Abstract: A self-propelled device operates to interpret an input corresponding to a set of actions that are performed on a controller device.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for use with vehicles includes a sensor mounted on a moving vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor itself; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle, and wherein the processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An alarm sound according to the distance of a dangerous object exiting around a vehicle is created. A reference sound which enables a driver to recognize the distance of the dangerous object when the driver hears the alarm sound, comparing with the reference sound, is created. The alarm sound and the reference sound are generated at the same time or a different timing. It is preferable that the sound volume of the alarm sound be greater than that of the reference sound. Accordingly, the driver can be warned precisely of the distance of the dangerous object from the vehicle with the sound.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.

Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system includes a sensor mounted on a vehicle, wherein the sensor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle. The processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved cleaning robot that uses a simple structure to sense an obstacle is provided. The cleaning robot includes a robot main body comprising a driving unit to drive the cleaning robot, and a cleaning unit to remove dust, a bumper unit which is movably mounted in the robot main body to protect the robot main body from collision with an obstacle, a sensor unit which supports the bumper unit movably in a plurality of directions to sense the collision of the bumper unit and the obstacle, and a control unit which controls the driving unit on the basis of a signal sensed by the sensor to avoid the obstacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for mobile autonomous updating of GIS maps is provided, comprising an autonomous mobile data collecting platform with a map identifying one or more GIS features. The platform has at least one data collecting sensor for collecting data for at least one of the GIS features and patrols at least a portion of a region included in the map while updating its GIS position as it patrols. The autonomous mobile data collecting platform applies the at least one data collecting sensor during patrolling to collect data for at least one of the GIS features and updates the GIS map to reflect differential data collected for at least one GIS feature.

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: An automatic docking system for docking a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle includes a sensing device, a controller, an automatic steering system, an automatic braking system, and a plurality of targets. The sensing device detects the plurality of targets located on a hitch of the towed vehicle. The controller determines the location of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle based on the detection of the plurality of targets. The controller automatically steers the towing vehicle towards the towed vehicle to assist in the docking of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. The controller engages the automatic braking system to slow or stop the towing vehicle as required.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a water reservoir and a fuel cell in fluid communication with the water reservoir. An oxygen line is fluidly coupled to the hydrogen fuel cell and receives and transports oxygen away from the fuel cell. A hydrogen line is fluidly coupled to the fuel cell and receives and transports hydrogen away from the fuel cell. An engine gas interface is fluidly coupled to the oxygen line and the hydrogen line, and operatively coupled to an engine intake. The engine gas interface receives oxygen and hydrogen from the oxygen and hydrogen lines, and introduces the hydrogen and oxygen into the engine intake. A vibration sensor is operatively coupled to the engine gas interface to detect engine vibration of the internal combustion engine, and deactivates the fuel when the sensor does not detect vibration from the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle surrounding recognition support system for a vehicle includes a contact detection device detecting whether or not a driver of the vehicle touches a turn signal operating lever or moves his/her hand close to the turn signal operating lever, an object position detecting device detecting a position of an object existing around the vehicle, an object information identification device identifying information relating to the object in accordance with a result of detection of the object position detecting device, and a warning device warning the driver about the existence of the object in accordance with the information of the object, identified by the object information identification device, when the contact detection device detects that the driver touches the turn signal operating lever or moves his/her hand close to the turn signal operating lever.

Abstract: A vehicle steering control device includes a yawing value obtaining unit which obtains a yawing value corresponding to a vehicle yawing motion, a stabilizing force calculating unit which calculates a stabilizing force for assisting an operation of a steering operation member, operated by a driver for steering a steered wheel of the vehicle, in a direction opposite a direction of the vehicle yawing motion, based on the yawing value, and a force applying unit which applies the stabilizing force to the steering operation member in the direction opposite the yawing motion direction, wherein the stabilizing force calculating unit includes a counter-steer value calculating unit which calculates a counter-steer value indicating a degree of steering the steered wheel in the direction opposite the yawing motion direction, and wherein the stabilizing force is adjusted based on the counter-steer value.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for collision avoidance or collision mitigation for a vehicle, an existing driving space between the vehicle and a potential collision object is detected. A first warning function and/or an information function is activated when a first threshold value is reached. A system intervention with autonomous partial braking combined with at least one further safety measure is activated when a second threshold value is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a first workpiece assembly, the apparatus includes a pallet, a universal fixture and an adaptable fixture. The pallet has a rectangular base and support members fixed to opposite edges of the base. The universal fixture has a frame, a first and second support arms and three workpiece mounts. The support arms are fixed to opposite sides of the frame and are rotatably supported in the support members of the pallet. The adaptable fixture has a frame, three fixture mounts and three workpiece mounts. The fixture mounts are disposed on the bottom surface of the frame and aligned with the workpiece mounts of the universal fixture. The workpiece mounts of the adaptable fixture are disposed on the top surface of the frame and aligned with a first, second and third locator of a workpiece assembly.

Abstract: A navigation and control system including one or more position sensors configured to generate position signals indicative of the location and heading of a vehicle. The system includes one or more operation control mechanisms having inputs and producing outputs which control an operation of the vehicle and includes a self-contained autonomous controller disposed remote from the operation control mechanisms. The autonomous controller includes a processor configured to receive the position signals from the position sensors and to generate operation control signals defining an updated travel path for the vehicle, and a programmable interface providing communication among the position sensors, the operation control mechanisms, and the processor.

Abstract: A method for operating a driverless, mobile assembly and/or material transport unit as a driverless transport system (DTS) with fixed assembly and/or warehousing stations. In this method, a system control device is used for the entire assembly process. The driverless, mobile assembly and/or material transport units comprises a travel device for the traveling movement of the unit, a drive device for the travel device,an energy storage device for providing the energy for the drive device and a control device for controlling the traveling movement in coordination with the system control device.

Abstract: A robotic platform for autonomous automotive vehicle development. The platform includes a frame having a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame. A motor mechanism is associated with at least one of the wheels and the motor mechanism is responsive to drive signals to rotatably drive its associated wheel. At least one sensor is mounted to the vehicle which provides an output signal representative of a parameter relevant to the position of the robotic platform. A programmable control circuit is programmed to generate drive signals in response to the sensor output(s) to simulate the operation of an automotive vehicle for vehicle development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for mapping environments containing dynamic obstacles. In one embodiment, the present invention is a method for mapping an environment containing dynamic obstacles using a processor including the steps of forming a current instantaneous map of the environment, determining cells which are free space within the current instantaneous map, determining cells which are occupied space within the current instantaneous map, and integrating the current instantaneous map with an old integrated map of the environment to form a new integrated map of the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle display device which allows a driver to instantaneously grasp driving force information. A meter_ECU displays a driving force display image which displays driving force information of a vehicle on an MID, displays an acceleration-torque line (driving force characteristic line) L corresponding to the currently selected mode M and, at the same time, changes a power level which is indicated in a power display region P set within the acceleration-torque line L interlockingly with an accelerator operation of a driver. Due to such a constitution, the vehicle display device allows the driver to instantaneously grasp the driving force information.

Abstract: A transfer robot that is safe and produced at low cost is provided. A transfer robot (100) includes a base (7) fixable to a floor surface, a link mechanism provided on the base (7), an arm rotatably attached to the base (7) by the link mechanism, casters attached to a lower surface of the arm and used to move the arm, and a holding section provided on an upper surface of the arm to hold a carriage (13). The link mechanism includes a motor, a first reduction mechanism rotated by the motor, and a second reduction mechanism coupled to the first reduction mechanism and rotating the arm.

Abstract: A guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle wherein an operator directly or indirectly guides the vehicle along a route as vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders log motion data to a file which data is processed into a route profile including a vehicle path, a sequence of submaps along the path, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path. Thereafter the vehicle automatically repeats the route as represented by the route profile without an operator using the sensors and the maps to determine vehicle location.

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 optimal packing density is such that supports for the accommodation units lies outside the lading envelope circle, but within the corner regions of the hexagons of the packing density pattern. The accommodation units have lifting fittings that are accessible from the corners of the hexagons, whether the same as those of the supports, or different ones. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first guidance system is used to travel near the transport and a second guidance system is used to travel on the transport.

Abstract: Responsive to braking, a CPU of a driving assist apparatus calculates an average deceleration of the vehicle and then calculates a braking distance. The CPU further calculates a final position at which the vehicle will come to a stop, on the basis of the braking distance. The CPU next activates an assist display for display a map including, superimposed thereon, the route to the final position and an arrival indicator indicating the stop (final) position of the vehicle.

Abstract: A cost-effective system provides reliable location information for locating a vehicle tied to a guideway. Reference markers are mounted to the guideway and scanning devices are disposed in the vehicle and generate at least one output signal when they pass a reference marker. The scanning devices are formed from several individual sensors which are extended in the driving direction with an average scanning length equal to or greater than a distance between neighboring reference markers.

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: Systems, methods, and programs, store map data including a roadway network, detect a current position of the vehicle, and detect or receive at lest one of a distance to another vehicle, a speed of another vehicle, and traffic congestion information. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a passing lane, a climbing lane, or a lane for slower traffic based on the detected current vehicle position and the map data. If the vehicle is within the predetermined distance, the systems, methods, and programs provide guidance regarding the passing lane, the climbing lane, or the lane for slower traffic based on at least one of the distance to the other vehicle, the speed of the other vehicle, and/or the received traffic congestion information.

Abstract: A human-portable modular system is provided for remotely controlling an automotive vehicle by an operator physically unconnected thereto. For a typical vehicle, the system includes a radio control transmitter that sends command signals from the operator, a pedal control assembly, a steering control assembly, an electronics case disposable on the driver's seat, coupling mechanisms that respectively connect said assemblies to the electronics case, and a package for stowing and transporting the transmitter, the electronics case, and the assemblies. The pedal control assembly includes a linkage arm, an actuator pivotably connected to the linkage arm at its proximate end, and first and second arms pivotably connected to the linkage arm to controllably push the respective control pedals for acceleration and braking. The steering control assembly includes a motor that provides torque, and an attachment that couples the motor to the vehicle's steering wheel.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for obstacle avoidance. In some embodiments, a robotically controlled vehicle capable of operating in one or more modes may be provided. Examples of such modes include teleoperation, waypoint navigation, follow, and manual mode. The vehicle may include an obstacle detection and avoidance system capable of being implemented with one or more of the vehicle modes. A control system may be provided to operate and control the vehicle in the one or more modes. The control system may include a robotic control unit and a vehicle control unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for ensuring a cleaning robot to return to a charge station. The method includes the steps of: (a) measuring a battery usable time, a running speed, and an actual return distance of a cleaning robot during a cleaning operation; (b) calculating an allowable return distance on the basis of the battery usable time and the running speed; (c) comparing the actual return distance with the allowable return distance; and (d) returning the cleaning robot to the charge station when the actual return distance is larger than the allowable return distance as a result of the comparison. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning robot from being not returned to the charge station, thereby providing convenience to a user.

Abstract: A wireless controller for operably controlling at least two devices. The wireless controller includes a cover portion, a base portion, a transmission mechanism and a component activation mechanism. The base portion is operably attached to the cover portion. The transmission mechanism and the component activation mechanism are each mounted to at least one of the cover portion and the base portion. The component activation mechanism causes the transmission mechanism to transmit a communication signal to the at least one of the at least two devices. When the cover portion and the base portion are in a closed configuration, the component activation mechanism is substantially covered.

Abstract: A surface vehicle capable of overcoming obstacles is disclosed in which the vehicle accelerates vertically while having a horizontal velocity. The vehicle has a frame and at least three wheels attached to the frame to which a horizontal propulsion system is coupled. Further, a vertical propulsion system is coupled to the frame and the wheels. The vertical propulsion system is capable of providing a force to such wheels normal to the surface so that the vehicle separates from the surface. The vehicle has an electronic control unit coupled to the vertical propulsion system to automatically control its operation. Further, sensors are used to evaluate the characteristics of the surface that pertain to supporting a vertical acceleration/deceleration.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided for the independent inspection of hard-to-reach inner spaces which are bounded by ferromagnetic inner walls, especially in large cast parts, such as steam chests of a steam turbine. The vehicle includes at least two wheels which are rotatable around a common axis, are at a distance from each other in the axial direction, and can be driven independently of each other. With such a vehicle, the entire inner space can be inspected if the vehicle has adherence elements which hold the vehicle against the gravity force with the wheels on the respective inner wall.

Abstract: A fuel cell system (1, 100) adapted to be installed on a moving object (V) is provided with an electric power generating element (31, 45) including a fuel cell (31) supplied with fuel gas and oxidizing gas to generate electric power, a warm-up mechanism (21 to 23, 32 to 39, 41 to 50?) enabled to achieve warm up of the electric power generating element, and a controller (13), in response to reception of a control signal transmitted from an external remote operator unit (3) and commanding a start-up completion time at which start-up of the fuel cell system is to be completed through the warm-up of the electric power generating element, controlling the warm-up mechanism to allow the warm-up of at least the electric power generating element to be completed in alignment with the start-up completion time.

Abstract: A device for retrieving data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is disclosed. The device includes a mobile base, a robotic arm, and a data reading device. The robotic arm is attached to the mobile base. The data reading device employed to collect the data of electric tags is attached to the end of the robotic arm. A device for retrieving data from an RFID tag arrives at the position, where the electric tag is, by moving the mobile base and adjusting the height of the robotic arm. The movement is controlled according to the position and the height of the electric tag. Finally, the data reading device reads the data stored in the electric tag.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system automatically sets a desired headway value upon system initiation. If a preceding vehicle is not detected the desired headway is established at a predetermined value. If a preceding vehicle is detected the control compares the actual headway to a predetermined minimum value and predetermined maximum value to select a desired headway. Following the desired headway value being established, the value is stored in the control and the adaptive cruise control system begins customary operations.

Abstract: A vehicular control object determination system includes: a radar device for detecting an object that is present in the direction of travel of a vehicle; a travel locus estimator for estimating a future travel locus of the vehicle; a control object determiner for determining a control object based on a detection result obtained by the radar device, a future travel locus of the vehicle estimated by the travel locus estimator based on a vehicle speed and a yaw rate and predetermined control object determination conditions; and a swing rate detector for detecting a swing rate of side-to-side swing of the estimated travel locus. When the detected swing rate is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the control object determiner excludes from determination of a control object an object that is further than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A controller and methods for controlling the speed of a vehicle having an electric motorized drive is provided. In one embodiment, a method involves determining a steady state average torque and a torque during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle traveling over an underlying surface. Speed of the vehicle is controlled based on the steady state average torque, the torque during acceleration or deceleration the measured regeneration current generated by a motorized drive arrangement of the vehicle that applies torque to at least one ground-contacting element of the vehicle for traveling over the underlying surface, weight of the vehicle and payload, the torque applied to the ground-contacting element, acceleration of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle controller operates to use GPS navigation information to determine how much energy should be delivered from or sent to, the battery. The battery charge can be better managed by using knowledge of the future path of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for providing a soft-start for a toy vehicle configured to be operated by a person. The method includes receiving a throttle signal operable to induce motion via a motor operating as a drive mechanism of the toy vehicle. A transition signal may be generated based on the throttle signal. The transition signal may be applied to effect operation of the motor. The transition signal may be a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle between 20 and 100 percent to provide for an acceleration that avoids the problems of conventional control systems. The transition signal may be ramped in a linear or non-linear fashion. The system may couple the soft-start control circuit between a ground terminal of a battery of the toy vehicle and motor(s), thereby allowing the soft-start control circuit to operate on a low voltage (i.e., not the high voltage of the battery).

Abstract: A car speed alarm system is installed in a vehicle and has a modulation module and a demodulation module. The modulation module sends a car speed signal to cars behind when the car is decelerating. The cars behind use their demodulation module to read the transmitted car speed signal and notify their drivers, so that the drivers know how and when to reduce their speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a traction vehicle (21) for semi-trailers (3), preferably for loading and unloading the semi-trailers (3) onto and off of a freight train (18), in particular, as part of the rolling highway, wherein the freight train (18) comprises several freight cars coupled to one another, in particular low-floor railcars (10), and a continuous driving lane in the longitudinal direction (20) of the train for moving the semi-trailers (3) on the freight train (18), wherein the traction vehicle (21) is unmanned and self-propelled, as well as a tractor-trailer unit (30) formed from the traction vehicle (21) and a semi-trailer (3), a method for transferring semi-trailers (3) from the railway (12) to the roadway and vice versa, as well as a freight transfer terminal thereto, and a method for transferring semi-trailers (3) from the railway (12) to the roadway and vice versa and for transporting the semi-trailers (3) on the railway (12).

Abstract: A parking space is detected by using a range sensor. Distance data in a predetermined period is collected by using the range sensor according to a user's selection and mapping the collected distance data on a coordinates system based on a parking space searching vehicle. The collected distance data are classified into short distance data and long distance data. Parking-available distance data, is calculated. Whether the parking space exists based on the calculated parking-available distance data is checked. The parking space searching vehicle is stopped by controlling an active braking apparatus or recommending a driver to stop the parking space searching vehicle by means of a voice and alarm sounds when it has been checked that the parking space exists.

Abstract: A method for the locomotion of devices on opposite sides of a surface, one or more of which are mobile robots. Devices on opposing sides of the surface are coupled by an attractive force, which helps generate enough friction between said devices and the surface to allow devices to move across the surface.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, motorized shooting practice platform is described that includes a chassis with a bottom wall having an upper surface, and a removable top wall with an upper surface; a plurality of wheels carried on fixed axles supporting the chassis; a plurality of DC powered motors operatively attached to the axles, whereby the wheels rotate when the motors are energized; a battery mounted on the bottom wall upper surface; a controller mounted on the bottom wall upper surface for controlling the amount of current from the battery to each of the motors; a receiver mounted on the bottom wall upper surface providing control signals to the controller; a transmitter remote from the chassis to transmit control signals to the receiver; target attachment means mounted upon the top wall upper surface of the chassis; and a target extending about the chassis and attached to the chassis with the target attachment means.

Abstract: A tram has a lead vehicle and one or more trailing vehicles coupled to it. Each vehicle has sets of front and rear wheels, both sets being steerable independently of the other. A manual controller provides signals to a processor in the lead vehicle, which in turn steers the front and rear wheels along a desired path. A processor on the first trailing vehicle controls front and rear servos to steer its wheels according to the path of the rear wheels of the leading vehicle. The second trailing vehicle has a processor that steers its front and rear wheels according to information provided by the first leading vehicle. Steering sensors on the vehicles sense distance to a steering rail while the vehicles are on a guideway and provide signals to the processors for automatic steering. While on a guideway, the tram uses power collectors to transfer power from the guideway.

Abstract: In automatic steering control, when both a traveling lane and a preceding vehicle are detected, a target position on a first vehicle traveling path based on traveling lane information and a target position on a second vehicle traveling path based on preceding vehicle information are set as a first target position and a second target position, respectively. When the second target position is set farther than the first target position, the correction amount of the distance between the first target position and the second vehicle traveling path is set in accordance with the distance difference in the front-rear direction between the first and second target positions, and a third target position is set by correcting the first target position by the correction amount so as to become closer to the second vehicle traveling path. The steering control amount is calculated on the basis of the third target position.

Abstract: A driving support apparatus has a display mounted in a vehicle, a driving information receiving unit receiving a steering angle of a steering wheel of the vehicle, and a control unit. The control unit produces a vehicle figure imitating a shape of the vehicle and a tire figure imitating a shape of a tire of the vehicle in a bird's-eye view, calculates a predicted running locus of the vehicle, detects positions of portions of an obstacle facing the vehicle one after another, and controls the display to display a driving support image including the vehicle figure, the tire figure, the running locus and obstacle detecting marks indicating the positions of the obstacle while changing a direction of the tire figure with respect to the vehicle figure according to the steering angle. A driver recognizes a turning rate of the vehicle from the direction of the tire figure.

Abstract: A target position setting device includes a distance meter, an imager, first and second calculating portions, a determination portion, and a setting portion. The distance meter measures a distance to an object around a vehicle. The imager takes an image of an environment around the vehicle. The first calculating portion calculates a first candidate of a target position of the vehicle according to a measuring result of the distance meter. The second calculating portion calculates a second candidate of the target position of the vehicle according to an imaging result of the imager. The determination portion determines whether a relationship between the first candidate and the second candidate meets a given condition. The setting portion sets the target position according to the second candidate of the target position when the determination portion determines that the relationship between the first candidate and the second candidate meets the given condition.