Abstract: In a method for determining a roadway state (STATE) of a roadway on which a vehicle (10) is travelling which has at least one wheel (14) and an acceleration sensor (24) which is assigned to the wheel (14), in order to determine a vertical component of an acceleration of the wheel (14), a characteristic value which is representative of the roadway state (STATE) is determined as a function of a measured signal (AC_VERT) of the acceleration sensor (18).

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: A method and apparatus for an adaptive, multi-axis suspension support system providing both coarse and fine suspension to a payload. Coarse suspension control is provided to maintain the payload within a coarse range of position. Fine suspension control is provided by monitoring and analyzing vibration characteristics in both time and frequency domains to determine the required amount of damper resistance to be exerted by a magnetorheological (MR) device.

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: A vehicle for towing an airplane by receiving thereupon a nose landing gear of the airplane having an airplane longitudinal axis. The vehicle having a vehicle longitudinal axis and is configured to tow the airplane along a straight or curved path and comprises a controller for directing its operation, including maintaining the vehicle's in-phase position in which the vehicle longitudinal axis is parallel to the airplane longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A self propelled snow remover machine with a computer control panel a camera, a funnel design snow brush. The computer control panel controls the snow remover machine through a downloaded application with cloud technology and is access through many different electronic devices.

Abstract: A course evaluation that evaluates a course of a mobile unit includes: generating a predetermined first course of the mobile unit; generating, for the first course, a second course for which a controlled amount of the mobile unit after a predetermined driving condition is satisfied is increased as compared with a controlled amount of the mobile unit on the first course; estimating another object course, which is a course of another object; determining whether the second course interferes with the other object course; and evaluating a degree of safety of the first course on the basis of a result of determination as to whether the second course interferes with the other object course.

Abstract: An autonomous surface treating appliance comprising a chassis having a drive arrangement and a control system interfaced to the drive arrangement so as enable control of the appliance across a surface to be treated, wherein the drive arrangement comprises at least one traction unit, each traction unit comprising a surface-engaging track constrained around a leading wheel and a trailing wheel, the leading wheel and the trailing wheel being arranged so that a track portion opposing the floor surface and extending between the leading and trailing wheels defines a ramped climbing surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles and may include self-navigating software, and interactive communication with other guided vehicles to permit suitable routes to be chosen, or to permit obstacles to be avoided. The facility may include a workpiece retrieval apparatus used for transferring workpieces between the storage accommodations and the automated guided vehicles, or to other locations. The workpiece retrieval apparatus may be mounted on a bridge, and may include a multi-element raising and lowering array that is biased to oppose torsional deflection of the lifting member.

Abstract: It is well known that tunnels in many cases have been proven as an efficient means to overcome counter trespassing means and enable hostile entities to infiltrate a boarder or other restricted area. There is provided a method and system for efficiently detecting and locating underground tunnels.

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: An automated vehicle protection system is provided comprising a guideway (20), a vehicle (10), a guideway loop antenna (21), and transponders (41a, 41b), mounted on the vehicle (10). Means (24, 25) are provided, couple to the guideway loop antenna (21), for receiving a signal from the vehicle (10) and generating an inhibit signal in order to inhibit vehicle movement in a section of the guideway (20). The inhibit signal may be passed to a circuit associated with another guideway loop antenna (22, 23) to control transmission of a signal from this other guideway loop antenna (22, 23).

Abstract: A hostless automobile reverse radar warning system installed to an automobile includes a reverse signal light power module for supplying an electric power required by the system, a plurality of distance sensing modules installed to an external periphery of the automobile for performing a distance detection to detect external environment conditions of the automobile, producing a distance detection result, and generating a warning signal based on the distance detection result, and a warning module for receiving the warning signal and producing a sound to alert a driver based on the warning signal.

Abstract: A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential, and performs an assist control to restrain disturbance (such as vibration from a road) transmitted to the driver in accordance with the risk potential.

Abstract: A vehicle parking assist system of a wireless battery charger for positioning a capture resonator or receiving plate attached to a vehicle over a source resonator or charging pad residing on a parking surface under the vehicle. The system includes a target positioned relative to the source resonator at a location that is viewable by an operator of the vehicle while the vehicle is being parked. The vehicle is equipped with a plurality of light sources attached to the vehicle, and the light sources are oriented so that when the vehicle is properly positioned, light beams from the light sources impinge on the target at one or more predetermined locations, or converge at some predetermined location on the target.

Abstract: A collision warning apparatus includes sensors, output devices, memory locations, a GPS device, and a processor. The processor may receive information from the sensors. The processor may also process the information to identify a detected object as a present potential collision object. The processor may compare present GPS coordinates of the vehicle with stored vehicle GPS coordinates saved in memory, to determine whether or not the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object. If the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object, the processor is operable to suppress a potential collision warning.

Abstract: An object detecting apparatus includes a sensor, a noise determining portion, a detected result determining portion and a warning portion. The sensor transmits an ultrasonic wave and receives a reflected wave reflected by an object. The noise determining portion determines existence or nonexistence of a noise signal received by the sensor for a plurality of detecting areas by using a different threshold value for each of the plurality of detecting areas. The detected result determining portion validates or invalidates an object detected result of the sensor for each of the detecting areas based on existence or nonexistence of the noise signal determined by the noise determining portion for each of the detecting areas. The warning portion warns about the object detected result for a detecting area that is validated by the detected result determining portion.

Abstract: A sensing system collects position data associated with one or more obstacles within a certain range of a vehicle. A former establishes an occupancy grid based on the collected position data. A motion monitoring module determines a reaction distance and a deceleration distance associated with a vehicle at a regular time interval during an operational state. A safety guidance module establishes a safety zone (e.g., safety zone grid) for the regular time interval based on the occupancy grid, the determined reaction distance, and the deceleration distance.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a vehicle driving operation support system. The vehicle driving operation support system senses an environment surrounding the motor vehicle; senses a traveling condition of the motor vehicle; calculates a risk potential of the motor vehicle on a basis of the sensed environment and the sensed traveling condition; controls the motor vehicle on a basis of a control setpoint. The vehicle driving operation support system sets on a basis of the calculated risk potential the control setpoint to a provisional setpoint effective for reducing the risk potential; senses driver's operation in reaction to the controlling operation with the control setpoint set to the provisional setpoint; and sets the control setpoint to a normal setpoint on a basis of the sensed driver's operation.

Abstract: A remote controlled load transport system that has a frame with a retractable gate assembly that is able to retract in order to accommodate a load. A control system is provided having a drive that operates and rotates and steers a wheel. The control system and the gate are remotely controlled by an electronic controller that is in electronic communication with the control system to remotely operate the transport system, open the gate, lift a load and haul the load to a desired location.

Abstract: An overhead clearance detection system and method of operation are provided. The system includes a sensor for measuring a distance to an object. A vertical height for the object is determined and compared to a user defined clearance height. If the object's vertical height is less than the user defined clearance height, an alarm is sounded. In one embodiment, the system is removably mountable to a vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A method and a device for driver assistance in which the warning threshold at which the driver is warned for example of a departure from the lane is adaptively adjusted as a function of the driver's state and/or the driving situation.

Abstract: A driver assistance or collision avoidance system is adapted for use with trailing and preceding host vehicles, and in a preferred embodiment includes a preceding vehicle speed sensor for determining the current speed of the preceding vehicle at a point; a vehicle-to-vehicle communication sub-system; a normal speed determining sub-system operable to determine the normally expected speed of the preceding vehicle at the point, and including an exterior remote vehicle sensor or digital map-indicia database; and a controller configured to compare the current and normally expected speeds, and the discrepancy there-between to a threshold, and cause an alert to be generated only when the discrepancy exceeds the threshold or an otherwise stalled condition is determined.

Abstract: A motion-based push activation power assist system for manual wheelchairs. The system uses motion-based measurements to determine when the user applies a push to the wheelchair handrims and brakes with the handrims. The push recognition activates a drive system that provides an assistive driving force-pulse to the wheelchair to reduce the demand on the user during propulsion. The brake recognition deactivates the power assist. The provided power assist is proportional to the sensed push and can be modulated to different proportional settings.

Abstract: A traveling apparatus is provided. The traveling apparatus includes: a driver configured to independently drive two wheels disposed in parallel; a chassis configured to connect the two wheels; a detector provided in the chassis configured to detect a posture angle of the chassis, rotating speed of the two wheels being set respectively based on information on the detected posture angle; and an empty vehicle controller configured to control a posture of a vehicle to stand the vehicle independently in a state of no rider on board. The empty vehicle controller limits or controls the posture angle at the start of the posture control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation and control system including a sensor configured to locate objects in a predetermined field of view from a vehicle. The sensor has an emitter configured to repeatedly scan a beam into a two-dimensional sector of a plane defined with respect to a first predetermined axis of the vehicle, and a detector configured to detect a reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects. The sensor includes a panning mechanism configured to pan the plane in which the beam is scanned about a second predetermined axis to produce a three dimensional field of view. The navigation and control system includes a processor configured to determine the existence and location of the objects in the three dimensional field of view based on a position of the vehicle and a time between an emittance of the beam and a reception of the reflection of the emitted beam from one of the objects.

Abstract: When a lane-width-direction lateral position (X2obst+X0) of a vehicle (MM) reaches a predetermined control start position (60) being a lane-width-direction lateral position (X2obst+X0) serving as an approach prevention indicator for the vehicle (MM), a control start is determined and a yaw moment (Ms) toward the center of a vehicle traveling lane (200) is applied to the vehicle (MM) to control the vehicle (MM). Then, when the lane-width-direction lateral position (X2obst+X0) of the vehicle (MM) moves from the outside to the inside of the control start position (60), the determination of control start is suppressed for a predetermined period, compared to a period before the movement to the inside of the control start position (60).

Abstract: A steering control device for a vehicle has a steering assistance means (7) which performs steering assistance processing for driving an actuator (6) so that a vehicle (1) travels along a lane recognized by a lane recognition means (5) from an image acquired by an image acquisition means (4); a side displacement amount calculation means (8) which calculates a displacement amount in the lane width direction between the position of the vehicle (1) and the center of the recognized lane; a complexity calculation means (10) which calculates the complexity of the acquired image; and a steering assistance inhibition means (11) which inhibits, according to the displacement amount in the lane width direction calculated based on the lane recognized from the acquired image at a given time point and the complexity of the acquired image, steering assistance processing based on the lane by the steering assistance means (7).

Abstract: The remote controlled utility vehicle provides a substantially all purpose vehicle for carrying a plethora of personal items and needs. The floor contains a plurality of closable storage compartments and also numerous tubular holders for items like umbrellas and fishing poles. The removable rails help contain any cargo, and the side rails provide flip up solar panels. Most beach and like outings see substantial sunshine. The solar panels can therefore power the apparatus without need of the charging port, which might be used elsewhere in preparation of apparatus uses. The separately controlled drive wheels are linked to rear free wheels and provide, together, treaded track power to negotiate even difficult and especially sandy terrain. Positioning the drive wheels in front features best propulsion and steering characteristics, with treaded tracks providing excellent traction. Flip down cup holders provide convenience, as does multidirectional lighting.

Abstract: Auto-location systems and methods of tire pressure monitoring sensor units arranged with a wheel of a vehicle detect a predetermined time (T1) when a wheel phase angle reaches angle of interest using a rim mounted or a tire mounted sensor. The systems and methods transmit a radio frequency message associated with a wheel phase angle indication. The wheel phase angle indication triggers wheel phase and/or speed data such as ABS data at the predetermined time (T1) to be stored. A correlation algorithm is executed to identify the specific location of a wheel based on the wheel phase and/or speed data at the predetermined time (T1). TPM sensor parameters from a tire pressure monitoring sensor unit are assigned to the specific location of the wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for auto-location of tire pressure monitoring sensor units on a vehicle measure the angle of a wheel at two different times using a rim mounted or a tire mounted sensor and determines a difference in measured angles. The systems and methods provide for transmitting the angles and/or the difference in the measured angles along with a sensor identification to an electronic control module. Alternatively, the systems and methods provide for transmitting time differences to the electronic control module. The electronic control module correlates information transmitted from the wheel unit with antilock brake system data. A location of the wheel mounting the sensor is determined and the sensor identification is assigned.

Abstract: A parking assist system which, after a vehicle has passed the side of a parking area formed between parked vehicles, assists parking of the vehicle from a stopped position of the vehicle to the parking area, the parking assist system comprising: a distance sensor that emits radio waves or ultrasonic waves and detects the distance to the parked vehicles on the basis of the reflected waves; parking area detecting apparatus that measures, when the vehicle passes the parked vehicles and the side of the parking area, the distance to the parked vehicles with the distance sensor and detects, after the vehicle has passed the side of the parking area, the parking area on the basis of the measurement result; parking target position calculating apparatus that calculates a parking target position of the vehicle on the basis of the parking area that has been detected by the parking area detecting apparatus; and vehicle trajectory calculating apparatus that calculates, on the basis of the parking target position of the veh

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for automatically transferring a personal-transportation vehicle, such as a power chair, between a first and a second position proximate a motor vehicle such as a minivan is provided. The system can be used to transfer the personal-transportation vehicle between a first position on a lift and carrier assembly mounted on the motor vehicle, and a second position proximate a door of the motor vehicle, so that the user can transfer to and from the personal-transportation vehicle with minimal physical effort and movement. The system can generate guidance information for the personal-transportation vehicle based on position information generated by sensors located on one or both of the personal-transportation vehicle and the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle, including an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and a transmission operably coupled to the output shaft, includes a reservoir containing working fluid, a first reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to the output shaft of the engine, a second reversible pump/motor in fluid communication with the reservoir and selectively drivably coupled to an output shaft of the transmission, and an accumulator containing working fluid and gas. The accumulator is in selective fluid communication with at least one of the first and second reversible pump/motors to deliver pressurized working fluid to the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a motor, and to receive pressurized working fluid discharged by the one of the first and second reversible pump/motors when operating as a pump.

Abstract: System and method for providing an excavation characteristic associated with an earthmoving machine. In one embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with an attachment mounted to an earthmoving machine may be identified. An optical benchmark signal may be detected, by an optical receiver. The position of the attachment relative to the earthmoving machine may be determined based, at least in part, on identification of the RFID tag. The position of the attachment may be provided to an operator of the earthmoving machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a buggy for enhancing a performance, including a frame, an engine, a pair of wheel assemblies, at least one scissor lift, an upper frame mounted to the at least one scissor lift and configured to be moved by the at least one scissor lift between a stowed position and an in-use position, the upper frame supporting one of a platform and a video display, and a receiver/controller mounted to the frame and coupled to an actuator powered by the engine for operating the engine and the scissor lift. The receiver/controller is configured to respond to receipt of signals from a remote control by activating the engine, causing the wheel assemblies to move the buggy to a desired location, and activating the at least one scissor lift to raise and lower the upper frame between the stowed position and the in-use position.

Abstract: An articulated tracked vehicle that has a main frame includes a pair of parallel main tracks. Each main track includes a flexible continuous belt coupled to a corresponding side of the main frame. A forward section includes an elongated arm pivotally coupled to the main frame near the forward end of the main frame. The arm has a length sufficiently long to allow the forward section to extend below a main section in at least some degrees of rotation of the arm, and a length shorter than the length of the main section. The center of mass of the main section is located forward of the rearmost point reached by the end of the arm in its pivoting about a transverse axis. The main section is contained within the volume defined by the main tracks and is symmetrical about a horizontal plane, thereby allowing inverted operation of the robot.

Abstract: A sport goal movement system that includes drive and control systems. The drive system preferably includes a motor that selectively drives one of a wheel or a track. The drive system can be integrated with and/or permanently or removably secured to the sport goal assembly. Operation of the drive system effectuates single user unassisted and possibly remote translation of the sport goal assembly relative to a ground surface.

Abstract: An autonomous controller for a vehicle. The controller has a processor configured to receive position signals from position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle. The controller has a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor. The controller is configured to normalize inputs to the processor from the position sensors and to generate compatible operation control signals applied as the inputs to the operation control mechanisms. The processor and the programmable interface define a self-contained unit configurable for operation with a variety of different remote sensors and different remote operation control mechanisms.

Abstract: A robot capable of traveling while constantly directing a predetermined part of a main body to a detection target. In the robot, a main body is jointed to a traveling unit so that relative rotation is possible between the main body and the traveling unit. Based on position information of a detection target detected by a position detection sensor, a control device controls, while the traveling unit is traveling, a body drive motor so that a front surface of the main body constantly faces the detection target and rotates the main body relative to the traveling unit. Accordingly, a CCD camera, a microphone, a speaker, display or the like provided on the front surface of the main body constantly face the detection target. Thus, the robot can reliably communicate with the detection target even during traveling, through mutual transmission of information between the robot and the detection target.

Abstract: A remotely controlled backhoe is provided to permit operation of a backhoe and visual monitoring of a volatile or dangerous excavation site from a safe distance. The backhoe has an articulated rear boom arm and a rear bucket. Cameras are coupled to the backhoe proximate a left rear corner and a right rear corner of the cabin roof. A rear boom arm control is positioned on a remote control unit. The rear boom arm control is operationally coupled to the rear boom arm for maneuvering the rear boom arm. A rear bucket control is also positioned on the remote control unit and operationally coupled to the rear bucket for maneuvering the rear bucket. A monitor is coupled to the remote control unit and operationally coupled to the left rear camera and the right rear camera for displaying images from the left rear camera and the right rear camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a commercial vehicle with a control unit connected with the drive of the commercial vehicle and to a method for controlling a commercial vehicle.

Abstract: In a driving lane deviation detection and warning system, a deviation detection ECU suppress a warning unit to supply a warning when an obstacle placed in a front of a vehicle is detected, and the driver's operation allows the vehicle to deviate from a driving lane. That is, when the driver's operation allows the vehicle to deviate from the driving lane in order to escape any collision with an obstacle, the deviation detection ECU instructs the warning unit to prevent the supply of a warning to the driver. This prevents the warning unit to provide an unnecessary warning to the driver even if the driver intends for the vehicle to deviate from the current driving lane of the vehicle. That is, it is possible to reliably instruct the warning unit to supply the warning to the driver when the vehicle deviates from the current driving lane against the driver's will.

Abstract: A warning apparatus for installation on a vehicle is disclosed. The warning apparatus may include a detector for detecting a road hazard and a display that is activated to transmit an alert in response to detection of the hazard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle that allow said vehicle to be taught a route by a human operator and then have it automatically drive the route with no human intervention. The method works in three steps: teaching, route profiling, and playback. In the teaching step the vehicle is manually driven by a operator along a route which can consist of an arbitrary sequence of maneuvers including tramming forwards, switching directions, tramming backwards, turning, or pausing movement. During this phase raw data from vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders are logged to a file throughout teaching for later processing. During the (offline) route profiling step, the raw data in the log file are processed into a route profile, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle or mechanism includes a portable displacement controller which permits a non-technical user to achieve effective control of the vehicle or mechanism, by moving the portable displacement controller intuitively with little learning effort. A first sensing device, attached to the displacement controller, detects the user's controlling motion. A second sensing device, attached to the object being controlled, detects motion thereof. An interface device receives signals from the sensing devices, processes those signals to determine relative motion of the controlling motion and the object's motion and outputs a control signal in accordance with the processed signals. The sensing devices each detect motion in six degrees of freedom; the sensing devices each include a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a three-axis magnetometer. In specific embodiments, the accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices.

Abstract: Mobile robot systems and methods are provided. At least one tracked mobile robot has a first end comprising a first pair of wheels, a second end comprising a second pair of wheels, an articulated arm coaxial with the first pair of wheels, and a driven support surface surrounding the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels. The at least one mobile robot surmounts obstacles and performs additional maneuvers alone and in combination with at least one other mobile robot.

Abstract: A robotic vehicle having two or more tracked mobility platforms that are mechanically linked together with a two-dimensional coupling, thereby forming a composite vehicle of increased mobility. The robotic vehicle is operative in hazardous environments and can be capable of semi-submersible operation. The robotic vehicle is capable of remote controlled operation via radio frequency and/or fiber optic communication link to a remote operator control unit. The tracks have a plurality of track-edge scallop cut-outs that allow the tracks to easily grab onto and roll across railroad tracks, especially when crossing the railroad tracks at an oblique angle.

Abstract: A self-propelled device includes a drive system, a wireless communication port, a memory and a processor. The memory stores a first set of instructions for mapping individual inputs from a first set of recognizable inputs to a corresponding command that controls movement of the self-propelled device. The processor (or processors) receive one or more inputs from the controller device over the wireless communication port, map each of the one or more inputs to a command based on the set of instructions, and control the drive system using the command determined for each of the one or more inputs. While the drive system is controlled, the processor processes one or more instructions to after the set of recognizable inputs and/or the corresponding command that is mapped to the individual inputs in the set of recognizable inputs.

Abstract: A self-controlled device maintains a frame of reference about an x-, y- and z-axis. The self-controlled device processes an input to control the self-propelled device, the input being based on the x- and y-axis. The self-propelled device is controlled in its movement, including about each of the x-, y- and z-axis, based on the input.