Abstract: Autonomous vehicles use various computing systems to transport passengers from one location to another. A control computer sends messages to the various systems of the vehicle in order to maneuver the vehicle safely to the destination. The control computer may display information on an electronic display in order to allow the passenger to understand what actions the vehicle may be taking in the immediate future. Various icons and images may be used to provide this information to the passenger.

Abstract: A system and method for locating and identifying a potential passenger by an autonomous vehicle includes: receiving a pickup request for the potential passenger, where the pickup request includes a geographic location for locating and picking up the potential passenger by the autonomous vehicle; locating the potential passenger based on the geographic location and using data from one or more sensors of the autonomous vehicle; and in response to locating the potential passenger, controlling the autonomous vehicle to a position to enable pickup of the potential passenger.

Abstract: A control system includes a sensor configured to detect information associated with an area surrounding a vehicle and an electronic control unit configured to control an automated driving of the vehicle. The electronic control unit includes a driving plan generation unit, a driving control unit, a regeneration control unit configured to control a process for regenerating an engine exhaust gas treatment apparatus, and a lane selection unit configured to predict an engine load associated with traveling in each lane of a plurality of lanes. The lane selection unit is also configured to select a lane which would cause an increase in engine load when the control for regenerating the exhaust gas treatment apparatus is being performed by the regeneration control unit. The control system is configured to cause the vehicle to be driven in the lane selected by the lane selection unit.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for tracking objects within a dynamic environment for improved localization. Sensing devices are utilized to gather data about a vehicle's environment. In cases where the sensor data has become degraded, such as data indicating that lane lines have become degraded, obscured, or nonexistent, the vehicle computer system uses previously detected sensor data to estimate the speed and direction of travel of moving objects. The computer system then estimates the location of the moving objects after a specified period of time based on the estimated speed and direction of the moving object. The computer system utilizes this information to localize the vehicle within the dynamic environment and to control the configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle controller which includes an identification unit that identifies an operation state of a traffic signal existing on a route up to a destination; a setting unit that sets an automated drive mode section on the route based on the operation state of the traffic signal identified by the identification unit, the automated drive mode section being a section where an automated drive mode of controlling acceleration, deceleration, or steering is permitted during travelling of a vehicle; and a travel control unit that controls the travelling of the vehicle in the automated drive mode in the automated drive mode section set by the setting unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for selectively learning and displaying information for a coasting guidance system. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine a stop event location where a coasting guidance instruction is displayed. The system includes a memory configured to store one or more stop event locations. The system includes a display configured to display the stored one or more stop event locations on a map. The display is configured to receive an indication of a coasting guidance area on the map. The display is configured to identify a portion of the stored one or more stop event locations within the coasting guidance area. The display is configured to selectively display the portion of the one or more stop event locations on the map such that a stop event location outside of the coasting guidance area is absent from the map.

Abstract: In a driving support device, an image output unit outputs image information including a vehicle object representing a vehicle and a sign object representing a sign, to a display unit. An operation signal input unit receives an operation signal of a user for moving, in the image displayed on the display unit, the vehicle object to the position of the sign object or for moving the sign object to the position of the vehicle object. A command output unit outputs a command corresponding to the display content in the sign object when the operation signal is received, to an automatic driving control unit that controls automatic driving.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a contactless battery synchronous power and a battery management system (BSP-BMS) is disclosed. This system includes a battery monitoring unit for monitoring the state of the batteries and a synchronous power unit for controlling the intensity and direction of current during both, charging and discharging processes, including one or several opto-inductive discs for the wireless energy transfer and fast and a lightweight communication scheme. The full system disclosed in this invention is very small in size, lightweight, cost effective and reliable due to its scalable structure, easy parallelization of current control elements and paths, and local and reliable opto-inductive coupling. The invention is aimed at universal, fast and automated charge processes and internal stored energy management for unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) but it can be an effective solution for manned electric vehicles like electric bikes, electric motorcycles or other electric powered vehicles.

Abstract: An image display apparatus for displaying an image related to an autonomous driving control of an autonomous driving system on a display surface of an in-vehicle display of a vehicle is configured such that, when the vehicle is in the autonomous driving control, the image display apparatus displays: a traveling road overlook image showing the vehicle and a traveling road where the vehicle runs in a bird's-eye view; a stability display image positioned in a traveling direction of the vehicle in the traveling road overlook image, the stability display image being configured to change according to stability information inside a rectangular frame extending in a direction intersecting with the travelling direction; and a subsequent action text image positioned in the traveling direction relative to the stability display image and indicative of subsequent action information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations are disclosed. Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations may include an autonomous vehicle identifying map information representing a vehicle transportation network, the vehicle transportation network including a primary destination and a docking location, wherein identifying the map information includes identifying the map information such that the map information includes docking location information representing the docking location.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle docking systems and methods are presented herein. A UAV can hover in a hovering position above a docking pad of the UAV docking system based on positioning measurements. An on-board camera can image a machine-readable code present on the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV above the docking pad can be adjusted based on imaging of the machine-readable code and ranging measurements to the docking pad. A tether can be extended from the UAV towards the docking pad. The hovering position of the UAV and extension of the tether can be adjusted such that a mating device present on a distal end of the tether engages with a coupling device of the UAV docking pad. The tether can be reeled in to the UAV to assist in lowering the UAV from the hovering position to a landing position on the docking pad.

Abstract: A target pathway generating device basically has a generating unit that generates a target pathway at a predetermined timing for controlling the driving of a vehicle in a predetermined section, and a setting unit that sets a target vehicle speed in advance at a section endpoint of the section in which the vehicle is currently driven. The target vehicle speed is used when the generating unit cannot generate a target pathway at the predetermined timing. The setting unit sets the target vehicle speed based on road information in the predetermined section.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a vehicle, wherein during coasting of the vehicle, in order to reach a route position of a driving route that is still to be travelled, at a desired speed that is less than a vehicle speed at the start of coasting, a vehicle actual speed is compared with a vehicle target speed and an action is performed in dependence on the comparison. This renders possible a continuous adaptation of the driving resistance, so the desired speed is reliably reached. Interfering variables such as wind or gradient may be compensated for. A device is provided for operating a vehicle, and to a computer program.

Abstract: A system of computers configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a system, including a computer programmed to control each of an autonomous vehicle propulsion, steering, and braking, where the vehicle is subject to autonomous control. The system makes a first determination, based on data from a vehicle sensor, of availability of a vehicle parking area and makes a second determination, based on at least a geolocation of the vehicle, a system fault, a conditional boundary and availability of the parking area, to autonomously park in the parking area. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Abstract: A method and device for estimating the operating time of a motor vehicle in autonomous mode for at least one route between a departure point and an arrival point. The estimating device is connected to an identifying element and to an element for characterizing portions of roads approved for the operation of the vehicle in autonomous mode, along the at least one route. The estimating device includes a unit for calculating the time during which the vehicle is eligible to operate in autonomous mode depending on the characterization of approved portions of road.

Abstract: A device having a sensor, a control unit, and a display designed for a vehicle which is designed as an at least partially self-driving vehicle. The sensor detects objects in the surroundings of the vehicle. The device displays the objects, together with the vehicle, on the display in animated form.

Abstract: A method and a system for traffic light detection are provided. The method may include: obtaining a color image; calculating pixel response values for pixels of the color image, respectively, where each of the pixel response values may be calculated using R, G, and B values of a corresponding pixel directly, such that pixel response values of red traffic light pixels are substantially distributed on a first side of a predetermined range and pixel response values of green traffic light pixels are substantially distributed on a second side of the predetermined range which is opposite to the first side; identifying pixels whose pixel response values are distributed on the first side or the second side as candidate pixels; identifying candidate blobs based on the candidate pixels; and verifying whether the candidate blobs are traffic lights. Efficiency and reliability may be improved.

Abstract: Systems for controlling autonomous vehicles are disclosed. Using one or more location detection resources, the system can receive vehicle data from an autonomous vehicle as the autonomous vehicle progresses towards a pickup location of a requesting user and receive requester data from a mobile computing device of the requester. The system can determine when the autonomous vehicle and the requester are at or within a threshold distance of the pickup location. Subsequently, the system can instruct the autonomous vehicle to perform one or more non-driving operations to facilitate use of the autonomous vehicle by the requester.

Abstract: A predefined area is divided into a plurality of tiles, a respective one of the tiles of the area being determined as a starting tile and the respective remaining tiles being determined as reference tiles, and special nodes, being predefined that are arranged in the starting tile or in the respective reference tile. For the respective starting tile, a correction value is determined, in each case in relation to one of the reference tiles, such that a respective cost ratio is determined for each special node of the respective starting tile in relation to each special node of the reference tile on the basis of the edge costs of the connections that are situated between the respective special node of the starting tile and the respective special node of the reference tile. The cost ratio is also determined on the basis of a heuristic value of the respective special node of the starting tile in relation to the respective special node of the reference tile.

Abstract: An obstacle detector configured to identify negative obstacles in a vehicle's path responsive to steering a laser beam to scan high priority areas in the vehicle's path is provided. The high priority areas can be identified dynamically in response to the terrain, speed, and/or acceleration of the vehicle. In some examples, the high priority areas are identified based on a projected position of the vehicles tires. A scan path for the laser, scan rate, and/or a scan location can be dynamically generated to cover the high priority areas.

Abstract: To provide a system comprising: an unmanned aerial vehicle; and a free space location database, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle has: a camera that is capable of 360°-image capturing on a horizontal plane; a positioning apparatus that measures a location of the unmanned aerial vehicle; a direction measuring apparatus that measures a direction of the unmanned aerial vehicle; an altitude measuring apparatus that measures an altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and an information transmitting unit that transmits, to the free space location database, camera image data captured by the camera at every predetermined altitude, and the location, direction and altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle at time of image capturing by the camera, and based on the camera image data, and the location, direction and altitude of the unmanned aerial vehicle, the free space location database corrects 3D data including terrain information to generate free space location data.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to speed control in an autonomous vehicle. For example, an autonomous vehicle may include a user interface which allows the driver to input speed preferences. These preferences may include the maximum speed above the speed limit the user would like the autonomous vehicle to drive when other vehicles are present and driving above or below certain speeds. The other vehicles may be in adjacent or the same lane the vehicle, and need not be in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for guidance of an off-road vehicle comprises a crop row sensor for sensing position data for one or more crop rows. A primary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on the sensed position data for the one or more crop rows if there not a material gap in the crop row for the current location of the vehicle. Alternately or cumulatively, a secondary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on a historic path heading of the vehicle if there is the material gap in a crop row for a current location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for driver assistance for a first vehicle includes monitoring, using a detection arrangement provided with the first vehicle, a predefined area surrounding the first vehicle, identifying a road condition ahead of the first vehicle and within the predefined area, the road condition fulfilling a predetermined risk criteria, identifying a second vehicle initiating a maneuver for overtaking the first vehicle, and determining a collision risk level for the first and/or second vehicle during the overtaking maneuver.

Abstract: A visual display for an autonomous vehicle, comprising a first display section that displays an external view of the autonomous vehicle, a second display section that displays vehicle actions that the autonomous vehicle will take and a third display section that displays alternative vehicle actions that an authorized passenger of the autonomous vehicle may select to override the vehicle actions. A decision system for an autonomous vehicle, comprising an input sensor to collect information from passengers to determine if a passenger is an authorized passenger and a display section that displays alternative vehicle actions that an authorized passenger of the autonomous vehicle may select to override vehicle actions of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes at least one sensor in the vehicle. A processor receiving information from the at least one sensor, the processor programmed to automatically identify a driver of the vehicle based upon the information from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering an occupant of the vehicle to a destination autonomously as well as providing information about the vehicle and the vehicle's environment for display to the occupant.

Abstract: A method for the automatic operation of a vehicle in an autonomous driving operation requiring no user action by means of a driver assistance system involves informing a driver of the vehicle in good time about an imminent automatic intervention of the driver assistance system into longitudinal and/or transverse dynamics in the autonomous driving operation by way of an automatic emission of a notice.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an autonomously navigating utility vehicle equipped with a prime mover to travel about a working area delineated by a boundary wire in order to perform work autonomously, there are provided with an objective location identifying unit that identifies a location of an objective in the working area, a route generating unit that generates a target return route for the vehicle to return to the objective, and a travel controlling unit that controls operation of the prime mover to make the vehicle travel along the target return route.

Abstract: Improved vehicle guidance systems and methods are provided. A generated guidance curve approximates a vehicle trajectory path comprising a set of two-dimensional reference points. The guidance curve is based on a summed and weighted radial basis functions. Weighting is associated with coefficients calculated using linear least-squares regression to minimize approximation error between the guidance curve and the vehicle trajectory path. Guidance instructions are based, at least in part, on a nearest location point, and a tangent direction and curvature of the guidance curve at the nearest location point. The controller autonomously guides the vehicle along the guidance curve. The basis functions can have a cardinality less than a cardinality of the reference points. A distorting effect at the path ends can be minimized by augmenting the path ends of the vehicle trajectory path. Irregular reference point spacing can be mitigated using regularization techniques.

Abstract: A moving amount estimating apparatus includes a position data obtaining unit, a first estimating unit, and a second estimating unit. The position data obtaining unit obtains a plurality of position data used to form a projection object image before and after movement of a mobile body. The first estimating unit calculates a moving amount of a parallel movement and/or a rotational movement of second position data as a moving amount of a mobile body when a plurality of moving position data is calculated. A second estimating unit compensates for a wheel moving amount based on a comparison between a second reference moving amount based on a rotating amount of a wheel during a predetermined period and a first reference moving amount obtained by calculating the moving amount of the mobile body in the first estimating unit during the predetermined period, and estimates the moving amount of the mobile body.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to examine one or more vehicle settings having been changed after a driver enters a vehicle. Also, the processor is configured to compare the examined settings to settings associated with currently stored driver profiles and verify the driver as a previously stored primary vehicle driver based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle. The driver assistance system controls the vehicle at least partially automatically. In the method, the start of an auto pilot route section is determined in the course of a route planned for the vehicle. The driver assistance system is able to control the vehicle automatically along the autopilot route section. A distance between the current position of the vehicle and the start of the autopilot route section is determined and output in the vehicle.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, using at least one processor, location information that includes a location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); querying, using the at least one processor, a policy database to retrieve a notification condition for a first property with respect to UAVs; calculating, using the at least one processor, a distance between the UAV and the first property using the received location information determining, using the at least one processor, if the distance of the UAV with respect to the first property is within a range defined in the notification condition for the first property; and transmitting, using the at least one processor, a notification to a party associated with the first property when the distance of the UAV with respect to the first property is within the range defined in the notification condition for the first property.

Abstract: In an automatic vehicle position control system, such as a satellite-based agricultural implement steering system, the satellite-based steering information is adjusted with information obtained from one or more path sensors to facilitate the automatic nudging of the vehicle to take account of inaccurate tracking of the agricultural implement relative to its tractor, terrain variations, and inaccuracies in the satellite-based steering system.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for semi-autonomous vehicle control of a vehicle includes a distributed mission module configured to modify a mission element of a group mission based on availability of data. The group mission involves a plurality of vehicles. The apparatus also includes a guidance module configured to compute a path for a local vehicle of the plurality of vehicles based on the modified mission element. The path is configured to achieve the modified mission element. Additionally, the apparatus includes a multi-protocol translator module configured to convert the path into one or more control commands for the local vehicle. The distributed mission module, guidance module, and multi-protocol translator are located on-board the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for assisting in the use by an operator of the operating element of a tool at desired locations at a worksite, includes a stationary control and a position sensor secured to the tool. The stationary control is located at the worksite, and has data stored therein specifying one or more desired locations for operation of the operating element of the tool at the worksite. A position sensor is mounted on the tool. The position sensor determines the position of the operating element of the tool. The position sensor includes a communication device for communicating with said stationary control, a sensor for determining its relative position with respect to said stationary control, and a display for providing indications to the user of the tool of the desired location for the operating element of the tool and of the actual location of the operating element of the tool.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods for generating and transmitting an interruption signal to a request for a substantially autonomous vehicle taxi-service based on user-supplied input are presented. The disclosure provides an efficient technique for interrupting an initial request for a substantially autonomous vehicle taxi-service and in some embodiments, further enables for the rescheduling of the request for a substantially autonomous vehicle taxi-service to a future point in time based upon user supplied input.

Abstract: A data collection system for surfing which includes a data collection device mounted on the upper torso of the surfer or on the surf board. The device includes a clock, GPS unit, three dimensional accelerometers, three dimensional gyroscopes, and a microprocessor and data store for processing the signals from the GPS unit, three dimensional accelerometers and three dimensional gyroscopes. The microprocessor is programmed to identify and collect signal data to derive information identifying one or more parameters including number of waves passed up, power of each wave, size and frequency of the waves, time when a wave is caught, number of paddles required to catch a wave, time between catching the wave and the surfer standing up, distance travelled and speed during ride, time when rider exits the wave, acceleration during each manoeuvre during the ride, g force and speed during turns.

Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: generating a potential route based on a navigation information, a status information, or a combination thereof; determining an update priority based on comparing a first map and the potential route on a second map with a control unit for identifying a discrepancy between the first map and the second map; and updating the first map based on the update priority for displaying on a device.

Abstract: Forms of the present disclosure provide vehicles and methods for controlling the same, which detect abnormal driving and notify the driver of the abnormal driving, and increase a distance to a car ahead or avoid the car ahead in the abnormal driving. A vehicle includes a sensor for obtaining information regarding surroundings of the vehicle, a processor for determining an error between lines and a traveling trajectory of a car ahead, and a change in acceleration of the car ahead, based on the information obtained by the sensor, and determining whether the car ahead is being driven abnormally based on the error and change of acceleration, and a display for displaying a message indicating that the car ahead is being driven abnormally.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to controlling headlights and more particularly to a system and method for automatically controlling vehicle headlights using image processing techniques. In one embodiment, a Headlight Controlling Device for automatically controlling vehicle headlights is disclosed. The Headlight Controlling Device comprises a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores processor instructions, which, on execution, causes the processor to collect at least one of vehicle information, vehicle speed, road information, area information, weather information or a multimedia object associated with a forward path of the vehicle. The processor further determines a current light intensity distribution of the vehicle headlight based on the multimedia object.

Abstract: A system for parking a vehicle is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes a vehicle including a motor, sensors, a steering system, a processor, and a memory; an autopark program operatively connected to the vehicle's steering system; a navigation program operatively connected to the vehicle and configured to determine the vehicle's speed and lane with the sensors, to evaluate the data, and in response to the evaluation, to automatically execute the autopark program.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for driving a mining and/or construction machine, where said machine is arranged to be controlled by an operator by means of maneuvering means, where said operator, when driving said machine, provides steering commands by means of said maneuvering means for maneuvering said machine. The method comprises, when said machine is being driven in an environment having at least a first obstacle—estimating a path that, has been requested by said operator by means of said steering commands,—by means of a control system determining whether said machine when moving according to said requested path will be driven within a first distance from said first obstacle, and—when said machine, when travelling along said path, will be driven within a first distance from said first obstacle, influencing the path of said machine by means of said control system.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for continuously establishing a boundary for autonomous driving availability, in a vehicle having autonomous driving capabilities and comprising at least one remote sensor for acquiring vehicle surrounding information and at least one vehicle dynamics sensor for determining vehicle dynamics parameters. The method and apparatus include at least one of a positioning arrangement that provides map data with associated information, a route planning arrangement that enables route planning, a vehicle driver monitoring arrangement that provides driver monitoring information, and a real time information acquiring arrangement that acquires at least one of traffic information and weather information. The boundary is calculated based on a planned route and at least one of vehicle surrounding information, vehicle dynamics parameters, driver monitoring information, map data, traffic information and weather information, for the planned route.

Abstract: A computer-readable map format and methods of constructing the map format are disclosed. The map format includes location information for a plurality of background objects. At least one of the background objects is a seasonal background object and the location information associated with the seasonal background object is identified during a season in which an obscuration level associated with the seasonal background object is at a minimum. The obscuration level can be based on the amount that the seasonal background object is obscured or based on the amount of obscuration caused by the seasonal background object.

Abstract: Systems, devices, features, and methods for obtaining, enhancing, or using data for or with a geographic database, such as a navigation database, are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving input to enable a probe sensor that is associated with a device used by a being with a physical disability. Geographic data is collected via the probe sensor when the device is in use by the being with the physical disability. The collected geographic data is provided to a data collection facility to develop data corresponding to a geographic and/or navigation database.

Abstract: The scheduler performs thread scheduling of repeating processings of specifying each hardware thread included in a first group among the multiple hardware threads for the number of times set up in advance for the hardware thread, and of specifying any one of the hardware threads in a second group for the number of times set up in advance for the second group that includes other hardware threads. Moreover, when the hardware thread in the first group specified by the thread scheduling is nondispatchable, the scheduler performs rescheduling of respecifying the hardware thread in the second group instead of the hardware thread in the first group.

Abstract: An abnormality determination system includes: an autonomous moving object including at least one distance measuring unit that is disposed to face a road surface in a moving direction ant that measures a distance to the road surface; a charging unit including a connection terminal for charging a battery of the autonomous moving object; a stepped portion disposed on a road surface which is subjected to measurement by the distance measuring unit when the autonomous moving object is connected to the connection terminal of the charging unit and is positioned; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the distance to the stepped portion measured by the distance measuring unit at the time of positioning is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method for control of the system, with a plurality of autonomous vehicles having intersecting routes, a control, an operational area, and a predefined place with positions provided with a vehicle presence detection device. The method includes detecting the presence of the vehicles in a detection device, and beginning to travel with a first vehicle according to a travel action. The travel action is chosen from travelling of a route through the operational area from a predefined place, and an advancing action within a predefined place from a first detection device to a second detection device which is not yet occupied. Beginning to travel is carried out only if each of the vehicles has been detected as present at one of the predefined places, or, at most one vehicle has the status “not present at one of the predefined places” if the travel action relates to an advancing action.