Relative Location Patents (Class 701/300)
  • Publication number: 20140278045
    Abstract: An assistance system and a generation method of dynamic driving information, which acquire object information of an ambient object near by a main vehicle to establish an ambient object relation list of the main vehicle, receive an ambient object relation list of an ambient vehicle, and determine object information of the ambient object relation list of the ambient vehicle before being added in the ambient object relation list of the main vehicle, so as to establish a dynamic driving information graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Ming-Hsuan CHENG, Yin-Chih LU, Ping-Fan HO, Ming-Fong TSAI
  • Publication number: 20140278042
    Abstract: A method of sharing a preset table between a vehicle infotainment system including a vehicle tuner, memory for storing a first preset table and a broadcast signal receiver that receives a broadcast signal based on the first preset table, and an external device coupled to the vehicle infotainment system, includes storing the first preset table in the memory, the first preset table including first regional information and at least one combination of first station identification information and a first tuning frequency corresponding to the first station identification information, receiving a second preset table from the external device, the second preset table including second regional information and at least one combination of second station identification information and a second tuning frequency corresponding to the second station identification information, comparing the first preset table with the second preset table, and making the first preset table and the second preset table identical, if the first pr
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Teguh, Melvin Diaz
  • Publication number: 20140278090
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the vehicle coordinates to geo-fence coordinate sets of a plurality of geo-fences surrounding point of interest (POI), wherein at least a portion of each geo-fence is within some predetermined distance from the vehicle coordinates. The processor is further configured to receive information relating to the POI if the vehicle coordinates fall within the geo-fence coordinates and instruct presentation of the received information to vehicle occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Christopher Boes, Chad Evert Esselink, Andrew E. Shaffer, Justin Counts
  • Publication number: 20140278044
    Abstract: A mobile device associated with a mobile asset (and a method operating on such a mobile device) determines the location of the mobile asset and reports the location to a tracking server. To conserve power and bandwidth resources, the mobile device reports the current location and movement data of the mobile asset initially and then upon determination of the existence of one or more conditions. Potential conditions that could cause the mobile device to send an update to the server are a change from one road to another, a change in velocity or direction greater than a predetermined threshold, a deviation from an assigned or predicted route, or a difference between a current location and a predicted location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Aaron Joseph Jacobs, Michael Steven Perrow
  • Patent number: 8838371
    Abstract: There is a driving assisting apparatus capable of reducing a feeling of discomfort of a driver by respecting the driver's operation as much as possible in a range where an obstacle can be reliably avoided by intervention control. An ECU 2 of a driving assisting apparatus 1 includes an obstacle detecting section 22, a control course calculating section 23, a determination section 24, and an intervention control executing section 25. The obstacle detecting section 22 detects an obstacle region around a vehicle. The control course calculating section 23 calculates an intervention control course, which can be taken by the vehicle, when the intervention control is executed after the driver's operation is allowed for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Sakai, Toshiki Kindo
  • Patent number: 8838375
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic device with object guiding function and the method thereof. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a view window area, via which a user may watch a view. The electronic device may determine whether an object is located in the view window area when the user inputs the position of the object, and may further show an object indicating message or an object guiding message according to the determination result. Therefore, the electronic device is able to provide the user with short distance guiding function. In another embodiment, the electronic device may also show information related to the object located in the view window area, such as information about every mountain range, constellation, user's friends, or specific landmark that is located in the view window area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventor: Chao-Kuang Yang
  • Publication number: 20140257696
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a user's travel pattern to determine alternative routes that may benefit the user. One or more alternative routes may have places of interest to the user therealong. Interests of the user can be determined, such as from purchase histories, wish lists, and likes. For example, the user's purchase history can indicate that the user surfs. In this instance, the user can be notified that a new surf shop just opened one block off of the user's regular route to and from work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Kamal Zamer
  • Publication number: 20140257686
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for making lane determinations as to a roadway on which the vehicle is travelling. A determination is made as to a lane of a roadway in which a vehicle is travelling. An identification is made as to an adjacent lane that is adjacent to the lane in which the vehicle is travelling. An assessment is made as to a drivability of the adjacent lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: DMITRIY FELDMAN, JAMES N. NICKOLAOU, KEVIN A. O'DEA
  • Patent number: 8831514
    Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) system may include an NFC tag comprising a memory configured to store geo-position data corresponding to a geographic position of the NFC tag, and a first NFC sensor coupled to the memory and configured to initiate a transaction based upon NFC communications. The NFC system may further include a mobile wireless communications device comprising a second NFC sensor and a controller coupled thereto. The controller may be configured to establish NFC communications with the first NFC sensor when in proximity thereto and retrieve the geo-position data therefrom, authenticate a geographic position of the NFC tag based upon the retrieved geo-position data, and perform the transaction with the NFC tag if the geographic position of the NFC tag is authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Peter Konrad Tysowski
  • Patent number: 8827815
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using geographic information in connection with sporting activities. Sensors may be attached to users and/or clothing to generate performance data. The data, along location data, may be transmitted to a server. The server may maintain leader boards for users and locations and allow users to search for other users and locations of sporting activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon S. Burroughs, Mark Adam Starkey
  • Patent number: 8831867
    Abstract: A driver assistance device for a motor vehicle is provided. The driver assistance device includes an environmental sensor configured for monitoring a monitoring space located laterally to the motor vehicle for the presence of an object. An analysis unit is configured to receive a detection signal from the environmental sensor for estimating a possible endangerment of the motor vehicle by the object present in the monitoring space and to deliver a result signal representative of the endangerment. The analysis unit is configured to judge on the basis of the detection signal whether the object present in the monitoring space is approaching a lane adjacent to a lane traveled by the motor vehicle and to signal a result of a judgment in the result signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Heiko Bald, Aiko Boehme
  • Patent number: 8831868
    Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data are utilized for aquatic efforts. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: Ted V. Grace, Ryan T. Grace
  • Patent number: 8830085
    Abstract: Approaches for monitoring traffic signal preemption at one or more intersections. According to one embodiment, a road map that includes a plurality of roads and intersections is displayed with a computer system. Preemption data periodically received by the computer system from at least one preemption controller at a respective intersection is used to update the road map. In response to the preemption data, the road map is updated to include a traffic signal icon at the respective intersection and a vehicle icon at a location on the map corresponding to a location of a vehicle transmitting a preemption request as indicated by the preemption data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David John Edwardson, David R. Johnson, Kevin Clare Eichhorst, Patrick Keenan Cosgrove, Nicole Maria Montgomery
  • Patent number: 8823578
    Abstract: A driving assist apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The driving assist apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting a transmission wave, a receiver for receiving a reflected wave, an obstacle presence determination section for detecting a presence of an obstacle in the surrounding of the vehicle based on the reflected wave, a measurement section for measuring a frequency of phase delay and advance of the reflected wave with respect to a reference signal, and a detection section for detecting the obstacle having a specific relation with the vehicle based on the presence of the obstacle determined by the obstacle presence determination section and the frequency of delay and the frequency of advance measured by the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Hattori, Mitsuyasu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8825369
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling a vehicle with a telematics terminal installed in or on the vehicle. The method includes a) receiving coordinates of a geo-fence area by the telematics terminal; b) determining whether or not the vehicle is located within the geo-fence area or is on a route that will intercept the geo-fence area; and c) if the vehicle is determined to have entered into the geo-fence area, controlling the vehicle to meet predetermined drive requirements previously set for the geo-fence area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Seung-Hee Jin
  • Patent number: 8825258
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cullinane, Philip Nemec, Manuel Christian Clement, Robertus Christianus Elisabeth Mariet, Lilli Ing-Marie Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8825371
    Abstract: A vehicle can include a navigation unit configured to determine a position of the vehicle. A detection unit can be configured to recognize position and features of objects external to the vehicle. An identification unit can be configured to identify objects expected to be detected based on a determined position of the vehicle, by comparing the recognized features to feature data of object reference data stored in a local database. When the identification unit is unable to identify an object, the identification unit can compare recognized or stored object features to the additional feature data received from a remote database. A navigation unit can update the position of the vehicle based on position data of identified objects and more accurate and safe autonomous operation of a vehicle can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Danil V. Prokhorov, Yasuo Uehara
  • Patent number: 8823502
    Abstract: An asset's TCU, or a mobile device coupled thereto, receives and stores geographical boundary definitions to a memory. A processor uses the boundary definition to determine an initial-location boundary based on the definition and the current location of the TCU at the time it received the boundary request message. As the TCU's GPS unit generates location information, the processor retrieves the initial-location boundary definition from the memory and compares the current location from the GPS receiver to it according to an algorithm. If the processor determines that the current location of the vehicle has crossed the boundary, the processor generates an alert message, which may be an e-mail, SMS, telephonic, internet, IM, or other electronic message indicating that an asset crossed the boundary, and sends it wirelessly using a transceiver to a central computer for further processing, or directly to another device, according to a notification destination identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: HTI IP, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric C. Berkobin, Alex Berkobin, Deep Kalinadhabhotla
  • Patent number: 8825260
    Abstract: Methods and systems for object and ground segmentation from a sparse one-dimensional range data are described. A computing device may be configured to receive scan data representing points in an environment of a vehicle. The computing device may be configured to determine if a test point in the scan data is likely to be an obstacle or ground by comparing the point to other points in the scan data to determine if specific constraints are violated. Points that do not pass these tests are likely to be above the ground, and therefore likely belong to obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David Harrison Silver, David Ian Franklin Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8820678
    Abstract: The positions of balloons in a communication network of balloons, such as a mesh network of high-altitude balloons, may be adjusted relative to one another in order to try to maintain a desired network topology. In one approach, the position of each balloon may be adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. For example, the locations of a target balloon and one or more neighbor balloons may be determined. A desired movement of the target balloon may then be determined based on the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target balloon. The target balloon may be controlled based on the desired movement. In some embodiments, the altitude of the target balloon may be controlled in order to expose the target balloon to ambient winds that are capable of producing the desired movement of the target balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne DeVaul, Eric Teller, Clifford L. Biffle, Josh Weaver, Dan Piponi
  • Patent number: 8825259
    Abstract: In an example implementation, an autonomous vehicle is configured to detect closures and lane shifts in a lane of travel. The vehicle is configured to operate in an autonomous mode and determine a presence of an obstacle substantially positioned in a lane of travel of the vehicle using a sensor. The lane of travel has a first side, a second side, and a center, and the obstacle is substantially positioned on the first side. The autonomous vehicle includes a computer system. The computer system determines a lateral distance between the obstacle and the center, compares the lateral distance to a pre-determined threshold, and provides instructions to control the autonomous vehicle based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: David I. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8818705
    Abstract: In general, a method performed on a vehicle includes determining that the vehicle is located within a predetermined range of a beacon, the beacon being associated with a beacon identification, navigating the vehicle to a first location based on determining that the vehicle is located with the predetermined range, generating a first report based on determining that the vehicle is located at the first location, the generating including: specifying the beacon identification, recording navigation data that includes an altitude, a distance from the beacon, and a bearing relative to the beacon, and recording environmental data. The method further includes transmitting the first report from the vehicle to a base station, the first report including the beacon identification, the navigation data, and the environmental data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventor: Gregory P. Spata
  • Patent number: 8818608
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cullinane, Philip Nemec, Manuel Christian Clement, Robertus Christianus Elisabeth Mariet, Lilli Ing-Marie Jonsson
  • Patent number: 8818701
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating distances between sensor nodes. The method includes receiving a temporal sequence of measurements of a selected local environmental condition from each of the sensor nodes. The method includes determining an amount of correlation between the measurements of the selected local environmental condition that were received from two or more of the sensor nodes. The method also includes estimating distances between the two or more of the sensor nodes based on the determined amount of correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Yuliy Baryshnikov
  • Patent number: 8818702
    Abstract: A method for tracking an object, by generating kinematic models corresponding to the object using a computerized object-tracking system, is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a data collection module, scan data associated with an object, and generating by the module, using the scan data, a new frame F, associated with a new time t+dt and including new points X. A clustering module identifies a new group G of new points Xi of the new frame F. A data association module associates the new group G with the object based on previous information associated with the object. A tracking module determines a new kinematic model M corresponding to the object based on the new group G.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shuqing Zeng, Yuanhong Li
  • Publication number: 20140236468
    Abstract: Customized images can be used to improve navigation of a user to a particular destination. For example, a mobile device can receive a first destination location of the first user. Additionally, the mobile device can receive one or more media files of the first destination location, wherein at least one of the media files is created with a recording device. Furthermore, the mobile device can further receive an indicator associating the one or more media files with the first destination location. Subsequently, the mobile device can receive a current location of the mobile device of the first user. Finally, the mobile device can display the one or more media files when the current location is within a specified distance of the first destination location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil R. Dave, Anthony L. Larson, Devrim Varoglu
  • Publication number: 20140236469
    Abstract: Onboard an individual aircraft, a map showing aircraft flying in the vicinity of the individual aircraft is displayed on a monitor. Navigation satellite technology, such as GPS, onboard the individual aircraft is used to determine the position of the individual aircraft. Via a communications network, position-indication signals indicating the determined positions of the individual aircraft and other aircraft flying in the vicinity of the individual aircraft are sent between the different aircraft. Onboard the individual aircraft, a computer processes the position-indication signals to provide display signals that enable a monitor onboard the individual aircraft to display a map showing the positions of other aircraft flying in the vicinity of the individual aircraft in relation to the position of the individual aircraft. In one embodiment, a website that communicates with the different aircraft via the Internet facilitates communication of the position-indication signals between the different aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: DANIEL EDWARD CALLAN, EDWARD WILLIAM CALLAN
  • Patent number: 8812192
    Abstract: A lane departure prevention system is provided with a lane departure tendency detection section, a yaw moment calculating section and a yaw moment control section. The lane departure tendency detection section detects a degree of a lane departure tendency of a host vehicle exhibiting a tendency of departing from its driving lane. The yaw moment calculating section calculates a base yaw moment to be applied to the host vehicle based on the degree of the lane departure tendency. The yaw moment control section applies the base yaw moment calculated by the yaw moment calculating section to the host vehicle when the base yaw moment is equal to or larger than a first prescribed minimum yaw moment, which is greater than zero, and applies the first prescribed minimum yaw moment to the host vehicle if the base yaw moment is smaller than the first prescribed minimum yaw moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youji Hamaguchi, Kou Satou, Yasuhisa Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8812227
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20140229096
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system (CAS) is described that includes one or more sensor technologies, including, for example, an Ultra Wideband (UWB) sensing technology. The collision avoidance system is designed to reliably track the location and speed of vehicles and the distance between vehicles over a wide variety of track and terrain. The collision avoidance system may utilize information from a variety of sensor technologies to determine whether one or more vehicles violate speed and/or separation criteria, and may generate a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Metrom Rail, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Patent number: 8803670
    Abstract: An operating control, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the operating control has at least one actuating element for actuating the operating control. The operating control comprises at least one sensor element operatively connected to the actuating element for registering an actuation, and at least one oscillator coil fixedly connected to the actuating element for emitting a mechanical feedback signal, in particular bending waves, through the actuating element. The feedback signal is haptically and/or acoustically perceivable, preferably simultaneously haptically and acoustically perceivable. The operating control includes a controller element for activating the oscillator coil in case of actuation of the operating control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Steckel, Karsten Ruter, Raimund Kreis
  • Patent number: 8798913
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
  • Patent number: 8798906
    Abstract: A vehicle control device capable of accomplishing a highly reliable vehicle control with the separation distance recognized correctly, even if a reduction or an error of the detecting capability occurs in the result of measurement by a separation distance measuring section for measuring the separation distance with an object such as inter-vehicle gap is provided. The control device includes a rotation detector for detecting the rotational speed of a vehicle wheel and a vehicle movement amount detecting section for detecting the amount of movement of a vehicle from an output signal thereof. The use is made of a separation distance measuring section such as a laser radar for measuring, on a non-contact basis, the separation distance between the vehicle and the object, and of a vehicle movement control section for controlling the movement of the vehicle using the separation distance and the vehicle movement amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyotake Shibata
  • Patent number: 8798905
    Abstract: The vehicle location detection device includes: a sound source location specifying unit which calculates an attenuation amount of a sound pressure of a vehicle sound by subtracting a sound pressure detected by a sound pressure detecting unit from a sound pressure indicated by vehicle sound pressure information stored in a sound pressure information storage unit, and specifies a location where another vehicle emitting a vehicle sound is predicted to be present, by specifying a sound source location of a sound diffracted by an obstacle which is specified by a diffraction location specifying unit and serves as a diffraction point, based on the calculated attenuation amount, a rule indicating an attenuation amount dependent on a propagation distance of the sound, and a relationship indicated by diffraction information stored in a diffraction information storage unit; and a presentation unit which presents the specified location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mototaka Yoshioka, Shinichi Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8798904
    Abstract: A device for determining the position of a road roller relative to a road finisher has a transceiver on the road roller for transmitting transmit signals and for receiving receive signals from at least two reference points on the road finisher spaced apart from each other. An evaluation unit determines the position of the road roller relative to the road finisher from the run time between transmitting the transmit signals and receiving the receive signals from the reference points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Moba-Mobile Automation AG
    Inventors: Paul Harms, Jochen Wendebaum
  • Publication number: 20140210663
    Abstract: A geodetic measuring system having at least one reference component which defines a reference point, wherein an absolute position of the reference point is known, and at least one new-point determination component which derives a relative new-point position. It is also possible to derive mutual relative reference information between the reference component and the new-point determination component, in particular for the purpose of referencing with respect to the reference-point position. The measuring system also has an automotive, unmanned, controllable air vehicle, wherein the air vehicle has the reference component which provides the at least one reference point as a mobile reference point. The air vehicle is also designed in such a manner that the reference component can be spatially freely displaced by the air vehicle, in particular can be positioned in a substantially fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventor: Bernhard Metzler
  • Patent number: 8791878
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a driving support system and a display device suitable for the driving support system. According to the driving support system, change in driver's mental and physical conditions can be caught instantaneously and a warning light emission display is given within the forward sight of the driver in order to call the driver's attention. A light emitting device of the driving support system can display a far side of the display. A display may be switched between a transmission mode and a non-transmission mode by adjusting a movable polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Jun Koyama, Hideaki Kuwabara
  • Publication number: 20140207371
    Abstract: A method for determining a spatial location of at least one patient data gathering device includes the steps of receiving at least one signal from a geolocation system and analyzing the at least one signal to determine the spatial location of the at least one patient data gathering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Guy Robert JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20140207354
    Abstract: A rear area monitoring device for a vehicle includes one or more distance sensors configured, to determine the distance of the rear of the vehicle from an obstacle, and at least one electronic control device configured to evaluate the data collected by the distance sensor and to determine a distance signal that indicates the current distance of the rear of the vehicle from the obstacle. The electronic control device includes at least one input connection for a position sensor configured to detect the position of at least one adjustable vehicle component that, in certain positions projects beyond the rear of the vehicle. The electronic control device is configured to determine the distance sign depending upon the signal of the position sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Risse, Udo Ronnenberg, Axel Stender, Jan-Christoph Von Der Beeke
  • Patent number: 8788148
    Abstract: Risk and/or control status are presented in such a way that the vehicle driver can easily comprehend the fact. Upon detecting risk during driving a vehicle, the vehicle is controlled and information of at least one of the risk and the status of the vehicle being controlled is presented in visual form. In addition, the driver's initiative (D) in driving the vehicle is calculated (step S2), and the visual form, in which the information is presented, is altered depending on the calculated driver's initiative (step S3). When, for example, a lane departure prevention control works, the status of restraining lane departure is presented by arrow(s) in an anti-lane-departure direction opposite to the direction of lane departure. The size (including the length and the width) and color of the arrow(s) are altered depending on the initiative (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsunori Ohta, Takeshi Kimura, Taku Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8788133
    Abstract: A cleaning robot cleaning a specific region and including a movement module, a sound wave module, a cleaning module and a controlling module is provided. The movement module includes a plurality of wheels. The sound wave module emits a sound wave and receives a plurality of reflected waves. The cleaning module performs a cleaning function. The controlling module generates a contour according to the reflected waves and controls at least one of the movement module and the cleaning module according to the contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Hung, Yao-Shih Leng
  • Patent number: 8788196
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method, computer program product, and apparatus for presenting a position of a vehicle on a chart. In one advantageous embodiment, a method for presenting a vehicle on a chart is presented. A current position of the vehicle is identified. The method then determines whether the current position of the vehicle is on a path between two points in a plurality of points. A first indicator at a first location on the chart indicating a position of the vehicle on the path relative to the two points is presented responsive to a determination that the current position is on the path. A second indicator on a second location on the chart is presented responsive to an absence of a determination that the current position is on the path, wherein the second indicator points to a closest point in the plurality of points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian B. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8786429
    Abstract: A Real Time Locating System (RTLS) hygiene management and monitoring system for individuals and companies to manage and monitor the hygiene of their surroundings. In some embodiments of the invention, RTLS is used to monitor and manage cleanliness of rooms and surfaces and the location of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel. The invention provides improved efficiency and quality of hygiene services. For instance, the invention can enable prioritization of cleaning, improve efficient use of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel, track short and long term cleaning operations, and provide insight into ineffective cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Anderson Chun Kong Li, Anup Bhagvanji
  • Patent number: 8788176
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for a motor vehicle monitors approaching objects around the vehicle in order to take a driver assistance action in response to a predicted impact with an approaching object according to a time-to-impact threshold. the time-to-impact threshold includes a nominal or default value that is adjusted according to several different measures of vehicle and driving conditions. Respective offsets determined by a load monitor, a braking monitor, and a steering monitor are added to the threshold in response to measured vehicle performance parameters being different from expected values. The driver assistance action may be a perceptible warning for a forward collision warning system, a speed reduction in an adaptive cruise control system, or a braking action in a brake-steer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Patent number: 8788190
    Abstract: An on-vehicle wireless communication apparatus for transmitting transmission data having positional information wirelessly at a frequency includes: a receiver receiving the transmission data from another apparatus; a positional information acquiring unit acquiring the positional information; a location specifying unit specifying a location relationship between a vehicle and another vehicle based on the positional information of the vehicle and the another vehicle; an another-apparatus transmission timing specifying unit specifying a transmission timing of the another apparatus when the another vehicle is located immediately in front of the vehicle; and a transmission timing adjusting unit adjusting a transmission timing of the apparatus so that the transmission data is transmitted at the frequency with an adjusted transmission timing, which is later by a predetermined time than the transmission timing of the another apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Junichirou Funabashi
  • Publication number: 20140200798
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle including: a detection device for detecting the vehicle surroundings, a position determination device for determining a vehicle position relative to the vehicle surroundings, a database having an ontological data structure in which traffic rules are implemented, a linker for linking the detected vehicle surroundings and the vehicle position to the ontological data structure to form a linked data structure, and an evaluator for evaluating the linked data structure. Also described is a method for operating a driver assistance system for a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Huelsen
  • Patent number: 8781670
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling vehicle lateral lane positioning are described. A computing device may be configured to identify an object in a vicinity of a vehicle on a road. The computing device may be configured to estimate, based on characteristics of the vehicle and respective characteristics of the object, an interval of time during which the vehicle will be laterally adjacent to the object. Based on the characteristics of the vehicle, the computing device may be configured to estimate longitudinal positions of the vehicle on the road during the interval of time. Based on the respective characteristics of the object, the computing device may be configured to determine a lateral distance for the vehicle to maintain between the vehicle and the object during the interval of time at the longitudinal positions of the vehicle, and provide instructions to control the vehicle based on the lateral distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri Dolgov, Christopher Urmson
  • Patent number: 8781644
    Abstract: An example of recognition of the shape of a road where a vehicle travels is provided. An object type as to whether an object is a moving or stationary object is determined according to a relative speed of the object and a speed of the vehicle. Object-unit data effective for recognizing a road shape is extracted according to the determination. The object-unit data is used for forming data of a roadside object group, based on which a road edge is recognized. A series of the processes is repeatedly performed at a predetermined cycle. After the extraction process, a data addition process is performed to add object-unit data obtained in the extraction process of the previous cycle to object-unit data obtained in the extraction process of the present cycle. In a recognition process, a road edge is recognized according to the object-unit data obtained in the data addition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshie Samukawa, Toyohito Nozawa, Mai Sakamoto, Hiroshi Ookata
  • Patent number: 8781739
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using magnetic field readings to refine device location estimates are provided. As an example, a plurality of magnetic field readings can be collected by a device as it travels along a path. A positioning system (e.g., GPS) or other sensors can be used to provide a coarse location for the device at each reading. A contribution to each of the magnetic field readings by the Earth's magnetic field can be removed to obtain a plurality of residual readings and a plurality of regions of interest along the path can be identified based at least in part on the residual readings. The regions of interest can be compared to each other to identify a plurality of correspondences between magnetic field readings or residual readings and the plurality of correspondences can be used to refine the location estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Miller
  • Patent number: 8781720
    Abstract: A vehicle risk level acquiring ECU calculates and acquires a plurality of courses of other vehicles around a driver's own vehicle, and acquires the predicted course of the driver's own vehicle. The vehicle risk level acquiring ECU calculates the collision probability of the driver's own vehicle as collision possibility on the basis of the predicted course of the driver's own vehicle and the plurality of courses of other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiki Kindo, Kazuaki Aso, Masahiro Harada