Abstract: The invention relates to an electric interface device (11) for transmitting electric power between a vehicle and an implement that can be coupled to said vehicle (42), which is especially an agricultural or industrial utility vehicle. The inventive electric interface device (11) comprises a vehicle interface (14), an implement interface (24), and electric wires (20, 22, 30, 32, 58, 62), by means of which the vehicle interface (14) can be connected to an electric power source (10) of the vehicle (42) and the implement interface (24) can be connected to an electric consumer (12). The vehicle interface (14) is embodied so as to be complementary to the implement interface (24) and can be reversibly connected to the implement interface (24). The invention further relates to a vehicle (42) and an implement encompassing an electric interface device (11).

Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-stage integrated brake assist (MSIBA) system, which can provide at least one brake assist level of a plurality of predetermined levels of brake assist (i.e., deceleration) less than or greater than the required amount of braking (i.e., deceleration) calculated by the MSIBA to avoid a collision with an obstacle at the time the driver initiates braking, but allows the driver to increase or remove the provided predetermined level of brake assist.

Abstract: The invention concerns a driving aid system for supplying data to a vehicle running on an infrastructure, and comprising a magnetic marking formed on the infrastructure and adapted to encode data addressed to the vehicle, the data being modifiable, and a detection device comprising a plurality of magnetic sensors onboard the vehicle for detecting a total magnetic field including the magnetic field generated by the magnetic marking and for producing signals representing the total magnetic field, and a processing unit adapted to process the representative signals, and to determine a first distance between the vehicle and the magnetic marking, and to decode the data encoded on the magnetic marking.

Abstract: In a high speed mode of operating and electric-gas hybrid car, the combustion engine is directly engaged to the wheels without a transmission and that vehicle speed is controlled without a throttle by electric generator loading of the engine.

Abstract: An auto-seek operating mode for a vehicle adjusts the vehicle in a direction transverse to a vehicle central axis using a vehicle power steering system and using a motor and a battery to advance the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid for charging the battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments are made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: Method for transmitting a warning signal to a driver of a driven vehicle regarding an impending collision with a moving and/or stationary object in the vicinity of the driven vehicle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a navigation device for a mobile robot comprising means for measuring the amplitude and the phase of an electromagnetic signal emitted by a wire acting as limit for a working area of the robot. The measuring means samples the amplitude of the signal during each time interval, the result of each measurement is stored in a memory and the measurements are repeated for several time intervals, the collected results being added in said memories until the content of a memory reaches a reference threshold. The number of samples required and the content of each memory is interpreted by numerical analysis to determine the distance or distance variation relative to said limiting elements. Any phase change corresponding to a passage beyond the limiting wire is easily detected and results for example in a command returning the robot to its working area.

Abstract: In an automatic transfer apparatus, a carriage tractor and a carriage are respectively equipped with connecting portions and through which the carriage tractor is connected near the substantial center of the bottom of the carriage. The automatic transfer apparatus is provided with displacement restricting means for restricting lateral displacement of the carriage tractor or the carriage with respect to the running direction thereof when the carriage tractor runs in the traverse direction while towing the carriage. Therefore, the carriage tractor is capable of running in the forward-reverse direction and the traverse direction while simplifying and downsizing the structure of the carriage tractor.

Abstract: An autonomous robot, that is for example, suitable for operations such as vacuuming and surface cleaning includes a payload configured for vacuum cleaning, a drive system including a steering system, a navigation system, and a control system for integrating operations of the aforementioned systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a position and an orientation of a mobile robot. The apparatus includes: a ceiling image grabber for obtaining a ceiling image of an area where the mobile device travels; a mark detector for detecting a retro-reflective artificial mark from the ceiling image, the retro-reflective artificial mark including a first mark and a second mark, each including a non-reflective portion and an infrared reflective portion; and a position & orientation estimator for estimating a position and an orientation of the mobile device using a position of the artificial mark or encoder information according to whether detection of the artificial mark is successful.

Abstract: Disclosed is a storage or conveying system comprising an electromagnetic planar motor which moves one or more conveying devices, especially movable pallets, cars, or containers mounted on wheels or rolls. The planar motor is equipped with a plurality of electromagnets which can generate suitable magnetic fields for moving the conveying device. The conveying device is designed in a passive manner with respect to the driving action of the planar motor. The transformers can be separated from one another and can be arranged to form desired geometries of the planar motor. At least one metal detecting apparatus is integrated into the planar motor. The invention allows for an extremely flexible storage system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for coordinating multiple vehicles in a passageway environment (e.g., in underground mines). The system includes methods and apparatus for determining the global position and orientation of a vehicle in said passageway environment, and methods for planning routes and monitoring the travels of multiple vehicles in said passageway environment. A global position and orientation estimation system employs one or more odometric sensors and one or more range sensing devices. It works in three basic steps. In the first step, it records and processes sensor data that is descriptive of the passageway environment by moving the system through said passageway environment. In the second step, it generates a globally consistent map of said passageway environment.

Abstract: A traveling condition determination device for use in a vehicle includes an imaging unit for periodically capturing an image of a road on which the vehicle is traveling, a recognition unit for recognizing a marker on a side of the road relative to the vehicle, a detection unit for detecting an angle of the vehicle relative to the marker recognized by the recognition unit, a storage unit for storing the angle of the vehicle detected by the detection unit in an analyzable manner and a determination unit for determining a traveling condition of the vehicle based on the angle stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: One energy recovery system (30) that can decelerate the vehicle in response to a brake request stores recovered energy electrically in a battery bank (32). Another energy recovery system (36) stores recovered energy hydraulically in a high pressure accumulator (40). One system is given priority over the other when a brake request is issued. When the stored energies are reused to accelerate the vehicle, one form of stored energy is used before the other.

Abstract: A method of automated parking assistance. A logic unit reads identification information from a transponder attached to a vehicle and determines the current position of the vehicle by measuring distances between the transponder and multiple stationary sensor devices. A pre-defined parking location is stored by pressing a single button. If the current position of the vehicle is not equal to the pre-defined parking location when the vehicle subsequently approaches, the logic unit determines one or more directions in which the current position of the vehicle must be adjusted to reduce the distance between the current position of the vehicle and the pre-defined parking location. A display device displays one or more guidance signals corresponding to the one or more directions in which the current position of the vehicle must be adjusted. If the current position of the vehicle is equal to the pre-defined parking location, a stop signal is displayed.

Abstract: An automotive lane deviation prevention (LDP) apparatus includes a control unit connected to a yawing-motion control actuator for LDP control purposes. The control unit determines, based on information regarding a lane marking line detected based on a picture image in front of a host vehicle, whether the host vehicle is in a state FLD?0 where there is an increased tendency for the host vehicle to deviate from the driving lane. The control unit executes, based on a state Fdw?0 where the host vehicle is traveling on predetermined irregularities formed on or close to the lane marking line and the information regarding the lane marking line, vehicle yawing motion control by which the host vehicle returns to a central position of the driving lane, in a lane-marking non-detecting state Fcamready=0 where the lane marking line is out of an image pick-up enabling area.

Abstract: When the absolute value of the steering angle equals or is greater than a prescribed angle, a vehicle motion control apparatus sets a control gear ratio so that when an estimated vehicle-body speed is equal to or greater than a prescribed value, the control gear ratio becomes a value equal to or greater than a certain value and which increases with estimated vehicle-body speed as the absolute value of the steering angle increases. When the estimated vehicle-body speed is less than the prescribed value, the control gear ratio becomes a value not greater than the certain value and which decreases with estimated vehicle-body speed as the absolute value of the steering angle increases. The apparatus then calculates a target yaw rate making use of the control gear ratio, and controls a braking force applied to each wheel so that the actual yaw rate coincides with the target yaw rate.

Abstract: An image information processing system permits stable display of image information regarding an object on an image display device even if an image area of the object recognized through an infrared camera is unstable. In the image information processing system, a first image area recognition unit recognizes a first image area associated with an object on the basis of a second variable based on the position of the object measured through the infrared camera. Further, a second image area recognition unit estimates the first image area on the basis of a first variable and a second variable based on the running mode of an automobile, and recognizes the estimated image area as a second image area. Then, an image information control unit causes a head-up display to display one or both of the first image information associated with the first image area and the second image information associated with the second image area.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grass in a cut area delimited by a perimeter, the perimeter being defined by the presence of regions of grass surface, comprises a lawn-mower and a lawn-mower-recovery base, the lawn-mower comprising a motor unit, a cutting device, the lawn-mower-recovery base being disposed along the perimeter with an accessible aperture allowing the entry of the lawn-mower moving along it, the lawn-mower further comprising a proximity sensor able to detect the presence of a grass surface, a control unit associated with the sensor, the control unit being configured to detect the perimeter, the control unit being configured to determine a condition of alignment of the lawn-mower with the perimeter, the control unit being operatively connected to the motor unit to cause a displacement of the lawn-mower along the same perimeter, to operate the return of the lawn-mower into the lawn-mower-recovery base.

Abstract: A seat belt apparatus includes a belt reel having a belt wound thereon, a motor for driving the reel to take up the belt; a control section for adjusting an amount of electric current supply to the motor to thereby control a belt-taking-up driving force of the motor, a current detection section for detecting the current supplied to the motor, and a rotation detection section for detecting a rotational position of the reel. The control section includes a constant current control section for executing a constant current control mode so that the current supply to the motor takes a target value, and a target current supply value change section for changing the target value when a detection signal from the rotation detection section has satisfied a predetermined condition in the constant current control mode.

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: A transport system is provided, comprising an underfloor high frequency alternate current primary conductor for providing an electromagnetic field extending along the primary conductor for inductive energy transfer. The transport system includes at least one electric transport vehicle comprising two individually controllable and individually drivable drive wheels. At least one pick-up unit with a secondary conductor for the inductive energy transfer is pivotable relative to the vehicle and comprises at least one idle roller adapted for being continuously contacted with the travel surface. The electric transport vehicle includes a sensor unit adapted for sensing continuously a floor track signal. A control unit is provided to control the two drive wheels in response to signals of the sensor unit for minimizing a deviation of the vehicle from the floor track signal.

Abstract: A method and system for stopping an unmanned mine vehicle in a predetermined position. The mine vehicle is driven at a low speed towards a physical. When the mine vehicle encounters the obstacle (7, 7a, 7b), a speed difference greater than a predetermined limit value is generated between the speed of the mine vehicle and the driving power transmission. The control system of the mine vehicle detects the exceeding of the limit value and stops the vehicle.

Abstract: A robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller. The system controller executes a robot intelligence kernel (RIK) that includes a multi-level architecture and a dynamic autonomy structure. The multi-level architecture includes a robot behavior level for defining robot behaviors, that incorporate robot attributes and a cognitive level for defining conduct modules that blend an adaptive interaction between predefined decision functions and the robot behaviors. The dynamic autonomy structure is configured for modifying a transaction capacity between an operator intervention and a robot initiative and may include multiple levels with at least a teleoperation mode configured to maximize the operator intervention and minimize the robot initiative and an autonomous mode configured to minimize the operator intervention and maximize the robot initiative. Within the RIK at least the cognitive level includes the dynamic autonomy structure.

Abstract: Lawn-mower comprising one or more motor-driven wheels and at least one cutting device, and further comprising elements for determining a distance value of an external mass to modify the behaviour of the lawn-mower in response to the distance.

Abstract: A system for predictive front lighting of a vehicle. The system includes a first and second headlamps, a first and second swivel mechanisms and a controller. The first and second headlamps project a beam pattern for illumination of the vehicle path. The controller receives vehicle position data, for example from a GPS system, and accesses a map database to identify a map location of the vehicle. The controller further analyzes the map to determine a most likely path of the vehicle based on the map location and other vehicle heading parameters. The controller then calculates the desired swivel angle of the first and second headlamps based on the most likely path of the vehicle, and the first and second swivel mechanisms manipulate the first and second headlamps to accordingly change the swivel angle of the headlamps.

Abstract: A method and an electronic search system for operating an automatic device, preferably an automatic lawnmower. The system comprises at least one first electrical cable (1,4,5,6) connected to at least one first signal generator (3,7,8) and at least one sensing system arranged on said device. Said sensing system detects at least one magnetic field being transmitted via said cable (1,4,5,6) and propagating through the air, the sensing system transmitting a processed signal to at least one driving element which contributes to the movements of said device in relation to a surface.

Abstract: An automatic slowing down system for a vehicle taking a bend includes a computer that integrates a series of instructions to process at least one of first, second and third signals according to kinematic control laws of vehicle displacement to deliver signals for a forward motion actuator and a steering actuator, a forward control and a steering control that supply the first signal representative of a forward motion data and a steering data to the computer based on an operator's requirement, a linear speed sensor and a yaw speed sensor that supply the second signal to the computer, and a unit that supplies the third signal relating to road grip to the computer.

Abstract: A mine vehicle and a method of preventing a mine vehicle from colliding. The mine vehicle (1) includes at least one scanner (13, 14) to scan the environment in front of the vehicle. On the basis of the scanning, an obstacle-free route is determined whose outermost points in a sideward direction are stored as memory points (21). At least one sideward safe area (15b) has been predetermined around the vehicle (1). A control system checks that no memory point (21) resides within the safe area (15b).

Abstract: A method of navigating a mobile machine dependent upon the relationship of the mobile machine to a target path includes operating a steering system to change the heading of the mobile machine in response to the mobile machine deviating from a first navigational dead band. Additionally, the method may include subsequently operating the steering system to make a heading change of the mobile machine only in response to predetermined events, which may include operating the steering system to make a heading change of the mobile machine if the mobile machine deviates from a second navigational dead band.

Abstract: In a turning control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a turning controller places a limitation on an automatic deceleration of the vehicle which is started when a turning state of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined deceleration-start threshold value that has a margin for a limit value of turning performance of the vehicle, in such a manner that the turning state of the vehicle approaches to the limit of turning performance of the vehicle in accordance with an accelerator manipulation by a driver. In the case where the driver erroneously manipulates an accelerator pedal, the limitation on the automatic deceleration is suspended.

Abstract: An unmanned tactic platform (UTP) mounted on a two-stage locomotive system of which a first locomotive stage is a significantly high-speed travel stage where the UTP reaches an arena, and a second locomotive stage is a tactical maneuver stage in which the UTP maneuvers at the arena for executing a mission.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an arrangement and an electronic navigational control system for a self-propelling device (5), preferably a lawn-mowing robot. The system comprises at lease one navigational control system (3) connected to at least one signal generator (1) and a sensing unit arranged at the self-propelling device (5). The sensing unit senses at least one, in the air medium propagating, time and space varying magnetic field, at least transmitted via the navigational control station (3) and in turn retransmits at least one signal processed by the unit to at least one driving source which contributes to the device's movements across the surface. The system comprises structure by which the signal generator (1) sends a current through the navigational control station (3), the current generating the time and space varying magnetic field, whereby the sensing unit comprises structure by which the device (5) is maneuvered based on the properties of the sensed magnetic field.

Abstract: An omni-directional robot cleaner, composed of a platform and a plurality of driving units for driving and controlling the movement of the platform, in which the platform further comprises: a sensing unit, for obstacle detection; a cleaning unit, for collecting and removing dust and dirt; a processing unit, capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensing unit while planning and mapping a travel path accordingly; and a power unit, for providing power to the omni-directional robot cleaner while managing the same.

Abstract: An automated transportation system includes a plurality of vehicles adapted to travel along a pathway, and a monitoring system located within each vehicle and adapted to monitor a location and a speed between an associated vehicle and the pathway. The automated transportation system also includes a transmitter located within each vehicle and adapted to transmit a signal that includes data on the location and the speed monitored, and a receiver located within each vehicle and adapted to receive the signal from each of the other vehicles. The automated transportation system further includes a controller located within each vehicle and adapted to interpret the signal received by the receiver and control the associated vehicle to provide proper spacing between the remaining vehicles to avoid collisions therebetween and maximize throughput of the vehicles along the pathway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rail-guided system for transporting persons and material in underground mining and tunnel construction. The rail-guided transport system comprises a railroad network and transport vehicles that are guided in the railroad network. In the transport system, both the forward end and the opposite end of the respective transport vehicle are equipped with sensors (1-6) for detecting optical, acoustic, thermal, and acceleration data, “forward” being relative to the direction of travel. The sensors (1-6) are connected to a control computer that is disposed inside the transport vehicle while interacting with active and passive transducers located within the railroad network.

Abstract: A system for steering a vehicle including: an actuator disposed in a vehicle to apply torque to a steerable wheel; a driver input device receptive to driver commands for directing the vehicle; and a sensor for determining an intent of a driver and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system also includes: a lane keeping system for detecting a location of the vehicle relative to a lane marker and generating a lane position signal indicative thereof; a controller in operable communication with the actuator, the driver input device, the first sensor, and the lane keeping system. The controller provides a command to the actuator responsive to the intent of the driver, the lane position, and a desired lane position. The controller executes a lane keeping algorithm consisting of a single control loop based on at least one of the lane position and the lane position deviation.

Abstract: A vehicle detector includes a detecting apparatus and a determining apparatus. If a plurality of detection points detected by the detecting apparatus forms a group of detection points, the determining apparatus sets a determining virtual window encompassing the group of detection points and determines whether the group of detection points is likely to represent the one vehicle based on a state of movement of the group of detection points with respect to the determining virtual window.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a drive unit for driving a plurality of wheels, a camera disposed in a body for photographing an upper image extending perpendicular to a running direction, a controller for recognizing a position by using position information obtained from a recognition mark formed on a ceiling of a working area that is photographed by the camera, and controlling the drive unit by using the recognized position information to correspond to a target cleaning operation. Accordingly, since the recognition mark for the recognition of a current position of the robot cleaner is formed on a ceiling that has a few changes, the position recognition is performed with more accuracy and the traveling of the robot cleaner to the target work area and a cleaning operation is performed efficiently.

Abstract: A robot control apparatus allows a plurality of mobile robots to carry out tasks at a reduced or minimized cost as a whole with consideration given to costs derived from an encounter with an obstacle is provided. An action optimization controller provided in the robot control apparatus generates an instruction for optimizing actions of the plurality of mobile robots so that the plurality of mobile robots carry out the tasks at a minimized cost, based upon locomotion plan information indicative of locomotion plans of the plurality of mobile robots. A possibility that any robots have an encounter with an obstacle is determined by comparing distances from the robots to the obstacles. A locomotion plan implementation cost is calculated with consideration given to the possibility of encounter, and thus an optimum route is selected based upon the locomotion plan implementation cost with the encounter-derived cost. In accordance with the optimum route, the locomotion plan for the robot is modified.

Abstract: A travel safety apparatus for a vehicle includes: a first object detector having a first detection area defined by a first detection angle; a second object detector having a second detection area defined by a second detection angle; a motion state determination unit; a collision determination unit determining whether there is possibility of collision of an object detected in at least one of the first detection area and the second detection area to the vehicle based on the motion state; a controller controlling the vehicle so that a collision is avoided; and an object identity determination unit determining whether the first object and the second object are identical, wherein when a first object detected in the first detection area and a second object detected in the second detection area are determined identical, the collision determination unit determines whether there is possibility of collision of the first object to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for steering a vehicle (1) over a ground surface (4), wherein magnetic marking elements (5) are arranged in the ground surface at predetermined locations and wherein the vehicle is provided with a number of sensors (3) arranged adjacently of each other in transverse direction of the vehicle, wherein during travel of the vehicle the substantially vertical components of the magnetic field is measured in each of the sensors, and wherein on the basis of the intensities of magnetic field measured by the sensors an estimation is made of the position of these sensors relative to the magnetic marking elements, and thus of the vehicle relative thereto.

Abstract: An intention estimation system and method with confidence indication for providing operation assistance based on an operator's intention. A current operation performed by the operator is detected, and data related to an estimated intention of the operator is generated based on the detected operation. A confidence index of the estimated intention of the operator is then determined. The confidence index indicates, for example, the reliability or strength of the estimated intention. An operation assistance may be provided based on the estimated intention and the confidence index.

Abstract: A navigation system utilizing a warning generating apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A regenerative braking control apparatus for a wheeled vehicle, includes: a regenerative braking unit arranged to produce a regenerative braking effort for the vehicle; and a control unit connected for signal communication to the regenerative braking unit, and configured to perform the following: measuring a wheel speed deviation defined as a difference between a speed of a front wheel set of the vehicle and a speed of a rear wheel set of the vehicle; and controlling the regenerative braking effort in accordance with the wheel speed deviation during cornering. The control unit is configured to control the regenerative braking effort to decrease with an increase in the wheel speed deviation during cornering braking, and configured to perform braking for the vehicle in accordance with an operation of slowdown request, prioritizing a regenerative braking effort for one of the front wheel set and the rear wheel set of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for selecting a unique geographic feature, including a mobile device that uses position and orientation sensors to determine a user position and a user orientation. The mobile device is adapted for wireless communication with a database that houses or has access to data concerning geographic features, as well as processing and computing means for calculating specific geographic relations discussed in further detail below. The system of the present invention further includes means for selecting among those features that are topologically related to the polygon. These include means for defining the geometry of the polygon, means for filtering those features that should not be within the geometry of the polygon, and means for ranking those features within the polygon. The method of the present invention is operable in conjunction with the system through the system hardware and software.

Abstract: A transport apparatus including: a travel route having a plurality of retrieval locations continuous with the route; a plurality of article transporting vehicles that move along the route; control means for managing the vehicles; connecting means that can connect one of the vehicles to a fixed portion provided near each of the retrieval locations, and is provided with connection detection means that detects whether one of the vehicles and the fixed portion are connected. Each vehicle is provided with connected members that are capable of connecting to the connecting means; vehicle-side communication means for communicating with control-side communication means provided in the control means; a detachable member that can be attached to and detached from each vehicle; and a coupled portion that can be coupled with the detachable member of another vehicle, and is provided with coupling detection means that detects whether or not the detachable member of another vehicle has been coupled thereto.

Abstract: In a vehicle dynamics control apparatus capable of balancing a vehicle dynamics stability control system and a lane deviation prevention control system, a cooperative control section is provided to make a cooperative control between lane deviation prevention control (LDP) and vehicle dynamics stability control (VDC). When a direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is opposite to a direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, the cooperative control section puts a higher priority on VDC control rather than LDP control. Conversely when the direction of yawing motion created by LDP control is identical to the direction of yawing motion created by VDC control, a higher one of the LDP desired yaw moment and the VDC desired yaw moment is selected as a final desired yaw moment, to prevent over-control, while keeping the effects obtained by both of VDC control and LDP control.

Abstract: A driving support system according to the present invention is provided with an actuator for steering steered wheels of a vehicle and is used for supporting driving of the vehicle by making use of steering by means of the actuator. The driving support system has an image taking device for taking a forward image ahead the vehicle, a determiner for determining a controlled variable of the actuator on the basis of the forward image acquired by the image taking device, a limiter for limiting the controlled variable when a time change of the controlled variable of the actuator determined by the determiner is off a predetermined range, and a controller for controlling the actuator. The limiter sets a limit value for limiting the time change of the controlled variable of the actuator so that the limit value at a start (or at an end) of the driving support control is different from the limit value in continuation of the driving support control.

Abstract: A method and system for providing automatic assistance in operating a machine. A current operation performed by an operator of the machine is detected, and data related to an estimated intention of the operator is generated based on the detected operation. A state of the estimated intention of the operator is then determined. The state indicates, for example, the reliability or strength of the estimated intention. The operation of the machine is altered based on the estimated intention and the state of the estimated intention.