23rd week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 60 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140156062 | METHOD & SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING A PACKAGE PRE-LOAD OPERATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH A DISPATCH PLAN - The present invention provides systems and methods for electronically-capturing a destination address of a package and for using the destination address to automate a package pre-load operation. An embodiment of the invention includes a compression system for compressing the destination address as a compressed MaxiCode symbol, a smart shipping label system for generating a shipping label with a compressed MaxiCode and a pre-load assist system for generating package handling instructions from the electronically-captured destination address. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156063 | ACCUMULATION CONTROL - Systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory processor readable media of the various embodiments enable control of a conveyor having a plurality of zones each having a control module configured to control a selectable speed of the zone. The various embodiments are disclosed in connection with, but not necessarily limited to, accumulation conveyors with control systems which selectively set the speeds of zones based on conditions of upstream and downstream zones. The various embodiments are directed to improving efficiency of accumulation systems by controlling zones based upon consideration of conditions of neighboring zones. The various embodiment also enable the generation and use of translation tables correlating zones with network addresses of their respective control modules. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156064 | TECHNIQUES TO DELIVER MULTIPLE MEDICATIONS IN A SYNCHRONIZED MANNER - Techniques to deliver multiple medications in a synchronized manner are described. A synchronization engine operative on a processor component may receive a prescription order for a period of days comprised of multiple prescriptions for a single patient. Each prescription may be representative of a medication and include prescription data. The prescriptions may be synchronized to conform to the period of days. A customization engine operative on the processor component may determine a master hours of administration (HOA) schedule for all of the prescriptions in the prescription order over the period of days. The medications may be placed into the appropriate pouches of a single customized package based on the master HOA schedule. The single customized package houses all of the medications for all of the prescriptions and may include one or more pouches for each day in the period. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156065 | MEDICAL SAFETY SYSTEM - The current application is directed to methods for assessing patient risk and managing chronic pain patients in order to improve functional outcomes, decrease mortality and morbidity, and to emphasize the cost effectiveness of chronic pain treatment. Nurse case managers working with physician consultants who have experience in dealing with complex non-cancerous chronic pain diagnoses, substance abuse, mental health conditions, and drug diversion are employed. Chronic pain case management services may be employed, often along with specialized drug-dispensing devices. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156066 | ELECTRIC HAND WITH A FORCE SENSOR - When a gripping instruction is issued, a position feedback control is performed so that an actuator of an electric hand is driven and a finger portion is moved toward a predetermined position target value. When the finger portion comes into contact with a target, the contact is determined by a force sensor. Then, the position feedback control is switched to a force feedback control, and the actuator is driven so that a force detection value obtained by the force sensor matches a predetermined force target value, so that the target may be gripped by an accurate gripping force. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156067 | ROBOT FOR INSPECTING PIPELINES - Provided herein is a robot for inspecting pipelines as it moves along an outer surface of a pipeline, the robot comprising: a plurality of body parts detachably provided along a longitudinal direction of the pipeline; a connector configured to connect adjacent body parts, and to distance one of the connected body parts away from the pipeline so that the plurality of body parts may cross an obstacle; and a controller configured to control the connector to lift one of the body parts to cross an obstacle, with another body part secured to the pipeline. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156068 | MULTI-ARM ROBOTIC PAINTING PROCESS SYNCHRONIZATION - Painting robots processing a part moving on a conveyor are synchronized by creating for each of the robots a master sequence of computer program instructions for a collision-free movement of robots along associated master sequence paths relative to the moving part, each of the master sequence paths including positions of the associated robot and the conveyor at pre-defined synchronization points, and running each of the master sequences on a controller connected to the associated robot to move the associated robot and comparing a current path of the associated robot and the conveyor against the master sequence path. The method further includes operating the controllers to adjust the current paths based on the comparison between the master sequence path and the current path, and operating the controllers to request a conveyor motion hold as necessary to facilitate synchronization between movement of the robots and the conveyor. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156069 | MEDICAL TELE-ROBOTIC SYSTEM WITH A MASTER REMOTE STATION WITH AN ARBITRATOR - A robotic system that includes a mobile robot linked to a plurality of remote stations. One of the remote stations includes an arbitrator that controls access to the robot. Each remote station may be assigned a priority that is used by the arbitrator to determine which station has access to the robot. The arbitrator may include notification and call back mechanisms for sending messages relating to an access request and a granting of access for a remote station. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156070 | VIBRATION-CONTROLLED SUBSTRATE HANDLING ROBOTS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - Embodiments disclose a vibration-controlled robot apparatus. The apparatus includes a robot having an end effector operable to transport a substrate, a sensor coupled to the robot, the sensor operable to sense vibration as the robot transports the substrate, and operating the robot to reduce vibration of the end effector supporting the substrate. In some embodiments, a filter is provided in the motor drive circuit to filter one or more frequencies causing unwanted vibration of the end effector. Vibration control systems and methods of operating the same are provided, as are other aspects. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156071 | MOBILE ROBOT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A method of controlling a mobile robot system is provided. The method includes at a mobile robot, transmitting a signal while traveling in a traveling region, at a beacon, receiving the signal transmitted from the mobile robot over 360 degrees and determining whether the mobile robot has approached the beacon, at the beacon, transmitting a response signal to the mobile robot if the mobile robot has approached the beacon, and at the mobile robot, performing avoidance navigation to prevent collision with the beacon when the mobile robot receives the response signal of the beacon. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156072 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING TOOL CENTER POINT POSITION OF ROBOT - A measurement apparatus for determining a position of a tool center point ( | 2014-06-05 |
20140156073 | TELEOPERATED INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS - A teleoperated robot system has a watchdog to determine if the rate of data transmission from a computing device such as a robot controller located in the station used by the operator of the teleoperated robot to the remotely located industrial robot has fallen below a minimum data rate or the time for transmission of data has exceeded a maximum time. Upon the occurrence of either or both of the foregoing, one or more types of corrective action are undertaken to bring the teleoperated robot and the processes performed by the robot. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156074 | ROBOT AND FRICTION COMPENSATION METHOD THEREFOR - A robot includes a master device including an input unit, the input unit including a first end effector and a first joint, a slave device configured to be controlled by the master device and including a robot arm, the robot arm including a second end effector, a second joint, and a motor configured to drive the second joint, and a controller configured to calculate a friction compensation value to compensate for friction of the second joint based on a speed of the input unit in response to the input unit being in motion, generate a control signal based on the friction compensation value, and transmit the control signal to the motor configured to drive the second joint. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156075 | ROBOT CLEANER - A robot cleaner is provided. The robot cleaner includes a main body, a voice input unit installed on the main body and comprising a microphone, a cover member to cover the voice input unit, and a buffering member provided on one of the main body and the cover member and adjacent to the voice input unit. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156076 | ROBOT CLEANER - Provided is a robot cleaner. The robot cleaner includes a main body defining an outer appearance of the robot cleaner, a moving unit for moving or rotating the main body, a plurality of receiving units disposed in the main body to receive a user's voice command, and a control unit recognizing a call command occurring direction when the voice command inputted from the plurality of receiving units is a call command. The control unit controls the moving unit so that the main body is moved in the recognized call command occurring direction along the preset detour route. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156077 | ROBOT, CARRIAGE DEVICE, AND CONTROL METHOD USING INERTIA SENSOR - A robot includes: an arm; a driving source that pivots the arm; an angle sensor that detects a pivot angle and outputs pivot angle information; an inertia sensor that is attached to the arm and outputs inertial force information; a control command generating unit that outputs a control command defining rotational operation of the arm; a control conversion determining unit that determines whether the inertial force information is used when the driving source is controlled; and an arm operation control unit that performs a first control based on the control command, the pivot angle information, and the inertial force information, if the control conversion determining unit determines that the inertial force information should be used, and performs a second control based on the control command and the pivot angle information, if the control conversion determining unit determines that the inertial force information should not be used. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156078 | SERVER CONNECTIVITY CONTROL FOR TELE-PRESENCE ROBOT - A robot system with a robot that has a camera and a remote control station that can connect to the robot. The connection can include a plurality of privileges. The system further includes a server that controls which privileges are provided to the remote control station. The privileges may include the ability to control the robot, joint in a multi-cast session and the reception of audio/video from the robot. The privileges can be established and edited through a manager control station. The server may contain a database that defines groups of remote control station that can be connected to groups of robots. The database can be edited to vary the stations and robots within a group. The system may also allow for connectivity between a remote control station at a user programmable time window. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156079 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT - A method comprises measuring a light intensity at a window; determining if the light intensity exceeds a cloudy-day threshold; operating in a sunlight penetration limiting mode to control the motorized window treatment to control the sunlight penetration distance in the space; enabling the sunlight penetration limiting mode if the light intensity is greater than the cloudy-day threshold; and disabling the sunlight penetration limiting mode if the total lighting intensity is less than the cloudy-day threshold. The cloudy-day threshold is maintained at a constant threshold if a calculated solar elevation angle is greater than a predetermined solar elevation angle, and the cloudy-day threshold varies with time if the calculated solar elevation angle is less than the predetermined solar elevation angle. The cloudy-day threshold is a function of the calculated solar elevation angle if the calculated solar elevation angle is less than the predetermined solar elevation angle. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156080 | SERVO CONTROL SYSTEM WITH POSITION COMPENSATION FUNCTION FOR DRIVEN MEMBER - A servo control system including a servo motor, a driven member driven, a coupling mechanism coupled with the servo motor and the driven member, and a motor control part controlling the servo motor. The motor control part includes a position command generating part generating a position command value of the driven member, a force estimating part estimating the drive force acting on the driven member, a compensating part compensating the position command value based on the drive force estimated by the force estimating part, and a control signal output part outputting a control signal to the servo motor based on a position command value compensated by the compensating part. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156081 | LAUNDRY MACHINE AND ONLINE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a home appliance which can communicate with an outside of the home appliance, an online system including the same and a method for using an online system. According to embodiments of the present invention, a home appliance, an online system and a method for using an online system may be provided, each including a WiFi communication module mounted or connected to the home appliance for supporting a setting mode for making communication connection and a use mode for enabling communication, and a particular input unit provided to run the setting mode by user's selection, wherein the home appliance is changed to the use mode upon reception of SSID (Service Set Identifier; a name of a wireless LAN) information of an access point AP desired to access and user information required for registration of the home appliance through an external terminal after access to the setting mode through the external terminal provided separate from the home appliance. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156082 | LAUNDRY MACHINE AND ONLINE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - The present invention relates to a home appliance which can communicate with an outside of the home appliance and an online system including the same. According to embodiments of the present invention, an online system may be provided, including a server, a home appliance provided with remote control activation input means and connected to the server to enable communication therewith, and an external terminal having application for remote control of the home appliance through the server, wherein the home appliance is remotely controlled through the external terminal only if the remote control activation input means is selected. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156083 | TEMPERATURE GRADIENT REDUCTION USING BUILDING MODEL AND HVAC BLOWER - A system is provided for reducing temperature gradients within a building. For example, temperature gradients between the air temperature measured at a thermostat controlling an HVAC system and the air temperature in one or more rooms of the building can be reduced. A model of the building is created by measuring the temperature gradient between the thermostat and one or more rooms of the building. This model is used to determine the operation of the HVAC system so as to reduce one or more of such temperature gradients. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156084 | DATA-CAPABLE BAND MANAGEMENT IN AN INTEGRATED APPLICATION AND NETWORK COMMUNICATION DATA ENVIRONMENT - Techniques for data-capable band management in an integrated application and network communication data environment are described, including receiving a first input and a second input from one or more sensors coupled to a wearable computing device, processing the first input to determine a pattern, processing the second input to determine an environmental condition, referencing the pattern against a pattern library, the pattern library indicating a threshold for the environmental condition, generating a signal indicating whether the environmental condition exceeds the threshold, and generating a control signal, the control signal configured to initiate execution of an operation if the signal indicates the environmental condition exceeds the threshold. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156085 | RADIANT HEATING CONTROLS AND METHODS FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention describe thermostats that use model predictive controls and related methods. A method of controlling a thermostat using a model predictive control may involve determining a parameterized model. The parameterized model may be used to predicted ambient temperature values for an enclosure. A set of radiant heating system control strategies may be selected for evaluation to determine an optimal control strategy from the set of control strategies. To determine the optimal control strategy, a predictive algorithm may be executed, in which each control strategy is applied to the parameterized model to predict an ambient temperature trajectory and each ambient temperature trajectory is processed in view of a predetermined assessment function. Processing the ambient temperature trajectory in this manner may involve minimizing a cost value associated with the ambient temperature trajectory. The radiant heating system may subsequently be controlled according to the selected optimal control strategy. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156086 | AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM AND AIR CONDITIONER MANAGEMENT METHOD - An air conditioner management device comprises an information inputter entering schedule information presenting a schedule for operating a first air conditioner and a device controller controlling the operation of the first air conditioner based on the entered schedule information. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information communicator receiving information identifying the first air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the first air conditioner, and information identifying a second air conditioner and operation state information presenting the operation state of the second air conditioner. The air conditioner management device further comprises an information display displaying the operation state information of the first air conditioner and the operation state information of the second air conditioner. Thus, it is possible to display a change in the operation state of an air conditioner caused by the operation of another air conditioner. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156087 | HVAC CONTROLLER THAT FACILITATES INSTALLER SETUP VIA A REMOTE USER INTERFACE - A thermostat may transmit a configuration parameter package in a computer readable form over a network to a remote device. The configuration parameter data package may include a listing of available configuration parameters for the wireless thermostat, as well as information regarding available parameter values for each of the configuration parameter. The thermostat may subsequently receive selection of one or more available parameter values from the remote device, and in some cases, may in response transmit a second configuration parameter package that is dependent, at least in part, on the received selected parameter value(s). | 2014-06-05 |
20140156088 | ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Provided are energy management systems which are configured to receive real-time outside temperature at the location of a building, receive initial temperature control set points for each of one or more zones inside the building and adjust the temperature control set points for each zone of the plurality, taking the outside temperature and the initial temperature control set points for the zone as parameters. The adjusted set points can then be used to guide heating and/or cooling in the respective zone. Methods of setting up and using the systems are also provided. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156089 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FLUID ACTUATOR - A hydraulic actuator control system for controlling the motion of a master actuator and at least one slave actuator may include an external supervisory computer for sending command signals. A hydraulic control system may be connected to the master actuator and the supervisory computer. The hydraulic control system may include a microprocessor and a master hydraulic control valve for controlling the flow of a pressurized fluid to the master actuator based on the command signals. The hydraulic actuator control system may include at least one slave actuator having at least one slave sensor connected to the microprocessor and having at least one slave control valve for controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to the slave actuator. The slave control valve and the slave sensor may be controlled by the microprocessor. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156090 | Real-Time Gas Monitoring Method And System - A system and method for monitoring the concentration of a gas in an enclosed space into which the gas is being injected by a gas injection system. The system includes means for carrying out the method that includes measuring a parameter indicative of gas concentration using a gas sensor, comparing the parameter with a predetermined limit value of the parameter using a micro-processor, and if the parameter is greater than the predetermined limit value then activating a shut-off of the gas injection system. Furthermore, continuously monitoring at least one of a hardware element, a software function and a control signal used to carry out the method to identify faults in at least one of the hardware element, the software function and the control signal; and if a fault is detected activating the shut-off of the gas injection system. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156091 | NETWORK NODE WITH INTEGRATED POWER DISTRIBUTION - A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156092 | AUTOMATED ADAPTATION OF A POWER PLANT CONTROL - An automatic adaptation of a control of a technical system, in particular of a power plant, is provided. Control circuits are created for controlling the technical system, wherein at least one control circuit and a second control circuit are coupled using a decoupling member. The decoupling member has at least one adaptable parameter. The at least one adaptable parameter of the decoupling member is automatically adapted in an online operation of the technical system to an actual, dynamic process behavior of the technical system, i.e., automatic online adaptation. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156093 | AUTO-DISCOVERY OF SMART METER UPDATE INTERVAL - A control device is connected to a smart meter. The control device includes a communication engine configured to retrieve an energy consumption value from a measuring unit coupled to the smart meter based on a polling interval. The control device includes a discovery engine operatively coupled to the communication engine and configured to discover an update interval of the smart meter by increasing the polling interval iteratively from an initial value until a difference is detected between successively retrieved energy consumption values. Furthermore, the device includes a user interface engine, operatively coupled to the discovery engine and the communication engine, configured to estimate a utility consumption at a present time based on the difference value and the polling interval. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156094 | SIGMA ALGEBRAIC APPROXIMANTS AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN POWER NETWORKS - A system and method for constructively providing a set of complex-valued indices that measures the proximity of an electrical power distribution system to voltage collapse, and providing insights on general static stability issues in power networks. These indices, termed “sigmas”, are designed through a mathematical osculation of the actual load flow solution with an equivalent two-bus system at every node. The procedure for obtaining these sigmas is based on the Holomorphic Embedded Load flow Method (HELM), and the indices are, in fact, proper analytical functions of the embedding parameter, which endows them with powerful diagnostic capabilities. These indices are then used graphically on a two-dimensional chart, in order to appreciate visually the overall distance of the system to voltage collapse, while at the same time spotting the weak nodes out of the whole grid, providing new situational awareness and diagnosis tools. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156095 | CAMPUS ENERGY MANAGERS - An energy management system serves an arbitrary collection of loads via interfacing with related field devices and external information sources and some embodiments respond to events including one or more of pricing events, demand response events, and carbon reduction events by managing the loads and local generation. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156096 | METHOD, A SYSTEM, A SERVER, A CONTROL ELEMENT, A COMPUTER PROGRAM AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR OPERATING A POWER GRID HAVING DECENTRALIZED CONTROL ELEMENTS - An exemplary method and apparatus are provided for operating a power grid that has decentralized control elements. The decentralized control elements are adapted to interact with each other, in particular by communication. At least a part of the power grid, a control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular the communication between control elements, is monitored. When a problem in at least a part of the power grid, the control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular a communication breakdown, is detected, a control element affected by the problem is triggered to work autonomously. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156097 | SMART BUILDING MANAGER - A building manager includes a communications interface configured to receive information from a smart energy grid. The building manager further includes an integrated control layer configured to receive inputs from and to provide outputs to a plurality of building subsystems. The integrated control layer includes a plurality of control algorithm modules configured to process the inputs and to determine the outputs. The building manager further includes a fault detection and diagnostics layer configured to use statistical analysis on the inputs received from the integrated control layer to detect and diagnose faults. The building manager yet further includes a demand response layer configured to process the information received from the smart energy grid to determine adjustments to the plurality of control algorithms of the integrated control layer. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156098 | POWER DEMAND MANAGEMENT ON A LOW VOLTAGE NETWORK WITH A PLURALITY OF INTELLIGENT SOCKETS - An electricity substation | 2014-06-05 |
20140156099 | GENERATOR POWER SYSTEMS WITH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECTIFIERS - A system comprising a controllable alternating current power source; an active rectifier coupled to the controllable alternating current power source and configured to rectify an output of the controllable alternating current power source to supply a direct current to a load; and a controller configured to adjust at least one of a parameter of the controllable alternating current power source and a parameter of the active rectifier in response to a target output. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156100 | DATA CENTER POWER CONVERSION EFFICIENCY MANAGEMENT - A data center energy management (DCEM) server configures a power supply in the data center. The DCEM server sums input alternating current (AC) power of the power supply to a total AC power of the data center, wherein the total AC power of the data center is a sum of AC power of a plurality of power supplies. The DCEM server sums output direct current (DC) power of the power supply to a total DC power of the data center and reports a ratio of total AC power to total DC power as data center power conversion efficiency. The DCEM server sets a preset power supply efficiency threshold. The DCEM server determines that a real-time power efficiency level is below the power supply efficiency threshold. The DCEM server, responsive to a determination that real-time power efficiency level is below the power supply efficiency threshold, may remedy the power supply. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156101 | System and Method For Routing Power Across Multiple Microgrids Having DC and AC Buses - Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a plurality of microgrid modules. A microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The microgrid module further comprises a control software module and a power router software module. The control software module receives data from sensors in the microgrid module and controls the flow of power with controllable elements. The power router software module controls the operation of the power router. The power router can detect changes in demand for power within the microgrid module or from other microgrid modules. The power router can adjust the flow of power between the microgrid modules in response to changes in the supply of power to the microgrid module and changes in the demand for power from the microgrid module. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156102 | DEVICE FOR THE HYBRID HEATING OF A FLUID OF A TANK - The invention relates to a system comprising a hybrid heating device (PAC-H) for a fluid contained in a remote tank (SP), comprising a fluid inlet (Wi) for receiving the fluid from the tank, first and second internal heating means for said fluid, control means co-operating with said first and second internal heating means, and a fluid outlet (Wo) for returning said heated fluid. Said control means activate alternately or simultaneously the first and second internal heating means according to a setpoint and/or a predetermined operating parameter of the hybrid heating device. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156103 | AUTOMATICALLY MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENT OF A PHYSICAL ZONE - A system, method, and computer program product for automatically managing an environment for a physical zone over a period of time. Position coordinates are received from a plurality of entities. It is determined which of the entities will occupy the physical zone over a time frame, the physical zone including at least one environmental characteristic. Environmental preferences are accessed for the entities determined to occupy the physical zone for the time frame. The environmental characteristic of the physical zone is adjusted for the time frame based on the accessed environmental preferences for the entities. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156104 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING VEHICLE EVIDENCE - Systems and methods to request and collect evidence elements from one or more evidence systems responsive to a triggering event are disclosed. An evidence request beacon may be generated based at least in part on information associated with the triggering event. The evidence request beacon may be received by one or more evidence systems and may be evaluated to determine if potentially relevant evidence is available from the evidence system. If potentially relevant evidence elements are available from the one or more evidence systems, then the potentially relevant evidence elements may be provided to the requesting system. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156105 | Conditioning a Performance Metric for an Operator Display - Real time determination of current vs. optimum performance in a track-type tractor is complex and requires information about both a state of the tractor and the operating environment, such as soil conditions. Presenting such data to an operator creates a problem of conveying sufficient information without undue complexity. A three part display for an operator shows a full range of performance, a subset range of performance associated with peak performance that is overlaid on the full range of performance, and a current performance indicator also overlaid on the full range of performance, such that peak performance is achieved when the current performance indicator is centered on the subset range of performance. The subset range of performance may move over the full range of performance to indicate operating conditions favoring a particular condition, e.g., low slip. An operator may then effect a change by adjusting, for example, speed or load. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156106 | METHOD FOR RECORDING VEHICLE-RELEVANT DATA, IN PARTICULAR FOR DETECTING AND FOR EVALUATING MINOR DAMAGE, SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR INSTALLATION IN A VEHICLE AND VEHICLE HAVING THE SENSOR ARRANGEMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - A method for recording vehicle-relevant data, in particular for detecting and evaluating damage to a vehicle in which structure-borne noise caused by an event, such as damage or contact, is detected and evaluated. The noise is recorded with its entire frequency spectrum, the frequency spectrum is divided into a lower frequency range and an upper frequency range, and an event is characterized by at least one amplitude in the upper frequency range. The event having an amplitude in the upper frequency range is included in an envelope curve analysis, in which a lower power density and upper power density are determined for a lower and upper frequency range, respectively. A relative measured value is determined from the ratio of the upper power density to the lower power density, an evaluation of the event is made by means of the relative measured value, and the event is stored. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156107 | CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION TARGET DEVICE IN VEHICLE, AND STEERING WHEEL - A first detector is configured to detect a state where a first area in a touch sensor mounted on a grip portion that a driver grips on a steering wheel is touched. A second detector is configured to detect a state where a particular input operation is performed on a second area located on the upper side of the first area in the touch sensor. A controller is configured to control an operation target device to be operated with the touch sensor according to the particular input operation when the first detector detects the state where the first area is touched and the second detector detects the state where the particular input operation is performed. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156108 | METHOD FOR ASSISTING A PERSON IN PLANNING A JOURNEY WITH AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A NAVIGATION DEVICE - A person is to be assisted in planning a journey with an electric vehicle. Information relating to an overall region with destinations within reach of the electric vehicle are outputted. For this purpose, a starting region is determined, from which a boundary can be reached with the electric vehicle from a current vehicle location and based on a current state of charge of the energy storage device without recharging. Locations of charging stations are then determined in the starting region. For each charging station, the boundary of a region is determined that can be reached indirectly from the respective charging station without further recharging, based on a state of charge that changed when the electric vehicle was recharged. The overall region is composed of the starting region and regions that can be reached indirectly. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156109 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLABORATIVELY CONTROLLING AT LEAST ONE AIRCRAFT - An unmanned vehicle management system includes an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) control station controlling one or more unmanned vehicles (UV), a collaborative routing system, and a communication network connecting the UAS and the collaborative routing system. The collaborative routing system being configured to receive flight parameters from an operator of the UAS control station and, based on the received flight parameters, automatically present the UAS control station with flight plan options to enable the operator to operate the UV in a defined airspace. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156110 | REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156111 | REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156112 | HANDS-FREE POWER TAILGATE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME - A hands-free power tailgate system includes an antenna, a sensor, a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit. The antenna is configured to transfer a signal for authentication for a user to a smart key and receive an authentication code from the smart key. The sensor senses a movement in rear of the vehicle. The first unit receives the authentication code from the antenna to authenticate the user and outputs a sensor activation signal and authentication information when the authentication for the user is completed. The second unit activates the sensor according to the sensor activation signal, senses a movement of the user, and outputs movement information of the user. The third unit opens a tailgate using the authentication information from the first unit and the movement information from the second unit when the user moves according to a preset moving pattern. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156113 | METHOD OF MANAGING A STEERING COMMAND FOR A STEERABLE PORTION OF AIRCRAFT LANDING GEAR - The invention relates to a method of managing a steering command for a steerable portion | 2014-06-05 |
20140156114 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN AERONAUTICAL FLIGHT PLAN COMPRISING A STEP OF FLIGHT DATA CONFIGURATION - The general field of the invention is that of methods of graphic representation, modification and validation of an aeronautical flight plan for an aircraft avionics system. The system comprises means for computing and generating said flight plan, a task management system, a visualization device displaying a graphic representation of said flight plan and a man-machine interface suitable for making selections, modifications or additions to the information contained in said graphic representation, said selections, modifications and additions being taken into account by the task management system, said graphic representation containing a timeline on which feature at least the various phases of the flight plan and the information corresponding to said phases. The method according to the invention contains a step of displaying at least one item of information depending on several parameters and the graphic representation of which depends on the level of available information about said parameters. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156115 | METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AN AERONAUTICAL FLIGHT PLAN COMPRISING A STEP OF DISPLAYING AND SELECTING THE TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED BEFORE A CHANGE OF FLIGHT PHASE - The general field of the invention is that of methods of graphical representation, modification and validation of an aeronautical flight plan for an aircraft avionics system. Said system comprises means for computing said flight plan, a system for managing the tasks necessary for the accomplishment of said flight plan, a visualization device displaying a graphical representation of said flight plan and a man-machine interface able to carry out selections, modifications or additions in the information contained in said graphical representation, said selections, modifications and additions being taken into account by the task management system. The graphical representation comprises a timeline on which feature at least the various phases of the flight plan and the corresponding information. The method comprises a step of displaying at least one first interactive graphical icon, representative of the overall state of progress of the tasks to be performed before a change of flight phase. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156116 | ASSISTANCE WITH PILOTING OF AN AIRCRAFT IN A STALL - An intuitive display including a visual representation of a maximum admissible angle of attack on a pitch scale giving the crew of an aircraft a visual recognition of an imminent stall, or of a stall, together with real assistance with piloting during the stall until the aircraft has come out of the stall completely. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156117 | DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A LOCOMOTIVE - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network and a plurality of electronic modules distributed within a locomotive. Each of the electronic modules is communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture. Each of the electronic modules may include at least a configurable controller that is reconfigurable to implement at least one control function associated with distributed control of the locomotive. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156118 | TWO-TIERED HIERARCHICALLY DISTRIBUTED LOCOMOTIVE CONTROL SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network and a plurality of electronic modules spatially distributed within the locomotive and communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture. A first electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules includes a first configurable controller and a programmable controller, and a second electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules includes a second configurable controller and does not include a programmable controller. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156119 | BACK-UP AND REDUNDANCY OF MODULES IN LOCOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMS - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network, a plurality of electronic modules and a plurality of control elements distributed within the locomotive. Each of the electronic modules is communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture. Each of the electronic modules may be programmatically reconfigurable to implement distributed control of the locomotive. A first electronic module and a second electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules may be communicatively connected to one of the plurality of control elements via separate communication paths. The first electronic module may be configured to control the control element, and the second electronic module may be configured to control the control element when the first electronic module enters into a failure condition. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156120 | MONITORING AND FAILOVER OPERATION WITHIN LOCOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network and a plurality of electronic modules distributed within the locomotive and communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture. Each of the electronic modules includes at least one configurable controller that is reconfigurable to implement distributed control of the locomotive. At least one of the electronic modules includes a programmable controller in communication with the configurable controller and the network. A first configurable controller may be configured to monitor at least a first programmable controller. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156121 | REMOTE UPDATE IN LOCOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEMS - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network and a plurality of electronic modules distributed within a locomotive. The plurality of electronic modules are communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture and implementing distributed control of the locomotive. A first electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules may include a first configurable controller and a memory that stores a configuration file received via the network. The first configurable controller may be reconfigurable based on the configuration file stored in the memory. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156122 | NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE FOR LOCOMOTIVE DISTRIBUTED CONTROL SYSTEM - The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include at least one network and a plurality of communication centers spatially distributed within the locomotive. Each of the plurality of communication centers may include a plurality of communication outlets. The system may further include a plurality of electronic modules spatially distributed within the locomotive in a standardized scalable architecture and connected to the at least one network via the plurality of communication outlets included in the plurality of communication centers. Each one of the plurality of electronic modules may be reconfigurable to implement distributed control of the locomotive. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156123 | INSPECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An inspection system for use with a rail vehicle includes a database containing vehicle route data and at least one location of track to be inspected. The database may be accessed by rail vehicles with on-board inspection systems so that they may inspect the location of track to be inspected | 2014-06-05 |
20140156124 | SHIP STEERING DEVICE AND SHIP STEERING METHOD - A ship steering device capable of steering a hull in an intended direction by correcting an unintended rotation that occurs during an oblique sailing operation regardless of the type and size of the hull. A ship steering device is provided with an elevation angle sensor for detecting the elevation angle α of a hull, a hull speed sensor for detecting the speed V of the hull, a storage means storing the relation among the elevation angle α of the hull, the speed V of the hull, and a correction value K, and a calculation means serving as a correction value determination means, and an operation amount by which a joystick is operated such that the hull does not turn in the state in which the hull is obliquely sailed is determined by the calculation means and used as the correction value K. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156125 | AUTONOMOUS ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND NAVIGATION METHOD THEREOF - An autonomous electronic apparatus and a navigation method thereof are provided. The navigation method includes the following steps. Firstly, a calling signal from a target is received through a wireless sensor network. A position relationship between the target and the autonomous electronic apparatus is analyzed to generate a first speed. Next, an image set is captured and an image relationship between the image set and the target is analyzed to generate a second speed. Afterwards, a weighting value related to the position relationship is calculated. Besides, a moving speed is calculated according to the weighting value, the first speed and the second speed, and a moving status of the autonomous electronic apparatus moving toward the target is controlled via the moving speed. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156126 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle having a wading sensor may include a control unit adapted to implement an alternative or modified vehicle control strategy during wading. The wading strategy may change many vehicle functions, alone or in combination, and may be further responsive to depth of wading. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156127 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE - The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle comprising at least one steered axle and at least one driven axle, wherein at least the driven axle has at least two wheel-hub electric motors that are integrated in the respective drive wheel. In addition, an electronic control unit (BLDC controller module | 2014-06-05 |
20140156128 | STOP METHOD OF VEHICLE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM - A fuel cell system executes charge processing to charge electric power generated by a stack to a battery, and sealed discharge processing to cause an oxygen concentration inside a cathode flow channel to decrease, after a stop operation has been made on a power switch. The stop method of a fuel cell system includes: a step of calculating a remaining charge time corresponding to a time in which charge processing can be executed, by subtracting a time required in sealed discharge processing from a predetermined stop processing permitted time, after a stop operation has been made on the power switch (Step S | 2014-06-05 |
20140156129 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR VEHICLE DRIVE DEVICE - A control device of a vehicle drive device includes a hydraulic power transmission device having an input-side rotating element to which power from an engine is input and an output-side rotating element outputting power to drive wheels, a first electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating element, and a second electric motor coupled to the drive wheels, the vehicle drive device having an electric path through which power is electrically transmitted between the first electric motor and the second electric motor and a mechanical path through which power is mechanically transmitted via the hydraulic power transmission device, the control device controlling an operating point of the engine by adjusting a torque of the first electric motor, the control device changing a proportion of power transmitted through the electric path and power transmission through the mechanical path based on a request amount when the operating point of the engine is controlled. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156130 | CONTROL APPARATUS OF ELECTRICALLY-DRIVEN VEHICLE - A control apparatus of an electrically-driven vehicle controls an electrically-driven vehicle including a motor transmitting a drive force to wheels, an inverter driving the motor, and a battery supplying power to the inverter. The control apparatus includes battery storage amount estimation means for estimating a storage amount of the battery and motor rotation speed detection means for detecting a rotation speed of the motor. Output terminals of the inverter are short-circuited when the rotation speed of the motor reaches or exceeds a predetermined rotation speed while the storage amount estimated by the battery storage amount estimation means is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156131 | PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE INTERLOCK - To prevent damage of a vehicle or a cord set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle when the vehicle is driven away while the cord set is attached, an interlock can be provided to disable the vehicle. Such interlock may be based on a protective door over the charging receptacle being open or detection that a cord set is plugged in. However, in the event that the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock is prevented from disabling the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. That is, undesirable disabling of the vehicle is prevented when either there is no indication of a cord set being coupled to the vehicle or the vehicle is in an activated state. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156132 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A hybrid vehicle has a first running mode with an engine stopped and a second running mode with the engine operating. An ECU monitors information related to the frequency of intermittent startup of the engine in response to the startup and stoppage of the engine during vehicle running. The ECU executes running control such that startup of the engine is suppressed during the first running mode when in an operation pattern in which the frequency of intermittent startup is high. Accordingly, discomfort to the driver and degradation in fuel efficiency caused by repeating stoppage and startup of the engine frequently in a short period of time can be prevented. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156133 | ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING - 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. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156134 | ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING - 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. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156135 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE FOR RAILROAD VEHICLE AND VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR RAILROAD VEHICLE - A vehicle control device for a first railroad vehicle includes a case, a first wireless router device housed in the case, and an antenna device. The antenna device is installed on any of outer peripheral surfaces of the case. The first wireless router device transmits collected operation data of the vehicle control device via the antenna device and a first wireless communication network to a second wireless router device arranged in a second railroad vehicle so that a gateway router also arranged in the second railroad vehicle can transmit the collected operation data to an external server via a second wireless communication network. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING DIAGNOSIS AND MAINTENANCE OF A MOBILE CONVEYANCE - A system for facilitating diagnosis and maintenance of a control networks on a mobile conveyance comprises one or more wireless ground stations configured to communicate over a wireless communication channel with the control network. A local area computer network receives and responds to messages to or from the control network via the wireless ground stations. The local area computer network may have user terminals, a server computer, a database comprising diagnostic information relating to said control network, and a replacement parts database and/or job auction database. The local area network may also include a wide area network interface, allowing diagnostic information for the control network to be retrieved or parts to be ordered from remote vendor sites. The system may also include wireless handheld, portable equipment for allowing service personnel to perform diagnostic analysis, maintenance, and testing of the mobile conveyance control network. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156137 | Lightweight Trace Based Measurement Systems and Methods - An automotive electronics system includes an electronic control unit and a trace adapter. The electronic control unit is configured to receive measurement signals and provide control signals. Additionally, the electronic control unit is configured to generate or provide trace signals by replacing original instructions in a binary image with trace instructions. The trace instructions are functionally equivalent, but trigger providing the trace signals. The trace adapter is coupled to the electronic control unit. The trace adapter is configured to obtain the trace signals from the electronic control unit. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156138 | COURTESY CAR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system for cost-effective management of a plurality of vehicles to be lent or rented, possibly but not limited to a courtesy vehicle fleet. The initial reservation process is divided into two separate stages of reserving a non-specific vehicle and selecting said vehicle, allowing flexibility in selection. The return of the vehicle is efficiently handled through a series of diagnostic checks and damage documentation. Both processes are optionally managed by a series of devices interacting through a network, including a server device which manages data and provides reports on the plurality of vehicles. The overall system and process is tracked and managed through database-driven analytics that give its operators real-time intelligence on fleet status and inventory, as well as customer and billing records. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156139 | JOYSTICK INPUT ARBITRATION - The present disclosure relates to a system and method for arbitrating between joystick inputs. The system generates a first command based on the first input if the first input has a non-zero value, and generates a second command based on the second input if the first input has a zero value and the second input has a non-zero value. The system thereby allows two different inputs to control a single commanded function. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156140 | Collision Warning System - A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156141 | ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE - An electric parking brake control device has an actuator that drives a motor configured to operate or release an electric parking brake, a control unit that controls the actuator, a storage unit that stores a state of the parking brake, a determining unit that determines the state of the parking brake based on current that flows into the motor, and a detecting unit that detects an ON/OFF state of an ignition switch. When the detecting unit detects that the ignition switch is in the ON state, the actuator sends current in a direction which causes the parking brake to be operated to the motor, and the determining unit determines whether the parking brake is in an operation state or a release state based on the current which flows to the motor. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156142 | System and method for automatic control of the ride height setting on a road-going vehicle - A method for automatically controlling the ride height system of a road going vehicle, based on the proximity of the vehicle to specified waypoints defined by the user. Waypoints are added or deleted by the user via a user interface. A program loop continually checks the proximity of the road going vehicle to the waypoints defined by the user and triggers the vehicle ride height system when the vehicle approaches a stored waypoint. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156143 | VARIABLE-GEOMETRY SUSPENSION APPARATUS AND VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH APPARATUS - A variable-geometry suspension apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus having a resiliently compressible member, such as a coil-over damper, an actuator and support structure, such as a chassis of a vehicle. The resiliently compressible member is mounted to the support structure for compression under the weight of a mass suspendable by the apparatus. The compressible member is mounted with at least one end of the compressible member displaceable in a displacement direction having a component perpendicular to the direction of compression, so that such displacement varies the geometry of the suspension apparatus and thereby varies the compression of the compressible member. The actuator is arranged for displacing the end of the compressible member in the displacement direction to vary the geometry and thereby vary the compression. Applications include motor vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156144 | MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS AND ELECTRIC POWER STEERING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A motor control apparatus that is capable of making the whole control system robust not only with respect to motor parameter variations such as the temperature variation and the manufacturing unevenness but also with respect to disturbances while using a cheap and compact one-shunt type current detecting circuit and simultaneously diagnosing an estimation error and an electric power steering apparatus provide with the motor control apparatus. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156145 | EXTERNAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an external airbag deployment system and method of determining whether to deploy an external airbag. The method includes setting, by a controller, a detection area that has a predetermined range and selecting an object that has a shortest Time To External Airbag (EAB) (TTE), from objects detected in the detection area, as a dangerous object, the TTE being a remaining time until the object collides with an airbag cushion when the external airbag is predicted to be deployed. When the dangerous object has a relative velocity greater than a first reference, an overlap greater than a second reference, and a TTE less than a third reference, the dangerous object may be selected as a target object, to cause the external airbag to be deployed. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156146 | EXTERNAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is an external airbag deployment method and system. In the method, a detection area located in front of a vehicle is set. A target object is selected from a plurality of objects detected in the detection area by comparing a relative velocity, an overlap, and a TTE, which is a remaining time until each object collides with an airbag cushion when an external airbag is predicted to be deployed. The method further includes determining whether the vehicle is stable by comparing a predicted yaw rate of the vehicle with a measured yaw rate and determining whether a relative velocity and an overlap, predicted at a time when the target object is predicted to collide with the vehicle, are greater than predetermined levels. The external airbag is deployed when the vehicle is stable, and the predicted relative velocity and overlap are greater than the predetermined levels. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156147 | EXTERNAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an external airbag deployment system and method. The method includes determining, by a controller, whether to deploy an external airbag. The controller may be configured to set a detection area having a predetermined range and track physical characteristics of objects entering the detection area to update the physical characteristics at intervals of a measurement period of a front sensor. In addition, the controller may be configured to calculate predicted physical characteristics at intervals of a unit time during each measurement period. Based on the calculated physical characteristics, the controller may be configured to determine whether to deploy the external airbag at intervals of the unit time. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156148 | PARKING ASSIST APPARATUS - A parking assist apparatus includes a mode selector switch, a plurality of direction switches and a parking pattern selecting unit. The mode selector switch selects one of a first mode of assisting parking and a second mode of executing a function other than parking assist. The direction switches includes a pair of right and left direction switches that are disposed on the right and left and a pair of front and rear direction switches that are disposed at the front and rear. In a case in which the first mode is selected, when one of the right and left direction switches is operated, a right or left parking pattern associated with the right or left position is selected, and when one of the front and rear direction switches is operated, an adjacent or parallel parking pattern associated with the front or rear position is selected. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156149 | Integrated Biometric Switch - A user interface is provided. The interface can be used to control an electronic system that is in communication with a vehicle. The interface includes a fingerprint reader, and a push-button switch mounted to the fingerprint reader. The switch is configured to detect a user pressing upon a surface of the fingerprint reader. The interface includes a controller. The controller is configured to detect the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader using the push-button switch, and, after detecting the user pressing upon the surface of the fingerprint reader, capture fingerprint data of the user using the fingerprint reader. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156150 | CONTROL APPARATUS OF VEHICULAR LAMP, VEHICULAR LAMP SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD FOR VEHICULAR LAMP - A control apparatus of a vehicular lamp includes: a reference information retaining portion configured to retain reference information indicative of a positional relationship of an acceleration sensor axis, a vehicle axis, and a road surface, wherein the reference information is obtained in a predetermined initialization process; a correction ratio generating portion configured to, after the initialization process, calculate an acceleration ratio of an amount of change in a longitudinal acceleration to an amount of change in vertical acceleration of the vehicle while traveling, and derive a correction ratio for correcting a positional relationship of the road surface and at least one of the acceleration sensor axis and the vehicle axis in the reference information, using the obtained acceleration ratio; and a control portion configured to output a signal for adjusting an optical axis position of the vehicular lamp, using the acceleration ratio, the reference information, and the correction ratio. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156151 | REMOTE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A method for controlling one or more remote vehicles may comprise manipulating remote dexterous manipulators, translating movement of the remote dexterous manipulators into movement of the one or more remote vehicles, and providing a sliding work window allowing control of the one or more remote vehicles' entire range of motion without sacrificing control resolution. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156152 | Determining an Optimum Operating Point of an Earth Moving Machine - Optimum performance in an earth moving machine, such as a track-type tractor, is a function of many complex factors such as power delivered to the tracks, load, soil type, soil conditions, speed, terrain, etc. To determine an operating point associated with optimum performance, operational data may be collected, processed, and applied to known performance curves for well characterized conditions to develop recommended operating conditions. A coefficient of traction and a shear modulus adjustment, reflecting surface conditions, are calculated at the tractor during operation and used to offset a table of ideal condition operating points for use in soil characterizations. Using this and other inputs, a cycle power equation gives a curve that peaks at a theoretical optimum performance. However, the number of variables make an analytic solution impossible. An iterative approach determines a range of operating conditions associated with optimum performance. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156153 | Real Time Pull-Slip Curve Modeling in Large Track-Type Tractors - A method of estimating soil conditions of a work surface during operation of a track-type tractor measures current operating conditions and current operating state to develop adjustments to a nominal pull-slip curve. The adjusted pull-slip curve is used to calculate optimum performance in terms of an input variable such as track speed. Two factors are developed to reflect soil conditions, coefficient of traction and a shear modulus adjustment that affect different portions of the nominal pull slip curve. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156154 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING GROUND ENGAGING TOOL POSITION BASED ON FLUID PRESSURE - An agricultural implement is provided that includes a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured to transition the ground engaging tool between the working position and the non-working position based on a flow of fluid from a fluid supply system. In addition, the agricultural implement includes at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the fluid supply system, and a controller configured to determine whether the ground engaging tool is in the working position or the non-working position based on the first signal. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156155 | Determination of Optimum Tractor Reverse Speed - Machines, such as large tractors used in earthmoving, operate in a cycle of pushing forward and reversing to a starting point. The net performance of the machine is a function of the speed at which the reverse segment is performed. Generally, using the highest gear for reverse accomplishes the goal of the fastest return. However, some high slope grade conditions may result in higher speeds using lower gears. A combination of slope, track speed vs. drawbar pull, and track slip may be used to recommend a gear and track speed with the greatest ground speed for reverse operation. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156156 | REAL TIME MODELING OF ENGINE LOAD ADDITION DUE TO ALTERNATOR WITH AN OVER-RUN CLUTCH - A system and method for providing engine torque load in real time. The system includes a sensor to determine, in real time, a clutch state of an alternator clutch and a controller for determining an alternator torque value and applying the alternator torque value to the engine torque load in real time. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156157 | BRAKING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE - A braking control system for a vehicle includes at least one sensor having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. A control, after actuation of the vehicle brake system, determines the speed of the vehicle and relative speed of the vehicle to another vehicle or object, and, responsive to the speed of the vehicle and the relative speed, the control controls the vehicle brake system. Responsive to a determination that at least one of (i) a collision has occurred, (ii) the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold amount and (iii) the relative speed is greater than a threshold amount, the system determines if the vehicle driver is impaired, and, responsive to a determination that the driver is impaired, the control controls braking of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver is not impaired, the control allows the driver to override the system. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156158 | VEHICLE DRIVING SUPPORT CONTROL APPARATUS - A vehicle driving support control apparatus receives lane line information given from a first environment recognizer and information on a target three-dimensional object given from a second environment recognizer. The apparatus estimates the visual range of a driver based on the lane line information, and estimates the driving lane based on at least either one of the lane line information and the target three-dimensional object information, and estimates the driving track of the vehicle. Based on the estimated driving lane and driving track, the apparatus estimates a deviation position where the subject vehicle will deviate from the driving lane on the basis of the driving lane and the driving track estimated. If the deviation position is beyond the visual range, the apparatus executes at least either one of notification to the driver and automatic braking in accordance with the possibility of deviation from the driving lane. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156159 | MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for monitoring one or more target objects in an environment external to a host vehicle by means of at least one sensor, the apparatus being arranged to trigger at least one action responsive to the detection of prescribed relative movement between the host vehicle and the one or more target objects, wherein the apparatus is arranged to monitor one or more control inputs of the vehicle and to over-ride triggering of the at least one action such that triggering of the at least one action is not performed in the event that a prescribed movement of one or more of the control inputs is detected. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AIRCRAFT BRAKE METERING TO ALLEVIATE STRUCTURAL LOADING - In a system and method for aircraft brake metering to alleviate structural loading, one or more electric brake actuators for wheel brakes having a range of brake clamping force are provided, and a brake actuation controller is configured to monitor commanded initiation of the aircraft, to limit initial brake effort of the electric brake actuators to a preset fraction of a maximum possible braking effort for a preset period of time, and to permit brake effort of the electric brake actuators up to the maximum possible braking effort after the preset period of time after initiation of braking has been commanded. The preset fraction is preferably approximately 50% of the maximum possible braking effort, and may be tuneable. The preset period of time is preferably approximately one second, and also may be tuneable. | 2014-06-05 |
20140156161 | BRAKE CONTROL DEVICE - When a brake ECU is started up rapidly by a brake pedal operation, the brake ECU executes a depression force fluid pressure mode. When the control pressure detected by a control pressure sensor becomes smaller than a switching determination threshold value, the brake ECU determines that an operation of returning a brake pedal is being performed, and switches the braking mode from the depression force fluid pressure mode to a normal control mode. Accordingly, even when the operation of a stroke simulator has been started, no uncomfortable feeling is given to a driver. Further, even when the operation of returning the brake pedal is not being performed, the braking mode is switched from the depression force fluid pressure mode to a simulator non-operation control fluid pressure mode when a vehicle starts to travel. Consequently, desired braking force can be rapidly generated. | 2014-06-05 |