Abstract: An electric wiring system of a motor vehicle with several control devices that communicate with each other via a data bus, and with an immobilizer is provided. In order to create an electric wiring system of a motor vehicle that includes an immobilizer with high reliability the immobilizer includes at least a first and a second control device from the plurality of control devices and an authentication apparatus, in particular an authentication control device. The authentication information of the plurality of control devices is supplied via the data bus to the authentication apparatus. The authentication cancels the immobilizer of the vehicle when the authentication information transmitted from the first and the second control device corresponds to the authentication information expected for the particular control devices.

Abstract: A system for adjusting machine parameters based on a skill level of an operator comprises a personal area network (PAN)-compatible electronic control module (ECM) located on a machine. The system also includes a PAN-compatible communication device associated with an operator of the machine. The PAN-compatible communication device is configured to receive information indicative of the skill level of the operator. The PAN-compatible communication device is also configured to establish a wireless communication link with the PAN-compatible ECM and transmit the information indicative of the skill level of the operator to the PAN-compatible ECM. The PAN-compatible ECM is configured to adjust an operational aspect of the machine based on the information indicative of the skill level of the operator of the machine.

Abstract: System and method for remotely activating a vehicle function, comprising receiving an incoming message including an identification code; identifying one or more vehicles using the identification code; and sending a command to one or more of the vehicles. The incoming message may be associated with a telephone call, and the identification code may be caller identification information from the telephone call. The incoming message may be a packet-based message, and the identification code may be an identification of a sender of the message, such as an origination address. The identification code may be uniquely associated with one vehicle or multiple vehicles on a single user account. The command may be a command to lock or unlock one or more of the vehicles, or a command to start one or more of the vehicles.

Abstract: A tool simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The system has a user interface located remotely from the machine and a processor in communication with the user interface and the machine. The processor is configured to receive a plurality of parameters input at the machine's location, calculate tool loading based on the plurality of parameters, and display tool loading on the user interface.

Abstract: An aid for remotely controlling unmanned aircraft and particular helicopters, which allow the pilot at least approximately to directly stir the angle of inclination, thus for instance a pitch(elevator) and/or roll angle, so that on neutralizing of the steering stick, the respective angle of attitude returns autonomously, and to a large extent goes back to the horizontal position. To this end, a closed-loop control of the inclination is carried out, in that an angular rate signal is being integrated to an actual value, and a nominal value is admixed behind the forming of the integral, wherein the time of integration is shortened in order to avoid null drifts, in particular by feeding a portion of the actual value and/or the nominal value back into the input of the integrator. Furthermore, a vectorial rotation of the integrated actual values by a yaw signal.

Abstract: System for obtaining information about a vehicle or a component therein includes sensors fixed to a frame of the vehicle and arranged to generate and transmit a signal upon receipt and detection of a radio frequency (RF) signal and a multi-element, switchable directional antenna array. Each antenna element is directed toward a respective sensor and transmitter RF signals toward that sensor and receive return signals therefrom. A control mechanism controls transmission of the RF signals from the antenna elements, e.g., causes the antenna elements to be alternately switched on in order to sequentially transmit the RF signals and receive the return signals from the sensors.

Abstract: A system and method that enables a user of a telematics-equipped vehicle to initiate security services by activating their vehicle keyfob. If a user senses an emergency situation, such as a person breaking into their home, they can engage a panic button on their vehicle keyfob. This causes the vehicle to send a wireless warning signal to a call center which already has emergency contact numbers on file. The call center can then call the user to see if they require assistance from a police department, fire department, ambulance, etc. In one embodiment, the method also determines if the vehicle is currently located within a certain proximity of one or more designated locations (usually the user's home or work) before contacting the user. This can reduce responses to non-emergencies, such as when a user simply presses their panic button in order to locate their vehicle in a crowded parking lot.

Abstract: A method for managing work operations performed by an agricultural machine includes defining a work order to include a prescribed work operation and a location for the prescribed work operation. The work order may then be electronically communicated to an agricultural machine. The agricultural machine may then determine if an attempt to perform a work operation inconsistent with the work order is being made. If so, the agricultural machine may prevent the work operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control system for use on a fly-by-wire (FBW) aircraft. The system includes a controller coupled to the FBW aircraft. The controller is configured to generate a plurality of simulated pilot control signals from at least one aircraft maneuver command. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are 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. The plurality of simulated pilot control signals are configured to direct the FBW aircraft to perform an aircraft maneuver in accordance with the at least one aircraft maneuver command.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown to allow expanded control capability of digital locomotives on model railroad layouts that also permit compatible speed and direction operation simultaneously for non-digital or conventional locomotives alongside. The improvements employ mixed-mode control encoding and decoding algorithms and methods that are expanded beyond the prior art for control mode changes used on model railroad layouts.

Abstract: A method for receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information in a vehicle-mounted system, comprising: receiving at least one of advisory information and vehicle control information from a transmitting unit using a receiving unit; determining whether the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit; and if the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information is directed to the receiving unit, outputting the at least one of the advisory information and the vehicle control information.

Abstract: A method is described for scheduling the remote starting of an engine of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a remote starting device and a controller coupled to a communication device and to the remote starting device. The remote starting device is responsive to commands from the controller. The method includes a first step of defining a schedule of starting times. A next step includes entering the schedule in the controller. A next step includes controlling an operation of the remote starting device in accordance with the schedule.

Abstract: A mobile robot is equipped with a range finder and a stereo vision system. The mobile robot is capable of autonomously navigating through urban terrain, generating a map based on data from the range finder and transmitting the map to the operator, as part of several reconnaissance operations selectable by the operator. The mobile robot employs a Hough transform technique to identify linear features in its environment, and then aligns itself with the identified linear features in order to navigate through the urban terrain; while at the same time, a scaled vector field histogram technique is applied to the combination of range finder and stereo vision data to detect and avoid obstacles the mobile robot encounters when navigating autonomously. Also, the missions performed by the mobile robot may include limitation parameters based on distance or time elapsed, to ensure completion of the autonomous operations.

Abstract: A Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system guides navigation of a vessel enabled to extract energy from wind and/or water currents primarily in offshore marine environments. An exemplary SCADA system could embody server and client software applications running on microprocessor systems at a remote control central service logging and energy distribution facility, and the vessel itself. The remote control service facility runs Human Machine Interface (HMI) software in the form of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) allowing choices to maximize system performance. The central server accesses information to control vessel position based on transmitted Global Position Satellite (GPS) data from the vessel, and weather information from the Geographic Information System (GIS) provided by multiple spatial temporal data sources.

Abstract: An aircraft (1) and a terrestrial station (40) for communicating with each other are provided. An airframe and a payload device of an aircraft is controlled from the terrestrial station. The aircraft (1) transmits data concerning a situation of the airframe, a situation of a flight, and a situation of the payload device to the terrestrial station (40). The terrestrial station (40) includes one monitor screen (56) for simultaneously displaying all the data transmitted from the aircraft and an operation panel.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for a vehicle control system and related sub-components that together provide an operator with a plurality of specific modes of operation, wherein various modes of operation incorporate different levels of autonomous control. Through a control user interface, an operator can move between certain modes of control even after vehicle deployment. Specialized autopilot system components and methods are employed to ensure smooth transitions between control modes. Empowered by the multi-modal control system, an operator can even manage multiple vehicles simultaneously.

Abstract: A remote start method and apparatus for an engine coupled to a manual transmission, the method and apparatus including means for determining whether the manual transmission gears are disengaged and an alarm system coupled to the engine ignition system is armed prior to enabling ignition of the engine.

Abstract: A remote tire measurement system (82) periodically transmits interrogation pulses from controller (88) with transceiver (84) that are detected by telemeters (70). The telemeters will not respond unless the remote measurement system is within communication range of the telemeter, thereby forming a safety perimeter around a vehicle (102). The remote system receives the tire inflation gas parameter data and/or a coded data response and annunciates a safety zone warning.

Abstract: The vehicle-installed remote control unit includes a receiver receiving a command signal transmitted from a transmitter dedicated to a vehicle, and a controller controlling a part of the vehicle in accordance with the command signal received by the receiver. The controller has a noise-decision function of deciding whether or not a signal received by the receiver is a noise, a record function of recording noise information including at least information specifying a time at which the signal received by the receiver is decided to be the noise by the noise-decision function in a memory included in the controller, and an output function of outputting the noise information recorded in the memory to an external device in response to a command received from the external device.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of subsystems cooperatively configured to control an aircraft in accordance with a plurality of manning modes, the system configured to perform fully automated control of the aircraft while operating in any of the plurality of manning modes, wherein the plurality of manning modes include: two onboard operators; one onboard operator; and no onboard operator, wherein the system receives input from a remotely located operator by way of wireless signals.

Abstract: A system for incorporation into a manually controlled vehicle to provide unmanned operational capability to the vehicle, comprises a quantity of subsystem controllers. The subsystem controllers include: a throttle controller, integratable with an existing throttle system of the vehicle; a brake controller, integratable with an existing brake system of the vehicle; and a steering controller, integratable with an existing steering system of the vehicle. An actuator control system is operably coupleable to each of the subsystem controllers, and the actuator control system is capable of enabling remote or automated control of each of the subsystem controllers. An interrupt device is operably coupled to the actuator control system, the interrupt device providing selective: i) actuation of the actuator control system to provide remote or automated control of the subsystem controllers; and ii) deactivation of the actuator control system to return the subsystem controllers to a manually controlled state.

Abstract: A remote starting device prevents the temperature of exhaust gas from being made too high or the amount of toxic gas around a vehicle from being made too large by engine starting by remote control. The remote starting device controls a starter for starting an engine of the vehicle when receiving an engine start command from a portable transmitter. The remote starting device includes a section for deciding whether the engine starting has been frequently conducted, and a section for limiting the engine starting through receiving the engine start command from the portable transmitter when it is decided that the engine starting has been frequently conducted.

Abstract: A method and a device for a vehicle-related telematics service are provided, the same application protocol being utilized for the telematics service both for the air interface and for the communication in the vehicle and possibly in the service center.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for analyzing a condition of a vehicle is provided. The system, apparatus and method are directed to obtaining vehicle information used for analyzing select vehicle data obtained from a vehicle, wherein after obtaining this information, the analysis may be carried out. The apparatus includes a computing platform having logic to obtain, via an interface that is communicatively coupled to the vehicle, select-vehicle data associated with an operation of the vehicle, ascertain that the computing platform lacks particular information for analyzing the select-vehicle data, communicatively couple to a remote node via a network to obtain the particular information for analyzing the select-vehicle data, obtain from the remote node via the network the particular information for analyzing the select-vehicle data, and analyze the condition of the vehicle using at least a portion of the particular information for analyzing the select-vehicle data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the charging of an onboard energy storage system of a plug-in vehicle using a remote command center, such as a vehicle telematics service. An embodiment of such a method involves the transmission of a charge request for the onboard energy storage system to a remote command center associated with the plug-in vehicle. In response to the charge request, a charge command is received from the remote command center. The charging of the onboard energy storage system is regulated in accordance with the received charge command, which may be a charge enable command or a charge disable command.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for remotely configuring a mobile device communicatively coupled with a vehicle. The mobile device receives current GPS and vehicle information and transmits the information to a remote server. The remote server displays vehicle and/or driver information to remote users via a user interface. The user interface provides remote users the ability to remotely configure the mobile device according to user-customizable settings. In embodiments, configurations may be made in real-time and/or on-the-fly. In further embodiments, the server receives data feeds from a variety of external data sources and integrates the data to provide recommended vehicle configurations.

Abstract: A mission planner system for a powered system, the mission planner system including a receiving device to collect aspect information as the powered system performs a mission, said aspect information being received from a remote location, a processor to determine a speed limit based at least in part on the aspect information, and a control system connected to the powered system to operate the powered system in response to the speed limit. A method and a computer software code for determining the mission plan with aspect information obtained from a remote location during the mission are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method to control a device may include forming an integrated simulation model of an actual environment in which the device is or will be operating. The integrated simulation model may be formed using pre-existing data and real-time data related to the actual environment. The method may also include presenting a simulation including a representation of the device operable in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment and allowing control of operation of the simulation of the device in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment. The method may further include controlling operation of the device in the actual environment using the simulation of the representation of the device in the integrated simulation model of the actual environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the automatic movement of material in a working area comprising at least one movable piece of equipment, wherein the system has a control for the automatic movement of the piece of equipment with an automatic recognition of obstacles. In accordance with the invention, the control has a first obstacle processing function which moves an obstacle in the working area automatically using the movable piece of equipment; and/or in that the control has a second obstacle processing function which automatically removes an obstacle from the working area using the movable piece of equipment.

Abstract: A control system for controlling motion of a pallet truck vehicle includes three modes of operation for controlling coasting of the vehicle. In a first, constant pressure mode, the vehicle coasts for as long as an activation button is depressed. In a second, time controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined period of time. In the third, distance controlled mode, the vehicle coasts for a predetermined distance. Each of these functions can be activated from a remote location using a remote activation device.

Abstract: A method for assigning a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle by exchanging electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the first motor vehicle in a predetermined temporal signal pattern and received by the second motor vehicle, where they are compared as to whether the received electromagnetic signals correspond to a signal pattern stored in the second motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle then is assigned as a function of the comparison. This method is particularly suited to assigning trailers to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A central control system of a wireless remote-control model is capable of controlling a flight safety and effectively according to an operation control instruction signal data or a detector detection data instead of a single control value. Information such as the control, movement and abnormal detection of an electronic control machine installed on the wireless remote-control model are managed, determined and controlled jointly, so as to improve the safety and operability of the wireless remote-control model.

Abstract: The present system provides a method to allow vehicle users to locate, monitor, and control their vehicle and receive notifications of constraint violations by using a hand-held device and/or internet web browser. Such constraints may be customized by vehicle or group of vehicles, over the air or by a user using a host. In the case of constraint notifications, the vehicle device receives and processes vehicle data and constraint data and sends this information to the host. In the case of vehicle location, monitoring and/or control, the host receives the solicitation and sends an instruction to the vehicle device, the vehicle device will receive and process the instruction and interact with the vehicle accordingly.

Abstract: A method to control a motion heading at a receiving end by referring to a relative angle between the receiving end and a transmission end includes the following steps: Step A: solving a command angle, ?, between an original heading and a user inputted direction of transmission end; Step B: having a signal-receiving unit at the receiving end to pick up signals sent from the transmission end; Step C: determining a signal source orientation according to strength of the signals received by the signal-receiving unit which comprises multiple sensors or a position sensitive device arranged in a form to pick up the signals from the transmission end; Step D: solving a relative angle, ?, between the signal source orientation and an original motion heading of the receiving end; and Step E: solving a new motion heading according to the angles ? and ?.

Abstract: A method for remote vehicle communication is provided. The method monitors, stores and/or transmits data representative of the operation of a component or system, whereby the transmitted data may be analyzed and vehicle performance improved through the analysis thereof. Additionally, the vehicle systems are remotely accessible such that a technician can remotely analyze the vehicle without taking control of the vehicle away from the consumer.

Abstract: A device for accessing a vehicle control system via a wireless link, a gateway control unit which is connected to at least one vehicle bus and to a wireless network being provided, and the gateway control unit being freely configurable via the wireless link.

Abstract: A system and method for GPS based navigation and hazard avoidance in a mining environment are described. The system includes a central application that has a dynamic roadmap definition module adapted to at least allow a user to arbitrarily define features in a geographical information systems database and import overhead imaging data corresponding to a geographical area in which said features are defined. The central application includes a remote position and attitude reception module adapted to at least receive data concerning the position of at least one remote vehicle, a transceiver module adapted for exchanging data with at least one remote vehicle; and a logging and tracking module adapted for at least logging said position of at least one remote vehicle over time. The system also has a remote application; and a communications link adapted for exchanging data between the central application and the remote application.

Abstract: A vehicle load control system, in which information on the cargo loading condition of a moving vehicle is obtained through communication between the moving vehicle and a control center via a communication network to provide centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation. A vehicle load control system provides centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation through communication between a moving vehicle (100) and a control center (120) via a communication network (110). The moving vehicle (100) includes a radio section (101) for receiving a load data acquisition request signal and transmitting measured load data determined by at least one distance sensor (105) in the luggage compartment and location data of the vehicle.

Abstract: System and method for multi-modal control of a vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle, brake, accelerator, throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. After receipt of a mode select command that dictates the operational mode of the vehicle (e.g., manned operation, remote unmanned tele-operation, assisted remote tele-operation, and autonomous unmanned operation), the actuators manipulate the operator input devices, in accordance with the behaviors, to affect the desired operational mode.

Abstract: System and method for processing a safety signal in an autonomous vehicle. Safety signals are typically generated in response to the detection of unsafe conditions or are sent by the vehicle operator. In either case, the safety signals are conveyed using redundant communication paths. The paths include a computer network and a current loop. The safety signals are processed, thereby causing actuators (e.g., linkages) to manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle, brake, tie rods, steering gear, throttle lever, accelerator, or transmission shifter). The manipulation ensures the vehicle responds appropriately to the safety signals, for example, by shutting down the vehicle.

Abstract: The method includes a preliminary period in which a reference rotorcraft is used that corresponds to a rotorcraft of a particular type, with a series of noise measurements being performed on said rotorcraft (1) in flight using noise sensors (C) disposed on said reference rotorcraft, and with operating domains being determined for the reference rotorcraft in which noise is less than a maximum noise level. Thereafter, the operating point without wind and operating domains with wind are subsequently determined for a rotorcraft of the particular type on the basis of operating domains for the reference rotorcraft.

Abstract: A vertical/short take-off and landing aircraft with a single proprotor assembly that has a pair of inline counter-rotating rotors. Two inline counter-rotating engines are directly connected to the rotors. One engine is shut down in horizontal flight to improve efficiency. Gimbal mounting the proprotor assembly permits thrust to be directed forward to back and left to right to control pitch and roll when hovering. Varying the relative engine speeds controls yaw. The aircraft is adaptable as an unmanned vehicle.

Abstract: Electronic components, including a transceiver for two-way wireless communications, are carried by a freely roaming animal such as a rat. Electrodes are implanted in the brain of the animal to provide cues and rewards to the animal to achieved desired behaviors, including controlling the direction and speed of movement of the animal, and training the animal to recognize odors. The electronics can include network interface components that allow a network of the animals to work together. Sensors carried by the animal provide information to a remote base-station regarding, e.g., heading and location. Other sensors, such as a video camera, microphone, and chemical or gas detector, provide information regarding an environment of the animal. The animal can carry out missions such as searching for people buried in rubble piles, law enforcement operations, and detection of explosives, chemicals or other dangerous materials. A vehicle for deploying the animal is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a set of means for piloting an aircraft used, first of all, for detecting emergency situations and for removing the consequences thereof, which make it possible perform all possible control modes for piloting the same aircraft in the form of an aircraft hand-flown by a pilot with the aid of flight control means, an aircraft remotely flown by instructions of a control station technical means and an independent automated aircraft flown by instructions of the aircraft equipment. In order to carry out the remote, automatic and independent control of the aircraft, the power drive units of control equipment, a system for the switch-on and off thereof and technical supporting means are provided on the aircraft board and on the control station.

Abstract: A system for allowing an operator to switch between remote vehicle tele-operation and one or more remote vehicle autonomous behaviors. The system comprises: an operator control unit receiving input from the operator including instructions for the remote vehicle to execute an autonomous behavior; a control system on the remote vehicle for receiving the instruction to execute an autonomous behavior from the operator control unit; and a GPS receiver, an inertial measurement unit, and a navigation CPU on the remote vehicle. Upon receiving the instruction to execute an autonomous behavior, the remote vehicle executes that autonomous behavior using input from the GPS receiver, the inertial measurement unit (IMU), and the navigation CPU.

Abstract: A modular robotic crawler can be formed by intercoupling a selected plurality of segment modules from a preexisting collection of differing compatible segment modules. The segment modules can have at least one intercoupleable interface. The selection can be based on a planned operational scenario of functions to be performed.

Abstract: A method for remotely operating vehicle functions including receiving at least one wireless key fob signal at a kiosk system, receiving a vehicle function request at the kiosk system, and sending the wireless key fob signal from the kiosk system to a vehicle based on the vehicle function request.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring and controlling a vehicle comprises a remote user interface for establishing a first model of a work area representative of the real world or an environment around the vehicle. Sensors collect data on a second model of the work area. Each of the sensors is associated with the vehicle. An evaluator determines a material discrepancy between the first model and the second model. A transmitter transmits the material discrepancy to a user remotely separated from the vehicle. A display module displays data from at least one of the first model, the second model and the material discrepancy to a user for resolution or classification of the discrepancy.

Abstract: A process for triggering a heater (10) for motor vehicles having a data memory (16) in which a first computer (20) is connected via an Internet connection (22) to a second computer (24), and at the request of the first computer (20), the second computer (24) transmits a first heater operating data sequence (26) to the first computer (20). Then, the first computer (20) transmits a second heater operating data sequence (28) which is dependent on the first heater operating data sequence (26) to the data memory (16). The first and the second heater operating data sequences (26, 28) contain at least information about the number of starting processes permissible for the heater (10).

Abstract: An in-vehicle device remote control system includes a vehicle-side device, a main mobile device that returns a first response signal in response to a request signal transmitted from the vehicle-side device, and a sub-mobile device that returns a second response signal in response to the request signal. When the vehicle-side device receives the response signal, it conducts a matching process. Vehicle doors are unlocked automatically when the received response signal is determined to be either the first or the second response signal. On the other hand, the engine start is permitted only when the received signal is determined to be the first response signal.