Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status and health of a fleet of autonomous vehicles operating in a common space. A centralized monitoring operator receives status information and has the capability to independently interact with each autonomous vehicle in the fleet.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accomplishing a mission using a plurality of unmanned vehicles can include graphically describing the mission tasks at a graphical user interface (GUI) using Business Process Model Notation (BPMN), and translating the graphical description into extensible machine language (XML) formatted robot operating system (ROS) instructions, which can be understood by each of the plurality of unmanned vehicles with a translator. An execution engine transmits the XML ROS instructions to a respective local controller on the respective unmanned vehicle. The BPMN graphical descriptor symbols can allow for planning of a mission by an end user that does not have expertise in the ROS domain, and that does not have an understanding of the ROS construct. The execution engine can provide feedback back to the GUI regarding mission execution. Based on the feedback, the graphical description can be modified while the mission is being accomplished.

Abstract: A technique relates to autonomous obstacle avoidance. A vehicle is controlled on a route to a destination, the route being a three-dimensional route. An obstruction is determined on the global route. A local route including alternate points to avoid the obstruction is autonomously determined. The local route is autonomously converged back to the global route in response to avoiding the obstruction.

Abstract: A driving control device for a remote controlled helicopter includes an rpm detection unit that detects an rpm of a main rotor, a gyro sensor that detects angular velocities of control axes including roll, pitch and yaw axes, and a control unit that generates a control signal of a control actuator for controlling movements of the control axes based on the angular velocities detected by the gyro sensor and a steering signal sent from a transmitter. The control unit has information on the gyro sensitivities of the control axes and information on a set rpm of the main rotor which are preset for each of the flight states of the remote controlled helicopter, and corrects the gyro sensitivities based on a difference between the set rpm corresponding to a selected flight state among the flight states and an rpm of the main rotor detected by the rpm detection unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for mobile device tethering for a remote parking assist system of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes first and second wireless modules and a processor. The processor estimates a region of probability representative of possible locations of a mobile device based on a first signal strength indicator. When the region of probability overlaps a virtual boundary, the processor polls a key fob, estimates a distance of the key fob from the vehicle based on a second signal strength indicator, and when the key fob is within the virtual boundary, enable autonomous parking.

Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to virtual reality remote valet parking are described. A processor of a control system of a vehicle may establish a wireless communication with a remote controller. The processor may provide a stream of video images captured by a camera of the vehicle to the remote controller. The processor may receive a signal from the remote controller. The processor may maneuver the vehicle from one location to another according to the signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that controls movement of a vehicle in response to an instruction from a remote control terminal located outside the vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an image captured by an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a periphery of the vehicle; an operator detecting unit configured to detect an operator of the remote control terminal on the basis of the image obtained by the obtaining unit; a terminal detecting unit configured to detect a position of the remote control terminal relative to the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control, on the basis of a detection result from the operator detecting unit and a detection result from the terminal detecting unit, whether to permit or prohibit a remote control operation of the vehicle performed through the remote control terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a visual display to be viewed by a vehicle occupant. At least one drone includes a camera. A controller is configured to receive images from the camera on the at least one drone and generate an overhead view of the vehicle based on the images received from the at least one drone and display the overhead view on the visual display.

Abstract: A population density map of a region is generated by dividing the region into cells and allocating a population of the region only to the cells that are accessible to people, or are believed to be populated. Each of the cells is classified based on one or more ground features of the cells, and an adjustment factor for each of the cells is determined based at least in part on the classifications. Equal shares of the population of the region are allocated to each of the cells that is accessible or populated, and the equal shares are multiplied by the adjustment factors determined for the respective ones of the cells to calculate a population for each of such cells.

Abstract: A method for controlling a movable object is provided. A user input that includes a first parameter corresponding to a first coordinate system is received and an operation mode is determined. In response to determining the operation mode being a first operation mode, a second parameter corresponding to a second coordinate system is generated and the movable object is controlled to move based on the second parameter. In response to determining the operation mode being a second operation mode, the first parameter is translated to a third parameter corresponding to the second coordinate system and the movable object is controlled to move based on the third parameter.

Abstract: A method maneuvers vehicles in clusters. The method forms a first main cluster, the first main cluster having at least two 1st-order sub-clusters that each have at least one cluster vehicle, and having a first cluster formation with a predefined cluster length. The method determines a first leading vehicle for the first main cluster from the cluster vehicles; and maneuvers the first main cluster. The cluster vehicles of the first main cluster orient themselves to the first leading vehicle. The first cluster formation is maintained for the first main cluster for as long as the maximum length of the first main cluster remains less than or equal to the sum of the predefined cluster length and a tolerance length.

Abstract: Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.

Abstract: A communication device includes a communication unit configured to receive first path information from a first vehicle and to receive second path information from a second vehicle, and a processor configured to determine a possibility of the first and second vehicles entering a predetermined area based on the first and second path information, and based on the possibility being greater than a reference, transmit a message for controlling at least one of the first vehicle or the second vehicle through the communication unit to allow the first and second vehicles to enter the predetermined area at different time points.

Abstract: Process for clearing an autonomous machine including first evaluating operation at a high curvature offline location. Following acceptable operation, the machine is placed into service and evaluated at a worksite. Following acceptable worksite operation, online operating speed of the machine is increased incrementally, and performance reevaluated. Following acceptable performance characteristics, online operating speed of the machine continues to be increased and revaluated until the machine reaches maximum designated operating speed, or is evaluated as unacceptable, in which case the machine continues to operate at the last acceptable online operating speed and identifies the unacceptable performance characteristic for further evaluation.

Abstract: Provided is a determination device capable of safely and reliably causing a vehicle on a side road to enter and merge into a main road when merging into the main road. Information is acquired that indicates the vehicle status of vehicles CA, etc., and vehicles Ca, etc., that are traveling on a side road SR that merges with a main road MR on which the vehicles CA, etc., are traveling. When, on the basis of said information, an intervehicular space is to be formed between the vehicles CA, etc., that will make it possible for a vehicle Ca, etc., to enter, the vehicles CA, etc., are caused to form an interval on the basis of the acceleration applied to each of the vehicles CA, etc., and the entering vehicle Ca, etc., is allowed to move to a position in the intervehicular space.

Abstract: A device and method for remotely controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle based on reinforcement learning are disclosed. An embodiment provides a device for remotely controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle based on reinforcement learning, where the device includes a processor and a memory connected to the processor, and the memory includes program instructions that can be executed by the processor to determine an inclination direction corresponding to the hand pose of a user, the movement direction of the hand, and the angle in the inclination direction based on sensing data associated with the pose of the hand or the movement of the hand acquired by way of at least one sensor, and determine one of a movement direction, a movement speed, a mode change, a figural trajectory, and a scale of the figural trajectory of the unmanned aerial vehicle according to the determined inclination direction, movement direction, and angle.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for improving an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) using a secure channel area. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising establishing a secure channel area extending from at least one side of a first vehicle; detecting a presence of a second vehicle in the secure channel area; establishing a secure connection with the second vehicle upon detecting the presence; exchanging messages between the first vehicle and the second vehicle, the messages including a position and speed of a sending vehicle; taking control of a position and speed of the first vehicle based on the contents of the messages; and releasing control of the position and speed of the first vehicle upon detecting that the secure connection was released.

Abstract: A vehicle electronic control system includes a center device and a master device and a data relay device capable of performing data communication therebetween. The center device obtains campaign information of the program update, transmits the obtained campaign information to the data relay device, and transmits the update data to the data relay device. When receiving the campaign information from the center device, the data relay device changes setting of the received campaign information and delivers the information to the master device, and, when receiving the update data from the center device, the data relay device delivers the received update data to the master device. When receiving the campaign information from the data relay device, the master device instructs a target electronic control device to update the program with the update data received from the data relay device according to the received campaign information.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to delivering merchandise using autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs) in cooperation with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In some embodiments, the system includes: an AGV having a motorized locomotion system, a storage area to hold merchandise, a sensor to detect obstacles, a transceiver, and a control circuit to operate the AGV; a UAV having a motorized flight system, a gripper mechanism to grab merchandise, a transceiver, an optical sensor to capture images; and a control circuit to operate the UAV. The system also includes a control circuit that instructs movement of the AGV along a delivery route; determines if the AGV has stopped due to an obstacle; and in certain circumstances, instructs the UAV to retrieve merchandise from the AGV, calculate a delivery route for the UAV to the delivery location, and instructs the UAV to deliver the merchandise.

Abstract: A sensor-based item transport system, and a method therefore are described. The system includes, for example, a cart station, within a restricted area including a plurality of automated drive. A light curtain is adjacent to the cart station. A first sensor and a second sensor are spaced apart from the first sensor within the cart station. A first mode associated with the light curtain is maintained causing an alarm system associated with the light curtain to remain armed. The first mode is caused to change to a second mode associated with the light curtain, the second mode causing the alarm system to be muted, based at least in part on the identity of the cart. The identity is determined based at least in part on one or more signals received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

Abstract: Technologies disclosed relate to a remote intervention system for the operation of a vehicle, which can be an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle that includes driver assist features, a vehicle used for ride sharing services or the like. The system includes a vehicle sending a request for remote intervention to a remote operator when the operation of the vehicle is suspended. The request for remote intervention can include a request for object identification or a request for decision confirmation. The vehicle can update vehicle operation based in part on vehicle-based sensor data and a response to the remote intervention request from the remote operator. The remote operator can be a human operator or an AI operator.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot that includes a drive system configured to navigate around an operational environment, a ranging device configured to communicate with other ranging devices of respective electronic devices that are in the operational environment, and processors in communication with the ranging device that are configured to receive a distance measurement from the respective electronic devices present in the operational environment, each distance measurement representing a distance between the mobile cleaning robot and a respective electronic device, tag each of the distance measurements with location data indicative of a spatial location of the mobile cleaning robot in the operational environment, determine spatial locations of each of the electronic devices in the operational environment, and populate a visual representation of the operating environment with visual indications of the electronic devices in the operating environment.

Abstract: A method for modifying a queue of vehicles. In one embodiment, the method includes at least one computer processor determining respective distance values between a first vehicle and one or more adjacent vehicles within a queue of vehicles. The method further includes determining a threshold distance value that corresponds to a distance required to extract the first vehicle from within the queue of vehicles. The method further includes determining a change of position corresponding to at least one adjacent vehicle to the first vehicle within the queue of vehicles based on the determined respective distance values, wherein the determined change in position moves the at least one adjacent vehicle to a distance value from the first vehicle that exceed the threshold distance value. The method further includes transmitting respective requests to the at least one adjacent vehicle to move to the determined change of position.

Abstract: The battery thermal management system includes a battery pack, a circulation subsystem, and a heat exchanger. The system can optionally include a cooling system, a reservoir, a de-ionization filter, a battery charger, and a controller.

Abstract: An interferometric synthetic aperture acoustic imager is disclosed. Specifically, an acoustic imaging system includes an acoustic transmitter, an acoustic receiver array, a signal processing system, a navigation data system, and a meteorological data system. The acoustic transmitter and the acoustic receiver array are mounted on transceiver array. The navigation data system includes a Position and Orientation System for Land Vehicles system which receives data from two Global Positioning System antennas, an inertial measurement unit, and a wheel encoder mounted on a vehicle wheel. The system also includes meteorological data system that records temperature, relative humidity, and barometric pressure. The meteorological data may be used to adjust the received acoustic data based on atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for limiting the functionality of remote start systems within vehicles. Remote start operations may be limited, for example, in response to exceeding one or more remote start limits. Limiting the remote start operations may include either preventing the initiation of a remote start request or ending an already in-progress remote start operation.

Abstract: A parking support apparatus is provided with: a vehicle controller configured to park a vehicle by controlling behavior of the vehicle in accordance with the signal associated with the remote operation if a distance between a transmitter located outside of the vehicle and the vehicle is greater than or equal to a first distance and is less than or equal to a second distance. The vehicle controller performs a predetermined informing operation for an operator of the transmitter, instead of or in addition to controlling the behavior of the vehicle in accordance with the signal associated with the remote operation, if the distance is greater than or equal to the first distance and is less than or equal to a third distance or if the distance is greater than or equal to a fourth distance and is less than or equal to the second distance.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided and include a communication gateway of a control module. The communication gateway establishes wireless communication connections with a plurality of user devices. A plurality of sensors are configured to, in response to the plurality of user devices being connected to the communication gateway, communicate signal information about the wireless communication connections to the control module. The signal information indicates characteristics of the wireless communication connections. The control module (i) determines a location of each user device of the plurality of user devices based on the signal information and (ii) generates a plurality of entries based on the signal information. Each entry of the plurality of entries corresponds to each of the plurality of user devices. A user settings activation module (i) determines user profiles corresponding to each entry of the plurality of entries and (ii) activates at least one vehicle function based on the user profiles.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for achieving long range, over the horizon (OTH), persistent surveillance, alerting, tracking and situational awareness against small, low radar cross section moving targets. The system and method use one or more tethered unmanned arial systems, or unmanned arial vehicles, to lift components including a radar antenna to a height above nearby obstacles or much higher. The system and method can also be used for subsurface radar detection and tracking applications, as well as communications with submarines.

Abstract: An information processing method, a server, and an intelligent mobile robot, so that when the intelligent mobile robot encounters a danger, the intelligent mobile robot exchanges information with the server to achieve a purpose of escaping from a scene to a safe place. The method includes: receiving, by a server, a danger alarm sent by an intelligent mobile robot, where the danger alarm is used to indicate that the intelligent mobile robot detects a dangerous event; determining, by the server, a safe position for the intelligent mobile robot, where the safe position is a position in which the dangerous event does not occur currently; and sending, by the server, an escape instruction to the intelligent mobile robot, where the escape instruction includes the safe position.

Abstract: A server device includes a memory and processor. A vehicle identification number (VIN) is stored in the memory. The VIN is associated with connection information for a vehicle associated with the VIN. The processor executes A VIN matcher stored in the memory, and denies a request for connection information in response to a mismatch between a supplied VIN from a connecting device and the VIN stored in memory. The processor executes a network connector stored in the memory, and sends connection information to a connecting device in response to a match between the supplied VIN from the connecting device and the VIN stored in memory. The connection information is sent through the network connection using a first communication protocol and contains information for the connecting device to connect to the vehicle through direct pairing using a second communication protocol.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a remote controller for a vehicle includes at least one control element for controlling operation of at least one aspect of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a remote-control mode; an actuator connected the at least one control element for controlling a position of the at least one control element when the vehicle is in an autonomous operations mode; and a processing system for receiving a first control signal from the vehicle indicative of a state of operation of the vehicle. In operation, the processing system generates a second control signal to the actuator to cause the actuator to control a position of the control element such that it corresponds to and indicates the state of operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to a vehicle maneuvering system that includes a personal communication device configured to provide enhanced feedback during vehicle maneuvering operations. In an example scenario, an individual executes a remote-control action upon a personal communication device such as, for example, by swiping a finger across a touchscreen. The personal communication device communicates with a vehicle controller to maneuver the vehicle. Enhanced feedback pertaining to the movement of the vehicle, such as a direction and/or a speed of movement, is provided via the personal communication device in various formats.

Abstract: A server comprises circuitry configured to distribute key information to a first portable terminal. The key information includes information indicating whether locking and unlocking of a vehicle, making the vehicle travel, and using a content providing device that provides digital contents in a vehicle cabin are permitted. The key information further includes restricted function information indicating that locking and unlocking of the vehicle and use of the content providing device are permitted but traveling of the vehicle is not permitted. The key information further includes deliverable information making the key information deliverable to another terminal. The deliverable information is excluded from the key information when the key information is sent from the first portable terminal to a second portable terminal.

Abstract: A passenger vehicle optical communication system includes a source vehicle including a light source and an endpoint vehicle including a camera. The source vehicle transmits a series of patterns using the light source to communicate, as one example, state information to the endpoint vehicle.

Abstract: A system for classifying an object may include one or more processors, a sensor and a memory device. The memory device may include a data collection module, a starburst module, and an object classifying module. The modules have instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to obtain three dimensional point cloud data from the sensor, identify at least one cluster of points representing the object within the three dimensional point cloud data, identify a center point of the at least one cluster of points, project a plurality of rays from the center point to points of the at least one cluster of points to generate a shape, compare the shape to a plurality of candidate shapes, and classify the object when the shape matches at least one of the plurality of candidate shapes.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and computer readable medium associated with autonomous/semi-autonomous driving are disclosed herein. In embodiments, an apparatus for autonomous/semi-autonomous driving may comprise a management system to be disposed in an autonomous/semi-autonomous vehicle. The management system may include a reservation subsystem to receive, from a cloud server, a reservation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle for a passenger or a driver, and an access control subsystem to control access to the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle that includes a trust function to gain trust of the passenger or driver with respect to the passenger or driver's data privacy requirements will be met, when the passenger or driver attempts to exercise the reservation. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method performed by a body parameters supporting system of a vehicle for supporting obtaining body parameters of a person. The body parameters supporting system determines—with input from one or more surrounding detecting sensors adapted to capture a surrounding exterior of the vehicle—one or more body parameters capturing conditions for a person present outside the vehicle. The body parameters supporting system further communicates one or more instruction signals indicating one or more body motion and/or obstruction removal instructions, wherein the one or more instruction signals are determined in consideration of counteracting, changing and/or overcoming at least one of the one or more body parameters capturing conditions. The disclosure also relates to a body parameters supporting system in accordance with the foregoing, and a vehicle comprising such a body parameters supporting system.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes at least one imaging device attached to a vehicle and that captures multiple images, and a control circuit that generates a composite image from the multiple images and displays the composite image on a display unit. The vehicle is operated according to a user operation on a portion of the display unit on which the composite image is being displayed.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an air conditioner control method and system, a non-transitory storage medium and a processor. The control system includes an environmental temperature sensor configured to detect a first temperature value of an external environment of a target object; a heat exchanger temperature sensor configured to detect a second temperature value of an outside heat exchanger of an air conditioner system; a speed monitoring system configured to detect a driving speed of the target object; and a control system, connected to the environmental temperature sensor, the heat exchanger temperature sensor and the speed monitoring system, and configured to determine according to the first temperature value, the second temperature value and the driving speed, whether the air conditioner system enters a defrosting mode in a case that the air conditioner system operates in a heating mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and control units for facilitating diagnosis for a vehicle. The invention comprises: receiving configuration information related to a configuration of an add-on interface from a vehicle external communication unit, the add-on interface being arranged in the vehicle as an interface between a vehicle internal system and the add-on system; configuring the add-on interface based on the configuration information; creating, based on the configuration information, at least one diagnostic identifier related to the add-on system; and providing diagnostic information corresponding to the at least one diagnostic identifier to the vehicle external communication unit, thereby facilitating diagnosis of the add-on system performed by at least one diagnosis tool associated with the external communication unit.

Abstract: Vehicle data are collected in a method in which one or more motor vehicles suitable for road traffic are assigned tasks, wherein the method involves: transmitting first information from a first of these motor vehicles to a backend that can communicate with multiple instances of these motor vehicles; and the backend taking this first information as a basis for assigning a first of these tasks to the first motor vehicle; wherein performing the first task includes transmitting second information; and wherein the first information is transmitted from the first motor vehicle to the backend via a mobile radio link, and/or the first task is assigned via a mobile radio link.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a mobile hub device, communications including location-specific risk data and a task assignment. The method also includes generating an output indicating dispatch coordinates. The dispatch coordinates identifying a dispatch location from which to dispatch, from the mobile hub device, one or more unmanned vehicles to perform a task of the task assignment.

Abstract: A controller may configure the machine to operate in a plurality of modes including a manned control mode, a remote control mode, and an autonomous control mode. The controller may receive a request to cause the machine to perform an action; and determine a requested mode of operation of the machine associated with the request. The requested mode of operation may be one of the plurality of modes. The controller may selectively deny the request or enable the machine to perform the action based on a priority assigned to a current mode of operation of the machine and a priority assigned to the requested mode of operation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling an autonomous driving vehicle are provided. The method includes: receiving environment information sent by an autonomous driving vehicle, the environment information including vehicle exterior environment information; determining whether the autonomous driving vehicle is in an abnormal operation status, based on the vehicle exterior environment information and operation information of an operation executed by the autonomous driving vehicle; and sending a braking control instruction and a data acquisition instruction to the autonomous driving vehicle, in response to determining that the autonomous driving vehicle is in the abnormal operation status, the braking control instruction being used for controlling braking of the autonomous driving vehicle, and the data acquisition instruction being used for acquiring data of a driving recorder in the autonomous driving vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.

Abstract: A remote driving service processing device includes: a general user terminal by which a requester applies for a remote driving service for moving a vehicle to a destination; a remote control terminal by which a remote driver remotely control the vehicle and sends a remote driving service termination permission request for terminating the remote driving service when the vehicle is having difficulty reaching the destination; and a server that sends a termination approval to the remote control terminal and terminates the remote driving service when (i) transferring the remote driving service termination permission request received from the remote control terminal to the general user terminal, and (ii) receiving a remote driving service termination consent, which is a response to the remote driving service termination permission request, from the general user terminal.

Abstract: A traveling vehicle controller includes a command assignment controller to detect a first-to-arrive traveling vehicle that is able to reach a destination point first among traveling vehicles, based on travel route candidates on which the traveling vehicles travel along a travel path from respective positions to reach the destination point, and assign the command to the first-to-arrive traveling vehicle. During detection of the first-to-arrive traveling vehicle, when a traveling vehicle traveling toward a branch point on the travel path is located within a range of a branch-switching impossible distance from the branch point and is scheduled to proceed toward a main way at the branch point, the command assignment controller performs pseudo-shift processing by which this traveling vehicle is determined to be located in a position downstream of the branch point and on a side of the main way.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle (AV) maintenance system engages a user of an AV to assist in maintenance tasks. A sensor interface receives data captured by a sensor of the AV. An issue detector processes the sensor data to detect an issue in the AV. A user interface module instructs a user to perform a maintenance task addressing the detected issue. A verification module verifies that the user successfully completed the maintenance task.

Abstract: A server includes a processor, programmed to receive a vehicle location from a vehicle, receive a weather condition of the vehicle location from a cloud server, responsive to receiving a calendar of a user including an event, calculate a departure time based on the vehicle location and a location of the event, responsive to receiving a desired cabin temperature of the user from a mobile device, calculate a minimum time for the vehicle to reach the desired cabin temperature based on the weather condition, calculate a vehicle start time using the departure time and the minimum time, and send an instruction to the vehicle to start at the vehicle start time.