Abstract: A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path. The machine uses a “learn and follow” system in which the machine is first operated in a manual mode along a desired path. The control system learns the desired path and then operates the machine in a robotic mode to follow the desired path without operator control. If the machine moves away from the desired path when in the robotic mode, the location of the machine is corrected using GPS location signals.

Abstract: A method of moving in a minimum cost path using a grid map, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including calculating a move cost to a goal, from each of a plurality of cells comprises in a space in which a mobile home appliance moves, and planning a movement path to the goal according to the move cost; determining one or more via points at which a direction changes on the movement path; planning the minimum cost path from the movement path by selecting one or more shortest-distance via points from the via points; and moving from a first shortest-distance via point to a second shortest-distance via point.

Abstract: A vehicle controller includes a communications unit for performing data communications with local servers; a local path generation unit for generating, in response to an automatic vehicle guidance service request, a local path based on a driving control command and sensing information received from the local servers via the communications unit; a path-following control unit for generating actuator control signals for controlling actuators of a vehicle to drive the vehicle along the local path; and a vehicle driving unit for driving the actuators according to the actuator control signals. Each local server pre-processes and merges sensor data received from the infra-sensor to generate the sensing information. A global server generates the driving control command based on the sensing information and transmits the driving control command to the local servers.

Abstract: In an autonomic traveling apparatus for a vehicle, vehicles usually travel an independent travel lane and when there are two approaching vehicles on the independent travel lane, they switch to pass-by lanes to pass by each other. To do this switching operation effectively, respective vehicles check and obtain road conditions around them while they are traveling and the obtained road conditions are transmitted to and collected by a travel administration center so that the road conditions at various points along the lanes can be obtained from the travel administration center. Accordingly, when the autonomic traveling trucks approaching each other and supposed to pass by each other, switch to the associated pass-by lanes, they change travel lanes avoiding the point of bad road condition on the basis of the road conditions sent from the travel administration center.

Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes: Receiving data relating to a plurality of proposed vehicle locations; generating a simulated vehicle path based on the received data; determining a simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; presenting at least the simulated vehicle orientation in a user-discernable form; receiving a user verification of the simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; and producing approved vehicle control commands from the simulated vehicle path and simulated vehicle orientation, the approved vehicle control commands controlling the autonomous vehicle to follow the simulated vehicle path and the simulated vehicle orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a robot cleaner in which a robot cleaner is moved at an arbitrary starting angle along a rotation trajectory having an arbitrary rotational center and rotation radius during obstacle-following traveling, whereby an obstacle-following traveling time is reduced and consequently, a movement time of the robot cleaner is reduced.

Abstract: A method of navigating an area using a mobile robotic device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by a mobile robotic device, a position of the mobile robotic device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the mobile robotic device from the determined position along a path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and may be located a distance from a reference point on the mobile robotic device during movement of the mobile robotic device.

Abstract: A method of navigating a robot includes creating a robot navigation map using a map database required for navigation of the robot; and creating a path on which no obstacle is located in the map database using the created robot navigation map. Further, the method of navigating the robot includes primarily controlling the robot so that the robot travels along the created path; and secondarily controlling the robot so that the robot avoids an obstacle on the path.

Abstract: In automatic steering control, when both a traveling lane and a preceding vehicle are detected, a target position on a first vehicle traveling path based on traveling lane information and a target position on a second vehicle traveling path based on preceding vehicle information are set as a first target position and a second target position, respectively. When the second target position is set farther than the first target position, the correction amount of the distance between the first target position and the second vehicle traveling path is set in accordance with the distance difference in the front-rear direction between the first and second target positions, and a third target position is set by correcting the first target position by the correction amount so as to become closer to the second vehicle traveling path. The steering control amount is calculated on the basis of the third target position.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for unattended detection of a current terrain to be traversed by a mobile device is disclosed. Visual input of the current terrain is received for a plurality of positions. Audio input corresponding to the current terrain is received for the plurality of positions. The video input is fused with the audio input using a classifier. The type of the current terrain is classified with the classifier. The classifier may also be employed to predict the type of terrain proximal to the current terrain. The classifier is constructed using an expectation-maximization (EM) method.

Abstract: To improve the scheduling and tasking of sensors, the present disclosure describes an improved planning system and method for the allocation and management of sensors. In one embodiment, the planning system uses a branch and bound approach of tasking sensors using a heuristic to expedite arrival at a deterministic solution. In another embodiment, a progressive lower bound is applied to the branch and bound approach. Also, in another embodiment, a hybrid branch and bound approach is used where both local and global planning are employed in a tiered fashion.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle that is capable of operating in a mode in which motive power is being supplied wholly or partially from electric power is provided with an exterior indicator showing this mode of operation to other vehicle operators. In this way other drivers are alerted to the fact that the vehicle is under electric power and is not likely to be accelerated, particularly uphill.

Abstract: A vehicle departure determination apparatus includes: an object detection device which detects objects present in a direction of travel of a subject vehicle, and detects a relative position and relative speed of the objects and the subject vehicle; a running state detection device which detects a running state of the subject vehicle; a speed detection device which detects a speed of the subject vehicle; an oncoming vehicle determination device which determines whether any of the objects serving as oncoming vehicles for the subject vehicle are present, based on the relative speed detected by the object detection device, and the speed of the subject vehicle detected by the speed detection device; and a departure determination device which determines whether or not the subject vehicle has departed from an appropriate route for the subject vehicle, or the oncoming vehicle has departed from an appropriate route for the oncoming vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes at least one image sensor, and at least one processor. The processor is configured to receive at least a portion of at least one image from the at least one image sensor, wherein an aim of the at least one image sensor is a function of the at least one image. The processor is further configured to generate at least one vehicle equipment control signal as a function of at least one feature extracted from at least a portion of at least one image.

Abstract: A computationally efficient method for generating a spiral swath pattern for a region of a field bounded by a convex polygon, the method automatically generating curved portions for the swath pattern having radii of curvature greater than a minimum turning radius based on the minimum turning radius and a definition of the field boundary.

Abstract: The content of the voice designation of a designator is recognized by a voice recognition part 130 at the time of controlling a robot, and the content of the indication of gesture or the like is recognized by an image recognition part 120. A movement destination and a map around the specific position designated are referred from a map data base 150 registering the position of an obstacle and the current position estimated by a self-position estimation part 140. After movement ease is decided by a movement ease decision part 112, the behavior is decided. When movement designation is given to the robot, correspondence according to a situation can be performed.

Abstract: To improve the accuracy of the self position estimation of a mobile robot. A robot measures a distance to an object in the mobile environment by using a range sensor. An environmental map storage unit stores an environmental map containing a plurality of map data each corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of measurement directions from which a point in the mobile environment is to be observed. A self position estimation unit selects a map data corresponding to a measurement direction in which a distance to the object is measured by the range sensor from the plurality of map data. Then, the self position estimation unit estimates a self position of the mobile robot based on the selected map data and range data obtained by the range sensor.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of contemporaneously testing a respective system on-board each of a plurality of locomotives with a common user interface where the locomotives are in electrical communication with one another for transmitting electronic signals among the locomotives. An electronic signal may be transmitted to the plurality of locomotives instructing a respective on-board computer of each locomotive to synchronously engage a self-load sequence. An electronic signal may be transmitted to the plurality of locomotives instructing a respective engine of each locomotive to execute a testing sequence. Operating parameter data associated with the respective systems may be downloaded from each of the plurality of locomotives through the common user interface to a database engine to determine whether the downloaded operating parameter data is within acceptable operating limits.

Abstract: An in-car navigation device depicts dynamic travel information (congestions, weather, etc.) in the context of a schematic display of the actual roads that the information relates to. In one implementation, the schematic view is a linear representation of the route and that schematic linear representation is displayed at the same time but separate from a map of a 2-D or 3-D representation of the actual road being traveled along and the current location of the device on that road. The device can send a request to a remote server over a wireless communications network for dynamic travel information relevant to a defined route and receive and display that information.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for relocating a mobile robot when the mobile robot loses its position due to slipping. The method includes storing a moving path of the mobile robot and effective points on the moving path capable of finding an absolute position from a peripheral image; detecting an abnormal motion of the mobile robot; and when the abnormal motion of the mobile robot is detected, controlling the mobile robot to move to the effective point along a predetermined return path.

Abstract: A robot confinement system includes a portable housing and a mobile robot. The portable housing includes an emitter operable to emit a first signal when a presence of the robot is detected in a field of detection. The robot includes a controller operable to control a movement path of the robot on a surface and a cleaner operable to clean the surface as the robot moves on the surface. The robot further includes a detector operable to detect the first signal emitted by the portable housing. The controller is operable to change the movement path of the robot in response to detection of the first signal. One of the portable housing and the robot is operable to detect a second signal generated by the other of the portable housing and the robot to detect the presence of the robot in the field of detection.

Abstract: A path risk evaluating apparatus includes a secondary collision likelihood direction evaluating unit (108) and a secondary collision likelihood distance evaluating unit (109) which evaluate, based on the relationship between a movement path and a position of objects in an environment where a mobile device moves, the likelihood of the mobile device having primary collision with a first object and the first object further having secondary collision with a second object; a risky attribute combination evaluating unit (112) which determines degree of damage when secondary collision occurs, by referring to information, indicating degree of damage when objects in the environment collide, held by a risky attribute combination information holding unit (111); and a path evaluating unit (113) which evaluates the risk of the moving path for the mobile device, based on the evaluation result from the secondary collision likelihood direction evaluating unit (108) and the secondary collision likelihood distance evaluating un

Abstract: A system and method to perforin image acquisition of a subject is provided. The system includes a mobile device to move an imaging system across a floor, and a brake system that restrains movement of the mobile device. A controller includes a memory having program instructions to instruct a processor to perform the steps of: instructing movement of the mobile device in support of the imaging system to a first position for image acquisition of the subject; receiving feedback that the mobile device is located at the first position; and applying a brake force to restrain movement of the mobile device, wherein the step of applying the brake force includes generating an electromagnetic force from the mobile device in restraint of movement with respect to a plate attached at the floor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an activation system (1) for a robotic vehicle (2), comprising at least one external camera (8) configured for generating image data of a work area (3) and of at least one robotic vehicle (2), and comprising at least one external logic unit (10) configured for determining the position of the at least one robotic vehicle (2) based on the image data generated by the camera (8), and comprising an external transmission unit (15, 20) configured for transmitting driving instructions, and comprising a receiving unit (16, 21) configured for receiving the driving instructions, and further comprising a controller (18) for activating drive means of at least one robotic vehicle (2) based on the driving instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a mobile robot system to restrict a traveling region of a robot and to guide the robot to another region, and a method of controlling the same. Only when a remote controller reception module of a beacon senses a signal transmitted from a mobile robot, the sensed result is reported to the mobile robot in the form of a response signal. In addition, the Field-of-View (FOV) of the remote control reception module is restricted by a directivity receiver. Only when the signal transmitted from the mobile robot is sensed within the restricted FOV, the sensed result is reported to the mobile robot.

Abstract: An adaptive vehicle control system that classifies a driver's driving style based on vehicle U-turn maneuvers. A process determines if the vehicle has started a turn if the yaw rate is greater than a first yaw rate threshold, and determines a vehicle heading angle based on the yaw rate and a sampling time if the vehicle has started a turn. The process then determines whether the vehicle maneuver has been completed by determining if the yaw rate is less than a second yaw rate threshold. The process then determines that the completed maneuver was a U-turn maneuver if the yaw rate is less than a third yaw rate threshold during the maneuver, the final vehicle heading angle is within a heading angle range and the duration of the maneuver is less than a predetermined time threshold. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heading angle range is between 165° and 195°.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle comprises at least one image sensor to provide measurements of landmark position for a plurality of landmarks; and processing functionality to estimate the position of the plurality of landmarks in a global frame and in the autonomous vehicle's frame, and to estimate the kinematic state of the autonomous vehicle in a global frame based, at least in part, on the measurements of landmark position from the at least one image sensor. The processing functionality is further operable to calculate errors in the estimated positions of the plurality of landmarks in the global frame and in the estimate of the kinematic state of the autonomous vehicle in the global frame by using a plurality of unit projection vectors between the estimated positions of the plurality landmarks in the autonomous vehicle's frame and a plurality of unit projection vectors between the estimated positions of the plurality of landmarks in the global frame.

Abstract: A target route setting support system is equipped with a transiting area/starting-terminal point recognizing unit, a route candidate generating unit, and a determining unit. The transiting area/starting-terminal point recognizing unit recognizes a node or a link connecting nodes together designated by the user via a remote controller as a designated transiting area, the target position as a terminal point, and a departure position as a starting point. The route candidate generating unit generates a moving route candidate connecting the terminal point and the starting point so the designated transiting area is included at least in a part of the moving route candidate. The determining unit determines the level of a possibility of contact between the robot and an object in the case where the robot is made to move along the moving route candidate, and outputs the determination result via an output device.

Abstract: A method for inspecting structures that includes using a plurality of independent unmanned mobile vehicles. The unmanned mobile vehicles are equipped with a control and guidance system for enabling each unmanned mobile vehicle to operate autonomously. Each unmanned mobile vehicle may be programmed with an operating program that defines a path of travel for it, relative to a structure to be inspected. The unmanned mobile vehicles are deployed so that they cooperatively form a swarm that travels about the structure. At least one of said unmanned mobile vehicles is used to obtain inspection data of a portion of the structure as it executes its respective operating program.

Abstract: A method of controlling movement of a mobile robot for realizing safe and appropriate accompanying behavior to follow an accompanied target includes detecting at least a position of the accompanied target, and controlling the movement of the mobile robot, based on the detected position of the accompanied target, so that the mobile robot moves along a path that is parallel to a moving direction of the accompanied target.

Abstract: A navigation system and method for resolving discrepancies between a reported position and route data is presented. Based on a reported position, the navigation system identifies prospective road segments within a radius of the reported position. For each road segment, the navigation system generates a series of scores according to various attributes, including the current heading, current speed, proximity of reported location to the prospective road, and the like. Historical scores are also generated based on historical information, i.e., previous navigation device locations. Scores are normalized such that they can be compared, and optionally weighted according to particular implementation details. After scores have been generated for each prospective road, the prospective road, and its determined location, with the best score is selected as the resolved, actual location.

Abstract: A robot cleaner is described that cleans a room using a serpentine room clean and a serpentine localized clean. Sensors can include an object following sensor, a stairway detector and bumper sensors.

Abstract: A moving device (70) determines an obstacle virtual existence region (72) of a simple graphic approximating a detected obstacle (71) to detect the obstacle (71) in a real time and determine a smooth avoidance path by calculation, thereby performing collision prediction.

Abstract: A system and method for providing steering control for lane changing and lane centering purposes in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle system. A vehicle vision system calculates roadway lane marking information, such as lateral offset, yaw angle and roadway curvature with respect to the vehicle's centered coordinate system. The roadway is then modeled as a second order polynomial equation. The method then predicts roadway lateral position and yaw angle over a pre-defined lane change completion time using a vehicle dynamic model. The method then compares a predicted vehicle path with a desired vehicle path to generate an error value, and calculates a steering angle command to minimize the error value, where the steering angle command is calculated as a function of vehicle lateral position, vehicle lateral speed, vehicle yaw rate and vehicle yaw angle. The steering angle command is then sent to the vehicle steering system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot and a controlling method of the same. An entire movement region is divided into a plurality of regions, and a partial map is gradually made by using feature points of a plurality of images of the divided regions. Then, the map is compensated into a closed curved line, thereby making an entire map. Furthermore, when the mobile robot is positioned at a boundary of neighboring regions of the cleaning region, the boundary where a closed curved line is formed, the mobile robot compensates for its position based on a matching result between feature points included in the map, and feature points extracted from images captured during a cleaning process.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot apparatus and a method for avoiding collision due to rush-out, being applicable under the circumstances where persons and robots come and go each other, comprises an obstacle detector unit 3, which detects an obstacle, a route producer unit 7, which determines a route for reaching to a destination while avoiding the obstacle detected by the obstacle detector unit upon basis of a predetermined avoiding method, as well as, a velocity thereof, and a moving unit 2, which loads the obstacle detector unit and the route producer unit thereon and moves, thereby operating under circumstances mixing with a human being(s), wherein the obstacle detector unit, further, detects a terminal point of an article lying in an advancing direction of the autonomous mobile robot apparatus, and a distance between the terminal point and the autonomous mobile robot apparatus, and the route producer unit, when the obstacle detector unit detects the terminal end of said article, controls at least either one of

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus includes a guidance mode setting portion specifying a forward turning guidance controlling portion to perform a control when determining that a direct guidance control for driving a vehicle rearward to a target parking position without once driving the vehicle forward is unachievable. The forward turning guidance controlling portion includes an auxiliary guidance controlling device generating an auxiliary guidance path and driving the vehicle rearward by an automatic steering along the auxiliary guidance path and a guidance possibility determining device determining whether or not the vehicle is directly guided rearward to the target parking position based on a position and a steering angle of the vehicle while the vehicle is moving forward by a manual steering. The forward turning guidance controlling portion includes a final guidance controlling device guiding the vehicle to the target parking position.

Abstract: When a rotary intersection is of large scale, “rotary intersection guidance based on exit number” is provided. That is, it is informed from what number exit road of the multiple exit roads of a rotary intersection, relative to an entrance road, the driver should get off. For example, the guidance of “Get off from the second exit road ahead” is provided. In contrast, when a rotary intersection is of small scale and the rotary intersection is in simple shape, “rotary intersection guidance based on direction guidance” is provided. That is, the direction of an exit road about which guidance is to be provided, relative to an entrance road, is informed. For example, the guidance of “Turn to the right” is provided.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system for use with an unmanned vehicle, the system includes a plurality of radar elements arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the unmanned vehicle, wherein the radar elements transmit a plurality of pulses about the vehicle and receive a plurality of return signals from one or more objects within the range of the vehicle. Upon detecting the one or more objects within range of the vehicle, the system determines if an object is on a course which requires evasive action and suitably alters the vehicle's course in order to avoid collision.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: An intermediate pivot device is positioned between a towing vehicle and a pulled implement. The intermediate pivot device includes a positioning component that can be actuated in accordance with position implement control data to compensate for the drift of a pulled implement.

Abstract: A route planning system for an agricultural working machine including at least one crop material storage unit for storing quantities of crop material transferable to forage vehicles, has a unit for generating driving routes in a territory based on a defined working width assigned to the agricultural working machine, a unit for reconciling a crop material quantity stored in the crop material storage unit depending on at least one characteristic parameter, and a unit for dynamically adapting the reconciliation to changes in the at least one characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A target route generation system which generates a target route for a robot (R) to travel along autonomously is provided with a route candidate generation element (110) which generates a plurality of travel route candidates to connect the terminating point and the starting point by connecting links stored at a link storing element (211), state recognition elements (115 to 118) which recognize a state of the robot (R), and a route evaluation IC element (120) which evaluates a cost of a travel route candidate including therein an action point stored in an action point storing element (212) lower as the necessity for passing by the action point is higher in view of the state of the robot (R) recognized by the state recognition elements (115 to 118). According to the system, the robot can be made to travel through the action point with a high necessity in view of the state of the robot.

Abstract: A robot system includes camera, a distance direction sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to store a plurality of instruction images obtained as a target of the real-time image at each of a plurality of discrete instruction points provided on a predetermined running path. The controller is configured to switch, on the basis of predetermined switching conditions, between an image guidance mode in which the controller controls a running subsystem on the basis of a comparison result between the real-time image and the instruction image, and a measurement distance guidance mode in which the controller controls the running subsystem on the basis of a detection result of the distance direction sensor.

Abstract: This method allows the calculation, using a terrain elevation database, of a map of the distances of the points accessible to a mobile object subjected to dynamic constraints evolving with its time of travel, for example an aircraft having an imposed vertical flight profile, the distances being measured solely according to paths achievable by the mobile object. It implements a propagation-based distance transform which catalogs the achievable paths going from a goal point whose distance is to be estimated to a source point which is the origin of the distance measurements and likens the distance of the goal point to the length of the shortest achievable path or paths.

Abstract: Systems and methods having front end filters for data links for improved tracking of moving objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes sensing at least one characteristic of a moveable object using a sensor of an acquisition system, and sensing at least one characteristic of the moveable object using an auxiliary sensor. A data link update is transmitted from the auxiliary sensor to the acquisition system, and the data link update is conditioned to provide composite likelihood. The conditioning includes differencing the data link update and at least one predicted characteristic of the moveable object to produce at least one residual (e.g. using a plurality of Kalman filters). A viewing direction of the sensor may be adjusted based at least in part on the composite likelihood. In another embodiment, residuals are projected along sensor line of sight to form a multi-modal non-Gaussian composite likelihood.

Abstract: An enhanced positioning system includes a vehicle positioning system adapted to transmit an output representing at least one of a current position, a future position, and a path of a vehicle and at least one module in communication with the vehicle positioning system, wherein the at least one module obtains data and information related to at least one of a road attribute, a vehicle dynamics, and a vehicle position, analyzes the data and information, and modifies the output of the vehicle positioning system in response to the analysis of the data and information.

Abstract: A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.

Abstract: A computationally efficient method for generating a spiral swath pattern for a region of a field bounded by a convex polygon, the method automatically generating curved portions for the swath pattern having radii of curvature greater than a minimum turning radius based on the minimum turning radius and a definition of the field boundary.

Abstract: A map data updating system is basically provided with a map distribution system and at least one map data updating device. The map distribution system includes a map data generating section and an information distributing section. The map data updating device is configured to process the distribution map data from the map distribution system, and includes a map data updating determining section and an update map data requesting section. The map data generating section configured to generate distribution map data including at least one target map data unit of a map that has been divided into a plurality of map units, with the distribution map data including map data version information for a target map unit to be updated and at least one perimeter map unit existing along a perimeter of the target map unit to be updated. The information distributing section configured to electronically distribute the distribution map data.