Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of an articulated tractor and trailer includes transducers attached to the tractor for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. The transducers have a substantially symmetrical arrangement about a centerline of a linear transducer bar attached to the tractor and each has an angular orientation substantially dissimilar to adjacent transducers on a same side of the centerline. A control circuit sequentially activates ones of the transducers such that only a single transducer transmits signals at any given time. Thereafter, the control circuit only processes reflected signals received by the emitting transducer. The control circuit calculates an angle between the tractor and trailer and causes the mirrors to rotate. Transducer calibration and mirror adjustment relative to a zero position set by a driver are also contemplated.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine that a speed of the autonomous vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold speed, and that the autonomous vehicle has not detected a traffic control signal. The autonomous vehicle may identify a cause C for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. The autonomous vehicle may start a timer T that is based on the cause C. After the timer T expires, the autonomous vehicle may determine whether the cause C remains as a cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. After determining that the cause C remains the cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed, the autonomous vehicle may send an assistance signal indicating a stuck condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric bicycle. The electric bicycle includes a hub motor assembly provided at a wheel to supply driving force, an electronic control unit provided in the hub motor assembly, and a wireless communication device mounted to a wheel shaft and electrically connected to the electronic control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for providing adaptive lane centering in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle driving system includes activating a lane centering control system, detecting a driver steering override of the lane centering control system, monitoring a lane centering offset when a driver override condition is detected, determining if the lane centering offset represents a driver bias and adjusting the lane centering offset in the lane centering control system to compensate for the driver bias.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an unmanned autonomous operating vehicle having an electric motor supplied with power from a battery for operating an operating machine, and magnetic sensors for detecting intensity of a magnetic field of an area wire and controlled to run about in an operating area defined by the area wire through wheels driven by the prime movers to perform an operation using the operating machine and to return to a charging device installed on the area wire so as to charge the battery, there is provided with a turn-back portion formed by bending the area wire at an appropriate position and again bending the area wire to return in a same direction with a predetermined space so as to divide the operating area into a plurality of parts and vehicle running is controlled to be prohibited from going across the turn-back portion.

Abstract: A Robotic Roof Ventilation Apparatus that preforms the process of roof ventilation to protect the lives of firefighters. By keeping the firefighters off the roof of a burning building this robot completely changes the current process of roof ventilation as it provides a reliable way for firefighters to preform roof venation without any risk or loss of life.

Abstract: A method of parking a running vehicle includes measuring a length of a parked vehicle that is proximate to a desired parking location, and estimating the width of the parked vehicle based on a regression equation. The running vehicle is parked based on the estimated width.

Abstract: The present document describes an amusement vehicle for interacting with at least another amusement vehicle in an amusement environment, the amusement vehicle comprising: a chassis; a set of wheels for rotatably supporting the chassis on a ground surface; a motor mounted on the chassis for propelling the chassis on the ground surface; a controller operably connected to the motor for controlling the motor; and at least one of: a receiver mounted on the chassis for receiving a first directional signal of the at least another amusement vehicle only when the at least another amusement vehicle is in substantial alignment with the receiver; and a transmitter mounted on the chassis for transmitting a second directional signal to one of the at least another amusement vehicle in substantial alignment with the transmitter; the controller being at least one of: operably connected to the receiver and being configured to decode the first signal for controlling the motor in accordance with instructions included in the firs

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to notifying a pedestrian of the intent of a self-driving vehicle. For example, the vehicle may include sensors which detect an object such as a pedestrian attempting or about to cross the roadway in front of the vehicle. The vehicle's computer may then determine the correct way to respond to the pedestrian. For example, the computer may determine that the vehicle should stop or slow down, yield, or stop if it is safe to do so. The vehicle may then provide a notification to the pedestrian of what the vehicle is going to or is currently doing. For example, the vehicle may include a physical signaling device, an electronic sign or lights, a speaker for providing audible notifications, etc.

Abstract: An active suspension system for a vehicle including elements for developing and executing a trajectory plan responsive to the path on which the vehicle is traveling. The system may include a location system for locating the vehicle, and a system for retrieving a road profile corresponding to the vehicle location.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to detecting the edges of lane lines. Specifically, a vehicle driving on a roadway may use a laser to collect data for the roadway. A computer may process the data received from the laser in order to extract the points which potentially reside on two lane lines defining a lane. The extracted points are used by the computer to determine a model of a left lane edge and a right lane edge for the lane. The model may be used to estimate a centerline between the two lane lines. All or some of the model and centerline estimates, may be used to maneuver a vehicle in real time and also to update or generate map information used to maneuver vehicles.

Abstract: A pedal assisted bicycle a first and a second wheel; a pedaling assembly mechanically decoupled from the first and second wheels by which an user can supply a pedaling power; an electric motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the wheels capable of taking a motor power; a generator device adapted to generate a generator device electric power from the pedaling power, arranged in an energy exchange relationship with the pedaling assembly and the electric motor; an energy storage device arranged in an energy exchange relationship with the electric motor and with the generator device; a control system including a module for controlling the power required to the generator device to be supplied to the electric motor and/or to the storage device; a heartbeat sensor adapted to generate a signal representing heartbeat.

Abstract: Each respective vehicle of a plurality of vehicles transports a vehicle navigation system. A position determining system determines a position and a velocity of the respective vehicle and an information acquisition system is operable to determine a displacement and velocity between the respective vehicle and a vehicle adjacent to the respective vehicle. An information communication system of a respective vehicle is operable to transmit first information (that vehicle's velocity and position) to other vehicles and to receive information from other vehicles regarding their velocities and positions. A vehicle routing system can determine a target routing and target velocity for moving the respective vehicle over a path including the roadway. Based on the received or determined information, the velocity of the respective vehicle can be controlled.

Abstract: A vehicle system and method that can determine object sensor misalignment while a host vehicle is being driven, and can do so without requiring multiple sensors with overlapping fields-of-view. In an exemplary embodiment where the host vehicle is traveling in generally a straight line, the present method uses an object sensor to track the path of a stationary object as it moves through the sensor's field-of-view and compares the sensed object path to an expected object pat*h. If the sensed and expected paths of the stationary object deviate by more than some amount, then the method determines that the object sensor is skewed or otherwise misaligned.

Abstract: A platform dolly system that has first and second dolly devices. Each of the dolly devices has a power unit, a frame, a suspension and a wheel rotatably secured to an axle. A control unit remote to the first and second dolly devices is presented that is in over the air electronic communication with the power unit of each of the first and second dolly devices in order to either simultaneously or independently control the first and second dolly devices depending upon the mode of the control unit.

Abstract: A system and method to disable a motorized vehicle includes a modified police radar/laser gun, a black box, which stops a vehicle by shutting down the electrical system or by other means known in the art when activated by the modified police radar/laser gun. The black box is attached to the motorized vehicle and is activated by the modified police radar/laser gun during a chase or other emergency situation. The black box is tamper proof so that any attempt to remove or otherwise tamper with it will disable the vehicle so that it will not start. A system according to the present invention works on automobiles, trucks, buses, eighteen wheelers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles and boats. Starting the vehicle readies the system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image-based barrier detection and warning system and a method thereof, wherein an image processing technology is used to establish ROI and verify whether a horizontal line signal exists, and wherein the image processing technology determines whether an object is a barrier via detecting contours of an object and detecting distance to the object, and wherein the system timely outputs warning signals and presents distance to a barrier when detecting the barrier. The image-based barrier detection and warning system enables the driver to watch the surroundings of the vehicle directly and clearly and learn the relative positions of barriers, whereby the driver can park more easily and safely.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to notifying a pedestrian of the intent of a self-driving vehicle. For example, the vehicle may include sensors which detect an object such as a pedestrian attempting or about to cross the roadway in front of the vehicle. The vehicle's computer may then determine the correct way to respond to the pedestrian. For example, the computer may determine that the vehicle should stop or slow down, yield, or stop if it is safe to do so. The vehicle may then provide a notification to the pedestrian of what the vehicle is going to or is currently doing. For example, the vehicle may include a physical signaling device, an electronic sign or lights, a speaker for providing audible notifications, etc.

Abstract: A manually propelled vehicle includes a main body part comprising a wheel and a motor that drives the wheel when a user pushes the main body part in an advancing direction, and a mounting unit to be carried by the user and that communicates with the main body part. The mounting unit comprises a first motion sensor comprising an acceleration sensor in three orthogonal directions, and the main body part controls a drive of the motor based on a detection result of the first motion sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for remotely disabling a vehicle using modulated microwave energy. The modulation characteristics are preferably tailored for different types of vehicles. This approach enables the use of a low power radiation source, which minimizes injury to people and property and which enables the use of portable devices, such as for use on law enforcement or military vehicles.

Abstract: A remote-controlled electric golf bag cart has a remote control, a support frame, an antenna set and a control module. The remote control transmits a distance measurement signal. The support frame has a wheel assembly, a golf bag stand and a motor assembly mounted thereon. The antenna set and the control module are mounted on the support frame. The antenna set receives the distance measurement signal. The control module determines an orientation and a distance of the remote control according to the distance measurement signal received by the antenna set, and drives the motor assembly to move the support frame forward toward the remote control, making the support follow a user having the remote control and preventing other in-field persons and obstacles from affecting the support frame to follow the remote control.

Abstract: An electromechanical control system of an electric bike integrating a smart mobile device and cloud services therewith enables a controller of the electric bike to independently monitor and control operation of an electric motor, is integrated with an external smart mobile device with a communication interface thereof, configures cycling control parameters of the controller with the externally available cycling control parameters through an user interface provided by the smart mobile device to adapt to cyclists' physical strength. Cycling information and bike information can be displayed on the smart mobile device or make them openly available through the online function of the smart mobile device for cyclists to easily record or manage related information during bike cycling.

Abstract: Vehicle control system and method in which restrictions on travel of the vehicle are determined based on an indication of the visibility of a driver and information about objects moving in a direction opposite to the direction of travel of the vehicle are considered. The travel restrictions include preventing a passing maneuver on a two-lane road when an oncoming vehicle precludes safely initiating or completing an already-initiated passing maneuver. A warning system is provided to warn a driver about the travel restrictions so that the driver will, hopefully, not attempt an unsafe maneuver.

Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a method for controlling the same. The robot cleaner and method of the present invention involve dividing the whole area to be cleaned into sub-areas, and easily calculating a full path using travel paths in the sub-areas and connection points between sub-areas, and in the event the whole area to be cleaned is extended or an area which has not been cleaned is found, do not involve regenerating the whole map for cleaning, but rather easily updating the full path using the pre-stored travel path in the sub-areas and the connection points between sub-areas.

Abstract: A robotic omniwheel for motion comprising various components such as in wheel motor assemblies with brake, supportive hub and axle assemblies, strut and yoke assemblies for suspension, a motor device having controller for steering motion, a motorized universal joint for rocking motion, an active transmission rod to uniquely engage lift and expansion which are managed by a drive logic system comprising status control system and sensor array, laser radar, GPS, and as well a navigational control system including wireless remote control for communication and monitoring motion states for transport and to monitor power levels therein. As well, an electrical system includes battery array to furnish power for the robotic omniwheel array assemblies and to the electrical components via power cable.

Abstract: A steerable, self-propelled vehicle (20) includes a rotatable steering column that is connected to control the steering angle of one or more ground-engaging members of the vehicle. The vehicle includes between the steering column and the ground-engaging member a first steering servomechanism having at least a first steering assistance characteristic; a second steering servomechanism having a second steering assistance characteristic also being connected to act on the steering column. A controller is provided for causing the first and second steering assistance characteristics to influence the steering of the vehicle in dependence on one or more one or more control commands generated in the controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a perceptible output control system for a vehicle that can perform a number of different operations that are particularly useful for electric vehicles.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of travelling carriers includes performing data communication between front and rear adjacent travelling carriers, an on-board communication device provided to the travelling carrier and performing data communication with a ground-based communication device, and the ground-based communication device sending a movement permission signal at one end of a work area to the on-board communication device of a passing travelling carrier; and transmitting the movement permission signal to all of the travelling carriers within the work area from the ground-based communication device via the on-board communication device and the data communication means.

Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus includes a wheelchair control device sensitive to motion and adapted to attach to a user's head, and includes a wheelchair interface device in communication with the wheelchair control device and adapted to manipulate a control system of a motorized wheelchair in response to communication from the wheelchair control device. Among other things, a method includes causing a motorized wheelchair to change velocity in response to changing a position of a head-mounted wheelchair control device.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.

Abstract: A transporter for an electrical welding machine having an auxiliary electrical power output includes: a chassis, the chassis being adapted to removably carry the welding machine; a propulsion mechanism mounted to the chassis; an electrical motor operable to drive the propulsion mechanism to propel the transporter on land; and an interface unit on the transporter, the interface unit being operable to receive electrical power output from the welding machine. The transporter is operable to transport the welding machine using electrical power from the welding machine auxiliary electrical power output.

Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a motion assistance system for a wheelchair, for example, a powered drive wheel system that can continually drive a wheelchair in a circular or elliptical path. The motion assistance system comprises a mounting mechanism attachable to one or more structural elements of the wheelchair, and a drive linkage pivotable with respect to the mounting mechanism. A drive wheel can be mounted to an end of the drive linkage such that the drive wheel contacts the ground when installed on the wheelchair. The drive wheel comprises a plurality of lateral rollers positioned radially about the circumference of the power drive wheel. The lateral rollers can rotate about an axis tangential to the circumference of the drive wheel in order to facilitate driving the wheelchair in a radial direction.

Abstract: A tow control remotely controls a connected towing vehicle by generating and transmitting a signal that controls the propulsion of the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle is controllable to generate propulsion for the tow control, a towed vehicle, and an operator. A flexible tow line joins the tow control to the towing vehicle. The operator, while holding the tow control and mounting the towed vehicle, can maintain independent movement relative to the towing vehicle because of the flexible nature of the tow line and the distance between the towing vehicle and tow control. The towing vehicle includes a receiver that remotely receives a signal from a transmitter on the tow control. The receiver relays the signal to a processor that regulates a steering portion, motor, and brake mechanism on the towing vehicle. A control portion on the tow control generates the signal for operation.

Abstract: A personal vehicle system including a deck having a substantially flat top surface, where the top surface is substantially flat and is of sufficient area to support two feet of a user, a truck coupled to the deck, where the truck consist of a first portion coupled to the deck and a second portion that tilts relative to the first portion, and a wheel motor coupled to the second portion of the truck. A personal vehicle system that includes a deck, a truck coupled to the deck, and a wheel motor coupled to the truck, where the wheel motor has a passive cooling system. The passive cooling system includes at least one endcap that rotates about a wheel rotation axis during operation of the wheel motor and the endcap has at least one fin.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a mobile device and a receiver connected to a control target. The mobile device includes an input unit accepting user's input operation; an operation signal transmission unit wirelessly transmitting an operation signal corresponding to the input operation during the input operation; a frequency switching determination unit determining whether to switch the transmission frequency band from a first frequency band to a second frequency band based on at least any one of a manner of the input operation and a state of wireless communication; and a transmission frequency switching unit switching the transmission frequency band when the frequency switching determination unit determines to switch the transmission frequency band. The receiver includes an operation signal reception unit receiving the operation signal; and a control unit controlling the control target on the basis of the received operation signal.

Abstract: Automated transport system including at least one automotive vehicle (10) without a driver and one central computer (14), the vehicle being able to go automatically from a departure point to a destination point using signals transmitted by the central computer and following a rail (12) integrated in the pavement. The rail is a rubber strip or equivalent mounted on the pavement having continuous optical characteristics and having chip contactless devices or transponders (20) at regular spacing. Each vehicle is equipped with localization and detection means (18) adapted to identify the strip's optical characteristics in order to follow the strip during its motion and to detect localization signals received from the transponders reacting to the radio frequency signals in order to localize the vehicle.

Abstract: In an example implementation, an autonomous vehicle is configured to detect closures and lane shifts in a lane of travel. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode and determine a presence of an obstacle substantially positioned in a lane of travel of the vehicle using a sensor. The lane of travel has a first side, a second side, and a center, and the obstacle is substantially positioned on the first side. The autonomous vehicle includes a computer system. The computer system determines a lateral distance between the obstacle and the center, compares the lateral distance to a pre-determined threshold, and provides instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based on the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-purposed, self-propelled device and method for operation of the self-propelled device. Certain variations can include a spherical housing having an internal drive system and a multifunctional payload space for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for road wear leveling. A method includes determining a location of a velocity change point based on wear leveling information for a road segment including the location. The method further includes communicating the location of the velocity change point to a vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. For example, when the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ergonomically supporting a worker while performing a work operation includes an automatic guided vehicle capable of moving a seat carrying the worker between a first non-work position relative to a work piece and a second work position at which the worker performs the work operation. The automatic guided vehicle includes controls to enable the worker to ergonomically position the angle of a seatback relative to a seat bottom and the height of the seat relative to the automatic guided vehicle for ergonomic support of the worker while performing the work operation. Under program control, the automatic guided vehicle is movable from one work position to another work position and/or back to the non-work position.

Abstract: A moving robot includes a sensing system. The moving robot includes light sources generating light, an optical guide to receive, diffuse, and emit the light generated from the light source, and light receiving sensors to receive the light emitted from the optical guide and then reflected by the object. Light irradiated from the light sources is diffused and emitted to a wide region through the optical guide, thereby allowing light to be emitted to the wide region with a small number of the light sources.

Abstract: An electromechanical control system of an electric bike integrating a smart mobile device and cloud services therewith enables a controller of the electric bike to independently monitor and control operation of an electric motor, is integrated with an external smart mobile device with a communication interface thereof, configures cycling control parameters of the controller with the externally available cycling control parameters through an user interface provided by the smart mobile device to adapt to cyclists' physical strength. Cycling information and bike information can be displayed on the smart mobile device or make them openly available through the online function of the smart mobile device for cyclists to easily record or manage related information during bike cycling.

Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, the transmitting subsystem comprising means for emitting a number of directed beams, each directed beam having a predetermined emission pattern, and a receiving subsystem functioning as a base station that includes a navigation control algorithm that defines a predetermined triggering event for the navigational control system and a set of detection units positioned within the defined working area in a known spaced-apart relationship, the set of detection units being configured and operative to detect one or more of the directed beams emitted by the transmitting system.

Abstract: A foldable cart assembly having a user tracking arrangement so as to follow movement of the user during motion over a field. The cart assembly has a plurality of ultrasound and RF sensors in communication with corresponding sensors in a remote handset transmission device carried by the user. The sensors provide timing, direction and distance information to a central processor on the cart for instructing individual electrical motors empowering the respective direction and speed of rotation of the cart's wheels.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laboratory product transport element for a laboratory transport system with an energy receiver and/or energy accumulator to provide drive power, at least one signal receiver to receive control signals, a control unit to generate drive signals as a function of at least one control signal obtained from the at least one signal receiver, movement devices for independent movement of the laboratory product transport element on a transfer path as a function of the drive signals of the control unit, in which the drive devices are driven by the drive power and at least one holder to hold a laboratory product being transported. The invention also concerns a laboratory transport system with at least one laboratory product transport element according to an embodiment of the invention and a transfer path arrangement. The invention also concerns methods for operation of laboratory transport systems according to an embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A remote-controlled electric golf bag cart has a remote control, a support frame, an antenna set and a control module. The remote control transmits a distance measurement signal. The support frame has a wheel assembly, a golf bag stand and a motor assembly mounted thereon. The antenna set and the control module are mounted on the support frame. The antenna set receives the distance measurement signal. The control module determines an orientation and a distance of the remote control according to the distance measurement signal received by the antenna set, and drives the motor assembly to move the support frame forward toward the remote control, making the support follow a user having the remote control and preventing other in-field persons and obstacles from affecting the support frame to follow the remote control.

Abstract: When a cargo trailer is coupled to a truck, a trailer tracking device on the trailer acquires an identifier of a truck tracking device attached to the truck. The trailer tracking device then transmits a message to a central server indicating that the trailer is coupled to the truck, which message includes the identifiers of the two tracking devices. The central server associates the identifiers of the two tracking devices in a database. When the trailer is decoupled from the truck, the trailer tracking device transmits a message to the central server indicating that the trailer is decoupled. The trailer tracking device then goes into a sleep mode until the trailer is again coupled to a truck, a predetermined time interval expires, a motion sensor indicates trailer movement, location coordinates indicate a geofence violation, or a low battery voltage condition occurs.