Abstract: An example carwash method involves a customer using a smartphone with an app for finding participating carwash locations, making online payments for select carwash options, and then using the smartphone app to start the washing process when the customer arrives at the carwash. Various means can be used for determining when the vehicle is at the carwash entrance. Examples of such means include, but are not limited to, reading the GPS coordinates of the smartphone in the vehicle; establishing Bluetooth, WiFi or some other limited-range wireless communication link between the smartphone and the local carwash controller; displaying and manually entering a code or password at the carwash; and scanning a QR code displayed on the smartphone. During the carwash operation, in some examples, the smartphone app provides the customer with an emergency stop option.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to varying a speed of one or more motors in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to reduce unwanted sound (i.e., noise) of the UAV. A UAV may include motors coupled with propellers to provide lift and propulsion to the UAV in various stages of flight, such as while ascending, descending, hovering, or transiting. The motors and propellers may generate noise, which may include a number of noise components such as tonal noise (e.g., a whining noise such as a whistle of a kettle at full boil) and broadband noise (e.g., a complex mixture of sounds of different frequencies, such as the sound of ocean surf). By varying the controls to the motors, such as by varying the speed or revolutions per minute (RPM) of a motor during operation by providing random or pseudo-random RPM variations, the UAV may generate a noise signature with reduced tonal noise.

Abstract: Improving automated package delivery to mobile delivery receptacles to allow accurate and reliable package deliveries comprises a delivery receptacle for an automated package delivery via an unmanned aerial delivery device. The delivery receptacle is notified of a pending delivery and travels to a receiving location. The delivery receptacle emits infrared (“IR”) beacons from one or more IR beacon transmitters. An aerial delivery device detects the IR beacon and uses the beacons to navigate to the delivery receptacle. The delivery receptacle receives IR beacon responses from the aerial delivery device and continually or periodically directs the IR beacons in the direction of the aerial delivery device. The aerial delivery device deposits the package in the delivery receptacle. After receiving the package, the delivery receptacle transports the package to a secure location, such as into a garage.

Abstract: An automotive electronics system includes an electronic control unit and a trace adapter. The electronic control unit is configured to receive measurement signals and provide control signals. Additionally, the electronic control unit is configured to generate or provide trace signals by replacing original instructions in a binary image with trace instructions. The trace instructions are functionally equivalent, but trigger providing the trace signals. The trace adapter is coupled to the electronic control unit. The trace adapter is configured to obtain the trace signals from the electronic control unit.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a safety motor controller (SMC) for installing in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) between at least one electronic speed controller (ESC) configured to use a predetermined data protocol and an existing motor controller (EMC) configured to transmit EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol to the at least one ESC, the SMC including: an input port configured to receive the EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol from the EMC; and a processor configured to detect a trigger event and to transmit SMC motor control signals corresponding to at least one of the EMC motor control signals in accordance with the predetermined data protocol to the at least one ESC in response to the trigger event.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring a power line. The system includes a ground unit and one or more airborne measurement devices for measuring distances between the power line and objects spatially located in proximities of the power line. Each of the one or more airborne measurement devices includes a computing hardware, one or more cameras for capturing images and a data memory for storing pattern-recognition software. The pattern-recognition software is executed on the computing hardware to process the images to identify a unique identifier attached to the ground unit. Each of the one or more airborne measurement devices maintains a line-of-sight with the ground unit during flight by tracking with computer vision the unique identifier attached to the ground unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring system comprising a remotely controllable flying vehicle system with a GPS device and a measuring device installed thereon, a position measuring device installed at an arbitrary position and able to measure distance and angle and to track, a ground base station for controlling a flight of a flying vehicle, a remote controller able to give and take data to and from the ground base station and able to perform wireless communication to and from the flying vehicle system, and a control unit provided on the flying vehicle system or the ground base station, and either one of the control units are configured to obtain an absolute coordinate or GPS coordinate of the installation point of the position measuring device based on the GPS coordinates of the two points and based on distance measurement results and on angle measurement results by the position measuring device.

Abstract: A first pattern associated with a performer may be recognized based upon visual information. A sensor carried by an unmanned aerial vehicle may be configured to generate output signals conveying the visual information. A first distance may be determined between the first pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. A second pattern associated with a performee may be recognized based upon the visual information. A second distance may be determined between the second pattern and the unmanned aerial vehicle. Flight control may be adjusted based upon the first distance and the second distance. A flight control subsystem may be configured to provide the flight control for the unmanned aerial vehicle.

Abstract: An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to inspect equipment and a method of inspecting equipment with the UAS are described. The UAS includes a scanner to obtain images of the equipment and a memory device to store information for the UAS. The UAS also includes a processor to determine a real-time flight path based on the images and the stored information, and a camera mounted on the UAS to obtain camera images of the equipment as the UAS traverses the real-time flight path.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for automatically updating data representative of insurance related information. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for automatically updating data representative of insurance related information based on data, representative of desired updates, entered by a customer and data representative of update rules. The data representative of desired updates may be compared to the data representative of the update rules to generate updates to data representative of insurance related information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driver authentication through embedded sensing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for driver authentication through embedded sensing may include a vehicle that may include a plurality of sensors, each sensor sensing at least one of a characteristic of a vehicle occupant and a movement of the vehicle occupant; at least one computer processor executing a computer application, the computer application receiving and processing data from the plurality of sensors; and a communication interface. The system may further include a back-end server in communication with the vehicle communication interface and a plurality of locations in communication with the back-end server. In one embodiment, the characteristic may be a biometric characteristic of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A system includes a communication module and an analysis module. The communication module is configured to be operably connectable to a wayside unit of a transportation network and to transmit a simulation message to the wayside unit. The simulation message simulates at least one of a request or command from at least one transportation network element corresponding to a wayside action to be performed by the wayside unit. The simulation message is configured to elicit a wayside message from the wayside unit upon receipt of the simulation message. The analysis module is configured to obtain the wayside message and to provide a display corresponding to the wayside message.

Abstract: A portable wireless data transfer and display device comprises a user interface, a communication module, a display, and a short-range wireless communication module configured to wirelessly receive vehicle data from a data acquisition device mounted inside a vehicle when in close proximity to the data acquisition device. The device is configured to accept inputs of driver information from a user, to send the vehicle data and the driver information through the communication module to a network device via a long-range wireless network, and to receive one or more work requests from the network device via the long-range wireless network. The device is configured to present the work request via the display, to accept an input from a driver responding to the work request, and to forward the input from the driver to the network device via the long-range wireless communication module and the long-range wireless network.

Abstract: An Unmanned Aerial System configured to receive a request from a user and fulfill that request using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The Unmanned Aerial System selects a distribution center that is within range of the user, and deploys a suitable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to fulfill the request from that distribution center. The Unmanned Aerial System is configured to provide real-time information about the flight route to the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during its flight, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is configured to dynamically update its mission based on information received from the Unmanned Aerial System.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The electrically motorized vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. A user of the device for the electrically motorized wheel can be profiled by receiving data from a sensor system of the device and creating a profile of the user operating the vehicle from the data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (14) of a motor vehicle (10), in that the internal combustion engine (14) is started using a remote start unit (18) for wireless reception of a remote start signal (R) and afterwards is monitored by a shutdown unit (36) to determine whether a shutdown condition is fulfilled. When appropriate, the internal combustion engine (14) is shutdown again. A radio key device (26) of the motor vehicle (10) is designed to detect a radio key presence in a passenger compartment (28) of the motor vehicle (10) using a key scan and to signal a radio key presence by means of a key presence signal (A). The problem addressed by the invention is to adapt the subsequent shutdown of the internal combustion engine (14) more flexibly to the position of the driver following a remote start. The shutdown condition comprises for this purpose that the key presence signal (A) must have been inactive for a predefined minimum time period.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for operating a vehicle, when the vehicle is running, and an application is instructed through voice. An in-running operation acceptance/denial list is produced, i.e., a list of words meaning an operation to be inhibited from being executed during the time when the vehicle is running. A command acceptance/denial executing portion of the onboard apparatus determines if the command corresponding to the content, which a user speaks, can be operated or not, during the time when the vehicle is running, by referring this list and a title of the command operable through voices included in the application, and when the vehicle is running, an execution of that command is instructed to an application controller portion, if being determined operable, by referring to a running condition of the vehicle, and if being determined inoperable, the execution of that command is not instructed to the application controller portion.

Abstract: Techniques described herein include a platform for providing user interaction with a vehicle's functions on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the vehicle and mobile device may both be in communication with a service provider computer, that may facilitate communications between the two. In some embodiments, a user is provided with various details related to the vehicle's condition as well as a list of functions that may be initiated by the user. The user is able to select one or more of the listed functions to be performed by the vehicle while located any distance from the vehicle. In some embodiments, the service provider computer may determine whether the user is authorized to initiate a particular vehicle function. Upon selection of a vehicle function from the list of vehicle functions, a processor device in the vehicle executes the function.

Abstract: An computing device is configured to detect that a user device is approaching the vehicle. An identifier for the user device and an identifier for the vehicle is transmitted to a remote server. A model is used to generate settings data in the vehicle, wherein the model is generated at least in part based on the identifier for the user device and the identifier for the vehicle. At least one setting for the at least one component in the vehicle is generated according to the model, and is applied to the at least one component in the vehicle.

Abstract: A keyless vehicle entry and start system for motor vehicles includes an input device such as a keypad and a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon receiving a signal from a mobile phone, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch if an authorized code is input via the keypad. The system is configured to communicate with a portable wireless device such as a smartphone utilizing various frequency bands. The system permits entry and operation of a vehicle utilizing only a smartphone.

Abstract: A surveying system having a total station integrated into an unmanned ground vehicle communicates with a plurality of mobile communication stations that are located on known site coordinates. By locating the mobile communication stations on known coordinates, the location of the ground vehicle is precisely triangulated and controlled. Construction drawings are loaded into the system, thereby allowing the vehicle to locate itself at specific points designated in the drawings for the marking of on-site construction grid lines.

Abstract: Using a trick flight control process, a pilot may fly an aircraft while having control over two axes of orientation while the aircraft may be rotating automatically about a third axis of orientation. The pilot may continue to fly the aircraft during an automated trick rather than relinquishing control completely to the aircraft's electronics.

Abstract: In embodiments of a hub key service, a device includes a communication interface for communication coordination with one or more associated devices of the device, and the associated devices correspond to hub members. A hub manager is implemented to generate an electronic key that includes access permissions, which are configurable to enable controlled access for the hub members, such as to a building, vehicle, media device, or location. The hub manager can then correlate the electronic key with the device to enable access to the building, vehicle, media device, or location with the device utilized as the electronic key.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. A method includes calculating a set of parameters to control an amount of assistance or resistance generated by the device of the electrically motorized wheel in response to a user input, the set of parameters are calculated in response to a user selecting one of a plurality of operational modes.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a remote transceiver in relation to a vehicle, the method including the steps of: transmitting at least two measuring signals to the remote transceiver, each of the measuring signals being transmitted from a different one of a plurality of n antennae positioned relative to the vehicle, where n denotes an integer?2; receiving an acknowledgement signal from the remote transmitter in response to each measuring signal, each acknowledgement signal including a received signal strength indication (RSSI) for a respective received measuring signal, the values of the received RSSIs together defining a data point in an RSSI domain; and determining a difference between the received value of a first RSSI and a defined threshold value for that first RSSI, wherein the sign of the difference indicates whether the remote transmitter is inside or outside a defined region i of or near the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle computing system comprising at least one controller configured to communicate with a wearable device. The at least one controller may be configured to receive data defining a first gesture made using the wearable wireless device. The controller may be further configured to determine a first predefined command, for controlling a vehicle system, previously stored in association with the first gesture. The controller may be further configured to control the vehicle system in accordance with the first predefined command.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for replacing a factory installed or similar air suspension controller in a vehicle with an augmentor, which sends correct status messages to the vehicle main computer when the air suspension is replaced with coil springs or shocks. The augmentor can includes a voltage regulator, an indicator and bus interface. At power on, the program initializes the microcontroller registers, timer registers, and control registers, then loop until an inquiry or command is received, then responds with status messages that are the same as the status messages sent by the original factory installed air suspension controller until power is removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle recognize and interpret gestures by a user. The gestures are interpreted to adjust the operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a sensor carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle, or both.

Abstract: A system and method for target destination selection for a mining vehicle are present. A position sensor is mounted to a haul truck. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the haul truck. A distributed objects database stores information describing hazards, boundaries and target destinations within a mining environment. A navigation aid is connected to the position sensor. The navigation aid is configured to access the distributed objects database to identify a plurality of potential target destinations for the haul truck using the position of the haul truck, identify at least one attribute of the haul truck, and filter the plurality of potential target destinations using the at least one attribute to generate a filtered list of target destinations. A user interface is configured to display the filtered list of target destinations for selection by an operator of the haul truck.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. The device of the electrically motorized wheel can include a modular systems package including a control system operable to continuously control the device of the electrically motorized wheel in response to a user input.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. One system is a physical therapy system including a prescription module to prescribe a physical therapy prescription for operation of the device of the electrically motorized wheel and a rehabilitation application in communication with the prescription module to calculate the set of control parameters based on the physical therapy prescription.

Abstract: The storage battery system includes a storage battery comprising a plurality of battery modules; a plurality of voltage monitoring circuits for monitoring a voltage of the battery module; and a control device that controls charging and discharging of the storage battery on the basis of monitoring information that is obtained by carrying out communication with the voltage monitoring circuits, wherein the control device comprises a determination unit that calculates an estimated output voltage of the storage battery by using the monitoring information that is obtained from any one of the voltage monitoring circuits before occurrence of a communication failure in a case where the communication failure with any one of the voltage monitoring circuits occurs, and compares the estimated output voltage and an output voltage of the storage battery after occurrence of the communication failure to determine an abnormal site of the communication failure.

Abstract: An automatic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control system for 3D aerial mapping includes a UAV with an onboard camera, and a controller capable of communication with a flight control module of the UAV. The controller is configured to determine an area mapping flight path based on terrain characteristics of an area to be mapped. The controller also can determine a structure mapping flight path based on the existence and location of vertical structures within the area to be mapped. The area mapping flight path can be appended with the structure mapping flight path, thus providing an integrated and optimized UAV flight path for 3D mapping and modeling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining real-time location information for a transportation item. The method further includes determining real-time route information for a plurality of vehicles, the plurality of vehicles comprising a vehicle-in-transit actively transporting the transportation item. In addition, the method includes analyzing, via the real-time location information and the real-time route information, a route efficiency of the plurality of vehicles relative to an intended destination of the transportation item. Further, the method includes selecting a replacement vehicle from among the plurality of vehicles based, at least in part, on a result of the analyzing. Additionally, the method includes initiating physical transfer of the transportation item from the vehicle-in-transit to the replacement vehicle.

Abstract: While an engine (drive source) is being driven, when a long pressing operation (selection operation on a predetermined shift range) on an N-range button via a SBW shifter is executed, an engine drive/stop button blinks to notify a driver (step S1 and step S2). During the blinking of the engine drive/stop button, when the engine drive/stop button is pressed and the engine (drive source) is stopped, a neutral range is maintained without being switched to a parking range automatically (step 3 and step 4).

Abstract: A display device that is to be connected with an information terminal includes: a video reception unit that receives video information about a screen including a cursor from the information terminal; a touch panel that brings up on display the screen based upon the video information received by the video reception unit and detects a touch position specified by a touch operation; and a transmission unit that transmits, to the information terminal, displacement quantity information corresponding to a quantity of displacement from the display position of the cursor to the touch position.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) copter for consumer photography or videography can be launched by a user throwing the UAV copter into mid-air. The UAV copter can detect that the UAV copter has been thrown upward while propeller drivers of the UAV copter are inert. In response to detecting that the UAV copter has been thrown upward, the UAV copter can compute power adjustments for propeller drivers of the UAV copter to have the UAV copter reach a predetermined elevation above an operator device. The UAV copter can then supply power to the propeller drivers in accordance with the computed power adjustments.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted regions. The location of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with a location of a flight-restricted region. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a no-fly zone. Different flight-response measures may be taken based on the distance between the UAV and the flight-restricted region and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: A method for checking sets of components of a vehicle includes configuring a system control unit of a vehicle to perform a check of a first set of components and a second set of components of the vehicle, the first set of components being different from the second set of components. The first set of components is automatically checked using the system control unit. The second set of components is optionally checked using the system control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to disable the check of the second set of components based upon a disable command provided to the control system. Further, a system for verifying different sets of components and a further method for checking sets of components of a vehicle are described.

Abstract: A robot remote monitoring system (6) which monitors at least one robot (10) at a distant location including at least one robot control device (11), a data server (20), and a mobile terminal (30), wherein a robot control device includes a memory part (14) which stores monitoring information which includes an operating state of the robot and alarm information and attribute information which is linked with the monitoring information and a transmitting part (15) which transmits the monitoring information and the attribute information to the data server together, the data server includes a transmitting part (21) which transmits the monitoring information and the attribute information to the mobile terminal together, and the mobile terminal includes a memory part (33) which stores the monitoring information and the attribute information and a display part (34) which uses the attribute information as the basis to display the monitoring information all together.

Abstract: A remote operation system remotely controls a vehicle. The system may include a RF receiver and a remote interface device. The RF receiver resides in the vehicle and receives RF commands via a RF communication link. The remote interface device may be packaged in a housing and installed in the vehicle. The remote interface device includes a cellular transceiver, a RF transmitter, and a controller. The cellular transceiver may receive a given command via a cellular communication link. The controller may retrieve the given command from the cellular transceiver, and translate the given command to a RF command. The controller may transmit the RF command to the RF receiver by way of the RF transmitter.

Abstract: A surveying system having a total station integrated into an unmanned aerial vehicle communicates with a plurality of mobile communication stations that are located on known site coordinates. By locating the mobile communication stations on known coordinates, the location of the aerial vehicle is precisely triangulated and controlled. Construction drawings are loaded into the system, thereby allowing the vehicle to locate itself at specific points designated in the drawings for the marking of on-site construction grid lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments for base station control for an unoccupied flying vehicle (UFV). For certain example embodiments, at least one machine, such as a base station, may: (i) obtain at least one indicator of at least one flight attribute corresponding to a first UFV; or (ii) transmit to a second UFV at least one indicator of at least one flight attribute corresponding to a first UFV. However, claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular described embodiments, implementations, examples, or so forth.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authorizing a user to access an access-controlled environment. The system includes a system server platform that communicates with mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) and on-board vehicle computing devices accessed by users. The embodiments enable a series of operations whereby a user accessing a vehicle is prompted to biometrically authenticate using the user's smartphone or on-board vehicle computer. In addition, the system can further authorize the user and electronically facilitate access to the vehicle as well as perform other authorized operations relating to the use of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle access system integrates with various computing devices and computer-based services accessible to the user. The systems and methods also facilitate active monitoring of the vehicle occupants and environmental conditions using optical sensors and the like so as to enhance security, convenience and safety of the occupants during use of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods are apparatus are disclosed to improve a network connection of a cellular-enabled device via a connected vehicle. An example method disclosed herein includes establishing a first connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and the first cellular-enabled device using a short distance radio frequency protocol. The first connection is based on a first connection relationship. The example method also includes establishing a second connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and a cellular network using a first subscriber identifier stored in the first cellular-enabled device. The example method disclosed herein also includes sending a request to the first cellular-enabled device to end a third connection between the first cellular-enabled device and the cellular network while the first connection exists.

Abstract: Methods are apparatus are disclosed to improve a network connection of a cellular-enabled device via a connected vehicle. An example method disclosed herein include receiving an indication that a first cellular-enabled device is within range of a cellular-enabled vehicle to which the first cellular-enabled device has a connection relationship. When a first signal strength associated with the cellular-enabled vehicle is greater than a second signal strength associated with the first cellular-enabled device, the example method includes instructing the cellular-enabled vehicle to establish a first connection between the cellular-enabled vehicle and a cellular network using a first subscriber identifier stored in the first cellular-enabled device.

Abstract: A method for controlling wireless charging depending on a position of an FOB key in a wireless charging system provided in a vehicle and including an output unit, a wireless charging mount, and a controller, includes: transmitting, by the controller, a first signal informing a peripheral region of the wireless charging mount in which a wireless charging target is mounted that wireless charging is being performed in the peripheral region of the wireless charging mount in the case in which the wireless charging starts; transmitting, by the FOB key receiving the first signal, a second signal corresponding to the first signal to the controller; stopping, by the controller receiving the second signal, the wireless charging; and informing, by the controller, a user of the vehicle that the FOB key is present in the peripheral region of the wireless charging mount through the output unit.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: receive a range of headings at a marine electronics device and analyze sonar data received from a sonar device coupled to a vessel to determine a first characteristic measured at a first location. The first characteristic may be a bottom hardness, a bottom composition, a transition between bottom compositions, a water temperature, or a thermocline. The instructions may further cause the computer to: compare the first characteristic to a second characteristic measured at a second location and transmit instructions to an autopilot to move the vessel in a heading in the range of headings. The instructions are based at least in part on the comparison between the first characteristic and the second characteristic.