Abstract: A method and a device for operating an automated vehicle. The method includes a step of detecting surroundings data values, a step of determining positions and/or predicted movements of objects in the surroundings of the automated vehicle, a step of carrying out a first comparison of the surroundings data values and/or of the positions and/or of the predicted movements using an external server, a step of determining a driving strategy for the automated vehicle as a function of the positions and/or predicted movements of the objects and as a function of the first comparison, a step of carrying out a second comparison of the driving strategy using the external server, and a step of operating the automated vehicle as a function of the driving strategy and as a function of the second comparison.

Abstract: An example operation includes one or more of receiving, by a transport, a notification when at least one of an emergency transport and the transport approach one another, wherein the notification includes a movement for the transport, wherein the movement includes a path, a speed and a time for the transport to maneuver, and displaying the notification in the transport.

Abstract: A system for urban air mobility monitors flight separation for compliance with a safe separation distance. A reference formation airspace is established for a reference air taxi based on minimum longitudinal, lateral and vertical parameters. When penetration of the reference formation airspace is detected, a penetration airspace is established. A centroid of the penetration airspace is determined and a target separation to the centroid is supplied to the air taxi to reestablish safe separation. The extent of separation is also safely contained by the presence of virtual air taxis whose positions on the periphery of the penetrated airspace serve to limit potential penetration of surrounding air taxi air spaces.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for measuring rheological properties of a fluid including a vessel with a shape defined by the following proportionality: x?C ×y{circumflex over (?)}((1/n)) wherein the symbol ? refers to proportionality, and the variables x and y are coordinates on an x-y cartesian coordinate plane, where x is length and y is height; 2?n?4; and C is a constant with dimensions of length, and the vessel includes a hole at or near the y-coordinate minimum; a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor wherein the temperature sensor and pressure sensor are configured to transmit temperature and pressure information to a mobile display device, tablet, or computer, the mobile display device, tablet, or computer comprising memory and a processor and a software application configured to perform processing operations including accepting two input numerical values including density and viscosity measured by the vessel and outputting industry standard dial readings of a conventional rotational rheometer.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose methods and systems for adversarial learning in autonomous vehicle path modeling. The systems and methods collect states of the vehicle in the environment to predict a path. The predicted path is compared for variance from an actual path. The variance between the paths, in light of other data, is used to modify the driving models, to create more accurate representations of expert driving in autonomous vehicle path generation.

Abstract: A multilateration method basically includes receiving a signal strength indicator for at least one client wireless device from a plurality of access point devices, and calculating a position of the at least one client wireless device based on the signal strength indicator for the at least one client wireless device, prestored positions of the access point devices and a radio transmission parameter. The radio transmission parameter is obtained as a value that minimizes an error between a calculated position of at least one reference wireless device and a prestored position of the at least one reference wireless device.

Abstract: An avionics system for an aircraft includes a threat data structure and a processor. The threat data structure stores an alert threshold and a margin threshold. The processor is programmed to: predict an aircraft state at a plurality of positions along a potential future trajectory; calculate a margin value at each of the plurality of positions as a difference between the predicted future condition and the threat value at each respective one of the plurality of positions; calculate a margin rate of change at each of the plurality of positions based on a change in the margin value along the potential future trajectory; estimate a time to go value based on a minimum calculated margin value and a maximum calculated margin rate of change among the plurality of positions; and command an indicator to alert the pilot in response to the time to go value reaching the alert threshold.

Abstract: An antenna system. The system includes a feed network with first input/output terminals and second output/input terminals, and antenna elements forming an array. In a first configuration: each of the second plurality of output/input terminals is connected to one of the antenna elements, the array operating according to a different radiation pattern based on which one of the first plurality of input/output terminals carries a signal into the feed network. In a second configuration: a selected antenna element is disconnected from the second plurality of output/input terminals and receives a direct signal, bypassing the feed network, and operates according to its independent radiation pattern. Also, in the second configuration each remaining antenna element is disconnected from the second plurality of output/input terminals and connected directly to a detuning network, causing these antenna elements to have a minimal effect on the independent radiation pattern of the selected antenna element.

Abstract: A traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), configured to transmit a wide transmit beam of approximately 180 degrees. The wide transmit beam may be, for example at the interrogation frequency or a transponder response frequency. The TCAS of this disclosure includes a directional antenna system with two signal input ports and two or more antenna elements. In some examples, the direction of the 180 degree beam may be controlled by the phase relationship between the signals input to the two port antenna. In other examples, the direction of the transmit beam from the antenna system is predefined to be in two complementary directions (e.g., forward and aft).

Abstract: Embodiments include system and processes for tracking objects using a camera. An optical marker dictionary including one or more optical markers is generated, the optical markers being optically distinct indicators. An optical marker within the optical marker dictionary is associated with and affixed to an object. A processor is in communication with the camera, receiving image data from the camera and applying computer vision to the image data in order to detect the presence of one or more optical markers within the optical marker dictionary within the image data. The processor determines camera position information and applies computer vision to the image data in order to determine relative position information for the detected optical markers and projects a position from the camera to a detected optical marker.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes calculating, based on a reported position of a vehicle, a probability that an actual position of the vehicle is within a region of interest. The method further includes determining whether a threat of a collision exists between the vehicle and an object based on the probability that the actual position of the vehicle is within the region of interest and a reported position of the object. The method further includes generating an alert if it is determined a threat of a collision exists between the vehicle and the object.

Abstract: A network controller including processing circuitry may be configured to receive dynamic position information indicative of a three dimensional position of at least one mobile communication node, compare fixed position information indicative of fixed geographic locations of respective access points of a network to the dynamic position information to determine a relative position of the at least one mobile communication node relative to at least one of the access points based on the fixed position information and the dynamic position information, and provide network control instructions to at least one network asset based on the relative position.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide simplified route extension and/or display for autopiloting mobile structures. A route extension system includes a user interface for a mobile structure and a logic device configured to communicate with the user interface. The user interface includes a display configured to display at least a portion of an established route for the mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive a first user input indicating a position on a navigational chart, receive a second user input indicating the received position corresponds to an extended route for the mobile structure, determine at least one extension routeleg from an endpoint of the established route to the received position, and render at least a portion of the extended route on the display.

Abstract: A collision avoidance and/or pedestrian detection system for a large passenger vehicle such as commuter bus, which includes one or more exterior and/or interior sensing devices positioned strategically around the exterior and interior of the vehicle for recording data, method for avoiding collisions and/or detecting pedestrians, and features/articles of manufacture for improving same, is described herein in various embodiments. The sensing devices may be responsive to one or more situational sensors, and may be connected to one or more interior and/or exterior warning systems configured to alert a driver inside the vehicle and/or a pedestrian outside the vehicle that a collision may be possible and/or imminent based on a path of the vehicle and/or a position of the pedestrian as detected by one or more sensing devices and/or situational sensors.

Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be outfitted with one or more transceivers for transmitting signals between one another. The signals may be time-stamped with times at which the signals are transmitted, and the times at which such signals are received, as determined from global clocks. The times-of-flight of such signals may be calculated from the differences between the times of transmission and the times of receipt, and used to calculate relative distances between the aerial vehicles. Additionally, where two or more of such signals are transmitted by an aerial vehicle, and received by another aerial vehicle, the times-of-flight of such signals may be used to track relative motion or determine an orientation of the aerial vehicle. Such signals may be transmitted and received by any number of vehicles or other objects, and may include any information, data or metadata regarding such vehicles or other objects.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus for detecting an object around a moving object by transmitting a probe wave and receiving reflections of the probe wave from the object via the plurality of ranging sensors. In the apparatus, an interaction determiner is configured to, if an object position calculated by a position calculator is within a range of a moving-object's course, determine whether or not the detected object is likely to interact with the moving object based on a lateral position of the detected object and a degree of confidence of the object position calculated by the position calculator. The lateral position of the detected object is the object position calculated by the position calculator in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the moving object.

Abstract: A method according to the present invention includes calculating, based on a reported position of a vehicle, a probability that an actual position of the vehicle is within a region of interest. The method further includes determining whether a threat of a collision exists between the vehicle and an object based on the probability that the actual position of the vehicle is within the region of interest and a reported position of the object. The method further includes generating an alert if it is determined a threat of a collision exists between the vehicle and the object.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus includes a first detection unit that detects an object based on a reflected version of probing waves transmitted by a first distance sensor and received as direct waves by the first distance sensor, a second detection unit that detects the object based on a reflected version of the probing waves received as indirect waves by a second distance sensor, a position calculation unit that calculates position data of the object using a trilateration method, a counter update unit that updates a counter value of a reliability level determination counter by an update amount, and an update amount setting unit that variably sets the value of the update amount depending on which position within detection areas of the first and second distance sensors the position data calculated in the current detection cycle shows the object to be in.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a floating layer on a surveillance area of the sea surface, a site of interest being placed in or around the surveillance area. The method comprises the following steps: a) satellite measurement of a radar feedback return, the radar signal being emitted by a satellite toward the sea surface of the surveillance area; b) recognition of at least one swell profile of the sea surface in accordance with the satellite measurements; c) identification of the fluid properties corresponding to the recognized swell profiles; and d) emission of a warning when the fluid properties identified for one of the recognized profiles correspond to a sea surface that includes undesirable elements for the site of interest.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus includes a first acquisition unit that acquires, as a first direct wave group, reflected versions of first probing waves transmitted from and received at a first position, and acquires, as a first indirect wave group reflected versions of the first probing waves received at a second position, a second acquisition unit that acquires, as a second indirect wave group, reflected versions of second probing waves transmitted from the second position and received at the first position, and acquires, as a second direct wave group, reflected versions of the second probing wave received at the second position, and a determination unit that determines whether the object is a real object or a ghost in accordance with the receptions times of the first and second direct wave groups and the first and second indirect wave groups.

Abstract: A method of detecting collisions between an equipped mobile object travelling around an airport installation and at least one obstacle. The method comprises the following steps. Determining the real-time positions of the equipped mobile object in a reference frame tied to the airport installation. Reading at least one item of information contained in at least one marker fixed to the equipped mobile object. Determining an outline of the equipped mobile object on the basis of the read item of information contained in the marker. Positioning the outline determined in the reference frame tied to the airport installation. Triggering an alert if the distance between the outline of the equipped mobile object and the obstacle is less than a given threshold.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting an overhead cable from an aerial vessel, for instance from a helicopter in motion, and specifically for use in a landing preparing procedure. The method includes providing, from a camera arranged in the aerial vessel, a plurality of images of an area beneath the aerial vessel when the aerial vessel is in motion; detecting lines in the images; determining if the lines represent lines at ground level or lines at a level above ground level; and determining if a line at a level above ground level represents a possible overhead cable. The step of detecting lines in the images may include a modified SUSAN algorithm. The step of determining if the lines represent lines at ground level or lines above ground level may include parallax calculation.

Abstract: A radar signal processor includes a baseband signal generator, which generates a baseband signal based on information from a received radar signal and a Lead-Lag filter, which filters the baseband signal to generate a filtered signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a position of a receiver. A number of first radio frequency signals including navigation information at the receiver is received. The number of first radio frequency signals is sent from a number of platforms configured to receive second radio frequency signals from a plurality of satellites in a global positioning system. The position of the receiver is identified using a number of distances and a number of angles identified from the number of first radio frequency signals and a number of positions for the number of platforms.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for using radio frequency (RF) signals with different beam widths for purposes of balloon-to-balloon communication are described. One example method includes determining a vertical angle between a first balloon and a second balloon, if the vertical angle is below a threshold angle, communicating with the second balloon using a narrow beam RF signal from a communication system of the first balloon, and if the vertical angle is not below the threshold angle, communicating with the second balloon using a wide beam RF signal from the communication system of the first balloon.

Abstract: Described is a system for object tracking with integrated motion-based object detection and enhanced Kalman-type filtering. The system detects a location of a moving object in an image frame using an object detection MogS module, thereby generating an object detection. For each image frame in a sequence of image frames, the system predicts the location of the moving object in the next image frame using a Kalman filter prediction module to generate a predicted object location. The predicted object location is refined using a Kalman filter updating module, and the Kalman filter updating module is controlled by a controller module that monitors a similarity between the predicted object location and the moving object's location in a previous image frame. Finally, a set of detected moving object locations in the sequence of image frames is output.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein recite a telephone communication system used for handling information such as messages, typically voice mail messages, and, more particularly, is directed to a system that provides distributed session initiation protocol (SIP) silos. Distributed SIP silos (DSS) is a Communications Application Platform (CAP) feature that maintains the site's call capacity even when a signaling server fails. DSS uses multiple non-redundant signaling servers to provide SIP signaling for the same set of media ports. Because there are multiple signaling servers providing signaling for the same set of ports, the failure of one signaling server only terminates the calls it was actively processing and once those calls have been cleaned up, all the available (non-suspended) ports in the configuration are available to the remaining signaling servers.

Abstract: A receiver coil assembly for performing geophysical surveys, including a hollow outer shell defining a continuous internal passage that forms a loop; a multiturn receiver air coil extending around the continuous internal passage; and a first cored coil comprising multiturn solenoid windings about a ferromagnetic core, the first cored coil having a sensing axis in a different direction than a sensing axis of the air coil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a self-organizing OFDMA system for broadband communication are provided. In certain embodiments a communication node for a self organizing network comprises a communication interface configured to transmit data to and receive data from a plurality of nodes; and a processing unit configured to execute computer readable instructions. Further, computer readable instructions direct the processing unit to identify a sub-region within a cell, wherein the communication node is located in the sub-region; and transmit at least one data frame, wherein the data from the communication node is transmitted at a particular time and frequency as defined within the at least one data frame, where the time and frequency are associated with the sub-region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft, determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft, predicting a distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a predicted closest point of approach based on the first and second flight trajectories, comparing the distance to a separation perimeter layer, the separation perimeter layer configured to provide a minimum separation distance from the first aircraft to the second aircraft, and altering the first flight trajectory when the distance breaches the separation perimeter layer.

Abstract: A collision warning system for a subject vehicle is disclosed. The collision warning system uses data relating to the subject vehicle and a target vehicle in an algorithm to estimate the intention of the driver of the subject vehicle. The system uses historic data to improve the algorithm to obtain more accurate estimates.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for generating at least one airport surface incursion alert in a runway awareness and warning system are disclosed. A navigation data source and an airport surface data source provide navigation data and airport surface data to a surface alert generator (“SAG”). The SAG constructs a reference line based upon the airport surface data (e.g., landing threshold points, taxiway hold short lines, etc. . . . ), constructs a ground track line, determines at least one alert distance to an alert point along the ground track line if there is a reference line converging on and intersecting with the ground track line to form an alert point, and generates surface alert data if an alert time to the alert point meets an alert threshold time. The surface alert data is provided to a presentation system in which a visual alert, aural alert, and/or tactile alert is presented.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a sensor configured to detect a rearward approaching object and at least one controller configured to cause the vehicle to accelerate in response to the sensor detecting a rearward approaching object while the vehicle is moving forward.

Abstract: A host-vehicle risk acquisition device includes a host-vehicle path acquisition portion that acquires a path of a host-vehicle, and an obstacle path acquisition portion that acquires a plurality of paths of an obstacle existing around the host-vehicle. A collision risk acquisition portion acquires an actual collision risk, which is a collision risk between the host-vehicle and the obstacle when the host-vehicle is in a travel state based on the path of the host-vehicle and the plurality of paths of the obstacle. An offset risk acquisition portion acquires an offset risk, which is a collision risk between the host-vehicle and the obstacle in an offset travel state, which is offset from the travel state of the host-vehicle.

Abstract: A system incorporating one or more interrogators or readers on heavy construction equipment (e.g., loaders) detect signals emanating from signal transmitters on clothing or equipment of construction workers. Responsive to the detection of a signal emanating from behind the heavy equipment, or in another position relative to the heavy equipment, the driver is notified audibly of the danger such that the driver may stop the movement of the heavy equipment or causes the brakes to be applied and transmission to be disengaged automatically without operator involvement. In another version, a wet brake system (also known as a hydraulic brake system) is triggered automatically responsive to the detection of one or more signals emanating from behind a heavy piece of equipment, or in another position relative to the piece of heavy equipment. A hydraulic cylinder is configured to depresses a de-clutch brake pedal when personnel are identified in a danger zone.

Abstract: A collision warning apparatus, to be mounted to a vehicle, has a roof mount unit (40), to be fixed to the vehicle's roof, as well as a cabin mount unit (41) to be located in the driver's cabin. A digital transmission line (42) is provided for connecting the two. The roof mount unit (40) houses the antennas as well as the analog circuitry of the apparatus, while the cabin mount unit (41) comprises a display (26). The data sent through the transmission line (42) is digital, which allows to make the transmission line thin and flexible. The roof mount unit (40) has a magnet (43) and batteries (48) mounted in its base section (46), with the lighter components, in particular the antennas (30a, 31a, 32a) located in its head section (47).

Abstract: A vehicular wireless communication apparatus disposed in a subject vehicle determines whether a travel locus of the subject vehicle is similar to a travel locus of a lead vehicle. When the travel locus of the subject vehicle and the lead vehicle are similar, the apparatus transmits the lead vehicle's device identification (ID) and a latest position information of the subject vehicle in place of travel locus information of the subject vehicle from the apparatus to other vehicles at regular interval.

Abstract: The invention relate to a collision avoidance apparatus (100, 200, 300, 22), system (10) and method (500). The apparatus (100, 200, 300, 22) includes a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) transceiver (102) operable to send and receive UHF signals in electric field (E-field) mode, a VLF (Very Low frequency) transceiver (104) operable to send and receive VLF signals in magnetic field (H-field) mode, and a SHF (Super High Frequency) transceiver (106) operable to send and receive SHF signals in electric field (E-field) mode. The apparatus (100, 200, 300, 22) further includes a control module (110) operable to direct the operation of the respective transceivers (102, 104, 106), thereby to detect receipt of a signal via at least one of the transceivers (102, 104, 106), and determine whether or not an alert is to be issued, based on the nature of the received signal.

Abstract: A failure-determination apparatus is provided with: a radar device (2); a camera unit (3); a moving target determination unit (12) that determines whether or not the object detected by the radar device (2) is a moving target; an object extraction unit (13) that extracts a specific object from the image captured by the camera unit (3); and a failure-determination unit (14) that determines that the camera unit (3) is in an abnormal state when the object which has been determined to be the moving target by the moving target determination device (12), cannot be determined to be the specific object by the object extraction unit (13).

Abstract: An aircraft communication system and corresponding method for establishing a datalink network between participating aircrafts, wherein each participating aircraft comprises a datalink transponder for sending and receiving standard communication messages (M) over a standard communication protocol; said datalink transponders are employed for establishing said datalink network using a standard communication protocol, and wherein said datalink transponders transmitting event driven messages (M) with a predefined structure identifying said messages (M) as test messages (TM) and at the same time comprising message data (MD) for establishing said datalink network, thus providing a datalink network established by transmission of solely messages (M) compliant with said standard communication protocol.

Abstract: A vehicle can be controlled in a first autonomous mode of operation by at least navigating the vehicle based on map data. Sensor data can be obtained using one or more sensors of the vehicle. The sensor data can be indicative of an environment of the vehicle. An inadequacy in the map data can be detected by at least comparing the map data to the sensor data. In response to detecting the inadequacy in the map data, the vehicle can be controlled in a second autonomous mode of operation and a user can be prompted to switch to a manual mode of operation. The vehicle can be controlled in the second autonomous mode of operation by at least obtaining additional sensor data using the one or more sensors of the vehicle and navigating the vehicle based on the additional sensor data.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for preventing collisions with a terrain. The system includes a detecting means for detecting risks of collision with the terrain after a predetermined forecasting delay. The system further includes a determining means for determining, based on a trajectory followed by the aircraft, a possible limit point for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes indication means for giving indications on azimuth clearance sections, around the direction in which the aircraft is moving, suitable for success of the vertical terrain avoidance maneuver. The system further includes means for estimating a free-travel distance in each azimuth clearance sector on a straight distancing trajectory with constant gradient and over a distance correspond to more than one minute of flight, the free-travel distance being free of potential conflicts with the terrain.

Abstract: Methods and an appropriately setup communication unit for positioning in vehicle-to-surroundings communication are described, wherein the method involves a first sensor (S1) of a first communication subscriber using a transmission and reception unit to emit a challenge pulse, to which a transmission and reception unit of a second sensor (S2) of a second communication subscriber responds with a response pulse. The response pulse is received and evaluated by the first sensor (S1) and positioning is performed. In order to achieve reliable cooperative sensor communication, the transmission and reception units of the first and second sensors (S1, S2) use a frequency band (SCH2) which is reserved for vehicle-oriented safety applications.

Abstract: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.11 communications carried through beacons as well as GPS or other location data and local map information.

Abstract: In a method for selecting safety measures to be taken to increase the safety of occupants of a vehicle, which safety measures relate to a hazard due to environmental influences, a relevance of the hazard is inferred from received position data and warning message data, and at least one safety measure, which includes activation of an actuator in a vehicle, is selected and taken as a function of the relevance.

Abstract: A method for reducing the risk of a collision between a vehicle and at least a first external object is contemplated. The risk of a collision may be reduced with use of a collision avoidance system having a detection unit adapted to issue a control signal in the event it detects a collision involving a first external object in a vicinity of the host vehicle, and an action unit adapted to operate the collision avoidance system such that an emergency maneuver can be initiated by the collision avoidance system at an earlier stage if the control signal is issued, as compared to when no control signal is issued.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing separation between vehicles. A closest point of approach between a first vehicle traveling along a first path and a second vehicle traveling along a second path is predicted. A number of compensation commands for altering the first path of the first vehicle are generated using the closest point of approach and a desired level of separation between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. The number of compensation commands is integrated with a number of control commands for the first vehicle to form a final number of control commands configured to maneuver the first vehicle to substantially maintain the desired level of separation between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. A response of the first vehicle to the final number of control commands is a desired response.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing vehicle-centric collision avoidance are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first flight trajectory for a first aircraft, determining a second flight trajectory for a second aircraft, determining a predicted first distance between the first aircraft and the second aircraft at a first closest point of approach based on the first and second flight trajectories, comparing the predicted first distance to a first separation perimeter layer, the first separation perimeter layer defining a first three-dimensional perimeter based on the first aircraft, determining a first adjustment having a first magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a first perimeter, determining a second adjustment having a second magnitude from the first flight trajectory when the predicted first distance is within a second perimeter different from the first perimeter, and altering the first flight trajectory based on the first or second adjustment.

Abstract: A vehicle can be controlled in a first autonomous mode of operation by at least navigating the vehicle based on map data. Sensor data can be obtained using one or more sensors of the vehicle. The sensor data can be indicative of an environment of the vehicle. An inadequacy in the map data can be detected by at least comparing the map data to the sensor data. In response to detecting the inadequacy in the map data, the vehicle can be controlled in a second autonomous mode of operation and a user can be prompted to switch to a manual mode of operation. The vehicle can be controlled in the second autonomous mode of operation by at least obtaining additional sensor data using the one or more sensors of the vehicle and navigating the vehicle based on the additional sensor data.

Abstract: The relative position of one vehicle vs. another vehicle, both driving in a vehicular environment, is determined using vehicular communications based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The relative position determination is performed in a measuring vehicle using data provided by a measured vehicle through IEEE 802.11 communications carried through beacons as well as GPS or other location data and local map information.