Abstract: An unloading conveyor swing control system including an unloading conveyor fitted to a self-propelled harvesting machine such as a combine harvester. The conveyor is moveable around a pivot axis through a movement range between a first, stowed, position and a second position. An actuator is connected to the conveyor and arranged to move the conveyor throughout the movement range. A sensor is configured to sense an angular position of the conveyor within the movement range and generate a representative position signal. A user interface device is provided for receiving user-commands to move the conveyor. A controller is in communication with the sensor, the actuator and the user interface device. The conveyor is automatically moved into the stowed position in response to an angular position falling below a predetermined threshold angle.

Abstract: This invention discloses a UAV inspection method for power line based on human visual system. Image preprocessing module preprocesses the power line image of the input system. Power line detection module uses human visual attention mechanism to complete segmentation of the power line in the image. Binocular image registration module uses SURF algorithm to provide exact match of the feature points. The obstacle detection and early warning module uses binocular visual principle to calculate the three-dimensional coordinates of the matching point and the power line. The result output and feedback module calculates the vertical distance from the matching point to the power line according to the information about the space coordinates to complete feedback of the information about the obstacle with a threat to the power line. The method can accurately analyze the obstacle of power line in a quantitative manner, and the analysis result is stable and objective.

Abstract: One variation of a method for communicating state, intent, and context of an autonomous vehicle includes: at a first time, displaying a first icon representing a current state of a vehicle on a rear-facing visual display arranged on the vehicle; navigating toward an intersection; at a second time, detecting a state of the intersection ahead of the vehicle; rendering a second icon representing the state of the intersection at the second time on the rear-facing visual display; detecting a change in the state of the intersection at a third time succeeding the second time; selecting a next navigation action for the vehicle responsive to the change in the state of the intersection at the third time; prior to executing the next navigation action, rendering a third icon representing the next navigation action on the rear-facing visual display; and autonomously executing the next navigation action.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising wirelessly receiving a signal comprising information about a deviation to a first wayline; and applying the deviation to a second wayline.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing audible indications to objects located externally to a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode. For instance, a vehicle is controlled in the autonomous driving mode along a particular path. Information identifying a characteristic and a location of an object is received. When vehicle is determined to be prevented from proceeding along the particular path because of the location of the object, a scenario is identified using the characteristic. The scenario is associated with a predetermined period of time and a type of audible indication used to identify an audible indication. After the waiting the predetermined period, when the object is determined to still be preventing the vehicle from proceeding along the particular path, the audible indication is played through a speaker of the vehicle to encourage the object to take an action to allow the vehicle to proceed along the particular path.

Abstract: In one embodiment, device addition to an expandable multimedia control system is performed without creating or modifying source code. A configuration bundle is stored on a first device of the expandable multimedia control system, the configuration bundle including a list of unique identifiers (UIDs) representing devices that are eligible to become a part of the expandable multimedia control system. The first device monitors a local area network (LAN), and determines a UID of a second device. The first device compares the UID of the second device with the list of UIDs in the configuration bundle. In response to a match of the UID of the second device with a UID of the list of UIDs in the configuration bundle, the second device is added to the expandable multimedia control system, and at least a portion of the configuration bundle is shared with it.

Abstract: A method causes a self-driving vehicle (SDV) to warn passengers of an upcoming maneuver, and to explain why the SDV will be making the upcoming maneuver. One or more processors receive sensor readings that describe a condition of a roadway upon which a self-driving vehicle (SDV) is traveling, where the sensor readings are from roadway sensors that detect water on the roadway. The processor(s) reroute the SDV due to the water on the roadway, and provide an explanation to an occupant of the SDV that describes the water on the roadway as a reason for rerouting the SDV.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides an ability to use an array of data inputs to enter a network and thereby provide a realtime improvable database. The present invention is novel in its ability to maximize the customer's interface with a pest control system, thus allowing for maximum efficiency for current and future designs as well as a high level of compatibility with ancillary regulatory, financial and planning type functions.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving instructions to pick up an object with one or more lift elements of an autonomous vehicle. Based on a current positioning of the vehicle, the method further includes identifying the object to be picked up and a particular side of the object under which to place the one or more lift elements of the vehicle. The method additionally includes determining an approach path toward the object for the vehicle to follow to place the lift elements of the vehicle under the particular side of the object. The method further includes causing the vehicle to move along the determined approach path toward the object. The method additionally includes determining that the lift elements of the vehicle are placed under the particular side of the object. The method also includes causing the vehicle to lift the object with the lift elements.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus or a process may be configured to implement an application that applies artificial intelligence and/or machine-learning techniques to predict an optimal course of action (or a subset of courses of action) for an autonomous vehicle system (e.g., one or more of a planner of an autonomous vehicle, a simulator, or a teleoperator) to undertake based on suboptimal autonomous vehicle performance and/or changes in detected sensor data (e.g., new buildings, landmarks, potholes, etc.). The application may determine a subset of trajectories based on a number of decisions and interactions when resolving an anomaly due to an event or condition. The application may use aggregated sensor data from multiple autonomous vehicles to assist in identifying events or conditions that might affect travel (e.g., using semantic scene classification). An optimal subset of trajectories may be formed based on recommendations responsive to semantic changes (e.g., road construction).

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed. The UAV comprises a battery, a flight mechanism, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, a processor, a memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application discovers an environment where the UAV operates by flying in the environment to determine its boundaries; creates a map of the environment that the UAV flew through; and shares the map with a social robot. The application receives a command from the social robot via the RF transceiver, wherein the social robot receives a verbal request from a user of the social robot, wherein the social robot transforms the user request to a command for the UAV. The application then performs the command from the social robot. The application then lands on a designated charging pad to conserve energy. The application then transmits a report back to the social robot.

Abstract: In a driving support device, an image output unit outputs an image including a host vehicle object representing a host vehicle and a nearby vehicle object representing a nearby vehicle, to a display unit. The operation signal input unit receives an operation of a user for changing a distance between the host vehicle object and the nearby vehicle object in the image displayed on the display unit. The command output unit outputs a command for instructing one vehicle to travel following another vehicle when the distance between the host vehicle object and the nearby vehicle object is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, to an automatic driving control unit that controls automatic driving.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising receiving a task set comprising multiple tasks, receiving operational information identifying one or more operating characteristics of multiple drones, and obtaining an initial heuristic ordering of the multiple tasks based on the operational information and the climate information. Each task has a corresponding task location. The method further comprises scheduling the multiple tasks to obtain a final ordering of the multiple tasks. The final ordering represents an order in which the multiple tasks are scheduled, and the final ordering may be different from the initial heuristic ordering.

Abstract: A method for providing a service through a stamp service server, includes: receiving user information and beacon information from a user terminal, wherein the user terminal recognizes a beacon signal output from a beacon device and transmits the beacon information contained in the beacon signal; extracting stamp information matching the received user information on a stored database; providing the extracted stamp information to a POS (Point Of Sale) corresponding to the beacon information; receiving stamp saving information or stamp use information from the POS terminal; and generating or updating stamp information matching the user information included in the stamp saving information or the stamp use information.

Abstract: A system, an apparatus or a process may be configured to implement an application that applies artificial intelligence and/or machine-learning techniques to predict an optimal course of action (or a subset of courses of action) for an autonomous vehicle system (e.g., one or more of a planner of an autonomous vehicle, a simulator, or a teleoperator) to undertake based on suboptimal autonomous vehicle performance and/or changes in detected sensor data (e.g., new buildings, landmarks, potholes, etc.). The application may determine a subset of trajectories based on a number of decisions and interactions when resolving an anomaly due to an event or condition. The application may use aggregated sensor data from multiple autonomous vehicles to assist in identifying events or conditions that might affect travel (e.g., using semantic scene classification). An optimal subset of trajectories may be formed based on recommendations responsive to semantic changes (e.g., road construction).

Abstract: A control apparatus for a utility machine configured to automatically work outdoors including a work actuator installed in the utility machine, a setting unit setting a time schedule of the utility machine in advance, an information acquiring unit acquiring current and future weather information for a work site or nearby, an adjusting unit adjusting the time schedule based on the weather information acquired by the information acquiring unit, and an actuator control unit controlling the work actuator so that the utility machine works in accordance with a time schedule adjusted by the adjusting unit.

Abstract: A robust system and method for positioning and heading for guidance or logging agricultural input placement amounts and locations is disclosed and can be used to aid or direct treatment of a field that has only partial or temporary access to a reliable GNSS signal. The guidance information or data can be stored in memory and output to a video display terminal or the visual display of a computing unit (e.g. laptop or user mobile phone) or alternative formatted or translated to produce an output on a heads-up display such as a light bar.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the motion of an autonomous are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices on-board an autonomous vehicle, data associated with one or more objects that are proximate to the autonomous vehicle. The data includes a predicted path of each respective object. The method includes identifying at least one object as an object of interest based at least in part on the data associated with the object of interest. The method includes generating cost data associated with the object of interest. The method includes determining a motion plan for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the cost data associated with the object of interest. The method includes providing data indicative of the motion plan to one or more vehicle control systems to implement the motion plan for the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an Automated Readiness Evaluation System (ARES), which is adapted for use with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The ARES (and UAS with such an ARES) is configured for a particular task or application selected by the user based upon their level of specific knowledge. The system may include: hardware components with communication protocols; a task, module data, and skill level repository; a user device; and an optional base system. Methods are provided for configuration, calibration, error checking, and operation of a UAS whereby the ARES serves as a mission planner by calculating the mission parameters for a user-selected task to minimize mission failure by determining the variables for task completion.

Abstract: A vehicle computer is communicatively coupled to a portable computing device and is programmed to determine, in a lead vehicle, that one or more conditions for a diagnostic test, such as an onboard diagnostic (OBD) test, are met and to send a vehicle-to-vehicle message to one or more following vehicles at a specified time. The sent message provides data to indicate to each following vehicle to perform the test at a specified time. The vehicle computer is further programmed to perform the test in the lead vehicle at the specified time.

Abstract: A multiprocessor system used in a home, or office environment includes multiple processors that run different real-time applications. A dynamic configuration system runs on the multiple processors and includes a device manager, configuration managers and data manager. The device manager automatically detects and adds new devices to the multiprocessor system, and the configuration manager automatically reconfigures which processors run the real-time applications. The data manager identifies the type of data generated by the new devices and identifies which devices in the multiprocessor system are able to process the data.

Abstract: Technology is described for operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles. A request for a taxi service may be received from a mobile device. The request may include a current location of the mobile device. They request may indicate that the taxi service is to be performed at a current time. An autonomous vehicle may be selected from the fleet of autonomous vehicles to perform the taxi service based in part on an availability of the autonomous vehicle and a proximity between the autonomous vehicle and the current location of the mobile device. Instructions may be provided to the autonomous vehicle to perform the taxi service according to the request. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to provide commands to drive the autonomous vehicle to the current location of the mobile device in order to perform the taxi service.

Abstract: A convoy travel control apparatus includes: a communication portion; a travel control portion; and a joining control portion, wherein when an own vehicle is travelling in convoy while being incorporated in a group of convoy vehicles travelling in convoy, if the communication portion has received, from an independent vehicle not incorporated in the group of convoy vehicles travelling in convoy, request information to incorporate the independent vehicle into the group of convoy vehicles, then the joining control portion determines a positional relationship between a position of the group of convoy vehicles and a position of the independent vehicle, and wherein if the independent vehicle is travelling along a side of the group of convoy vehicles, then in order to incorporate the independent vehicle into the group of convoy vehicles, the joining control portion exercises control on the group of convoy vehicles via the communication portion.

Abstract: A method for automatically driving a predetermined route includes the steps of scanning route data and environmental data while the route is being driven manually, determining an automatic driving strategy based on the scanned data, comparing the automatic driving strategy to the manual driving strategy and enabling the automatic driving of the route if the automatic driving strategy differs by less than a predetermined measure from the manual driving strategy.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes an automated driving system configured to automatically control vehicle steering, acceleration, and braking during a drive cycle without operator intervention. The vehicle additionally includes a wireless communication system configured to communicate with a remote communication device. The vehicle further includes a controller configured to communicate vehicle characteristics data via the wireless communication system. The vehicle characteristics data include a vehicle status identifier indicating automated driving system control of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to, in response to a remote override request from a remote communication device, command the automated driving system to perform a minimal risk condition maneuver to stop the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile computerized apparatus for use with a roadside assistance program to assist in identifying a service provider, such as a tow truck, is disclosed. The apparatus transmits relevant information to a remote server. The server in turn provides information about a plurality of service providers available to service the vehicle.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises one or more sensors capable of defining multiple contactless detection zones at least towards the front of the forward travel direction of a remotely controlled vehicle. The vehicle responds to the detection of objects within the designated zones based upon predetermined actions, such as to slow down or stop the vehicle, and/or to take other action, such as to perform a steer angle correction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring use of a vehicle having one or more autonomous (and/or semi-autonomous) operation features to determine and respond to incidents, such as collisions, thefts, or breakdowns. According to certain aspects, operating data from sensors within or near the vehicle may be used to determine when an incident has occurred and determine an appropriate response. The responses may include contacting a third party to provide assistance, such as local emergency services. In some embodiments, occurrence of the incident may be verified by automated communication with the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle system, which is designed for autonomous operation of a motor vehicle is described, wherein setting information for the vehicle system is determined from location information describing a current position of the motor vehicle and from at least one location-related permission information item relating to the permission of use of the vehicle system, and at least one operating parameter of the vehicle system is selected as a function of the setting information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for failure handling of a robot having at least a first and a second movement axis are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes receiving a first position information of the first movement axis for a first point of time and a first position information of the second movement axis for the first point of time and storing the received first position information as a motion data set, receiving a second position information of the first movement axis for a second point of time and a second position information of the second movement axis for the second point of time and storing the received second position information in the motion data set and controlling the robot according to a failure procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating participants of vehicular convoys to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an autonomous vehicle that may detect other nearby vehicles and designate stationary vehicles as being in one of a short-term stationary state or a long-term stationary state. This determination may be made based on various indicia, including visible indicia displayed by the detected vehicle and traffic control factors relating to the detected vehicle. For example, the autonomous vehicle may identify a detected vehicle as being in a long-term stationary state based on detection of hazard lights being displayed by the detected vehicle, as well as the absence of brake lights being displayed by the detected vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may then base its control strategy on the stationary state of the detected vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a user of a social networking system requests to check in a place near the user's current location. The social networking system generates a list of places near the user's current location, ranks the places in the list of places near the user's current location by a distance between each place and the user's current location, as well as activity of the user and the user's social contacts for each place, and returns the ranked list to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide turn-by-turn directions to a group of users who wish to meet one another. The systems and methods make use of a client application running on client-side devices such as smart phones in conjunction with a server-side application running on a server. The identity of the final meeting place may not be determined until the users are in close proximity to it, as its location is subject to continuous updating using the geo-coordinates of the users as they travel. Additionally, the meeting place may be determined in part by the users' individual preferences. These preferences, along with the locations of the users, may be kept hidden from other users.

Abstract: A control system for operating locomotives in a train may include a first lead communication unit located on-board a lead locomotive of a lead consist in the train, an off-board remote controller interface, and a second lead communication unit located on-board a lead locomotive of a trailing consist in the train. The first lead communication unit may be configured to transmit locomotive control commands from the lead locomotive of the lead consist off-board to the off-board remote controller interface. The second lead communication unit located on-board the lead locomotive of the trailing consist in the train may be configured to receive control command signals from the off-board remote controller interface, with the control command signals corresponding to the locomotive control commands transmitted from the lead locomotive of the lead consist.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a control device to control automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle within the scope of a specific driving maneuver. The motor vehicle also has an operator control element to communicate with the control device and to transfer control information, relating to the at least partially automated longitudinal and/or transverse guidance, to the control device. The control device is configured in such a way that activation or deactivation of the longitudinal and/or transverse guidance can be controlled by means of an operator-side first operator-control action at the operator-control element, and at least one driving parameter which influences the longitudinal and/or transverse guidance of the motor vehicle, controlled by the control device, can be modified by means of an additional operator-side, second operator-control action at the operator-control element, which second operator-control action is in particular different from the first operator-control action.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a user of a social networking system requests to check in a place near the user's current location. The social networking system generates a list of places near the user's current location, ranks the places in the list of places near the user's current location by a distance between each place and the user's current location, as well as activity of the user and the user's social contacts for each place, and returns the ranked list to the user.

Abstract: A method in a vehicle platoon including at least one leader vehicle and at least one additional vehicle, where the leader vehicle is intended to detect ambient conditions. The method includes the steps of: appointing (s410) the leader vehicle which is responsible for communicating information to the at least one additional vehicle; and under certain conditions, appointing (s450) a new leader vehicle which assumes the responsibility. A computer program product has program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) to implement a method according to the invention. The invention also pertains to a device in vehicle platoons and a motor vehicle equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication transponder for use in V2V communication, safety and anti-collision systems using only a vehicle location for vehicle ID is described. Message embodiments are free of pre-assigned permanent vehicle identification. A hybrid TMDA and CSMA protocol is used. Vehicle position is broadcast as an offset in distance units from a pre-defined geographical grid in degree units. A transponder may proxy for non-equipped vehicle. A proxy handoff and message coding for a proxy message are described. Embodiments are free of MAC and IP addresses. No central authority or road-side equipment (RSU) is required. Embodiments include equipped vehicles and V2V system using the transponder. Embodiments include equipped vehicles and V2V system using the transponder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating passenger docking locations with destinations using vehicle transportation network partitioning are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of re-programming flash memory of a computing device is presented here. Software content having a plurality of software modules can be re-programmed by identifying, from the software modules, a first set of software modules to be programmed by delta programming and a second set of software modules to be programmed by non-delta programming. A first set of sectors of the flash memory is assigned for programming the first set of software modules, and a second set of sectors is assigned for programming the second set of software modules. At least some of the second set of sectors are designated as temporary backup memory space. The first set of sectors is programmed with the first set of software modules, using delta programming and the designated temporary backup memory space. After programming the first set of sectors, the second set of sectors is programmed with the second set of software modules, using non-delta programming.

Abstract: Although self-driving vehicles excel under “normal” driving conditions, they sometimes struggle with new situations that often would not be overly difficult for a person. Several embodiments described herein enable a hybrid approach that leverages the exceptional abilities of self-driving vehicles while soliciting human interaction in select situations. The resulting combination of machine intelligence and human intelligence significantly enlarges the potential of self-driving vehicles in a manner that will enable self-driving vehicles to become widespread much faster than would otherwise be the case.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and a method for updating map data thereof are provided. A map database of the navigation apparatus stores data of a plurality of existed roads. When coordinates of the navigation apparatus are not located on any one of the existed roads, a comparison module of the navigation apparatus determines whether the shortest distance between the coordinates and the existed roads exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the shortest distance exceeds the predetermined threshold, a map data adding module updates a traveling path according to a plurality of succeeding coordinates of the navigation apparatus until the navigation apparatus is determined to return on one of the existed roads. When the map data adding module finishes updating the traveling path, the map data adding module stores data of the traveling path in the map database of the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A system for autonomously mapping and tracking of ground targets at a location of interest has been disclosed. The system comprises at least one user control center in operative communication with one or more data relay satellites in Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), the data relay satellites in operative communication with one or more UAVs and/or SAR satellites with on-board different imaging sensors to obtain various types of imagery data from the ground targets. The data relay satellites target specific constant communication with the user control center and the UAVs and SAR satellites for continuous feedback and control. Moreover, the system process all raw data obtained from the UAVs and SAR satellites to produce 2D and 3D Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and high resolution images, which are displayed on the user control center and/or selected mobile handheld devices.

Abstract: A relative navigation system and a method of eliminating spurious signals that may be received by a relative navigation system having a first object and a second object including projecting polarized light having a first orientation to form at least one grid line projecting into space from the first object.

Abstract: A mobile device moving in a specific area including a driving unit, an environment sensing unit, a control unit and a transmittal unit is disclosed. The driving unit moves according to a first driving signal. The environment sensing unit detects an outline of the specific area to generate detection information. The control unit processes the detection information to generate first map information and position information. The transmittal unit transmits the first map information to an electronic device. The electronic device generates second map information according to the first map information, and the control unit generates the first driving signal according to the first map information, the second map information and the position information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating or deactivating an automatic driving function of a technical system for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle, referred to as pilot below, based on system states of the pilot and between which predefined transitions are possible on the basis of predefined conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a data representation of a geographical region as an adjunct to conducting autonomous operations within the region. The method comprises receiving information specifying a plurality of localized caused zones having operation-defined geographical boundaries within the region; receiving heterogeneous data descriptive of the region; associating the received data with respective localized zones; fusing the received data associated with the localized zones into data representations of the localized zones; and integrating the data representations of the localized zones into a common data representation of the geographical region.

Abstract: A self-propelled device determines an orientation for its movement based on a pre-determined reference frame. A controller device is operable by a user to control the self-propelled device. The controller device includes a user interface for controlling at least a direction of movement of the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device is configured to signal the controller device information that indicates the orientation of the self-propelled device. The controller device is configured to orient the user interface, based on the information signaled from the self-propelled device, to reflect the orientation of the self-propelled device.