Abstract: A lane tracking system for tracking the position of a vehicle within a lane includes a camera configured to provide a video feed representative of a field of view and a video processor configured to receive the video feed from the camera and to generate latent video-based position data indicative of the position of the vehicle within the lane. The system further includes a vehicle motion sensor configured to generate vehicle motion data indicative of the motion of the vehicle, and a lane tracking processor. The lane tracking processor is configured to receive the video-based position data, updated at a first frequency; receive the sensed vehicle motion data, updated at a second frequency; estimate the position of the vehicle within the lane from the sensed vehicle motion data; and fuse the video-based position data with the estimate of the vehicle position within the lane using a Kalman filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a library of program data for medical pumps, the apparatus comprising: memory loaded with a database, the database including a plurality of program data records and a plurality of data key records, each program data record containing a set of program data items, at least some of the program data items included in the database for controlling operation of a medical pump, each data key record containing a data key and each data key identifying one of the data program records; a database management system programmed to link a data key to a set of program data; and a scanner in data communication with the database management system, the database management system being further programmed to receive a code scanned by the scanner, save the code in a data key record, and link the code to a set of program data, the code being a data key.

Abstract: A method for adaptive driver guidance for navigation and location-based services. A navigation system onboard a vehicle records errors, including both system errors and user errors, where the errors can be detected by missed turns, re-routing, and similar events. The error data is transmitted to a central server, where the data is analyzed to determine patterns of errors, both for an individual driver and across many drivers. Roadway locations which frequently experience driver navigational errors have the error type integrated as a route feature, and future navigational guidance is adapted to improve driver performance. Adaptations can include increased or decreased frequency, detail, timing and location of navigational instructions. Individual driver guidance can also be adapted based on the driver's tendency to make errors in response to specific guidance instructions. Adaptation of guidance for location-based services is also provided.

Abstract: According to a method for creating a model for a travel time database, a leg network comprising leg sections between a starting point and a destination point are analyzed. Multiple routes are ascertained between the starting and destination points. Each leg section of a route is associated with a relative travel time loss and is weighted. The ascertained travel time losses and the associated weightings are used as input data for a learning method by way of which an existing knowledge base is iteratively expanded.

Abstract: A method for providing a lanekeeping assistance for a vehicle includes determining road lane characteristics such as a road lane curvature. A vehicle velocity and a vehicle position with respect to a road lane are also determined. A desired steering angle is determined as a function of at least the road lane characteristics. A lanekeeping torque acting on the steering system of the vehicle in order to keep the vehicle on a desired path is determined as a function of at least the desired steering angle. The lanekeeping torque is generated by modifying at least one mechanical steering torque such as a jacking torque, an aligning torque, an inertia torque and a damping torque.

Abstract: An attribute about person's mobility capability is judged by a human movement attribute acquisition unit. Candidate paths for a detected person to move along are created by a human path candidate creation unit based on information about the person and a predicted time left for a collision between the autonomous locomotion apparatus and the person. A movement load for each candidate path is evaluated by a human path load evaluation unit based on an attribute of person's movement. A path which imposes a minimum movement load on the person, i.e., a path suitable for the person's mobility capability and the easiest for the person to avoid the autonomous locomotion apparatus is selected by a human path determination unit. A path for the autonomous locomotion apparatus to guide the person to the selected path is planned by a guide path planning unit.

Abstract: The autonomous locomotion apparatus has a human information acquisition unit which detects a person. When there is probability of contact between the detected person and the autonomous locomotion apparatus based on movement information of the person, the autonomous locomotion apparatus controls a traveling speed or a rotational speed of the autonomous locomotion apparatus to perform a guide operation which presents a path of the autonomous locomotion apparatus which is intended to cause the person to predict, so that it causes the person to avoid the path without giving the person a sense of uneasiness.

Abstract: A robotic mower sensor assembly for detecting a boundary wire signal. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of analog inductive sensors with a first inductive sensor oriented along a first axis and a second inductive sensor oriented along a second, different axis. Each inductive sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire. A control unit communicating with the sensor assembly is configured to operate the robotic mower in response to the signals from the sensor assembly which are indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire.

Abstract: A drive and steering unit for driving and steering a load support comprises, in one embodiment, a steering assembly including a steering gear attached to a wheel housing and engaged with the steering power system, the steering gear being rotatable about an axis in response to actuation of the steering assembly, a drive assembly connected to the steering gear, and a drive power system coupled to the drive assembly and movable with the steering gear. In an alternate embodiment, the steering assembly is connected to the wheel through a steering gear attached to a slewing ring that supports the drive assembly and is rotatable with the drive assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclose for auto-steering of an auto-guided vehicle. A sensor coupled to a steering shaft detects when an operator requests control of the vehicle. The sensor then transmits information indicative of the request to one or more controllers of an auto-guidance system, which initiates a shutdown of auto-steering functions. In this way, the system quickly reverts to manual steering in an automatically guided and steered vehicle.

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

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of calculating a reference value Itag_b; a step of performing a first Pchg calculating process when a SOC at present is not in a predetermined range or speed V of a vehicle is smaller than a threshold value, or when a target value Itag is not less than the reference value Itag_b; and a step of performing a second Pchg calculating process when the SOC at present is in the predetermined range between SOC(1) and SOC(2) and the speed V of the vehicle is not less than the threshold value V(0), and when the target value Itag is smaller than the reference value Itag_b.

Abstract: A GPS and a map information database acquire information regarding an arrow light which displays a signal for prohibiting travel in a particular direction, such as a red arrow light. A display and a loudspeaker supply information to a motorist of a host vehicle based on the information acquired by the GPS and the map information database, or a brake ECU and a brake actuator brake the host vehicle without depending on the manipulation by the motorist based on the information acquired by the GPS and the map information database. As a result, it is possible to correctly support driving even when a red arrow light or the like for prohibiting travel in a right turn direction.

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

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

Abstract: An autonomous transport vehicle for transporting items in a storage and retrieval system is provided. The autonomous transport vehicle includes at least two drive wheels and a controller, where each drive wheel is independently driven and a drive wheel encoder is disposed adjacent each drive wheel. The controller, in communication with the drive wheel encoders, is configured to determine a kinematic state of the autonomous transport vehicle within the storage and retrieval system based on incremental data from the drive wheel encoders only and independent of drive wheel slippage.

Abstract: A platoon model allows improved prediction of preceding vehicle future state. In this context, the preceding vehicle is a vehicle immediately ahead of the host vehicle, and the dynamic state of the preceding vehicle was predicted based on data received from one or more vehicles in the platoon. The intelligent driver model (IDM) was extended to model car-following dynamics within a platoon. A parameter estimation approach may be used to estimate the model parameters, for example to adapt to different driver types. An integrated approach including both state prediction and parameter estimation was highly effective.

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

Abstract: A moving carrier signal transmission method and a signal transmission device using the same are provided. A main moving carrier acquires an identification code of an ambient moving carrier. The main moving carrier adds an identification code of the main moving carrier and the identification code of the ambient moving carrier in a data request and then sends out the data request to the ambient moving carrier according to the identification code of the ambient moving carrier. When the ambient moving carrier obtains the data request, the ambient moving carrier adds the identification code of the main moving carrier in a moving carrier list and transmits the moving carrier list to the main moving carrier.

Abstract: A fall-proof and anti-collision vacuum cleaner is disclosed in the present application, which comprises a main body, a driving device, a collision baffle and an elastic element. The collision baffle comprises a left side portion, a right portion and a middle portion for connecting the left portion and the right portion, at least one sensor is disposed on the outer edges of the left side, right side and middle portions respectively, the at least one sensor is electrically connected to the driving means, a plurality of shading parts are disposed on the main body corresponding to the positions of the sensors for sheltering the sensors, each of the sensors has three working positions, in the first working position, the sensors receive the feedback signals from the support below the main body, in the second working position, the sensors are sheltered by the shading parts, and in the third working position, the sensors fail to receive any signals within the sensing range thereof.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a robotic vehicle (1), in particular a robotic vehicle (1) designed for self-contained operations, with drive means (5) for the movement of the vehicle (1) on the subsurface (11), and with control means (7) for the activation of the drive means (5) in accordance with the measured intensity of the infrared radiation. According to the invention, a light sensor (9) is provided to detect the intensity of light radiation from the visible spectrum reflected from the subsurface (11), and in addition the control means (7) are designed to activate the drive means (5) in accordance with the measured intensity of the light radiation. The invention further relates to a method of activation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for analyzing travel patterns in transit systems is provided. The method includes identifying an existing transit point of a transit system and receiving location information including geo-location paths of a plurality of mobile devices. Each of the geo-location paths includes the identified transit point. The method also includes determining a proposed transit point for the transit system based on the geo-location paths of the received location information. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: In an unmanned autonomous operating system having a station provided with a signal generator for supplying an area signal in electric pulse current to an area wire that defines an operating area, and an unmanned autonomous vehicle having magnetic sensors for detecting a magnetic field generated by the area wire and a microcomputer programmed to recognize the operating area from the detected magnetic field, a selection mechanism is installed at the station that outputs one of area signals from the signal generator in response to a selection of a user, one of the area signals generated from the signal generator is registered, and the operating area is recognized based on the registered area signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supporting a driver of a vehicle (2) in maneuvering the vehicle (2) on a driving route (4), in particular when parking a vehicle (2) into or out of a parking space (3), with the aid of a portable communication device (13). At least one vehicle external sensor device (11, 17) is provided which is arranged stationarily relative to the driving route (4). The sensor device (11, 17) captures data relating to the vehicle (2) located on the driving route (4) and wirelessly emits signals (15, 15?) comprising the captured data in such a way that same signals (15, 15?) reach the interior of the vehicle (2). The signals (15, 15?) are received through the portable communication device (13), and the data are output through the portable communication device (13). The invention also relates to a system (10) as well as a portable communication device (13).

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

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

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for de-noising data in a scheduled transportation system, the method includes receiving a plurality of digital traces that correspond to a piece of equipment in the scheduled transportation system. The method also includes identifying a plurality of journeys from the plurality of digital traces, wherein each of the plurality of journeys corresponds to the piece of equipment traversing one of a plurality of routes and generating a route map and schedule for the scheduled transportation system from the plurality of journeys and the plurality of digital traces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for lateral control of a host vehicle (F) during travel in a vehicle platoon. The apparatus and method include acquiring a control signal u and a lateral error ? relative to a target vehicle (L) of a preceding vehicle (T) travelling in the vehicle platoon, filtering the received lateral error ?, filtering the received control signal u, and executing via a processor a control algorithm for actuating lateral control of the host vehicle (F).

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system for automatically transporting loads along a predetermined path is provided that includes a plurality of magnets distant from one another, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of magnets represent a positioning point, and a plurality of AGVs, wherein at least one of the plurality of AGVs includes a drive assembly and a sensor system configured to determine guidance information. The sensor system includes a circuit board, a two-dimensional array of giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensors along a surface of the circuit board, the GMR sensors configured to detect at least one of the plurality of embedded magnets when the GMR sensors are proximate thereto, and an electromagnetic coil extending around the circuit board and at least a portion of the GMR sensors, the electromagnetic coil configured to polarize the GMR sensors.

Abstract: A golf bag with an integral drive for propelling the golf bag, the golf bag includes a golf bag which includes an upper golf club housing connected to a lower drive housing. The golf bag includes an outer shell and includes internal frame components supporting the outer shell the frame components including a drive base connected to the bag for rigidly mounting drive components thereto. A drive including a motor mounted to the drive base, the motor operably connected to a drive axle which is connected to wheels for propelling the golf bag. Additionally there is control for controlling the function of the drive. Preferably the drive base separates the upper golf club housing from the lower drive housing.

Abstract: A traveling vehicle (12) is self-propelled and docked in a quadrilateral docking area (20) having an entrance (55) on one side thereof, and includes: a docking point obtainment unit which obtains first to fourth points indicating positions of four corners of the docking area and represented in relative coordinates with respect to a position of the traveling vehicle (12); a reference distance detection unit (35) which obtains a reference distance indicating a distance between the traveling vehicle (12) and the docking area (20); and a movement control unit (33) which controls movement of the traveling vehicle (12) moving to the docking area (20), based on the first and second points when the reference distance Ls is not shorter than a first correction distance N1, and based on at least the third and fourth points when the reference distance Ls is shorter than the first correction distance N1.

Abstract: A navigational control system for altering movement activity of a robotic device operating in a defined working area, comprising a transmitting subsystem integrated in combination with the robotic device, the transmitting subsystem comprising a mechanical sweeping transmitter laser integrated in combination with a high point of a housing infrastructure of the robotic device so that none of the structural features of the robotic device interfere with sweeping of the transmitting element of the mechanical sweeping transmitter laser.

Abstract: A robotic mower boundary sensing system includes a boundary driving circuit on a charging station transmitting an encoded signal on a boundary wire, a boundary sensor on a robotic mower and including an inductor receiving the encoded signal, and a vehicle control unit on the robotic mower receiving the encoded signal from the boundary sensor and decoding the signal and cross correlating the received signal to determine the distance of the boundary sensor from the boundary wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding an automatic guided vehicle along a magnetic pathway and more specifically to an apparatus and a method capable of accurately and precisely following a weak magnetic field emitted by a substantially continuous passive magnetic marker having route junctions.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling inter-vehicle distance. The system includes a front sensor, a side and rear sensor, an inter-vehicle distance controlling unit, and a steering controlling unit. The front sensor obtains information relating to a preceding vehicle. The side and rear sensor obtains information relating to vehicles in right and left lanes. The inter-vehicle distance controlling unit determines an avoidance direction for a lane change from data detected by the side and rear sensor when it is determined from data detected by the front sensor that a front end collision is unavoidable through just brake input. The steering controlling unit receives information relating to the avoidance direction determined by the inter-vehicle distance controlling unit and applies a steering force to a steering device to guide a driver to a lane in the determined avoidance direction.

Abstract: Method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium for fail-safe performance of a lane centering system. An electrical power steering (EPS) system of a vehicle is monitored for a failure and operation of the lane centering system is switched to a differential braking controller to output differential braking commands to a differential breaking system upon determining that a failure of the EPS system has occurred, where the output braking commands direct the differential braking system to apply force a brake for a wheel of vehicle, such by the applied braking force the vehicle follows a desired path determined for a lane centering operation.

Abstract: A moving device and a moving control method thereof are provided. The moving control method comprises the following steps. Firstly, a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field are sensed by a moving device within a moving region. A first magnetic stripe generating the first magnetic field is arranged along an outer border of the moving region, and a second magnetic stripe generating the second magnetic field is arranged along an inner border of the moving region. Then, a motion mode is determined and a corresponding motion is performed by the moving device according to an order in which the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are sensed.

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: 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: A driving support device includes an image-capturer that captures side rear images of a vehicle, a distance measurer that measures a distance between the vehicle and another vehicle, and a vehicle detector that detects the another vehicle in the captured images. A superimposed image generator calculates a distance of units of the vehicle length based on information concerning the vehicle length stored in a vehicle length information storage and the distance to the another vehicle detected by the distance measurer, and generates a superimposed image based on the calculated distance. A display image generator synthesizes the generated superimposed image on a side peripheral image including the captured side rear images, and displays the image on a display installed in a position at which the field of front vision of the driver is not obstructed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for automated control of a moving vehicle. An alarm condition is detected, and in response to the alarm condition, the current radius of curvature of the vehicle is maintained. The radius of curvature may be calculated by using data received from sensors. The alarm condition may be a result of the vehicle becoming unstable or the automated navigation system malfunctioning. In response to operator control input, the vehicle is placed into a manual control state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for navigating with the use of correlation within a select area are provided. One method includes, storing data required to reconstruct ranges and associated angles to objects along with statistical accuracy information while initially traversing throughout the select area. Measuring then current ranges and associated angles to the objects during a subsequent traversal throughout the select area. Correlating the then current ranges and associated angles to the objects to reconstructed ranges and associated angles to the objects from the stored data. Determining at least one of then current location and heading estimates within the select area based at least in part on the correlation and using the least one of the then current location and heading estimates for navigation.

Abstract: In an electric power steering system, an ECU 11 includes two independent microcomputers 17a, 17b that serve as motor control signal generators, and the microcomputers 17a, 17b perform the same current feedback computation. Switching arms 20a, 20b that constitute a driving circuit 18 operate independently of each other, based on motor control signals generated by the corresponding microcomputers 17a, 17b. Each of the microcomputers 17a, 17b determines whether an absolute value of a current deviation of an actual current I (I1, I2) from a current command value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the current deviation exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that an abnormality occurs in the system.

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

Abstract: A mobile robotic device comprising at least one displaceable sensor member (8,9) for sensing a collision between the mobile device and a stationary object. First detection means (12,13) are present for detection a predetermined first displacement of the sensor member (8,9) and second detection means (14,15) are present for detecting a predetermined larger displacement of the sensor member (8,9).