Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding from a remote control center a vehicle towards a target object, said remote control center communicating with the vehicle by means of a lagged communication channel, comprising: At the vehicle: (a) Periodically capturing frame images by a camera, assigning to each of said captured frames an associated unique time stamp, and saving within a storage at the vehicle full frame data or partial frame data of captured frames and their associated time stamps; (b) For a plurality of saved frames, sending to the control center via the lagged communication channel full frame data, partial frame data or a combination thereof with the corresponding associated time stamp for each sent frame so that approximate or exact version of the sent frames can be reconstructed and displayed at the control center; At the control center: (c) Receiving said frame data and associated time stamps, sequentially reconstructing frame images from each said sent full and/or partial frame data, a

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled motorized vehicle system may be utilized to facilitate operation of a motorized vehicle. The wirelessly controlled motorized vehicle system may comprise a motorized vehicle and a wireless communications system. The motorized vehicle may comprise a drive system operable to operate the motorized vehicle and a controller in communication with at least a portion of the drive system. The controller may be configured to receive a command from a user. The wireless communications system may be configured to allow wireless communication between the controller and the portion of the drive system. The wireless communications system may comprise one or more transmitters in communication with the controller and one or more receivers in communication with the portion of the drive system. Alternate embodiments may comprise a gauge and/or a central display unit in combination with one or more of the elements listed above.

Abstract: A remote-controlled mobile machine has a pair of flexible shafts (10) formed by inserting torque transmission driving wires (11) into tubes (12). One ends of the flexible shafts (10) are respectively connected to power sources (2), and the other ends thereof are respectively connected to a pair of left and right crawler mechanisms (102). The crawler mechanisms (102) are driven/controlled by remote control via the flexible shafts (10) to make the mobile machine travel.

Abstract: A control system for a remotely operated vehicle is disclosed. The control system includes a sensor tracking system configured to sense the remotely operated vehicle. The control system is coupled to the sensor tracking system and is configured to remotely control the remotely operated vehicle. The control system includes a synthetic view generator configured to construct a virtual model of the remotely operated vehicle and its surrounding environment based upon an input from the sensor tracking system. The control system also includes a graphical user interface configured to display a synthetic view of the virtual model. In addition, the control system includes a synthetic viewer control configured to manipulate an orientation of the synthetic view.

Abstract: Each of a portable device and an in-vehicle unit is provided with respective GPS receivers to determine a portable device position and a vehicle position. The portable device transmits a response signal including the portable device position in response to a request signal of the in-vehicle unit. The in-vehicle unit, only in a case where it is determined that the portable device position included in the response signal is within a predetermined area around the vehicle position, performs control of a lock/unlock state of a vehicle door in accordance with the identification result of the ID code included in the response signal. Accordingly, it is surely prevented that the door is remotely controlled by the portable device at far distances from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle remote operation device of optimized fail-safe function is disclosed that directs a vehicle to execute operations in response to a remote operation request made by a user of the vehicle. The vehicle remote operation device has a fail-safe control unit that changes a fail-safe criterion in execution of the remote operation according to a distance between the user and the vehicle. Preferably, the fail-safe criterion is moderated when the distance between the user and the vehicle is short. Alternatively, instead of measuring the distance between the user and the vehicle, a Smart Entry System is used to detect a key carried by the user to determine whether the user is near the vehicle.

Abstract: A rolling angle control device 21 is disposed to provide the rolling angle control device for a remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle so as to facilitate the control of the vehicle by an operator and stabilize the posture of the remote-controlled two-wheeled vehicle in a wide speed range.

Abstract: A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote vehicle starter allows a user to start an engine of a vehicle remotely. The starter includes a parameter-signal generating unit, a receiving unit, an engine starting unit and a controller. The parameter-signal generating unit generates a vehicle-parameter signal on a basis of a power source. The receiving unit receives an instruction for starting the engine. The engine starting unit starts the engine when receives the instruction for starting the engine from the receiving unit and receiving the vehicle-parameter signal satisfying a starting permission condition from the parameter-signal generating unit. The controller controls an engine starting by the engine starting unit, in accordance with a power source voltage value of the power source.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to improve convenience to a user when starting up an engine remotely, without detracting from safety with respect to vehicle theft. A remote startup device has an engine startup control unit, which starts the engine in response to a startup instruction signal, and an engine running control unit, which decides, after the engine has been started up, whether to continue or to stop running of the engine based on prescribed conditions. The engine running control unit continues running of the engine when detecting a key at the time of unlocking of a door of the vehicle and at the time of ignition action, and stops running of the engine when not detecting a key either at the time of the door unlocking or at the time of the ignition action, to thereby secure safety with respect to theft.

Abstract: A method of commanding a vehicle to perform a task. The method includes the steps of establishing a first wireless connection between a first wireless device and a vehicle communications system creating a data transfer network between the first wireless device and the vehicle communications system, transmitting a command from the first wireless device to the vehicle communications system via the data transfer network, receiving the command at the vehicle communications system, and instructing, by the vehicle communications system, an appropriate vehicle system to perform a task based upon the command.

Abstract: A mine vehicle and a method of preventing a mine vehicle from colliding. The mine vehicle (1) includes at least one scanner (13, 14) to scan the environment in front of the vehicle. On the basis of the scanning, an obstacle-free route is determined whose outermost points in a sideward direction are stored as memory points (21). At least one sideward safe area (15b) has been predetermined around the vehicle (1). A control system checks that no memory point (21) resides within the safe area (15b).

Abstract: A control system for remotely controlling a mobile platform includes a ground-based control station and a surrogate processor. The surrogate processor is remotely located from both the mobile platform and the ground-based control station and includes a communication gateway and software. The communication gateway is in communication with the software, the ground-based control station, and the mobile platform and is capable of transmitting information therebetween. The software generates a control message based on commands received from the ground-based control station to adjust an operational characteristic of the mobile platform. Locating the software and the gateway remotely from the mobile platform also enables a less costly and less complex mobile platform to be constructed.

Abstract: A control method comprises calculating a target value for at least one of a plurality of control parameters of a control target. The method also comprises performing feedback control of the control target in order for a value of a first of the control parameters to be set closer to its target value, and adjusting a target value of a second of the control parameters based at least in part on a deviation between the target value and a current value of at least one of the other control parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle disable system including an onboard computer linked to a throttle control relay. The onboard computer is capable of communicating to a remote control center by way of telecommunications link. If certain security protocols are breached, the control center communicates a shutdown command to the vehicle by way of the telecommunications link and the vehicle initiates a shutdown procedure for incapacitating the vehicle throttle controls.

Abstract: A vehicle remote starting apparatus includes a control device that starts an engine when the control device has set a registration flag and the control device receives an engine starting signal from an external device, which is apart from the vehicle remote starting apparatus. When the vehicle remote starting apparatus is mounted on a vehicle, the control device executes registration process for setting the registration flag, which allows the control device to start the engine when the control device receives the engine starting signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a control system for a machine with traction devices. The control system may have a sensor configured to sense an ambient temperature. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller may be configured to determine a load limit of a machine based on an expected speed of the machine and the ambient temperature. The controller may further be configured to enforce the load limit of the machine during loading.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device provided with haptic technology for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling police pursuing a vehicle to slow the vehicle down via short range wireless communication with the vehicle. The process can be carried out with or without involvement of a call center that provides telematics services to the vehicle. The method involves configuring the vehicle to accept a slowdown command, confirming the target vehicle at a pursuing police vehicle, establishing the short range connection between the police vehicle and target vehicle, and slowing the target vehicle by sending it the slowdown command over the wireless connection. The call center can enable or disable the slowdown service according to the vehicle owner's wishes.

Abstract: A mobile material placer with an auxiliary steering system having a direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The auxiliary steering system includes a direct hydraulic drive mechanism coupled to the steering column and which causes the steering column to rotate bidirectionally in response to fluid flow from a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.

Abstract: In an electronic control system for a vehicle, when a switch manipulation signal is inputted from a portable radio device, a control apparatus sets a check condition for switching an air-conditioner from the present condition to a different condition as a check condition for checking a manipulation pattern. The control apparatus checks the manipulation pattern based on the switch manipulation signal and a count value of the number of switch manipulations and checks whether the manipulation pattern meets the check condition of the acceptable pattern. If the manipulation pattern meets the check condition, the control apparatus starts to turn on or off the air-conditioner.

Abstract: An information system for a vehicle includes a computer for handling informational data. This information data includes vehicle data corresponding to operation of the vehicle and external data such as internet web pages and email. A primary display is connected to the computer and in a position to be viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A primary input device allows input to the computer and manipulation of the primary display. A plurality of remote communicators are also operatively connected to the computer and movable about the vehicle. Each of the remote communicators includes a secondary display and a secondary input device for sending input to the computer and manipulating the secondary display. The secondary input device is also programmed to control the primary display for manipulating the informational data that is displayed to the driver.

Abstract: Systems and method for evaluating driver attentiveness are provided. An allocation unit evaluates defined first input data to recognize a specific driving situation among a plurality of defined driving situations. A driver monitoring unit is operatively coupled to the allocation unit and evaluates defined second input data, based on the recognized driving situation, to assess a degree of situation-adapted attentiveness. A functional unit of a collision avoidance system is controlled as a function of the assessed degree of situation-adapted attentiveness.

Abstract: A method of remotely detecting and controlling whether locomotive data indicative of at least one of integrated diagnostic data, telemetry data and recording systems data from a locomotive is valid locomotive data, the method including remotely accessing locomotive data residing at the locomotive, reviewing a data parameter characteristic of the locomotive data, and comparing the data parameter to indicia signifying an expected data parameter characteristic.

Abstract: A system for remotely logging into a personal computer includes a controller coupled to the personal computer and a remote control device. The controller memorizes a login password for the personal computer. The remote control device transmits a login signal to which the controller responds by sending the memorized login password to the personal computer. When the personal computer is located in an automobile that includes apparatus for adjusting at least one component of the automobile to provide a plurality of arrangements of the at least one component, the controller controls the adjusting apparatus and memorizes at least a first component arrangement associated with the personal computer; and the controller responds to a first component arrangement signal received from a location remote from the controller by controlling the adjusting apparatus to provide the memorized first component arrangement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling at least one remotely operated unmanned object. The method may involve defining a plurality of body movements of an operator that correspond to a plurality of operating commands for the unmanned object. Body movements of the operator may be sensed to generate the operating commands. Wireless signals may be transmitted to the unmanned object that correspond to the operating commands that control operation of the unmanned object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for converting a man-rated fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft into a remote controlled unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV). The FBW aircraft includes a FBW flight control system (FBW-FCS) configured to control aircraft control surfaces disposed on the aircraft. The system includes a controller coupled to the FBW aircraft. The controller is configured to generate substantially real-time pilot control data from at least one aircraft maneuver command. The real-time pilot control data is generated in accordance with a predetermined control law. The at least one aircraft maneuver command is derived from at least one command telemetry signal received from a remote control system not disposed on the FBW aircraft or from a pre-programmed trajectory. An FBW-FCS interface system is coupled to the controller. The FBW-FCS interface system is configured to convert the substantially real-time pilot control data into substantially real-time simulated FBW-FCS pilot control signals.

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled motorized vehicle system may be utilized to facilitate operation of a motorized vehicle. The wirelessly controlled motorized vehicle system may comprise a motorized vehicle and a wireless communications system. The motorized vehicle may comprise a drive system operable to operate the motorized vehicle and a controller in communication with at least a portion of the drive system. The controller may be configured to receive a command from a user. The wireless communications system may be configured to allow wireless communication between the controller and the portion of the drive system. The wireless communications system may comprise one or more transmitters in communication with the controller and one or more receivers in communication with the portion of the drive system. Alternate embodiments may comprise a gauge and/or a central display unit in combination with one or more of the elements listed above.

Abstract: Controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be accomplished by using a wireless device (e.g., cell phone) to send a control message to a receiver at the UAV via a wireless telecommunication network (e.g., an existing cellular network configured primarily for mobile telephone communication). In addition, the wireless device may be used to receive communications from a transmitter at the UAV, wherein the wireless device receives the communications from the transmitter via the wireless network. Examples of such communications include surveillance information and UAV monitoring information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless remote control system (100) for vehicle functions (13.1, 13.2), having a portable remote control unit (20) which comprises operator control elements for activating control signals which are exchanged with a vehicle mounted transmitter/receiver unit (11) in order to control the vehicle functions (13.1, 13.2). According to the invention, the remote control unit (20) comprises the following components: at least one first operator control element which has a predefined function of an electronic driving authorization and/or access authorization system (13.2) assigned to it, and at least one second operator control element and at least one display unit for menu prompted control of at least one ride level control system (13.1).

Abstract: A flying micro-rotorcraft unit is provided for remote tactical and operational missions. The unit includes an elongated body having an upper and a lower end. The body defines a vertical axis. The unit further includes a navigation module including means for determining a global position of the elongated body during flight of the unit. Rotor means of the unit is coupled to the upper end of the elongated body for generating a thrust force that acts in a direction parallel to the vertical axis to lift the elongated body into the air. The rotor means is located between the elongated body and the navigation module.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, an unmanned vehicle message conversion system generally includes a message interpreter that is coupled between a first unmanned vehicle control interface and a second unmanned vehicle control interface. The second unmanned vehicle control interface is configured to transmit and receive messages with a messaging protocol that is different than the first unmanned vehicle control interface. The message interpreter is operable to receive a first message from the unmanned vehicle control system, convert the first message to a second message having the second protocol, and transmit the second message to the unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: In the present network system, a printer 10 periodically transmits an update request at different timings respectively to an apparatus management PC 30 and to a directory service 50 which are monitoring apparatuses for monitoring network apparatuses (such as the printer 10). Each of the monitoring apparatuses 30, 50 determines a state of the printer 10 based on the update request from the printer 10. Especially in the present system, if the apparatus management PC 30 determines that the update request from the printer 10 is not received, it notifies the directory service 50 by transmitting a delete request. As a result, early detection of disconnection of the printer 10 by the directory service 50 is possible without causing substantial increase in the network traffic.

Abstract: After a door of a vehicle is locked, a touch switch and a lock switch is disabled for a predetermined time period. A predetermined operation of a holder of a handheld unit to a door handle during the predetermined time period causes a device mounted in the vehicle to perform a certain function other than unlocking the door. Thus the predetermined operation solely to the door handle after the door of the vehicle is locked can serve as an instruction for the device mounted in the vehicle to execute the certain function.

Abstract: A transport scenario composed of a basic transport (From) from a transport starting point to, e.g., a buffer near the transport destination point and a basic transport (To) from the buffer to the transport destination point is created in response to a transport request of a production controller for transport whose loading times at the transport starting point and at the transport destination point are specified. The buffer is reserved so as to perform the basic transport (From) and the basic transport (To), transport vehicles are allocated, the travel time to the transport starting point or the buffer and the travel time from the transport starting point or the buffer are estimated, and transport instructions are given to the transport vehicles. The possibility that the loading times are out of the specified period is evaluated. If the possibility is larger, the impossibility of a just-in-time transport is notified to the production controller.

Abstract: A user detection system for a vehicle has a security system including a portable transponder, a touch sensor, a control system in communication with the touch sensor and the security system. A method installs the user detection system in the vehicle. The touch sensor includes a sensor strip installed on the exterior surface proximate the handle and a coating for covering the sensor strip, the coating visibly matching the exterior surface. The control system is operable to transmit the identification signal in response to receiving the sensor contact signal. The control system is operable to transmit the disable command to the security system upon authentication of the reply. An aftermarket push-to-start system includes a steering lock disabling device.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing fires includes the steps of loading an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) onto a transport aircraft and carrying the UAV to an altitude and location in proximity to a fire area. The UAV is launched from the transport aircraft and guided over the fire area using controllable fixed or deployable aerodynamic structures operably connected to the UAV. Once over the appropriate location, the UAV releases fire extinguishing or retardant material onto the fire or anticipated fire path.

Abstract: A wheel information-acquiring system (10) sends wheel information, such as a tire inner pressure, together with preset identification information from a transmitter provided on a wheel installed on a motor vehicle and causes a receiver to receive the transmitted information. In the wheel information-acquiring system, a setting device (60) transmits by wireless an ID, which the setting device is causing a transmitter (16a) to set, to the transmitter (16a) and causes the transmitter (16a) to set the ID. The setting device then transmits by wireless this ID and wheel installation position information, which is separately set and input, to the receiver, causing the receiver to map the ID and the wheel installation position information and then set and register the result of the mapping. The setting device also can acquire an ID unique to the transmitter (16a) and transmit the ID and wheel installation position information to the receiver.

Abstract: A radio controlled (RC) aircraft includes a receiver that is coupled to receive an RF signal from a remote control device, the RF signal containing command data in accordance with a first coordinate system, wherein the first coordinate system is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensing module generates motion data based on the motion of the RC aircraft. A processing module transforms the command data into control data in accordance with a second coordinate system, wherein the second coordinate system is from a perspective of the RC aircraft. A plurality of control devices control the motion of the RC aircraft based on the control data. In an embodiment, a remote control device commands the RC helicopter to substantially a hovering state when no force is applied to each of a plurality of spring-loaded interface devices.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a secure command method and device for controlling an on-board maintenance device, such as a maintenance device installed on board an aircraft, from a remote maintenance terminal. The maintenance device is connected to the remote maintenance terminal by a communication network. After at least one datum representative of at least one command associated with at least one instruction has been received, the received datum is filtered to determine the validity of the command. If the received datum is valid, an instruction or a set of instructions associated with the command represented by this datum is identified in order to be executed. The filtering step is preferably iterative and based on the transmission protocol as well as on the encoding of the datum.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powered system, the method including operating the powered system to perform a mission based on an optimized mission plan, identifying when the powered system is approaching a location in the mission where the powered system may change from a first route to a second route, obtaining information about whether the first route or the second route will be taken, and if the second route is taken, adjusting the mission plan to optimize reduced emissions output and/or reduced fuel consumption based on the route change.

Abstract: The invention is a vision and image capture system for mobile platforms. The system comprises: an imaging sensor that comprises at least one imaging sub-sensor which is integrated in the outside walls of the platform; at least one display screen on which is displayed the images captured by the imaging sub-sensor; and a processing unit comprising hardware and software components for processing the gathered images, displaying them on the screen and optionally allowing other applications. The system of the invention is characterized in that the at least one imaging sub-sensor is mounted approximately at the height of the eyes of the operator of the system and at a predefined angle respective to the mobile platform matching the preferred viewing angle of the operator from his seat within the platform.

Abstract: A remote-controlled dynamoelectric machine maintenance vehicle that can fit and travel within the air gap between a stator and rotor of a dynamoelectric machine. The maintenance vehicle has an effectuator that can remotely attach to an adjustable wedge within a coil slot of the stator and tighten the wedge in position and then move on to repeat the process until all the wedges on the stator are secured.

Abstract: A method and system associate a user control in a user interface with a function of a controllable device by physically locating a self-defining user control which includes identification information at a first predefined location in a user interface, determining the identification information from the self-defining user control by a controller via a first interconnect, and the controller associating the self-defining user control with a predefined function for a controllable device. The method further detects a user input signal via the self-defining user control at the first predefined location; and activates the predefined function for the controllable device. The self-defining user control is one of a button, switch, knob, or any combination thereof, and is locatable at one of a plurality of predefined locations in the user interface.

Abstract: The remote controllable material handling system comprises a material handling device configured to carry particulate matter, which includes one or more operatively coupled actuators, wherein the actuators are configured to transfer the particulate matter carried by the material handling device and are responsive to one or more control signals. The remote controllable material handling system further includes a MHD receiver operatively connected to the material handling device, which is configured to generate the one or more control signals in response to one or more transmission signals originating from a wireless remote transmitter. The wireless remote transmitter is moveable relative to the material handling device, and configured to receive as input one or more operator instructions for generating the one or more transmission signals for transmission to the MHD receiver in response to the one or more operator instructions.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance system in accordance with the present disclosure has a transmitter for transmitting information related to a movement of a vehicle to a receiver and logic configured to determine how to steer a vehicle so as to align the vehicle with an object, the logic further configured to provide the information to the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a portable computer, and program code stored on the portable computer. The program code is capable of being executed to establish a communications link with an aircraft network data processing system in an aircraft, obtain information about the aircraft over the communications link, display the information on a display device for the portable computer, receive user input to control a data processing system on the aircraft network data processing system in the aircraft, and send a number of commands to the data processing system in response to receiving the user input.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle's lighting functionality is disclosed herein. The method may include realizing a preferred vehicle lighting configuration and transmitting a signal to the vehicle via a radio frequency communication system. In response to the signal, the vehicle lighting system may alter a current vehicle lighting configuration to correspond with the preferred vehicle lighting configuration.

Abstract: A method for operating a powered system, the method including determining whether a mission plan of the powered system is correct to satisfy at least one mission objective of the powered system, if not, updating information used to establish the mission plan, revising the mission plan based on the updated information to satisfy the at least one mission objective, and operating the powered system based on the revised mission plan. A system and a computer software code for operating a powered system are also disclosed.