of processed data between the plural units when the setting indicates using the plural units in a multiplexed manner, to send the processed data if the comparison result indicates consistency, and to perform an error process if the comparison result indicates inconsistency. In the setting retaining unit, whether to use alone or in a multiplexed manner is set based on an externally-input setting instruction.

Abstract: In a numerical controller having a tool tip point control function, a provisional tool tip point movement path calculation unit calculates a fourth movement path of a tip point of a tool on the basis of a third movement path obtained by linearly interpolating a second movement path for moving a control point of the tool along the second movement path, and a post-linear interpolation movement instruction output unit outputs a third movement instruction if it is determined that the difference between a first movement path for moving the tip point of the tool along the first movement path and the fourth movement path is within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A numerical controller controls a position of a control axis in synchronization with a reference value by using tabular data. When the numerical controller sequentially reads a command block from the tabular data and analyzes the command block so as to acquire a reference value and a coordinate value of a control point, the numerical controller outputs a reference value of the control point, which is shifted based on a shift amount specified by a shift command, in command blocks subsequent to the command block which includes the shift command, in a case where the shift command for shifting a reference value is included in the read command block.

Abstract: An automated manufacturing system includes two simultaneous and independently operating toolheads accessing any location within the same work volume, with the exception of locations in proximity to each other. The system includes a bed platform connected with X and Y linear axes. A ? rotational axis rotates the bed and its linear axes as a unit. A first toolhead has a fixed position relative to the ? axis, and a second toolhead is coupled with a linear R axis parallel to the bed. The bed X and Y axes move the bed relative to the first toolhead, enabling the first toolhead to reach any portion of the bed. The R linear axis and ? rotational axis allow the second toolhead to move almost anywhere in a circular area that is always centered near the first toolhead. The system's kinematics ensure that it is impossible for the toolheads to collide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing errors of a rotary device of a coordinate measuring machine or a machine tool. The rotary device comprises first and second parts rotatable relative to one another about an axis of rotation of the rotary device, and a rotational position measuring device for measuring rotational positions of the first part and the second part relative to one another. Errors of the rotary device due to deviations between actual positions and axial alignments relative to ideal positions and an ideal axial alignment are measured over a range of rotary angles. Expected variations in the position of the first part or second part resulting from a deviation of the rotational movement of the rotary device from an ideal rotational movement are established from the error measurements. Rotational position measurement locations of the rotational position measuring device are established in accordance with the expected variations.

Abstract: A fully-closed loop position controller with a velocity control system based on a velocity feedback of mixed velocities of a motor velocity and a load velocity. The fully-closed loop position controller identifies a ratio of load moment of inertia in real time to select an optimum mix gain in accordance with a changing ratio of load moment of inertia such that a position loop gain and a speed loop gain can be varied accordingly. The fully-closed loop position controller controls the load position based on the mix gain, the position loop gain, and the velocity loop gain.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for compensating thermal displacement of a machine tool, the apparatus including: a compensation quantity calculating unit configured to calculate a compensation quantity by using temperature data and a predetermined compensation parameter; a smoothing filter configured to exponentially smooth the calculated compensation quantity; a scaling unit configured to scale the exponentially smoothed compensation quantity; a time-dispersion compensating unit configured to calculate a final compensation quantity by time-dispersion compensation for the scaled compensation quantity according to a time-dispersion compensating period; and a control unit configured to compensate each axis of equipment according to the final compensation quantity, and adjusts the time-dispersion compensating period of the time-dispersion compensating unit according to an error absolute value representing a difference between an input value and an output value of the time-dispersion compensating unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for assessing machine trajectories for collision avoidance. A three-dimensional model of a patient based at least in part on data received from a three-dimensional imaging device is generated. The three-dimensional model of the patient is aligned with a coordinate system of a three-dimensional model of a radiation treatment machine. It is then determined whether a collision between the patient and the radiation treatment machine will occur at each one of a series of control points of the radiation treatment plan.

Abstract: A method carried out on a computer system for ordering and executing expedited production options. A user may submit a request for manufacturing a product defined by a 3D computer model. Systems described herein may then verify that the request is subject to an expedited production option and parse the 3D computer model to identify the processes required to manufacture the product. The product may then be manufactured with an expedited lead time that may vary as a function of the processes in question and the nature of the applicable expedited production option.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing a replica composite object based on an original object. The method identifies the structure and physical properties of an original object. Base materials, bodies, and structural templates, each of which includes associated physical properties, are utilized to generate a 3-dimensional model. The 3-dimensional model is discretized and tested to determine if the selected combination of base materials and bodies have physical properties that substantially equal the physical properties of the original object. If the physical properties do not equate, the 3-dimensional model is optimized by adjusting the combination of base materials, bodies, and structural templates. When the difference between the measured physical properties of the 3-dimensional model and the identified physical properties of the original object is less than a tolerance value, the method instructs an additive manufacturing system to generate a replica composite object based on the original object.

Abstract: A system for managing an oxygen generating system including an oxygen storage tank, a compressor, and groups of at least one oxygen generator, wherein the oxygen generating system is configured for supplying a sustained flow of a gaseous mixture comprising mostly oxygen. The system includes at least one controller device. The at least one controller device is configured to control group circuits based at least upon a pressure. Each of the group circuits are for providing power to a particular group of the groups of at least one oxygen generator. The at least one controller device is also configured to control a circuit for providing power to the compressor.

Abstract: A system for qualifying a process in a facility. The system includes a validation system and a portable computer device. The validation system includes a storage device, a processing device, and one or more sensor input modules each connected to one or more sensors. The portable computer device includes a storage device and a processing device. The storage device of the portable computer device includes a database comprising configuration file for configuring the validation system to perform a qualification of the asset. The processing device of the portable computer device is configured to transmit the configuration file to the validation system for storage in the storage device thereof. The processing device of the validation system is configured to load the configuration file stored in the storage device thereof and to perform the qualification of the asset based on the loaded configuration file.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the input and output speed of a continuous sheet of stock material is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method used to perform an operation on a continuous sheet of stock material in a high speed manufacturing system. The continuous sheet of stock material may subsequently be received by a second system that performs a different operation on the stock material. In one embodiment, the second system forms the stock material into tabs for container end closures. The system includes an infeed accumulation device and an outfeed accumulation device. The infeed and outfeed accumulation devices enable the system to operate at a variable rate and out of phase with a high speed, coil fed manufacturing system to which the system may be removably integrated.

Abstract: Since single and dual-arm tools behave differently, it is difficult to coordinate their activities in a hybrid multi-cluster tool that is composed of both single- and dual-arm tools. Aiming at finding an optimal one-wafer cyclic schedule for a treelike hybrid multi-cluster tool whose bottleneck tool is process-bound, the present work extends a resource-oriented Petri net to model such system. By the developed Petri net model, to find a one-wafer cyclic schedule is to determine robot waiting times. By doing so, it is shown that, for any treelike hybrid multi-cluster tool whose bottleneck tool is process-bound, there is always a one-wafer cyclic schedule. Then, computationally efficient algorithms are developed to obtain the minimal cycle time and the optimal one-wafer cyclic schedule. Examples are given to illustrate the developed method.

Abstract: A system and method of operating an assembly line for performing an assembly operation on an article. The method includes the steps of detecting an absence or presence of an abnormality in the article and classifying the abnormality as one of a plurality of types including a first type of abnormality and a second type of abnormality. Additionally, the method includes the step of determining that the article is eligible for the assembly operation if at least the abnormality is detected as present and the abnormality is the first type of abnormality. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining that the article is eligible for the assembly operation if at least the abnormality is detected as present, the abnormality is the second type of abnormality, and an override command is received. Furthermore, the method includes the step of providing an electronic output if the article is eligibility for assembly.

Abstract: An automated modular quality control center assembly for tubulars having an automated inlet module, an automated transfer module, and an automated parameter defined segregation module. The automated inlet module has a pipe conveyor, which receives the tubulars from an initial pipe rack. The tubulars are rolled off the automated inlet module pipe conveyor to an automated transfer module pipe conveyor. The tubulars on the automated transfer module pipe conveyor pass in close proximity to and are scanned by the survey instrument detector. An automated pass fail pipe conveyor receives the tubulars from automated transfer module pipe conveyor. A pass test exit pipe rack or a fail test exit pipe rack receives the tubulars from the automated pass fail pipe conveyor that pass or fail a preset survey instrument limit of the survey instrument detector.

Abstract: In industrial machine abnormality diagnosis, if the machine is diagnosed to have abnormality, then sensor data from the machine needs to be sent to a management center for causal analysis. However, since machines operated at a remote site cannot always communicate with a management center, it has been found that, in some cases, sensor data that has failed to be sent from a machine remains in the memory of the machine, resulting in lack of available memory capacity. In view of this, the present invention determines beforehand whether the diagnosed machine will run out of available memory capacity before the completion of sending the amount of sensor data required for causal analysis for the machine, and instructs a maintenance person to recover memory.

Abstract: An electronic system for stabilizing steering of a model vehicle may use different settings depending upon the RC model vehicle to be controlled. Different vehicles have different dynamic operation and responses and therefore may require different Electronic Steering Stability (ESS) system “settings”. The “settings” may be different “gains”, or different “coefficients” used with the control system algorithms. “Settings” may also mean that a completely different control algorithm may be used. For example, a vehicle A may be controlled adequately with a “P” control algorithm, while a vehicle B may require a complete “PID” control algorithm to be implemented.

Abstract: Techniques for using an aerial vehicle to provide a data service are provided. For example, information about a request for the data service is accessed. The request is sent to a provider computing device and identifies a user computing device to receive the data service. The provider computing device is configured to provide the data service. A location associated with providing the data service is determined based on the request. The aerial vehicle is flown to the location. The aerial vehicle includes a computing system configured to provide a portion of the data service. Based on detecting that the aerial vehicle is within a range of the location, the aerial vehicle provides the portion of the data service to the user computing device by using, for example, the computing system.

Abstract: A method comprising identification of a parking region for a vehicle, identification of an object within the parking region, determination that sufficient space exists within the parking region for creation of a parking space, the parking space being a portion of the parking region that is dimensioned to allow the vehicle to enter the parking space and exit the parking space, determination of a parking directive based, at least in part, on the parking space and the object, and causation of sending the parking directive is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a safety verifying system for a tractor-trailer combination. The system includes a trailer-data storing portion, a wireless reader, a determining portion, and a controlling portion. The trailer-data storing portion is disposed in a trailer that is to be towed by a tractor. The trailer-data storing portion stores first data associated with the trailer. The wireless reader retrieves the first data from the trailer-data storing portion. The determining portion determines whether the combination of the trailer and the tractor satisfies a safety requirement based on the first data retrieved by the wireless reader and second data associated with the tractor or an intended route to a destination of the trailer. The controlling portion controls operation of the tractor based on a result of the determining portion.

Abstract: In a driving assist system, a driving assist device as a control device acquires driving control information to be used for performing a driving control process in which an own vehicle follows a preceding vehicle running on the same lane of the own vehicle in front of the own vehicle. The driving assist device performs the driving control process of the own vehicle based on the acquired driving control information. The driving assist device detects an interruption of a preceding-vehicle following of the own vehicle. In the preceding-vehicle following, the own vehicle follows the preceding vehicle running on the same lane. The driving assist device decelerates a vehicle speed of the own vehicle by using a predetermined braking force when detecting the interruption of the preceding-vehicle following of the own vehicle during the preceding-vehicle following.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide accurate, low lag, and reliable autopilot autorelease in a hydraulic steering system for mobile structures. A hydraulic steering system includes a logic device configured to communicate with an autopilot pump controller, a control surface reference sensor, an orientation sensor, and/or a gyroscope. Control and sensor signals provided by the pump controller and/or the various sensors are used to selectively enable and/or disable an autopilot release signal. The autopilot release signal enables or disables the autopilot pump controller and/or an autopilot pump, or controls the autopilot pump controller to enable or disable the autopilot pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a swarm of UAVs that are stored on and released from an airborne platform, fly to and destroy a target, where the UAVs download target information from the airborne platform before being released therefrom, do not communicate with each other or the airborne platform while in flight, and do not depend of the presence of GPS. Each UAV includes a vision sensor that provides image data, a navigation module that receives the image data and causes the UAV to navigate and fly towards the target, and a target destruction module that receives the image data and causes the UAV to destroy the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling aircraft obtain at least one of ground-referenced longitudinal movement data of the aircraft and ground-referenced lateral movement data of the aircraft. A round-referenced heading of the aircraft is obtained and a heading error is calculated based on a difference between the ground-referenced heading and a target heading. A lateral movement error value is generated based on at least one of the ground-referenced longitudinal movement data and ground-referenced lateral movement data, and based on the heading error.

Abstract: A control system for an autonomous vehicle includes at least one controller. The controller is programmed to receive first sensor readings from a first group of sensors, provide a first sensor fusion output based on the first sensor readings, the first sensor fusion output including a first detected state of a detected object, receive second sensor readings from a second group of sensors, and provide a second sensor fusion output based on the second sensor readings, the second sensor fusion output including a second detected state of the detected object. The controller is additionally programmed to, in response to the first detected state being outside a predetermined range of the second detected state, generate a diagnostic signal.

Abstract: A control system for an off-road vehicle configured to traverse an off-road vehicle through a field by determining whether a partial row exist or contour differences exist between opposite edges if a route of traversal is used. If a partial row or a contour difference exist adjust the route to increase overlap of rows of the off-road vehicle to distribute the width of the field evenly among the rows or incrementally adjust each row from a first contour of a first edge to a second contour of a second edge.

Abstract: A path determining apparatus for an autonomous driving vehicle includes a path generator periodically generating a plurality of autonomous driving paths, an adaptive likelihood field (ALF) detector detecting an ALF on a road based on road information and obstacle information, a weight setter applying the ALF detected by the ALF detector to each of the autonomous driving paths generated by the path generator to set a weight with respect to each of the autonomous driving paths, and a path determiner determining a final autonomous driving path based on the weight set with respect to each of the autonomous driving paths by the weight setter.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes automated vehicles having optimized driving profiles including optimized speed profiles for execution between obstacles in consideration of economy of operation, and methods thereof.

Abstract: Auto-guidance of a mobile machine is provided that does not require a graphical user interface display. Human interactions with the auto-guidance system of a mobile machine are performed solely with one or more electromechanical switches of the auto-guidance system while the mobile machine is operating. A first point for auto-guidance of a mobile machine is set by an auto-guidance system in response to a first electromechanical switch input. A second point for auto-guidance of the mobile machine is set by the auto-guidance system in response to a second electromechanical switch input after movement of the mobile machine from the first point. The auto-guidance system activates auto-guidance of the mobile machine along a path defined by the first point and the second point. The setting of the first point, the setting of the second point, and the activating are performed by one or more hardware processors.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a driverless vehicle, and a method, an apparatus and a system for positioning a driverless vehicle. In some embodiments, the method includes: acquiring first laser point cloud reflection value data matching a current position of the driverless vehicle; converting the first laser point cloud reflection value data into laser point cloud projection data in a horizontal earth plane; determining a first matching probability of the laser point cloud projection data in a predetermined range of a laser point cloud reflection value map by using a position of a predetermined prior positioning position in the laser point cloud reflection value map as an initial position; and determining a position of the driverless vehicle in the laser point cloud reflection value map based on the first matching probability. The implementation can accurately position the current position of the driverless vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides an autonomous vehicle capable of driving independently through a path of intense traffic and transporting objects or people, even on rough surfaces, whilst ensuring safety of the vehicle and general road safety. The autonomous vehicle includes at least one variable pitch camera for producing images to be used for a computer vision to control the autonomous vehicle. The invention facilitates changing the pitch of the variable pitch camera to maximise camera image clarity and/or resolution as the autonomous vehicle moves. The images can be used for lane detection, pedestrian detection, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of an environment and/or pothole detection. With the invention, at least one image from the variable pitch camera is used in controlling the movement and/or the trajectory of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fully-autonomous vehicle, when properly equipped, can be used to clear snow, hail, leaves, and/or other debris from a driveway, roadway, parking lot, etc. For example, a vehicle capable of fully autonomous operation can operate in a “snow plow mode.” In such operations, the vehicle can identify, or be informed of, weather conditions such as snow that would impede travel on paved surfaces such as driveways and roads. When such conditions exist and if the vehicle is properly equipped with a plow or other snow removal equipment, the vehicle and operate in an autonomous manner to clear the user's driveway and/or one or more other driveways, roadways, parking lots, or other paved surfaces depending upon prior permission from the vehicle's owner and based on a variety of factors.

Abstract: Inter-vehicle platoon distance management is provided. Parameters relating to external conditions are used together with vehicle physical characteristics, performance information, and other factors to select an optimized distance between vehicle pairs traveling as a platoon. The parameters relating to the external conditions are aggregated by the following vehicle of the platoon vehicle pair, and used to adjust or otherwise modify a predetermined minimum following distance parameter. This allows flexibility in the platooning control to follow at different distances while maintaining an overall fuel economy benefit of the platoon. When no external condition restrictions exist, the platoon vehicles follow at the shortest distance to maximize fuel economy. However, as the aggregated external conditions increase, the platooning distance is extended to improve safety while preserving as much fuel economy benefit of the platoon as possible.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for scanning an optical sensor on a platform required to operate within a medium having a different pressure than the internal pressure of the sensor, including both underwater and high-altitude applications. For the case of underwater platforms, portions of the vehicle may be pulled or driven by propulsive forces through the water, whereas other portions of the vehicle may carry the platform for optical scanning, attached and rotationally controlled with respect to the driven portion of the vehicle. The platform may be rotated with respect to the portion that is pulled or driven through the water or other fluid. In some embodiments, that driven portion remains rotationally fixed with respect to the water. Other embodiments of vehicles in different environments may interface with different fluids or gasses and may be driven through the fluids or gases in similar manners.