Abstract: A method and a device are described for scanning the surrounding environment of a vehicle. When the vehicle falls below a first boundary speed a timer is triggered whose state is incremented until the vehicle exceeds a boundary speed, a check of the unobstructed view of the scanning device being carried out upon expiration of the time period recorded by the state of the timer and in which the state of the counter is incremented.

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: 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: A detection device of a motor vehicle having a functional unit for transmitting and receiving signals. The functional unit has at least one first and one additional functional element, the signal inputs of which are subject to a comparison to determine an associative signal occurrence, and if the signals are absent in one of the functional elements, a configuration of its transmission/reception range to a road surface to be detected is performed in such a way that the corresponding functional element is forced to received signal reflections if it is functioning. A corresponding method is also provided.

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).

Abstract: A system and method for operating robots in a robot competition. One embodiment of the system may include operator interfaces, where each operator interface is operable to control movement of a respective robot. A respective operator interface may be in communication with an associated operator radio, where each radio may have a low power RF output signal. A robot controller may be coupled to each robot in the robot competition. A robot radio may be coupled to a respective robot and in communication with a respective robot controller and operator radio. The robot radios may have a low power RF output signal while communicating with the respective operator radios. Alternatively, the radios may be short range radios, where a distance of communication may be a maximum of approximately 500 feet.

Abstract: An improvement of methods and systems using mobile and distributed data stream mining algorithms for mining continuously generated data from different components of a vehicle. The system is designed for both on-board and remote mining and management of the data in order to (1) detect the effect of various engine parameters on fuel consumption behavior, (2) predictive classification of driving patterns and associative indexing of driver performance matrix, (3) resource-constrained anomaly detection for onboard health monitoring, (4) vehicle-to-vehicle social networking and distributed data mining, (5) adaptive placement of advertisements based on vehicle performance profile and (6) onboard emissions analytics computation for wireless emissions monitoring and smog test.

Abstract: A vehicle has wheels, sensors for generating an input data set, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the sensors, including a first sensor for detecting an obstacle on a road surface in a first manner, and adapted to monitor a boundary of the road surface to determine when the wheels are crossing the boundary. A second sensor detects the obstacle in a second manner, and additional sensors determine inertial data of the vehicle. The controller compares the input data set to calibrated thresholds, and determines an appropriate control response such as autonomous braking based on the results. A method optimizes a collision preparation response in the vehicle by measuring the inertial data, detecting the obstacle using a radar or LiDAR device, and monitoring the boundary using an electro-optical device. A supplemental braking force is automatically applied when the vehicle crosses the boundary while the obstacle is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode could determine a current state of the vehicle and the current state of the environment of the vehicle. The environment of the vehicle includes at least one other vehicle. A predicted behavior of the at least one other vehicle could be determined based on the current state of the vehicle and the current state of the environment of the vehicle. A confidence level could also be determined based on the predicted behavior, the current state of the vehicle, and the current state of the environment of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the confidence level may be related to the likelihood of the at least one other vehicle to perform the predicted behavior. The vehicle in the autonomous mode could be controlled based on the predicted behavior, the confidence level, and the current state of the vehicle and its environment.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifies a presence of a vehicle by providing easily-perceivable and less uncomfortable notification sound outside of the vehicle. The vehicle presence notification apparatus includes: a speaker and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the speaker to generate the notification sound that simultaneously has (i) at least one fundamental high frequency, which is easily perceivable, but annoying to human ears; and (ii) at least one auxiliary low frequency, which is less than the at least one fundamental high frequency and has a harmonic relation with the at least one fundamental high frequency.

Abstract: Externally deployed airbag system for a vehicle including one or more inflatable airbags deployable outside of the vehicle, an anticipatory sensor system for assessing the probable severity of an impact involving the vehicle based on data obtained prior to the impact and initiating inflation of the airbag(s) in the event an impact above a threshold severity is assessed, and an inflator coupled to the anticipatory sensor system and the airbag for inflating the airbag when initiated by the anticipatory sensor system. The airbag may be housed in a module mounted along a side of the vehicle, in a side door of the vehicle (both for side impact protection), at a front of the vehicle (for frontal impact protection) or at a rear of the vehicle (for rear impact protection). Also, the externally deployed airbag can be deployed to cushion a pedestrian's impact against the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle driving operation support apparatus for a vehicle, includes a sensing section to sense a traveling condition of the vehicle including a surrounding condition inclusive of an obstacle around the vehicle, and a control section to calculate a risk potential for the vehicle in accordance with the traveling condition. The control section performs a support control to support the driver in accordance with the risk potential and performs an assist control to produce inducement simulating a condition change (such as a vehicle behavior) attributable to an increase of the risk potential, in accordance with the risk potential.

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

Abstract: A driving support ECU comprises: a roadside object detection section for detecting, in a case where a lane marking WR on at least one of the right side and left side is detected by a white line detection section and another lane marking WL is not detected, a roadside object GL on the other of the right side and left side; a white line estimation part for estimating a position of a lane marking VL1 on the other of the right side and the left side based on the detected roadside object GL; and an information outputting section for determining a departure from the lane in which the vehicle VC is running, based on the estimated position of the lane marking VL1 on the other of the right side and left side.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method for guiding a driverless, multi-track vehicle along a predetermined path (12), which vehicle rolls on wheels (4, 6) separated from each other in the vehicle width direction, wherein the vehicle is steered by changing the torque applied to at least one of its wheels, such that it follows the predetermined path.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A driving support system includes a lane detecting unit for detecting lanes around a vehicle, a route correcting unit for correcting a route along which the vehicle is expected to travel taking into consideration an obstacle on the route after the route has been recognized by lanes detected by the lane detecting unit, and a control unit for controlling the vehicle on the basis of the positional relation between the corrected route determined by the route correcting unit and the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A cruise control system comprises a passing detection module and a speed regulator module. The passing detection module selectively detects execution of a passing maneuver based on an accelerator pedal position (APP) measured by an APP sensor and actuation of a Set/Coast input to the cruise control system when a vehicle speed is greater than a target speed. The speed regulator module regulates the vehicle speed based on the target speed and updates the target speed to the vehicle speed when the passing maneuver is detected.

Abstract: A transport cradle for a skid-supported helicopter having a pair of laterally spaced and generally parallel support skids. The cradle comprises a main frame (2, 102) comprising a pair of laterally spaced elongate support arms (4, 104) extending generally parallel to each other and a cross support (6, 106) coupling together first ends of the elongate arms (4, 104). Each support arm (4, 104) is coupled to a support wheel (12, 112) towards a second end. At least one clamp (24, 124) is coupled to each support arm (4, 104) to engage a respective helicopter skid after the cradle has been presented to a helicopter supported on the ground by its skids. A drive unit (8, 108) is coupled to the cross support (6, 106) at a pivot (10, 110) positioned between the elongate arms(4, 104), the drive unit (8, 108) including a steerable drive wheel (14, 114) and a second drive unit wheel (16, 116).

Abstract: A storage or conveying system includes an electromagnetic surface-area motor which moves one or more conveying devices, especially movable pallets, cars, or containers mounted on wheels or rolls. The surface-area 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 surface-area motor. The transformers can be separated from one another and can be arranged to form desired geometries of the surface-area motor. At least one metal detecting apparatus is integrated into the surface-area motor.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system includes a first set of operator input devices and a laser target located on a first machine. The control system also includes a first laser measurement system located on a second machine and configured to measure a distance to the laser target. The control system further includes a communications system configured to selectively communicate a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the second machine follows the first machine based on the measured distance. In the second mode of operation, the second machine moves based on a signal from the first set of operator input devices.

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

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

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

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system for a vehicle includes a deceleration module, a downshift trigger module, and a shift module. The deceleration module determines a deceleration rate based on a speed of at least one of the vehicle and an engine of the vehicle. The downshift trigger module generates a threshold signal based on the deceleration rate. The shift module generates a downshift signal when the speed is less than the threshold signal and while the vehicle is operating in a manual transmission mode.

Abstract: A surrounding recognition support system includes a distance marker display section displaying a distance marker on a monitor for a user to identify the distance marker, which indicates a distance from the user to a predetermined area and allows the user to visually sense the distance when the user looks at the monitor, and a sound output section emitting a special sound corresponding to the distance indicated by the distance marker when the distance marker is displayed on the monitor by the distance marker display section. The sound output section emits the special sound in response to a result of detection of an object detection portion detecting the object existing around the user within the predetermined area defined by the distance indicated by the distance marker.

Abstract: An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power source, one or more motors, running gear for facilitating movement, and an optical system. The one or more motors are housed within the vehicle body and are in operable connection with the power source, and the running gear are in operable connection with the one or more motors. The optical system includes one or more optical sensors positioned generally at an underside of the vehicle body. The one or more optical sensors are configured to generate an output in response to a path. The optical system is configured to regulate an amount of power supplied to the one or more motors in response to the output generated by the one or more optical sensors.

Abstract: A vehicle is configured to execute an autonomic lane change maneuver and is equipped with a spatial monitoring system. Each of a plurality of objects located proximate to the vehicle is monitored. Locations of each of the objects are predicted relative to a projected trajectory of the vehicle. A collision risk level between the vehicle and each of the objects is assessed.

Abstract: A vehicle awareness system for monitoring remote vehicles relative to a host vehicle. The vehicle awareness system includes at least one object sensing device and a vehicle-to-vehicle communication device. A data collection module is provided for obtaining a sensor object data map and vehicle-to-vehicle object data map. A fusion module merges the sensor object data map and vehicle-to-vehicle object data map for generating a cumulative object data map. A tracking module estimates the relative position of the remote vehicles to the host vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus generates a notice sound by emitting an ultrasonic wave in mid air based on an ultrasonic signal modulated according to an audible sound. During proceeding in mid air, the modulated ultrasonic wave is self-demodulating to become an audible sound. The audible sound posterior to the self-demodulation has a significant directionality like the ultrasonic wave. The notice sound is thus conveyed mainly to a pedestrian who is present in a dangerous area range where a danger needs to be taught. In addition, the vehicle presence notification apparatus includes a sensor-use ultrasonic transducer device having a transducers. The transducer device serves as a vehicle velocity sensor by transmitting an ultrasonic wave towards a road surface based on an ultrasonic wave signal or modulated ultrasonic wave, thereby enabling the vehicle presence notification apparatus to acquire vehicle velocity information by itself.

Abstract: A method for controlling a driver assistance system having an LKS function of a vehicle is described. In the region of lane widening, a hypothetical lane which connects a starting lane to a destination lane is generated by the driver assistance system. In the region of the lane widening, the vehicle is guided along the hypothetical lane.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A first 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 data processing method for alerting a first vehicle when entering and/or residing in a blind spot of at least one second vehicle and a system and a computer program implementing such a method. A method in accordance with an embodiment includes: determining and dynamically updating the position of second vehicle, the blind spot of the second vehicle, and the time for the first vehicle to enter the blind spot. An alarm signal is generated when the first vehicle is entering or residing in a blind spot of the second vehicle. The method also includes steps to generate direction for the first vehicle to avoid entering in or to leave the blind spot of the second vehicle.

Abstract: An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power source, one or more motors housed within the vehicle body and in operable connection with the power source, running gear in operable connection with the one or more motors for facilitating movement and supporting the vehicle body upon a surface, and an optical system. The optical system includes an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from the surface and generating an output in response to the light reflected, and one or more light sources, each light source capable of projecting light on the surface. Furthermore, the optical system is configured to regulate an amount of power supplied to the one or more motors in response to the output generated by the optical sensor.

Abstract: A headway distance maintenance supporting system may include a running controller for performing constant headway distance control, a deceleration controller for performing deceleration support control, a transitional state detector for detecting transitional states of said given vehicle based on the running environment of said given vehicle or the operations performed by the driver. The system controller is configured such that when said transitional state detector detects that the transitional state of said given vehicle is a prescribed transitional state, said running controller is controlled such that said constant headway distance control is released, and said deceleration controller is controlled such that said deceleration support control can be performed.

Abstract: A steering assist system for applying a steering torque reduces the influence of a time-dependent steering control amount on an assist steering torque when a predetermined driving operation by a driver is detected. Thus, the influence of the time-dependent steering control amount on the applied steering torque, which increases when the period of time over which actual moving state deviates from the target moving state increases is reduced when the driver makes the predetermined driving operation. Thus, it is possible to avoid the problem where steering feel degrades because the steering torque increases over time.

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: 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: The invention pertains to a vehicle (01) with a distance control system, wherein the distance control system features at least one distance sensor (08) for measuring the distance of the vehicle (01) from surrounding objects (02, 03, 05). A distance sensor (08) is arranged on at least one side of the vehicle (01) in the central region thereof, particularly in or on the exterior rearview mirror (06, 07).

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 vehicle driving assist system is provided that calculates the risk potential of the host vehicle with respect to a preceding object existing in front of a host vehicle. A first driving assistance control system controls at least one of an actuation reaction force exerted by a driver-operated driving operation device and a braking/driving force exerted against the host vehicle based on the calculated risk potential. A second driving assistance control system configured to control the braking/driving force of the host vehicle such that at least one of a host vehicle speed and a headway distance between the host vehicle and the obstacle is maintained. An operating state reporting section reports an operating state of the first driving assistance control system based on an operating state of the second driving assistance control system, the risk potential, and an accelerator pedal actuation state.

Abstract: A method controls a parallel parking of a vehicle. A distance between the first object and the second object is remotely sensed. The distance is compared to a first predetermined distance and a second predetermined distance. An autonomous first steering strategy maneuver is performed for parking the vehicle between the first object and second object if the distance is greater than the first predetermined distance. The first steering strategy maneuver consists of a first predetermined number of steering cycles for parking the vehicle. An autonomous second steering strategy maneuver is performed for parking the vehicle between the first and second object if the distance is between the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance. The second steering strategy maneuver consists of a second predetermined number of steering cycles for parking the vehicle where the second is greater than the first predetermined number of steering cycles.