Abstract: A Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) solution is provided to mobile devices having multi-constellation, multi-frequency (MCMF) functionality, in which a single base station may have a baseline much farther than traditional base station. To enable this, embodiments account for differences in atmospheric effects between the rover station and base station when determining a GNSS position fix for a mobile device (rover station), allowing for a separate tropospheric delay error for a base station to be determined. Embodiments may use additional satellite measurements for which no RTK correction is available, and may further use orbital clock correction for these additional satellite measurements.

Abstract: A method for positioning an autonomous moving device includes steps of: acquiring a current positioning signal of an autonomous moving device during a moving process, and a reference positioning signal of the autonomous moving device before the current positioning signal; resolving the reference positioning signal and the current positioning signal to acquire error data; and processing the error data and position information of the reference positioning signal to acquire current position information of the autonomous moving device.

Abstract: Vehicle dispatch system includes upper stage unit, lower stage unit and interface communication unit. The upper stage unit, configured to generate vehicle schedules, is communicatively connected to the interface communication unit. The lower stage unit, communicatively connected to the upper stage unit and the interface communication unit, has two storage units and a control unit. The first storage unit stores in a state representation multiple possible states having multiple possible actions. The control unit, which receives the schedule as a state representation, is configured to simulate states during an episode by selecting a state action and determining a reward value. The second storage unit stores the reward value and has a policy linked to one possible action for each state. The interface communication unit, operable to receive and transmit vehicle communications, is configured to access the policy and its associated action and communicate the action to a vehicle.

Abstract: A beam splitting hand off systems architecture and method for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: generating a first beam with a single electronically steered flat-panel antenna to track a first satellite; generating a second beam with the single electronically steered flat-panel antenna to track a second satellite simultaneously while generating the first beam to track the first satellite; and handing off traffic from the first satellite to the second satellite.

Abstract: A method for dispatching a plurality of vehicles operating in a work area among a plurality of destination locations and a plurality of source locations includes implementing linear programming that takes in an optimization function and constraints to generate an optimum schedule for optimum production, utilizing a reinforcement learning algorithm that takes in the schedule as input and cycles through possible environmental states that could occur within the schedule by choosing one possible action for each possible environmental state and by observing the reward obtained by taking the action at each possible environmental state, developing a policy for each possible environmental state, and providing instructions to follow an action associated with the policy.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a receiver for use in a user satellite, located among other things partly or wholly on orbits remote from Earth, for example. The receiver comprises a receiving unit and a processing unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive signals transmitted by navigation satellites of one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). The processing unit is configured to determine measurements based on the data contained in the signals received. The processing unit is further configured to carry out a calculation of position, velocity and time (PVT) based on batch processing of the measurements. The disclosure herein further relates to a method and a user satellite.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a system includes a detector configured to detect a signal from a source and provide first signal information regarding a distance a detected signal traveled between the source and the detector. A processor is configured to determine whether the first signal information corresponds to a direct signal path between the detector and the source or the first signal information corresponds to a reflected signal based on second signal information from at least one other detector that does not have a direct signal path between the other detector and the source. The processor determines a location of the detector based on the first signal information only when the first signal information corresponds to the direct signal path between the detector and the source.

Abstract: An electronic device with a primary functionality and a tracking functionality can be used in a centralized tracking system. A controller configures the electronic device to operate in one of a set of: an “on” mode, an “off” mode, a first standby mode, and a tracking standby mode. While configured to operate in the “on” mode, the primary and tracking functionality of the electronic device are enabled, and while configured to operate in the “off” mode, both are disabled. While configured to operate in the first standby mode, the tracking functionality is enabled and the primary functionality is limited. While configured to operate in the tracking standby mode, the primary functionality is disabled but the tracking functionality is enabled, enabling the electronic device to be located while the primary functionality is disabled and saving power relative to the first standby mode and the “on” mode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS signals are presented. These include GNSS processing with predicted precise clocks, GNSS processing with mixed-quality data, GNSS processing with time-sequence maintenance, GNSS processing with reduction of position jumps in low-latency solutions, GNSS processing with position blending to bridge reference station changes, and GNSS processing with delta-phase correction for incorrect starting position.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved GNSS receiver which determines a location of the receiver by combining a first location determined either from the standard PVT of a multi-frequency receiver and/or from a positioning aid like a map matching algorithm, inertial navigation system, WiFi localization system or other, and a second location determined by integrating the velocity from the standard PVT. The combination is based on a duty cycle or a combination of the duty cycle with a weighting of the error budgets of the first position and the second location. The improved receiver is preferably based on a standard receiver with an add-on software module which receives and processes data transmitted from the standard receiver by, for example, NMEA messages. The improved receiver allows a determination of a more precise and smoother trajectory in a simple way.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alignment method based on a simplified mode allowing processing using an invariant Kalman filter, in which each speed involved in the navigation equations is expressed in a work reference frame (Rt) translated with respect to an inertial reference frame (Ri) and for which the origin moves along a reference inertial trajectory, the carrier of which is assumed to be close (geographic origin for alignment with the sun at known position, GPS trajectory for alignment in-motion, etc.). This simplified mode comprises the repetition of the following steps to estimate a mobile carrier state (P): —propagation (PROP) determining an estimated current state from a preceding estimated state, inertial sensor measurements and theoretical information on the carrier trajectory (P) —updating (MAJ) the estimated state using theoretical information on the carrier trajectory (P). The deterministic uncertainties of the sensors (bias/drift/scale factors, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to generation of a safe navigation path for a vehicle. The safe navigation path is generated by a navigation path generation system. The navigation path generation system receives a reference path from a source location to a destination location. Further, generates scan lines from the reference path to the boundaries present on either side of the reference path. Further, the navigation path generation system generates segment along the boundaries. Further, using the generated segments the navigation path generation system generates a safe navigation path along the centre, between the boundaries present on either side of the reference path. Navigation of the vehicle along the safe path ensures the safety of the vehicle and the people in the vehicle especially when the vehicle is an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for a vehicle for switching vehicle control from an autonomous driving mode includes one or more processors, network interface hardware configured to communicate with a remote server over a network, and one or more memory modules that store logic. The electronic control unit executes logic to determine that the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle will terminate, determine that a driver is unavailable to take immediate control of the vehicle upon termination of the autonomous driving, transfer control of the vehicle to a remote operator over the network interface hardware for a first time period, generate an alert to the driver to take manual control of the vehicle, and transfer control of the vehicle to one of the driver and the autonomous driving mode after the first time period has elapsed.

Abstract: A method and a device for automatically reversing a vehicle are provided. A forward track of a target vehicle is recorded in a forward process of the target vehicle. The target vehicle is controlled to be reversed from a current position and the target vehicle is controlled to be reversed along the forward track by adjusting a steering wheel angle of the target vehicle at each reversing moment, when an automatic reversing instruction for the target vehicle is detected after the target vehicle stops moving forward. The target vehicle is controlled to stop being reversed when a reversing stop instruction for the target vehicle is detected in a reversing process.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic traveling vehicle includes a position sensor and circuitry. The position sensor is to detect a vehicle position of the automatic traveling vehicle. The circuitry is configured to control the automatic traveling vehicle to travel along a first route, a first turn route connected to the first route, a straight route connected to the first turn route, a second turn route connected to the straight route, and a second route connected to the second turn route in this order, and to calculate the straight route extending from a reference point on the first turn route to the second turn route such that the straight route is tangent to the second turn route.

Abstract: Drivable path plan systems and methods for autonomous vehicles disclosed herein may receive original path plan data, including a first path element tangentially connected to a second path element at a transition connection point. A drivable path plan may be calculated for the autonomous vehicle between the first path element and the second path element using a clothoid spline. An initial connection point may be identified, as well as an initial heading and an initial curvature along the first path element, and a final connection point, a final heading, and a final curvature along the second path element. The clothoid spline may be inserted between the initial connection point along the first path element and the final connection point along the second path element.

Abstract: A code positioning part calculates a position of a subject vehicle and a receiver clock based on an orbit of a GNSS satellite in which an error indicated by a positioning reinforcing signal is corrected and a first corrected pseudorange being a pseudorange of the GNSS satellite in which an error indicated by the positioning reinforcing signal is corrected. A receiver clock bias error correction part determines a difference between a two-point range between a position of each of a plurality of GNSS satellites and the position of the subject vehicle and the first corrected pseudorange as an unknown error, and determines a receiver clock bias error of the pseudorange based on the unknown error. A code positioning correction part recalculates the position of the subject vehicle, using a second corrected pseudorange that is obtained by correcting the first corrected pseudorange using the receiver clock bias error.

Abstract: A method of positioning an electric vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or similar vehicle relative to a charging point includes receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system (GPS) signal, receiving at the vehicle a global positioning system correction signal, correcting the global positioning system signal using the global positioning system correction signal, and positioning the vehicle relative to the charging point using the corrected global positioning system signal such that the vehicle can be charged by the charging point.

Abstract: A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a control method of the GPS receiver, and a GPS system are provided, which are capable of reducing an initial position check time using an SBAS signal transmitted from a SBAS satellite. The control method of a GPS receiver includes receiving an SBAS signal from a SBAS satellite and calculating a satellite clock and a satellite position of the GPS receiver using the received SBAS signal. The SBAS signal may contain a difference value between the ephemeris data and the almanac data of the GPS satellite. The difference value between the ephemeris data and the almanac data may include a satellite clock difference value and a satellite position difference value for the GPS satellite. Accordingly, it is possible to acquire the current position and time information more quickly and accurately, by shortening the initial position check time using the difference value between the ephemeris data and the almanac data included in the SBAS signal.

Abstract: A vehicle driving test apparatus includes: a fixed position terminal that is fixed at a driving course and detects a fixed GPS signal; and a vehicular position terminal that is installed in a vehicle, detects a vehicle GPS signal per a predetermined time while the vehicle moves a predetermined distance, receives the fixed GPS signal from the fixed position terminal, sets the vehicle position based on the vehicle GPS signal and the fixed GPS signal, sets a reference line based on an entering angle of the vehicle, and tests a leaning state of the vehicle through the reference line and the vehicle position that is changed per the predetermined time.

Abstract: A satellite corrections generation system receives reference receiver measurement information from a plurality of reference receivers at established locations. In accordance with the received reference receiver measurement information, and established locations of the reference receivers, the system determines wide-lane navigation solutions for the plurality of reference receivers. The system also determines clusters of single-difference (SD) wide-lane floating ambiguities. A satellite wide-lane bias value for each satellite of a plurality of satellites is initially determined in accordance with fractional portions of the SD wide-lane floating ambiguities in the clusters and over-range adjustment criteria. A set of navigation satellite corrections for each satellite, including the satellite wide-lane bias value for each satellite, is generated and transmitted to navigation receivers for use in determining locations of the navigation receivers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sharing convergence data between GNSS receivers are disclosed. Convergence data received at a GNSS receiver via a communication connection may be utilized to determine a position of the GNSS receiver.

Abstract: A line acquisition system generates a curvature profile based on initial vehicle states (starting position, heading, curvature and speed), vehicle steering capabilities (calibrated vehicle curvature and curvature rate limits), and initial vehicle position errors relative to the destination path. The curvature profile describes changes in vehicle curvature over a path distance from a current position to a destination path. The line acquisition system constructs an acquisition path from a combination of clothoid, circular arc, and straight lines corresponding with different segments of the curvature profile. The acquisition path can be displayed on a user interface allowing a vehicle operator to observe, prior to automatic steering engagement, the path the vehicle would take from a current state to the destination path.

Abstract: A system and method of describing and executing autonomous or autonomous device behaviors via a computer-implemented system incorporating a fuzzy language, a simulator, and one or more runtimes. The fuzzy language combines high level behaviors and produces a set of parameter descriptions. The parameter descriptions are behavior characteristics whose values are not yet necessarily known or selected. The parameter descriptions are used via simulation to find relevant parameters and acceptable parameter values that result or will result in the autonomous or semi-autonomous device behaving as desired.

Abstract: A method, system and device for obtaining the position of a mobile device. The method including determining a current set of possible positions of the mobile device from a distance between the mobile device and an anchor device at a current instant; determining a subsequent set of possible positions at a subsequent instant from the current set of possible positions and from a vector of movement of the mobile device at the instant; estimating the distance between the mobile device and the anchor device at the subsequent instant; obtaining a new current set of possible positions of the mobile device by selecting within the subsequent positions those which are, from the anchor device, at the distance estimated at the estimating step; and repeating the last three steps until the new current set of possible positions includes only one element.

Abstract: The present disclosure in the field of automobile engineering is a method and system for generating a safe navigation path for navigating a driverless vehicle. A path generating system receives one or more pre-generated paths between source point and destination point and an environmental data corresponding to each pre-generated path from one or more sources in real-time. Further, the path generating system identifies one or more navigation points in real-time based on the environmental data, vehicle capability characteristics and vehicle parameters by tracing virtual rays in a preconfigured angle range up to preconfigured distance from each of one or more originating points along each of the one or more pre-generated paths. Finally, the path generating system links the navigation points based on predefined techniques to generate the safe navigation path for navigating driverless vehicle. In the present disclosure, safe navigation path is generated without usage of any sensor.

Abstract: A management system includes an input device provided to a loading machine that performs, after a first loading work of loading a load onto a first haul machine positioned at a first loading position at a loading site of a mine is ended, a second loading work of loading a load onto a second haul machine that is already positioned, during the first loading work, at a second loading position different from the first loading position, and a processing device to which an operation signal generated by the input device is to be output, wherein the processing device specifies a start time of the second loading work based on the operation signal generated by the input device at a time when the first loading work is ended.

Abstract: A system and method for navigating a vehicle comprising an image sensor in the absence of global positioning information is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises accepting a user-selected target of an image produced by the imaging sensor, determining a difference between an optic flow due only to motion of the vehicle and the selected target of the image, determining a vehicle guidance command at least in part according to the difference between the optic flow of the selected target due to motion of the vehicle and the selected target of the image, and an estimate of a ground speed of the vehicle Vg, and commanding the vehicle at least in part according to the vehicle guidance command. Another embodiment is evidenced by an apparatus having a processor and a communicatively coupled memory storing processor instructions for performing the foregoing operations.

Abstract: Drivable path plan systems and methods for autonomous vehicles disclosed herein may receive original path plan data, including a first path element tangentially connected to a second path element at a transition connection point. A drivable path plan may be calculated for the autonomous vehicle between the first path element and the second path element using a clothoid spline. An initial connection point may be identified, as well as an initial heading and an initial curvature along the first path element, and a final connection point, a final heading, and a final curvature along the second path element. The clothoid spline may be inserted between the initial connection point along the first path element and the final connection point along the second path element.

Abstract: A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to an object, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the object; an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the object in an unauthorized removal condition, and a remote collector system adapted to communicate with the security tag to set the security tag in the unauthorized removal condition and an authorized removal condition, wherein upon receipt of the tamper signal, the remote collector system generates a security message.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for a vehicle for switching vehicle control from an autonomous driving mode includes one or more processors, network interface hardware configured to communicate with a remote server over a network, and one or more memory modules that store logic. The electronic control unit executes logic to determine that the autonomous driving mode of the vehicle will terminate, determine that a driver is unavailable to take immediate control of the vehicle upon termination of the autonomous driving, transfer control of the vehicle to a remote operator over the network interface hardware for a first time period, generate an alert to the driver to take manual control of the vehicle, and transfer control of the vehicle to one of the driver and the autonomous driving mode after the first time period has elapsed.

Abstract: A satellite-based positioning receiver is provided that is configured to combine non-concurrent sets of pseudoranges all taken at a common location to determine at least a 2D position of the common location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the failure of a precision time source using an independent time source are disclosed. Additionally, detecting the failure of a GNSS based precision time source based on a calculated location of a GNSS receiver is disclosed. Moreover, the system may be further configured to distribute a time derived from the precision time source as a precision time reference to time dependent devices. In the event of a failure of the precision time source, the system may be configured to distribute a time derived from a second precision time source as the precision time signal during a holdover period.

Abstract: A construction machine control system for a construction machine that travels along a travel route, includes: a position detection unit that detects a position of the construction machine; a non-contact sensor that detects a position of an object around the construction machine; and a measurement output unit that detects a position of a vertical projection that protrudes vertically from a detection result of the position detection unit and a detection result of the non-contact sensor and stores the detected position of the vertical projection in a map information storage unit as map information, wherein the measurement output unit determines whether the construction machine is in a state that decreases accuracy of the map information, and when it is determined that the construction machine is in the state that decreases the accuracy of the map information, the measurement output unit stops storing the map information.

Abstract: An embodiment disclosed a system for collaborative positioning calibration, comprising at least one reference station and at least one client. The reference station uses a known position and a satellite signal transmitted by at least one satellite to compute a pseudo-range difference of the reference station position and the satellite position, and then broadcasts an area calibration data including at least one pseudo-range difference to at least one client. Based on the area calibration data, the client computes at least one pseudo-range calibration data and outputs a calibrated position of global positioning system.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for converting an image into a virtual viewpoint image so that the image of an object is not distorted.

Abstract: A construction machine control system for a construction machine that travels along a travel route, includes: a position detection unit that detects a position of the construction machine; a determination unit that determines whether an error in the position detected by the position detection unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined error; a non-contact sensor that detects a position of an object around the construction machine; and a map information storage unit that extracts a detection result related to a vertical projection that protrudes vertically from a detection result of the non-contact sensor and stores the extracted detection result related to the vertical projection as map information when the determination unit determines that the error in the position detected by the position detection unit is equal to or smaller than the predetermined error.

Abstract: An autonomous traveling vehicle is controlled to faithfully reproduce a planned traveling route and to autonomously travel. The autonomous traveling vehicle includes a platform, a traveling unit, a teaching unit, a curvature calculation unit, and a control parameter adjustment unit. The traveling unit is mounted on the platform and controls the platform to travel. In a teaching travel mode, the teaching unit acquires subgoal points. The teaching unit stores planned traveling route data as an aggregate of the subgoal points. The curvature calculation unit calculates and stores a key curvature radius. In a reproduction travel mode, the control parameter adjustment unit adjusts a control parameter to determine an direction angle feedback control amount of the traveling unit based on the key curvature radius calculated by the curvature calculation unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for calculating a pseudo-range and position in a global navigation satellite system receiver. A first pseudo-range of a satellite is calculated for position determination of the global navigation satellite system receiver. A second pseudo-range of the satellite is calculated for position correction of the global navigation satellite system receiver. A differential operation is performed using the first pseudo-range and the second pseudo-range to eliminate an error. A more precise pseudo-range of the satellite is calculated using the differential pseudo-range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing distance and velocity measurements, such as by using carrier signals, are disclosed. A measurement system device may include a first antenna configured to receive a first signal from a transmitting device, the first signal having a carrier frequency, and a second antenna configured to receive the first signal from the transmitting device. The measurement system device may also include a processor configured to determine a first differential distance between the first antenna and the second antenna from the transmitting device and to determine a rate of change of the first differential distance. The processor may also be configured to estimate a geometry of the measurement system device relative to the transmitting device using the rate of change of the first differential distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a balloon-based positioning system and method. In one example embodiment, a system includes a group of at least three balloons deployed in the stratosphere and a control system configured for: determining a first set of spatial relationships relating to the group; determining a second set of spatial relationships relating to at least a portion of the group and to a reference point; determining a position of the reference point relative to the earth; using the determined first set, the determined second set, and the determined position of the reference point relative to the earth as a basis for determining a position of a target balloon in the group relative to the earth; and transmitting the determined position of the target balloon relative to the earth.

Abstract: Positioning systems and methods for estimating an altitude of a receiver. In some embodiments, pressure and temperature information from a network of sensors is received by the receiver, and the pressure and temperature information from the network of sensors is used along with pressure information measured at a position of the receiver to estimate the altitude of the receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may help to protect users' privacy when storing and/or utilizing location data that is provided by the users' mobile devices. An example method may involve: (a) determining a location history associated with a first client device, wherein the location history comprises a plurality of time-stamped location reports associated with the first client device, (b) before the location history is exported: (i) identifying at least one stop in the location history, wherein the at least one stop corresponds to a plurality of location reports that indicate a substantial lack of movement by the first client device, and (ii) scrubbing the location history in order to obscure at least one location report that corresponds to the at least one stop, and (c) exporting the scrubbed location history to long-term data storage.

Abstract: A locator system and method of use is disclosed. The locator system may be used to receive radiolocation signals, calculate location data based on the radiolocation signals, and send the current location data over a telecommunication network to a server computer. A client may request the location data from the server computer and the server may send the location data to the client.

Abstract: A first plurality of differences (first differences or second differences) of carrier phase measurements of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals corresponding to a first measurement epoch is received. A plurality of differences of carrier phase ambiguities of the first plurality of differences of carrier phase measurements is resolved. A first fixed position of the rover is computed. A first plurality of sub-corrections is computed based at least in part on the first fixed position of the rover, a position of the base, a position of each specific GNSS satellite, and the first plurality of differences of carrier phase measurements. The first plurality of sub-corrections is then used to reduce the processing time for ambiguity resolution of carrier phase measurements in subsequent measurement epochs. The sub-corrections can be smoothed, aged, or smoothed and aged.

Abstract: Drivable path plan systems and methods for autonomous vehicles disclosed herein may receive original path plan data, including a first path element tangentially connected to a second path element at a transition connection point. A drivable path plan may be calculated for the autonomous vehicle between the first path element and the second path element using a clothoid spline. An initial connection point may be identified, as well as an initial heading and an initial curvature along the first path element, and a final connection point, a final heading, and a final curvature along the second path element. The clothoid spline may be inserted between the initial connection point along the first path element and the final connection point along the second path element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a route logging system. The route logging system includes a geographic location server, a user profile server, a mobile client device, and image recording device(s). The geographic location server has access to a waypoint database. The user profile server has access to a user profile database, which includes a plurality of user profiles each including at least one route log. Each route log includes at least one waypoint image. The mobile client device is associated with one or more of the plurality of user profiles included in the user profile database. When the mobile client device determines it is within a threshold distance of a specific geographic position, the mobile client device updates the respective route log. The one or more image recording device(s) record waypoint images that can be included in route logs and associated with specific geographic positions.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A computer-based system, computer-implemented method, and computer-readable medium for tracking assets, such as objects and persons. The current invention involves associating a GPS-tracked tag with a targeted asset, registering a serial number associated with the tag, storing the serial number onto a database, and tracking the tag—and thus, associated asset—through the database. Authorized third parties, such as law enforcement personnel, may also access the database and track the asset, if needed, for example if the asset is stolen. The user is able to activate and deactivate the tracking ability of the tag and immediately track the tag when needed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining a precise position of a rover located within a region are presented using rover observations comprising code observations and carrier-phase observations of GNSS signals on at least two carrier frequencies over multiple epochs. Correction data is received for each of the epochs at least one code bias per satellite. Synthetic reference data is generated for each of the epochs from the correction data for a synthetic station location. A determination is made for each epoch whether a cycle slip has occurred. Upon determining that a cycle slip has occurred, values of any variables of a set of state variables which are affected by the cycle slip are reset. Each epoch of rover observations and correction data is used to estimate updated values for the set of state variables including a set of ambiguities and coordinates of a precise rover position.