Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for drones. In some implementations, a method may include obtaining an image of an electrical device; determining a power source of the electrical device based on the image of the electrical device; determining whether the power source of the electrical device is capable of charging a drone based on the image of the electrical device; and based on determining that the power source of the electrical device is capable of charging the drone based on the image of the electrical device, charging the drone with the power source.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) scale rendered analysis, orthomosaic, and 3D mapping and landing platform systems. More specifically, some embodiments relate to systems, methods, and means for the collection and processing of images captured during a UAV flight sequence. In some embodiments, the UAV landing platform retrieves flight information and initial map information over a unidirectional virtual private network from a multitenant cloud-based scheduling application. The UAV landing platform sends the initial map information to a UAV over a WiFi, Bluetooth, or radio frequency network and initiates a drone flight sequence once the drone flight sequence has been approved by a local user. The UAV landing platform receives property image data from a UAV after a UAV flight sequence has ended and transmits the received property image data back to the cloud application.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing task assignment, completion, and management within a crowdsourced surveillance platform. A remote server may identify targets for image capture and may assign capture tasks to users based on travel plans of the user. Users may be assigned task to capture image of target locations lying along a travel path. The remote server may aggregate data related to the captured images and use it to update a map and log changes to the target location over time.

Abstract: A process for estimating a value of a crop of walnuts prior to harvest includes the following steps which are not necessarily in order. First, arranging an unmanned aerial vehicle with a digital single-lens reflex high speed multi spectral camera fitted with a near-infrared filter. Then, taking normalized difference vegetation index images of a field of walnuts every second at a clarity of two centimeters in detail from an altitude of four hundred feet. Next, forming a map of the field from the normalized difference vegetation index images. After that, determining a ratio of the field which possesses a high near-infrared profile. Following that, calculating a meat yield as a product of the ratio and the maximum walnut grade in the field. Finally, calculating the value of the crop from the meat yield.

Abstract: Drone-based inventory management method and systems. One embodiment provides a drone-based inventory management system including one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and a central management system having an electronic processor, and a transceiver configured to communicate with the one or more UAVs. The electronic processor is configured to determine a discrepancy in inventory and select a UAV for verification. The electronic processor is also configured to determine whether weather permits UAV operation and operate the UAV in a pre-determined route when the weather permits UAV operation. The electronic processor is further configured to capture images using the UAV and determine new inventory based on captured images. The electronic processor is also configured to update inventory based on the new inventory.

Abstract: A system for locating the end of a boom and that of a refueling vessel in a mid-flight refueling operation from a tanker that includes means for locating the position of the inlet mouth of the fuel that is inside the vessel of the receiving plane that comprise at least one vision subsystem arranged on the tanker. Also included are means for locating the position of the boom tip comprising light emitters, placed on the boom tip, along with the vision subsystem arranged on the tanker, and processing means constructed to use the images obtained from the locating means to allow their positions and inclinations to be exactly determined with respect to a common coordinate system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for image capture. For example, systems may include an image capture module including an image sensor configured to capture images, a base that includes a processing apparatus and a connector, and an integrated mechanical stabilization system configured to control an orientation of the image sensor relative to the base, wherein the processing apparatus is configured to send commands to motor controllers of the mechanical stabilization system and includes an image signal processor that is configured to receive image data from the image sensor; and a handheld module configured to be removably attached to the image capture module by the connector, wherein the handheld module includes a display configured to display images received from the image sensor via conductors of the connector.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling an aircraft during autonomous landing. The method includes using a computer for performing the following: applying image processing on an image captured by a camera on board the aircraft while approaching a runway for identifying in the image a touchdown point (TDP) of the runway; calculating a deviation, in image parameters, of the TDP relative to the center of the image; converting the deviation in image parameters to angular and distance deviation values based on predefined ratios; calculating an offset of the aircraft's position relative to a landing corridor ending at the identified TDP based on the calculated angular and distance deviation; and transmitting the calculated offset to an aircraft control system configured to provide instructions for controlling the aircraft; wherein the offset is used for controlling the aircraft for guiding the aircraft towards the landing corridor to enable landing.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods prevent collisions in a carwash property. Disclosed systems and methods include software that brings together computer vision and machine learning algorithms to track the interaction of vehicles and equipment within the environment of a carwash to improve safety and optimize production.

Abstract: An approach is provided for determining a location of a shared vehicle based on fused location data. The approach includes initiating a capture of an image of a shared vehicle using a camera sensor of a device. The approach also includes processing the image to determine an image-based location of the shared vehicle. The approach also includes fusing the image-based location with at least one other source of location data indicating a position of the shared vehicle to determine the location of the shared vehicle.

Abstract: The method includes providing a front view camera on a vehicle equipped with radio equipment. Video frames from the front view camera are supplied to video signal handling circuitry in a mobile communication device. The video frames from the front view camera are handled by the video signal handling circuitry under the control of the radio equipment.

Abstract: This patent concerns a compact and portable system for real-time detection and location of electromagnetic emissions in the spectrum used by mobile devices (cell phones and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth devices). The principle of detection and location is based on phased array technology, which enables the synthesis of a directional radiation beam that can be electrically controlled in terms of both its shape and direction. This technology is used primarily in military and astronomical applications. The device also includes localization and control algorithms. This device will allow for detecting and locating electromagnetic emissions by means of an antenna beam scan within a field of view of 80×80 degrees. Once the detection and location have been established, the results are overlaid to a visual image captured by a video camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control method for an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and a remote controller. The method includes transmitting a signal to the remote controller through a first communication network; receiving a first signal switching command; and switching from the first communication network to a second communication network to transmit the signal to the remote controller.

Abstract: Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connection and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ship motion forecasting are described herein. These ship motion forecasting systems can enable accurate real-time forecasting of waves and resultant vessel motions, and the useful displaying of such forecasts to users. In general, the ship motion forecasting systems and methods provide users with useful indications of ship motion forecasts by generating scrolling graphical representations of the ship motion forecasts. For example, the systems can be implemented to display on a first window portion a plurality of graphical representations of ship motion forecasts generated over a plurality of forecast cycles, where the graphical representations of new ship motion forecasts are added as generated, and where the graphical representations of previously generated ship motion forecasts are scrolled as new ship motion forecasts are added.

Abstract: An electrical fixture apparatus is provided to install devices on an electrical wiring component. In some embodiments, a fixture apparatus is provided for installing a camera using at least one conduit, one of which has a fastening end on one end, and a camera housing attached to a conduit on the other end. The camera in the camera housing provides support to be remotely reset using a sequence of power off on within a certain time interval. In further embodiments, a fixture apparatus is provided for installing a device on an electrical wiring component. The fixture apparatus may comprise at least one conduit, which has a fastening end on one end, and has a base at the other end. The fixture apparatus preferably supports the installation of an off the shelf device on its base.

Abstract: A method and system are presented in which images are captured from overview and detail imaging devices such that overview images are created with a first degree of redundancy, and detail images are captured with less overlap and a second degree of redundancy.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a method to measure the distance between the place where the first image is acquired and the target distance after comparing and analyzing the image acquired through vision sensor with the established database. The database stores images of each section and image information by using the vision sensor. The distance measuring method analyzes the characteristics of the images transmitted by a user and the characteristics of the objects on images, compares them with the database, selects the image most similar to the corresponding image from the database, and calculates the distance to the user.

Abstract: A display system for a cockpit of an aircraft comprises a display device configured to be secured to a user's head in the cockpit of the aircraft. A display computer is configured to control the display of information on the display device. The display computer is configured to determine a distance between the head of the user and an element of the cockpit intersecting with a direction corresponding to a current orientation of the head of the user, when the user looks inside the cockpit, and to control a virtual display distance of the display device, corresponding to the distance between the head of the user and the element of the cockpit.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to video system and methods for emulating a view through an aircraft window to a passenger in an interior passenger suite. The view may be emulated by determining a perspective view of the seated passenger relative to each monitor of at least one monitor mounted to a side wall of the interior passenger suite, and capturing video data of scenery exterior to the aircraft at the perspective view(s) for display on the monitor(s).

Abstract: Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connection and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections.

Abstract: A lengthy stretched film made of a thermoplastic resin, having, over the width direction of at least 1300 mm, a value of an orientation angle ? to a take-up direction in a range of 40° to 50° and fluctuation thereof of 1.0° or less, and a value of an average Nz coefficient in a range of 1.3 to 2.0 and fluctuation thereof of 0.10 or less. A lengthy circularly polarizing plate constituted by laminating the lengthy stretched film with a lengthy polarizer. A reflective display type liquid crystal display device provided with the circularly polarizing plate constituted by trimming the lengthy circularly polarizing plate to a desired size.

Abstract: A system and method for traffic data collection using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed.

Abstract: A site management system includes an unmanned airplane being switchable between an airplane mode for high speed flight and a VTOL mode for low speed flight, a working vehicle working in a civil construction site, a shape detection sensor provided in the unmanned airplane to detect a shape of the civil construction site, and an external control apparatus that controls flight of the unmanned airplane, driving of the working vehicle, and driving of the shape detection sensor. The external control apparatus moves the unmanned airplane to an observation area by performing the high speed flight. Further, the external control apparatus detects a shape of the observation area by driving the shape detection sensor while performing the high speed flight or by driving the shape detection sensor while performing low speed flight by switching from the airplane mode to the VTOL mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating frames to apply error correction to data including a plurality of consecutive data groups are provided. Upon receiving input of an n-th data group consisting of a plurality of priority groups with different priority levels, the number of first code rate frames, which is the number of frames in the n-th data group for which a first code rate is used, is calculated based on the number of first code rate bits calculated based on the ratio of the length of data in an (n?1)-th data group for which the first code rate is used. The number of second code rate frames, which is the number of frames in the n-th data group for which the second code rate is used, is calculated based on the number of second code rate bits calculated based on the number of first code rate bits. Frames for error correction are generated based on the number of first code rate frames and the number of second code rate frames.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying object data within an airport moving map (“AMM”) are disclosed. In various embodiments, the systems may comprise an avionics database, a flight management system comprising a processor communicatively coupled to the avionics database, and/or a display communicatively coupled to the processor, the processor configured to receive AMM data from the avionics database, receive object data, and/or display the AMM, the AMM including an image of the object, the AMM further including an image of an area that may be obscured from a field of view of a pilot by the object.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for extracting a movement path, the movement path extracting apparatus including an image receiver to receive an image from a camera group in which a mutual positional relationship among cameras is fixed, a geographic coordinates receiver to receive geographic coordinates of a moving object on which the camera group is fixed, and a movement path extractor to extract a movement path of the camera group based on a direction and a position of a reference camera of the camera group using the image and the geographic coordinates.

Abstract: A device for determining navigation parameters of an aircraft during a landing phase includes a video system including at least one digital video camera arranged on the aircraft, the digital video camera being configured to generate on the aircraft current video data relating to at least one characteristic point on the Earth, whose coordinates are known, and a data processing unit including an extended Kalman filter and configured to determine the navigation parameters on the basis of current navigation data of the aircraft, arising from a satellite navigation system, current inertial data of the aircraft, as well as said video data.

Abstract: Video event recorders are coupled to a vehicle power source via an on-board diagnostic system including its power bus, data bus, and scanner port connector. Video event recorders are provided with a power input arranged in conjunction with a standard ODBII type “D” connector. Systems further include an extension cable between the connector and the vehicle event record to accommodate mounting needs associated with each. In advanced versions, both OBD power and data networks are coupled to the vehicle event recorded such that data relating to vehicle diagnostic systems can be captured in a triggered event along with video data. In addition, some versions are provided with special detection mechanism to determine the use state of a vehicle and adjust application of power accordingly. Thus an “in-use” detector is coupled to the vehicle and/or OBD systems to provide feedback which helps to conserve power and regulate the power connections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for navigation of an aerial vehicle. The method comprises providing a sensor image from an aerial vehicle sensor. The method also comprises to repeatedly, until at least one predetermined criterion is reached, perform the step of setting input data, where the input data comprises information related to pitch angle, roll angle, yaw angle and three-dimensional position of the aerial vehicle, the step of providing a two-dimensional image from a database based on the input data, where the database comprises three-dimensional geo-referenced information of the environment, and the step of comparing the sensor image and the two dimensional image from the database. The method further comprises using the input data for which the two images correspond best to each other for determining at least one of the following quantities pitch angle, roll angle, yaw angle and three-dimensional position of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for navigation of an aerial vehicle. The method comprises providing a sensor image from an aerial vehicle sensor. The method also comprises to repeatedly, until at least one predetermined criterion is reached, perform the step of setting input data, where the input data comprises information related to pitch angle, roll angle, yaw angle and three-dimensional position of the aerial vehicle, the step of providing a two-dimensional image from a database based on the input data, where the database comprises three-dimensional geo-referenced information of the environment, and the step of comparing the sensor image and the two dimensional image from the database. The method further comprises using the input data for which the two images correspond best to each other for determining at least one of the following quantities pitch angle, roll angle, yaw angle and three-dimensional position of the aerial vehicle.

Abstract: Method for locating, in a fixed frame of reference (RG), a moving craft from the craft, comprising two characteristic points, the rolling and pitching of the craft in the fixed frame of reference having been determined, so as to determine the yawing and/or the coordinates of the craft in the fixed frame of reference: a/ a local frame of reference (Rn) comprising an axis deviating from the yaw axis of the fixed frame of reference by a known angle resulting from a rotation about a first axis of the first local frame of reference dependent on the roll (R) and a rotation dependent on the pitch (P) is defined; b/ the coordinates of each characteristic point (P1, P2) in said local frame of reference being equal, to within an unknown common factor, to the multiplying of a matrix defining said succession of rotations by a matrix of intrinsic image capture parameters and by the coordinates of a pixel corresponding to the characteristic point in an image captured from the craft, the values adopted by the quotients rela

Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes a processing unit configured to determine runway lighting information and lighting status for runway lighting associated with a selected runway and to generate display commands based on the runway lighting information and the lighting status; and a display device coupled the processing unit and configured to receive the display commands and to display symbology representing the runway lighting information.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment a target locator and interceptor imaging and sensing assembly. The assembly has a disc shaped aerodynamic member configured to spin and self-position in flight, a plurality of pulsed thrusters positioned on the member, and a plurality of imaging and sensing devices positioned along a perimeter of the member. The assembly further has one or more munitions devices coupled to one or more detonators, both being coupled to the aerodynamic member. The assembly further has one or more antenna devices positioned on the member and in communication with a first processor device on the member. The first processor device receives data obtained by the plurality of imaging and sensing devices and wirelessly transmits the data to a second processor device not positioned on the member. The assembly further has a power supply powering the assembly.

Abstract: A lengthy stretched film made of a thermoplastic resin, having, over the width direction of at least 1300 mm, a value of an orientation angle ? to a take-up direction in a range of 40° to 50° and fluctuation thereof of 1.0° or less, and a value of an average Nz coefficient in a range of 1.3 to 2.0 and fluctuation thereof of 0.10 or less. A lengthy circularly polarizing plate constituted by laminating the lengthy stretched film with a lengthy polarizer. A reflective display type liquid crystal display device provided with the circularly polarizing plate constituted by trimming the lengthy circularly polarizing plate to a desired size.

Abstract: A method is provided for semi-automatic operation of a portable control device for a remote-controlled, unmanned vehicle. The method includes the steps of monitoring parameters of an operational environment of the portable control device, switching from a manual operation mode to a semi-automatic operation mode in response to occurrence of predetermined criteria within the operational environment, and presenting a semi-automatic operation graphical user interface to a user of the portable control device. The semi-automatic operation graphical user interface includes a reduced set of user interfaces for the semi-automatic operation mode presented by the portable control device.

Abstract: A method of planning a flight path for a search can include receiving, by a control system, an indication of a search area boundary; receiving, by the control system, an indication of a selected search pattern; determining, by the control system, a flight path based on the search area boundary and the selected search pattern; and transmitting one or more indications of the flight path to an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A system for guided geospatial image capture, registration and 2D or 3D mosaicking, that employs automated imagery processing and cutting-edge airborne image mapping technologies for generation of geo-referenced Orthomosaics and Digital Elevation Models from aerial images obtained by UAVs and/or manned aircraft.

Abstract: A handle bar route extension mechanism for creating or modifying a flight route. The handle bar route extension mechanism can allow a user to create or modify a flight route using a destination point. The handle bar route extension mechanism can be automatically rendered in a display in response to a touch input. In some configurations, the handle bar route extension mechanism may be rendered in a display in various directions or various lengths based on different inputs. In further configurations, more than one handle bar route extension mechanism may be rendered in a display.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to methods and systems for identifying air traffic. A method is provided in which images from a camera positioned on the aircraft are processed via a processor. The processor uses data from the images to identify air traffic within a field of view of the camera and displays an indication of the position of the air traffic relative to the aircraft on a display to provide air traffic information. A system is also provided that includes an aircraft that includes a camera configured to provide image data within a field of view of the camera to a processor for processing the image data to identify air traffic within the field of view of the camera. The processor displays an icon representing the position of the air traffic within the field of view of the camera on a display to provide air traffic information.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an overview image of a plurality of images comprises a storage unit and an image processor. The storage unit stores a plurality of processed images of the overview image and is able to provide the overview image containing the plurality of processed images at their assigned positions for displaying. The image processor determines feature points of a new image and compares the determined feature points of the new image with feature points of a stored processed image to identify common feature points and to obtain 3-dimensional positions of the common feature points. Further, the image processor determines common feature points located within a predefined maximum distance of relevance to a reference plane based on the 3-dimensional positions of the common feature points to identify relevant common feature points.

Abstract: An apparatus for rendering surroundings includes an image source, image signal processing device, and image reproduction device. The image source feeds input image signals to the image signal processing device to create output image signals for a panoramic image that are forwarded to the image reproduction device for displaying the panoramic image. The image signal processing device processes the input image signals such that a first region of the panoramic image is reproduced undistorted or compressed in a first compression and a second region of the panoramic image is reproduced compressed in a second compression. The image signal processing device is configured such that the portion of the regions reproduced undistorted or compressed is variably selectable, the compression of the regions reproduced compressed is selectable, and these changes in the region reproduced compressed may occur during the operation of the apparatus for rendering surroundings.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of liquid crystal display protection panels and liquid crystal display protection panel integrals have low reflection for outdoor applications. Various embodiments also have the advantage of being able to provide increased contrast and brightness for certain convenient viewing directions for outdoor viewers wearing polarized sunglasses.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating an overview image of a plurality of images includes an image preprocessor which preprocesses a new image by assigning the new image to a position in the overview image based on position information contained by meta-data of the new image. A storage unit stores a plurality of images of the overview image and provides the overview image for display. Further, the image processor receives accuracy information of the position information. The image processor determines an overlap region of the preprocessed new image and a stored image within the overview image based on the assigned positions of the preprocessed new image and of the stored image. Further, a controllable processing engine processes the preprocessed new image by re-adjusting the assigned position of the preprocessed new image based on comparing features of the overlap region of the preprocessed new image and the stored image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed relating to acquisition of images regarding large area objects or large areas. In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of obtaining or capturing, via a first system that includes one or more first image capturing devices, overview images, wherein the overview images depict first areas, as well as obtaining or capturing, via a second system that includes a plurality of image capturing devices, detail images characterized as being related to each other along an image axis. Moreover, the detail images may depict second areas that are subsets of the first areas, they may be arranged in strips parallel to the image axis, and they may have a higher resolution than corresponding portions of the first images.

Abstract: A system and method for video navigation are disclosed. Motion analysis can be performed upon camera images to determine movement of a vehicle, and consequently present position of the vehicle. Feature points can be identified upon a video image. Movement of the feature points between video frames is indicative of movement of the vehicle. Video navigation can be used, for example, in those instances wherein GPS navigation is unavailable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media described herein provide for filtering relevant traffic from sensed or received traffic information for display, enhancement, or alerting, without requiring knowledge of runway, taxiway, or taxi route locations at an airport. Traffic information is sensed or received regarding nearby aircraft or other vehicles and is filtered using one or more filtering strategies to determine a subset of relevant traffic for which to display traffic indicators and/or traffic data on a display unit in the aircraft. The subset of relevant traffic may be further tested for convergence or potential convergence and filtered using one or more additional filtering strategies to determine traffic having critical traffic conditions for which to enhance the display of the traffic indicators on the display unit or to alert the flight crew of the critical traffic conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for aircraft taxi gate selection based on passenger connecting flight information. In one embodiment, a communication link is established between an aircraft computing system and a ground station system via a communication network provided by the ground station system. Further, aircraft taxi gate selection information and the passenger connecting flight information are substantially simultaneously displayed on a display device to a pilot upon establishing the communication link. Furthermore, the pilot is allowed to select an aircraft taxi gate based on the displayed aircraft taxi gate selection information and passenger connecting flight information.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.