Abstract: The present invention relates to a platform for testing collisions or near-collision situations between a collision body, in particular a vehicle, and a test object. The platform has a base body, which has a bottom surface and an attachment surface formed opposite to the bottom surface, wherein an attachment device is formed on the attachment surface for attaching the test object. Furthermore, the platform has at least one roller element, which is arranged at the bottom surface, wherein the roller element is configured such that the base body is displaceable along a ground by the roller element. The base body is formed of an elastically deformable material having a thickness of less than 2500 kg/m3.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying hazardous site conditions. The method includes training a classifier using a labeled training set, wherein the classifier is trained to classify site conditions based on features extracted from enhanced floor plans, wherein the labeled training set includes a plurality of training features and a plurality of training labels, wherein the plurality of training features are extracted from a plurality of training enhanced floor plans, wherein the plurality of training labels are a plurality of hazardous site condition identification labels; and identifying at least one hazardous site condition of a test enhanced floor plan by applying the classifier to a plurality of test features extracted from the test enhanced floor plan, wherein the classifier outputs at least one site condition classification when applied to the plurality of test features, wherein the at least one hazardous site condition is identified based on the at least one site condition classification.

Abstract: An onboard device to acquire data relating to motion and/or driving parameters of a vehicle is described, the device, comprising: at least one data source internal to the on-board device adapted to provide in output a first data signal containing data correlated to motion and/or driving parameters of the vehicle; a data processing unit to receive and process said first data signal; a long-range radio communication interface to allow a data transmission on a telecommunications network between the data processing unit and a remote processing centre; a first short-range Bluetooth radio communication interface to allow the on-board device to receive at least one data signal from an external device, the external device comprising a data source external to the on-board device and a second short-range Bluetooth radio communication interface.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first receiver communicatively coupled with a first remote control device, a first control signal from the first remote control device. The method also includes receiving, by a second receiver communicatively coupled with a second remote control device, a second control signal from the second remote control device. The method further includes selecting one of the first control signal of the first remote control device and the second control signal of the second remote control device for controlling a movable object.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle system for deployment at a scene includes an unmanned aerial vehicle, a command center, a communication suite, and a display. The unmanned aerial vehicle is configured to travel between two or more destinations. Command center is configured to monitor and regulate movement of the unmanned aerial vehicle in flight during deployment. The communication suite is transported within the unmanned aerial vehicle to permit the transfer of electronic data between itself and the command center. The display is mounted to the unmanned aerial vehicle and broadcasts information visually to observers near the scene. The command center can regulate the information broadcast on the display via the communication suite.

Abstract: An auxiliary Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) and method are provided. The auxiliary BEC may include a receiver plug-in port with a low voltage power and ground connection and a receiver communication connection and an electronic speed control plug-in port comprising a low voltage power and ground connection and an electronic speed control communication connection. In addition the auxiliary BEC may include a battery pre-wire connection for electrically coupling to a high voltage positive terminal of a high voltage battery. Wherein the auxiliary BEC passes through communication signals between a receiver and the electronic speed control via the receiver communication connection and the electronic speed control communication connection. Wherein the auxiliary BEC provides converted high voltage power from the high voltage battery for the receiver and herein the auxiliary BEC powers on and off corresponding to input from the low voltage power and ground connection of the electronic speed control.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus executes braking assist control to decelerate a vehicle by automatic operation of a braking device. When the vehicle control apparatus obtains a deceleration request from a driver during execution of the braking assist control, while a driver request deceleration requested to the braking device by the driver is constant or in an increasing trend, the vehicle control apparatus executes first arithmetic processing to suppress a system request deceleration requested to the braking device by the braking assist control from being decreased by the braking assist control.

Abstract: Techniques are described for compressing image data for transmission to a computer system of a remote operator controlling a vehicle. A visual representation of a surrounding environment is generated from one or more images captured at the vehicle. One or more regions of interest in the visual representation are identified based at least on information received from the computer system of the remote operator, the information indicating a direction or area of focus of the remote operator. Regions of interest can be compressed to a lesser extent than regions located outside the regions of interest. The compressed visual representation is transmitted to the computer system for decompression and, ultimately, display on one or more display devices viewed by the remote operator.

Abstract: A method of targeting, which involves capturing a first video of a scene about a potential targeting coordinate by a first video sensor on a first aircraft; transmitting the first video and associated potential targeting coordinate by the first aircraft; receiving the first video on a first display in communication with a processor, the processor also receiving the potential targeting coordinate; selecting the potential targeting coordinate to be an actual targeting coordinate for a second aircraft in response to viewing the first video on the first display; and guiding a second aircraft toward the actual targeting coordinate; where positive identification of a target corresponding to the actual targeting coordinate is maintained from selection of the actual targeting coordinate.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system that improves operation safety of a remote vehicle controller is disclosed. The operations comprise: receiving, at an autonomous vehicle, controller outputs from a controller; determining that a first switch is activated at the controller based on the controller outputs, wherein the first switch being activated indicates a first vehicle control command; determining whether all of one or more second switches are activated at the controller based on the controller outputs; in response to determining that all of the one or more second switches are activated, executing the first vehicle control command; and in response to determining that not all of the one or more second switches are activated, ignoring the first vehicle control command.

Abstract: Platooning vehicles can result in operational cost savings. Disclosed is a method of apportioning costs that are incurred/saved as a result of platooning vehicles, as well as assigning penalties for unfair platoon participation. For example, platooning history of a vehicle can be tracked, and if that vehicle acts too often as a trailing vehicle in a series of platoons then a penalty might be assigned to that vehicle. Also disclosed is a technique for operating a platoon in the presence of external factors such as municipal regulations, merging traffic, emergency vehicles, etc.

Abstract: A system that simulates force feedback of a remote-control vehicle in a motion chair, which includes a plurality of cameras (110,120) mounted on the vehicle (100), an image stabilization module (430) in the vehicle (100), a video processing module (440) in the vehicle (100), an information splitter (514) in the motion chair (570), a motion processing unit (520) in the motion chair (570), a control unit (550) in the motion chair (570), a G-force calculation unit (560) in the motion chair (570) and a force feedback generation unit (540) in the motion chair (570). The motion processing unit (520) calculates six degrees of freedom of motions of the vehicle based on the image stabilization signals generated from the cameras (110,120). The force feedback generation unit (540) produces force feedback signals based on the six degrees of freedom of motions of the vehicle (100) and the G-force calculated by the G-force calculation unit (560).

Abstract: A method for assisting bay parking maneuvers of a vehicle includes locating, by a sensor system of the vehicle, an unoccupied parking space in a bay parking area. The method includes acquiring, by the sensor system, parking data on the unoccupied parking space, the parking data including information on positions of vehicles parking laterally adjacent to the unoccupied parking space in the bay parking area. The method includes deciding, by a decision unit of the vehicle, based on the parking data, if the vehicle fits into the unoccupied parking space side-to-side with at least one of the other vehicles, wherein a predefined lateral clearance is taken into account on both lateral sides of the vehicle. The method includes providing, by a steering assistant unit of the vehicle, steering instructions for steering the vehicle into the unoccupied parking space adjacent to the respective parking vehicle in observance with the predefined lateral clearance.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein integrate security and/or recording mechanisms into unmanned vehicle interdiction devices to prevent unauthorized use and to record information related to operation of the unmanned vehicle interdiction device, identification of an unmanned vehicle, location of the unmanned vehicle, and operation of the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing decentralized healthcare services are provided. An example method may commence with receiving a request for a healthcare service from a patient. The method may continue with providing the request to a responding healthcare provider and receiving a response from the responding healthcare provider. The method may continue with establishing a bidirectional communication between the patient and the responding healthcare provider in real-time and receiving a plan of actions to treat the patient from the responding healthcare provider. The method may further include instructing a diagnostic and laboratory service to physically contact the patient and collect real-time vital parameters of the patient. The method may continue with receiving, from the diagnostic and laboratory service, the real-time vital parameters of the patient and making the real-time vital parameters available to the patient and the responding healthcare provider in an electronic medical record database.

Abstract: A remote air conditioning start system includes a terminal of a user, a center server, and a vehicle that includes an air conditioner and is configured to communicate with the center server. The remote air conditioning start system includes first and second transmission units, first and second reception units, a start controller provided in the vehicle and configured to, when the second reception unit receives a start request, start the air conditioner, a determination unit provided in one of the terminal, the center server, and the vehicle and configured to determine necessity of defrosting of a window of the vehicle, and a notification unit provided in the terminal and configured to, when the determination unit determines that defrosting of the window is needed, notify the user that defrosting of the window is needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for locating a drill head of a ground drilling device, comprising a wireless probe, the probe being arranged on or in a flying object.

Abstract: A bodywork panel for a vehicle such as a racing car or a racing motorcycle is fitted with one or more optically clear panels, which are profiled to follow the aerodynamic form of the bodywork panel. A flexible reflective display screen, for examples based on e-paper, is mounted to an inner face of each optically clear panel such that an image on the display screen is visible outside the vehicle through the optically clear panel. A paint finish on the bodywork panel continues over a peripheral region of each optically clear panel, concealing a join between it and the bodywork panel. Images displayed on the display screens via a display controller can thus appear like painted graphics on the bodywork panel, except that they may be changed as desired. Thus, graphics on the vehicle, such as advertising and sponsorship logos, can be changed at will during a race.

Abstract: A control method includes determining a relative relationship between a tracked object and a tracking device. The control method also includes acquiring motion information of the tracked object. The control method further includes based on the motion information and the relative relationship, controlling movement of a carrying device that carries the tracking device to enable the tracking device to track the tracked object.

Abstract: A method may include receiving an identifier (ID) from a first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) prior to a flight, storing the ID and receiving telemetry information from the first UAV during the flight. The method may also include storing the telemetry information, receiving a request from a user device for information associated with a first location and authenticating the user device. The method may further include determining whether at least one UAV is flying in an area associated with the first location and transmitting telemetry information associated with the at least one UAV, in response to determining that at least one UAV is flying in the area associated with the first location.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for gesture-based UAV control. In one implementation, one or more inputs are received at a device. The one or more inputs are processed and one or more commands are computed with respect to an UAV. The one or more commands are then provided to the UAV.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method (100) for a security system (200) of a vehicle (1), in particular for a keyless activation of at least one security function of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for in-transit or in-flight error correction in state prediction of the vehicle. Natural patterns, such as fields, residential neighborhoods, business areas (e.g., downtown), etc., and/or objects, such as streets, cars, houses, trees, buildings, bridges, roads, parking lots, etc., that are naturally within the environment may be determined and used to correct any error in the aerial vehicle state prediction, while the vehicle is in transit, thereby eliminating or reducing the cumulative error involved in traditional systems.

Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes receiving remote control information indicating an operating direction of a rudder stick of a remote controller. The remote control information includes a controller nose orientation of the remote controller and an operating angle of the rudder stick. The method further includes acquiring UAV attitude information of the UAV, determining a target flight direction in accordance with the remote control information and the UAV attitude information, and controlling the UAV to fly in the target flight direction. The target flight direction is the same as the operating direction of the rudder stick.

Abstract: Methods for performing maintenance operations using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The methods are enabled by equipping a UAV with a maintenance tool capable of performing a desired maintenance operation (e.g., nondestructive inspection) on a limited-access surface of a large structure or object (e.g., a wind turbine blade). The UAV uses re-orientation of lifting means (e.g., vertical rotors) to move the maintenance tool continuously or intermittently across the surface of the structure while maintaining contact with the surface of the structure undergoing maintenance.

Abstract: An electronic marker may provide an approach notification to enable people to understand and interpret actions by a UAV, such as an intention to land or deposit a package at a particular location. The marker may communicate a specific intention of the UAV and/or communicate a request to a person. The marker may monitor the person or data signals for a response from the person, such as movement of the person that indicates a response. The marker may be equipped with hardware and/or software configured to provide notifications and/or exchange information with a person or the UAV at or near a destination. The marker may include a display, lights, a speaker, and one or more sensors to enable the UAV to provide information, barcodes, and text. The marker can provide final landing authority and can “wave-off” the UAV if an obstacle or person exists in the landing zone.

Abstract: A method for providing an air display comprising a multiplicity of unmanned aircraft comprising: automatic loading of mission data of a plurality of unmanned aircraft into the data store of an unmanned aircraft via the ground station by means of the first data connection, querying and storing identifiers, GPS data, and the system status from a plurality of the multiplicity of unmanned aircraft by the control unit by means of the first or second data connection, calculating the flight paths for the plurality of unmanned aircraft based on the GPS data and the first target positions of the respective unmanned aircraft by means of the control unit in real time, assigning flight path numbers to a plurality of the unmanned aircraft by the control unit by means of the first or second data connection, and independent and synchronized performance of the entire mission by the unmanned aircraft after the launch.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage to motor vehicles. The method includes: acquiring at least one external microphone signal that was ascertained using at least one external microphone, acquiring at least one internal microphone signal that was ascertained using at least one internal microphone, comparing the at least one external microphone signal and the at least one internal microphone signal, and ascertaining a compare function, which represents a deviation between the external microphone signal and the internal microphone signal, and ascertaining a damage classification for classifying the damage to the motor vehicle based on the compare function.

Abstract: A mobile robot may include a plurality of position information transmitters installed in an area to transmit signals for determining position information, a terminal configured to analyze the signals received from the position information transmitters and a mobile robot configured to receive the signals from the position information transmitters to determine the position information, and to set a boundary in the area based on the position information, wherein the terminal evaluates an installation position of the position information transmitters by analyzing the signals received from the position information transmitters. Accordingly, even when a work area is reduced or enlarged, a position information transmitter may be further provided, such that a boundary may be reset easily for an enlarged area.

Abstract: The present application provides route planning methods and apparatuses for an unmanned aerial vehicle. An exemplary route planning method may include determining a quadrant angle in accordance with a starting point and an ending point. The route planning method may also include determining a flight shifting distance in accordance with the quadrant angle, a first interval between waypoints, and a second interval between routes. The route planning method may further include generating a plurality of waypoints and a plurality of routes in accordance with the quadrant angle, the flight shifting distance, the first interval between waypoints, and the second interval between routes. In addition, the route planning method include planning a flight path in accordance with the plurality of waypoints and the plurality of routes.

Abstract: A transport system includes a stocker including a crane overhead track and a suspension crane that transports an article between storages and a delivery port, an overhead-transport-vehicle overhead track outside of a stocker area and alongside the delivery port and a load port of a processing tool and extending to a stocker area, an overhead transport vehicle to transport the article between the delivery port and the load port, and a joint track. A crane runner can enter the overhead-transport-vehicle overhead track from the crane overhead track via the joint track to the stocker area.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to identifying locations and/or ranges to objects using airborne imaging devices are disclosed. An object tracking system may include a plurality of aerial vehicles having associated imaging devices and a control station. Information related to positions and orientations of aerial vehicles and associated imaging devices may be received. In addition, imaging data may be received and processed to identify optical rays associated with objects within the imaging data. Further, a three-dimensional mapping of the identified optical rays may be generated, and locations or ranges of the objects relative to the aerial vehicles may be determined based on any intersections of optical rays within the three-dimensional mapping.

Abstract: A driving assistance method for an autonomous vehicle requests an occupant in the host vehicle to approve passage through an intersection and, upon receiving approval from the occupant, controls the host vehicle to pass through the intersection. The method comprises detecting a situation at an intersection where the host vehicle is approaching; determining whether or not the host vehicle will need to make a temporary stop at the intersection, based on the detected situation at the intersection; and if it is determined that a temporary stop will be needed, delaying the timing to request the occupant to approve passage through the intersection as compared to the timing that would be used if it was determined that a temporary stop would not be needed.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method validates information indicating ownership of an asset by a first user. Information of parties of interest regarding use of the asset are received. The information associated respectively with the asset, the ownership, and the parties of interest are stored in a transaction repository structure. The identity information of a second user selected by the first user to receive temporal authorization of use of the asset is validated. Responsive to validating of the second user's identity a temporal authorization transaction of the use of the asset by the second user is generated. Responsive to confirming the parties of interest regarding the use of the asset, a notification of the temporal authorization transaction is sent to the parties of interest, and the information associated with the transaction of the temporal authorization of use of the asset by the second user is stored in a transaction repository structure.

Abstract: A wearable device comprises: a hand gesture configuring and identifying module, for collecting feature data to be identified of a wearer by a sensor, identifying out a current hand gesture action of the wearer, searching a correspondence relation between a hand gesture action and an unmanned aerial vehicle control command that is configured and saved in advance, and sending an unmanned aerial vehicle control command corresponding to the hand gesture action to the ground control station module; a ground control station module, for receiving the unmanned aerial vehicle control command by using a data interface, encoding the control command, converting it into a control message and then sending it to the wireless transmission module; and a wireless transmission module for receiving the control message and wirelessly sending it to the unmanned aerial vehicle, to realize controlling the flight state of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the control message.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring autonomous driving preferences between vehicles are provided. For example, a vehicle operator may borrow a friend's or spouse's vehicle, or may rent a vehicle, and may wish to transfer his or her autonomous driving preferences to the vehicle he or she is currently operating. An autonomous driving preference associated with an operator of a first vehicle is obtained. The autonomous driving preference includes vehicle controls that the operator prefers to be operated autonomously, semi-autonomously, and/or manually. When the operator of the first vehicle is to operate a second vehicle or is currently operating a second vehicle, an indication of the autonomous driving preference associated with the operator is transmitted to the second vehicle, and the vehicle controls associated with the second vehicle are modified based on the autonomous driving preference associated with the operator.

Abstract: Embodiments for a method for enhancing communication for operating along with a plurality of cooperating communication enhancement modules are disclosed. The communication enhancement module receives a STANAG 4586 message from an upstream module and determine whether a point-to-point wireless connection is available to the destination. If a point-to-point wireless connection is available, the module sends a message over the point-to-point wireless connection to the destination. If a point-to-point wireless connection is not available, the module identifies a multi-hop path to the destination via at least one other communication enhancement module, modifies the STANAG 4586 message to create a modified message having a format corresponding to the communication enhancement modules, and send the modified message to a next hop communication enhancement module on the multi-hop path for directing toward the destination.

Abstract: Thermal image based precision drone landing systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example system can include a landing surface for receiving an unmanned aerial vehicle, a heat-based guidance assembly comprising a plurality of heat emitting units, and a controller that controls operation of the plurality of heat emitting units to create a pattern that is recognized by the unmanned aerial vehicle and guides the unmanned aerial vehicle in landing on the landing surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for occupant authentication and trust using a blockchain are disclosed herein. The systems and methods can include receiving an occupant indicator and one or more occupant identifiers for an occupant in a vehicle. The one or more occupant identifiers can then be verified against identifying information stored in a blockchain ledger to authenticate the occupant. One or more occupant profile elements can then be collected for the occupant. Then, at least one of the one or more occupant identifiers and at least one of the one or more occupant profile elements can be recorded in the blockchain ledger.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems and apparatus for controlling a moveable device are disclosed herein. The moveable device includes an image-collection component and a distance-measurement component. A representative method includes generating an image corresponding to the operator and generating a first set of distance information corresponding to the operator. The method identifies a portion of the image in the generated image and then retrieves a second set of distance information from the first set of distance information based on the identified image portion corresponding to the operator. The method then identifies a gesture associated with the operator based on the second set of distance information. The method then further generates an instruction for controlling the moveable device based on the gesture.

Abstract: A security system for acquiring situation data at the time of trouble in a space where a customer receives a service. The security system includes a recorder for capturing an image and recording a sound for security in a space in which a customer receives a service provided by a service provider, and a server used for providing the service and managed by the service provider. The server includes a processor which executes a software for running the system, and an application storage for storing a customer application which is downloaded to the mobile terminal possessed by the customer. A processor of the mobile terminal is, by executing the customer application, starts the recorder, takes the recorded data into the mobile terminal, and transmits the data to the server for recording the data in the server. The customer can use the captured and recorded data as objective situation data.

Abstract: A parking assist device according to an embodiment includes: a peripheral image generation unit configured to generate a peripheral image representing conditions around a vehicle based on an imaging result of an imaging unit provided to the vehicle; a parking region acquisition unit configured to acquire a parking region where the vehicle is parkable; a display processing unit configured to display the peripheral image on a display device including a touch panel, and display a first symbol representing the parking region on the peripheral image; and an assist processing unit configured to start, when a position corresponding to the first symbol on the touch panel is touched, parking assist control for assisting parking at the parking region represented by the first symbol.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using geofences to restrict vehicle operation. Aspects of the invention include creating dynamic geofences and limiting vehicle movements (e.g., speed, acceleration, steering, etc.) within and in the vicinity of the dynamic geofences to protect pedestrians from physical harm. In general, radio devices track people in an area by counting the number of devices and calculating the number of people based on average number of devices per person. Using count and location data, a geofence is created when population or population density within an area exceeds a threshold. The geofence can be sent to vehicles to restrict vehicle operation, for example, slowing down or stopping the vehicle, within and around the geofence.

Abstract: A method of detecting clouds in an acquired aerial image includes determining a region of a reference aerial image corresponding to a region of an acquired aerial image. For each of a plurality of locations over the region of the acquired aerial image and corresponding to a plurality of locations over the region of the reference aerial image, the mutual information of one or more variables associated with the location in the acquired aerial image and one or more variables associated with the corresponding location in the reference aerial image is calculated. Using the mutual information calculated for each of the plurality of locations over the region of the acquired aerial image, it is determined when the acquired aerial image displays a cloud at the location in the region of the acquired aerial image.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle, a first passive Near-Field Communication (NFC) device, and a first mobile device communicatively coupled to the vehicle and including a digital vehicle key. The first mobile device distributes the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device and informs the vehicle an instance in which the mobile device has distributed the digital vehicle key to the first passive NFC device.

Abstract: Provided is an image display device including: a display unit configured to display an image on a side window of a vehicle; and a control unit configured to control an opening and closing motion of the side window, according to a display state of the display unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with computer-assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD) vehicles are disclosed herein. In embodiments, CA/AD vehicles are members of a CA/AD vehicle social network (CASN) in which various CA/AD vehicles may form connections or relationships with one another. CA/AD vehicles that have an existing relationship or connection may share CASN information with one another. The CASN information may include authenticated and/or proprietary information. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A navigation system, method and computer program product are provided to provide navigational assistance at a venue. The navigation system is configured to obtain information regarding the venue to be navigated by a user including a plurality of waypoints at the venue. The navigation system is also configured to determine a time to be expended by the user between respective pairs of the waypoints at the venue. Based on the time and a rate of travel of the user, the navigation system is configured to determine one or more points of interest that are accessible by the user between at least one pair of waypoints. The navigation system is further configured to cause presentation of a representation of the venue including the plurality of waypoints and the one or more points of interest that are accessible by the user between the at least one pair of waypoints.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle includes a fuselage and a power supply assembly arranged at the fuselage. The power supply assembly includes a polyhedron mounting bracket arranged at the fuselage, a power supply device arranged at the fuselage, and at least two functional circuits arranged separately on different outer surfaces of the mounting bracket and electrically coupled to each other and to the power supply device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a reverse driving are disclosed. The apparatus includes: a movement trace storage unit configured to detect and store the movement trace of the vehicle moving forward; a restricted driving area identifier configured to identify a restricted driving area; a reverse driving path determiner configured to identify whether a reverse driving request signal is received when the restricted driving area is identified, generate one or more driving paths, based on, the stored movement trace when the reverse driving request signal is received, and determine the reverse driving path, based on the one or more driving paths; and a movement controller configured to control movement of the vehicle to reverse the vehicle along the reverse driving path. The present disclosure has an effect of providing driving convenience by controlling a reverse driving when a vehicle enters a dead end or a one-way street.