Abstract: Methods and systems for modifying vehicle behavior based on confidence in lane estimation are described. In an example, a computing device may be configured to receive lane information relating to locations of lane boundaries and may be configured to estimate a lane boundary on a road on which the vehicle is traveling, based on the lane information. The computing device also may be configured to determine a level of confidence for the estimated lane boundary, modify a driving behavior for the vehicle based on the level of confidence, and also may be configured to control the vehicle based on the modified driving behavior.

Abstract: A system for data transmission on wireless alternating switching channels comprises a user, which allows a user to have at least an additional service on multiple service channels. The user sends at least a service forwarder a request to get at least an additional service, and receives the replied information of a specified forwarding channel. Before the connection between the user and the service forwarder fails or ends, the user receives original service and the service forwarder uses a specified service channel and transmits or receives additional service data for the user in the service channel interval; while in the control channel interval, the service forwarder uses the specified forwarding channel and transmits selective control message and selective additional data for the user, and the user switches to the specified forwarding channel to receive the selective control messages and the selective additional data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (400) and a system (100) for guiding a robotic garden tool to a predetermined position. The robotic garden tool includes a control unit (104) and a sensor unit (102) to detect guiding signals. The sensor unit (102) detects a first guiding signal (110) from a first signal source (106) and the robotic garden tool follows the first guiding signal (110) at a variable distance from the first signal source (106) towards the predetermined position. While within a predetermined distance (D) from the predetermined position, the sensor unit (102) detects a second guiding signal (112) from a second signal source (108). Within the predetermined distance (D), the robotic garden tool follows one of the first and the second guiding signals (110 or 112) towards the predetermined position at a pre-configured distance from the corresponding signal source.

Abstract: In an example, a processing device sends, to a remote network device, a request for an application of a mobile device to utilize a resource of a vehicle head unit, the request including a first profile of the vehicle head unit and a second profile of the mobile device. Responsive to sending the request, the processing device receives an instruction from the remote network device, the instruction to be executed by embedded software of the vehicle head unit so as to enable the application to utilize a resource of the vehicle head unit.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having an onboard diagnostics connector and a connector interface connected to the onboard connector includes at least one external controller adapted for unfastenable connection to the connector interface; and at least one operator control connected to said at least one external controller.

Abstract: A quality display is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide for the display of an indication of quality of a geographic survey. In some example embodiments, a survey grid corresponding to the geographic boundaries of a dynamically created survey area is displayed, where the displayed survey grid expands based on the geographic movement of survey participants. In additional embodiments, data representing the survey grid, cells of the survey grid, and a plurality of sub-cells into which each cell of the survey grid is divided is stored. In other embodiments, a numerical index corresponding to the quality of the survey in each cell of the survey grid is determined based on positioning information. In still other embodiments, a display attribute associated with each cell of the survey grid is adjusted in accordance with the numerical index.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering information from and setting up a surveillance network within an earth-surface environment that includes inserting one or more mobile robotic devices having a sensing subsystem, a communications subsystem, and a navigation subsystem into an earth-surface environment. The mobile robotic device may be configured into a traveling pose selected from a plurality of available traveling poses, and directed using the navigation subsystem to a sensing location within the earth-surface environment. The environment may be monitored and sensed information collected may be stored or communicated to a remote location. The mobile robotic device may be configured to operate with a vehicle carrier to facilitate insertion and deployment of the robotic vehicle into the earth-surface environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unmanned fully autonomous threat representative mobile land target for testing modern weapon systems and training personnel. The invention implements novel navigation and vehicle control algorithms which allow any predefined course to be represented spatially and temporally with continuously and smoothly varying curvatures having no discontinuities of curvature, direction, or acceleration that enable the target vehicle to traverse a predefined course with unprecedented speed, accuracy, and maneuverability without the need for communication with any remotely located station. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes an inventory holder and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder has a frame with device openings. The mobile drive unit is operable to dock with an inventory holder and undock with an inventory holder. When undocked from an inventory holder, the mobile drive unit is further operable to traverse a path from a first location to a second location. The path passes through at least a first device opening of the inventory holder such that the mobile drive unit passes beneath the inventory holder while moving along the path.

Abstract: Each respective vehicle of a plurality of vehicles transports a vehicle navigation system. A position determining system determines a position and a velocity of the respective vehicle and an information acquisition system is operable to determine a displacement and velocity between the respective vehicle and a vehicle adjacent to the respective vehicle. An information communication system of a respective vehicle is operable to transmit first information (that vehicle's velocity and position) to other vehicles and to receive information from other vehicles regarding their velocities and positions. A vehicle routing system can determine a target routing and target velocity for moving the respective vehicle over a path including the roadway. Based on the received or determined information, the velocity of the respective vehicle can be controlled.

Abstract: Provided is a Web bulletin board system (10) capable of lessening the burden in forming a travel plan when a group of people plan a trip. This Web bulletin board system (10) comprises a center server (20) which deems character strings indicated by predetermined symbols in messages in a chat to be destinations and automatically generates a list of destinations.

Abstract: An autonomous control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The autonomous control system may have a plurality of system modules each configured to monitor a status of at least one machine component and generate a corresponding recommended machine action based on the status, and a control module configured to control operations of the mobile machine. The autonomous control system may also have a health supervisor module in communication with the plurality of system modules and the control module. The health supervisor module may be configured to arbitrate each of the recommended machine actions from the plurality of system modules to determine an overall machine response, and to command the control module to implement the overall machine response.

Abstract: An automated personal assistance system employing artificial intelligence technology that includes speech recognition and synthesis, situational awareness, pattern and behavioral recognition, and the ability to learn from the environment. Embodiments of the system include environmental and occupant sensors and environmental actuators interfaced to an assistance controller having the artificial intelligence technology incorporated therein to control the environment of the system. An embodiment of the invention is implemented as a vehicle which reacts to voice command for movement and operation of the vehicle and detects objects, obstructions, and distances. This invention provides the ability to monitor for the safety of operation and modify dangerous maneuvers as well as to learn locations in the environment and to automatically find its way to them. The system may also incorporate communication capability to convey patterns of environmental and occupant parameters and to a monitoring center.

Abstract: A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic messages between networks within a vehicle and a host computer. The protocol adapter operates as a voltage translator to support J1708 software. The protocol adapter also recognizes when the protocol adapter is connected to a host computer running the J1939 and/or J1708 protocols and automatically switches to that protocol.

Abstract: In a railway signalling system which transmits a control order to an on-board signalling system by a trackside signalling system, the on-board signalling system being mounted on a train running on a line and the control order being compliant with a signalling system of the line, the present invention allows the train to run through into lines with different signalling systems using a single on-board signalling system. When the train enters a line with a different signalling system from a current line, the on-board signalling system installs a train control application program compliant with the signalling system of the entering line. Then, the on-board signalling system executes the train control application program, allowing the train to be controlled on the entering line according to a control order created by the trackside signalling system of the entering line.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device is configured to move on a surface provided with a base station thereon, and is operated in one of a work state and return state. In the work state, the autonomous mobile device is operable to plot a movement route along which the autonomous mobile device moves, and is operable to adjust the movement route upon presence of an obstacle. In the return state, the autonomous mobile device is operable to plot a returning route on the surface from the current position to the base station, and to move along the returning route to the base station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a co-operative network of unmanned vehicles that participate in co-operative task allocation. Each unmanned vehicle comprises a computer system with an executive level configured to control motion of the unmanned vehicle and an automatic decision level configured to communicate with other unmanned vehicles, to receive task descriptions, to participate in task allocation, and to provide descriptions of tasks to be performed to the executive level for execution. Each unmanned vehicle submits a bid for each task it can perform, the bid reflecting an execution cost for the task. The bids are compared and the task effectively auctioned to the unmanned vehicle with a lowest execution cost. Each unmanned vehicle builds a task plan from its allocated tasks, decomposes the associated task descriptions into elementary task descriptions and forwards the elementary task descriptions in a format suitable for the executive level to execute.

Abstract: A vehicle data acquisition system and method are provided for the analysis of vehicle conditions. A vehicle-external communication device, a vehicle-internal communication device, a vehicle-external computer and a vehicle-external databank are utilized. For providing an informative vehicle data acquisition system, on the basis of the data in the vehicle-external databank, the vehicle-external computer identifies those vehicles which have a first characteristic profile. The vehicle-external computer queries vehicle data from the identified vehicles by way of the vehicle-external and the vehicle-internal communication devices, and the vehicle-external computer evaluates the queried and received vehicle data for the analysis of vehicles having the first characteristic profile.

Abstract: A method for the classification of data includes receiving a first message that is a vehicle-to-vehicle or a vehicle-to-infrastructure message. The first message includes first mobility data of a vehicle. An expected route of the vehicle is determined based on the first mobility data. A second message that is a vehicle-to-vehicle or a vehicle-to-infrastructure message is received. The second message includes second mobility data of the vehicle. An actual route of the vehicle is determined based on the second mobility data. Whether the expected route deviates from the actual route by at least a predetermined threshold value is determined. If the expected route deviates from the actual route by at least the predetermined threshold value, a type of momentary driving maneuver of the vehicle is determined and the first mobility data and the second mobility data are classified on the basis of the type of momentary driving maneuver.

Abstract: The invention in particular has as an object the control of execution of software commands of a data-processing system in an aircraft cockpit comprising means for allowing a user to call up these commands. For these purposes, the means making it possible to call up these commands initially are locked in order to block calls to software commands. At the time of reception of an information item for unlocking these means, they are unlocked and the software commands may be called up. The software commands may be called up via the call-up means only if these means are in an unlocked state.

Abstract: A system and method for connection management between a consumer device and a vehicle. The connection management is performed automatically using a computing device, e.g., an application executing on a smartphone. The system and method configure the vehicle and consumer device in a manner that optimizes the vehicle and consumer device connections based on a variety of factors such as available connections/ports and protocols to be used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a service distribution car including a heating cabinet and a cooling cabinet for providing meals, the service distribution car including: a body comprising a temperature controller for controlling a temperature of receiving space having the heating cabinet and the cooling cabinet; a plurality of driving wheels fixed to lower portions of the body and coupled to a driving unit for supplying rotating power; and a controller installed on a front surface of the body to control forward and rearward movement, a speed, and set temperatures of the service distribution car and to decelerate or stop the service distribution car when an abnormal travel situation or an emergency stop situation of the service distribution car occurs.

Abstract: A method is described of regulating movement of an autonomous entity between a first zone (904) and a second zone (901), wherein the first and second zones each have an operation-defined geographical boundary within a defined geographical region. The autonomous entity is instructed to move into a transition zone (906, 907) that spans the first zone and the second zone, wherein the autonomous entity while located in the first zone is responsive to supervisory control of a first controller (912) associated with the first zone. The autonomous entity is registered with a second controller (910) associated with the second zone to enable the autonomous entity to respond to supervisory control of the second controller as the autonomous entity enters the second zone through the transition zone. The autonomous entity is de-registered from the first controller.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are described for moving a patient to and from various locations, care units, etc., within a care facility. For example a transport and support vehicle includes a body structure including a plurality of rotatable members operable to frictionally interface the vehicle to a travel path and to move the vehicle along the travel path, and a surface structured and dimensioned to support an individual subject. A transport and support vehicle can include, for example, an imager operably coupled to one or more of a power source, a steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., and having one or more modules operable to control the power source, steering assembly, one or more of the plurality of rotatable members, etc., so as to maintain an authorized operator in the image zone.

Abstract: A robotic platform is provided having a disinfection unit configured to disinfect a technical area.

Abstract: A vehicular diagnostic communications system, and components thereof, are provided for an apparatus and technique for communicating vehicular diagnostic information over a cellphone network. The system includes a code reader having a vehicle diagnostic port connector for receiving vehicle diagnostic information from the vehicle diagnostic port. The code reader also has a local connectivity network circuit for communicating vehicle diagnostic information between the vehicle diagnostic port connector and a local connectivity circuit. A cellphone is arranged in communication with the local connectivity network for communicating vehicle diagnostic information between the code reader and a cellular telephone network.

Abstract: A method for controlling movement of travelling carriers includes performing data communication between front and rear adjacent travelling carriers, an on-board communication device provided to the travelling carrier and performing data communication with a ground-based communication device, and the ground-based communication device sending a movement permission signal at one end of a work area to the on-board communication device of a passing travelling carrier; and transmitting the movement permission signal to all of the travelling carriers within the work area from the ground-based communication device via the on-board communication device and the data communication means.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with a camera and conventional sensors, where the processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on the image data and the sensor data. A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle where a processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on image data corrected by traditional sensor data.

Abstract: An information collection device transmits a position information request command for requesting transmission of position information of a dump truck at a predetermined point in time via a second wireless communication device and determines a state of at least one of the dump truck, a relay that relays communication from a first wireless communication device included in the dump truck to the second wireless communication device, and a travel route of the dump truck based on a response to the position information request command.

Abstract: A navigation device and a method of determining parking information are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method includes receiving, at a server, journey information from a plurality of navigation devices, the journey information indicating one or more journeys made by each navigation device and determining, by the server from the journey information, parking information indicating a geographical location of one or more parking areas.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine to seek assistance navigating using a first trajectory. The autonomous vehicle may be configured to receive and store data about a plurality of obstacles. A particular obstacle in the plurality of obstacles may partially or wholly obstruct the first trajectory. The autonomous vehicle may select a portion of the stored data that includes data representing the particular obstacle. The selected portion of the stored data may be provided to an assistance center. A second trajectory may be received from the assistance center, where the second trajectory is not obstructed by the particular obstacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an onboard system for determining vehicle emissions. The emissions are determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. Data is supplied solely to an emissions unit from a vehicle diagnostic system: the vehicle diagnostic system receives vehicle data from vehicle systems and sub-systems.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing an operator to switch between remote vehicle tele-operation and one or more remote vehicle autonomous behaviors, or for implementing remote vehicle autonomous behaviors. The system comprises an operator control system receiving input from the operator including instructions for the remote vehicle to execute an autonomous behavior, and a control system on the remote vehicle for receiving the instruction to execute an autonomous behavior from the operator control system. Upon receiving the instruction to execute an autonomous behavior, the remote vehicle executes that autonomous behavior.

Abstract: In giving a travel command to an unmanned vehicle in both-side loading, or in setting a position of a loading point in both-side loading, whether a working machine of a loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between an orientation or a position of the working machine when the travel command is instructed and a direction or a position of the boundary line. In setting the position of the loading point in both-side loading, whether the working machine of the loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between the orientation or the position of the working machine when position setting of loading point is instructed and the direction or the position of the boundary line.

Abstract: In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle.

Abstract: In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for presenting an aerial display over an audience of spectators. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a plurality of flexible projection screens. Each of the screens is supportable in a display air space by the UAVs. The system includes a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. During operation during a display time period, the UAVs execute the flight plans to move and to position the flexible projection screens within the display air space. The flexible projection screens each may include a mesh body configured to have low wind resistance and to provide a projection surface for reflecting light. The system may include a projector projecting light onto the projection surface of at least one of the flexible projection screens during the display time period.

Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for road wear leveling. A method includes determining a location of a velocity change point based on wear leveling information for a road segment including the location. The method further includes communicating the location of the velocity change point to a 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: The movable component for a network system may communicate with another component. The movable component includes a body, a battery, a control unit, and a communication unit. The body includes a wheel for moving, and a motor driving the wheel. The battery supplies a power to the motor. The communication unit communicates with the other component to receive information related to energy. The control unit determines whether to charge the battery based on the information related to energy.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing a trackless transit system and controlling adaptive trackless vehicles within that system. Aspects include an autonomous vehicle transit system for controlling vehicle movement of trackless vehicles in the transit system. The system includes a command, control and orchestration system (CCOS) and vehicle controllers. Each vehicle controller is associated with a trackless vehicle and communicates a current location to the CCOS, receives a navigation command, and controls the trackless vehicle according to the navigation command. Further, the CCOS provides navigation commands to the vehicle controllers to control movements of the trackless vehicles within the transit system according to vehicle position information received from the vehicle controllers.

Abstract: Wing load alleviation methods and apparatus are disclosed. An example method includes collecting data related to a condition of an aircraft; and when a condition identifier implemented via a logic circuit indicates that the condition comprises a high load condition, automatically generating a plurality of control signals to coordinate a first deflection of a first control surface of a configurable winglet and a second deflection of a second control surface of a wing adjacent to the winglet.

Abstract: A method and system for providing taxiway navigational information to a crewmember of an airplane taxiing at an airport. An airport taxiway navigation system (“ATNS”) that executes on an onboard computer system that displays a map of the taxiways of an airport, receives the name of each taxiway of the taxi route specified by the taxi clearance, and highlights the taxiways on a displayed map to provide a visual indication of the cleared taxi route for the crewmembers.

Abstract: A control device and method in which, even when a road deviation operation is performed continuously near a road boundary where sidewalk/road separating blocks are discontinuously lined up, discontinuity does not occur in the control input, and unwanted vehicle behavior does not occur. The sizes of obstacles present around a host vehicle, as well as their relative positions and relative speeds with respect to the host vehicle are detected. An obstacle link length that serves as a determination criterion for virtual linking of obstacles is set. A gap position interpolation process is performed with respect to the linked obstacles. A search is performed as to whether or not there exists a control subject for which collision is to be avoided. A yaw moment for avoiding an obstacle is calculated based on position information of the avoidance control subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for navigation of a vehicle using cellular networks that involves determining, with an inertial navigation system, a vehicle location estimate. The method also involves transmitting, with a transmit antenna, a transmit signal to the cellular tower requesting a cell identification (CID); and receiving, with a receive antenna, a receive signal from the cellular tower containing the CID. Further, the method involves determining the cellular tower location by looking up the CID in a lookup table; determining a difference in time from the time the transmit signal was sent to the time the receive signal was received; calculating the distance from the vehicle to the cellular tower by using the time difference; and refining the vehicle location estimate by using the cellular tower location, the distance from the vehicle to the cellular tower, and the angle of the transmit antenna and the receive antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for lateral control of a host vehicle (F) during travel in a vehicle platoon. The apparatus and method include acquiring a control signal u and a lateral error ? relative to a target vehicle (L) of a preceding vehicle (T) travelling in the vehicle platoon, filtering the received lateral error ?, filtering the received control signal u, and executing via a processor a control algorithm for actuating lateral control of the host vehicle (F).

Abstract: An autonomous control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control system includes a first control mode component configured to generate a first command to provide a first autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, a second control mode component configured to generate a second command to provide a second autonomous control mode for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer configured to resolve functional conflicts between the first and second autonomous control modes.

Abstract: A transponder communication system and method for communicating with a transponder in an electronic toll collection system. A roadside reader attempts to program the transponder in a normal mode in which a programming signal is transmitted to a first coverage area. If the programming attempt in the normal mode is unsuccessful, the reader attempts to program the transponder in an enhanced mode in which a programming signal is transmitted to a second coverage area. The coverage area is adjusted after the programming attempt in the normal mode by using an adjacent antenna to the antenna used to transmit in the normal mode or by increasing the power of the programming signal to a level that is greater than the level used to transmit the programming signal in the normal mode.

Abstract: A control device of a machine tool includes a first determination unit determining an amount of rotation, rotational speed, and direction of rotation of a rotary handle based on a pulse signal generated by rotation of the rotary handle at a manual pulse generator, and a second determination unit determining which of position control and rotational speed control is selected by selection of an axis through an axis selector switch, based on a signal generated by an axis selection signal generator at an operation device including the manual pulse generator. When a determination is made that position control is selected, the control device controls the amount and direction of travel of a spindle based on the amount of rotation and direction of rotation of the rotary handle. When a determination is made that rotational speed control is selected, the control device controls the rotational speed and direction of rotation of a table based on the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotary handle.