43rd week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 58 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140316563 | Vending machine for change round-up - Vending machines for rounding-up donations for charities. The machines allow consumers to donate change from transactions, or other amounts, to a charity through a purchase of goods or services from the machines. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316564 | MOBILE ROBOT, POSITIONING SYSTEM OF MOBILE ROBOT, AND POSITIONING METHOD OF MOBILE ROBOT - A mobile robot has a seating part, a moving apparatus to move the seating part, and a robot part with a base part to be attached to the seating part, a body capable of rotating around a vertical axis normal to an attaching surface which the seating part to be attached to the base part, and an arm connected to the body having a plurality of joints. The seating part has a first surface facing a work that is subject to the operation by the robot part and a second surface that is different from the first surface, and the arms are formed such that the positional relationship between the arms and the first surface is substantially identical to the positional relationship between the arms and the second surface according to the rotation of the body around the vertical axis. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316565 | NUMERICAL CONTROLLER - A numerical controller includes a numerical control unit for executing a numerical control program, a robot control unit for executing a robot program, a multicore processor having a plurality of cores, and a peripheral control LSI. The numerical control unit is assigned to one of the cores of the multicore processor and the robot control unit is assigned to one of the others. The multicore processor is connected to an internal bus of the numerical controller via the peripheral control LSI. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316566 | HUMANOID ROBOT PROVIDED WITH A MANAGER FOR THE PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL RESOURCES THEREOF, AND METHODS FOR USE AND PROGRAMMING - A humanoid robot is provided with a manager for its physical and virtual resources, a method of use and a method for programming said manager. Said resources ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316567 | Animatronic System With Unlimited Axes - In an animatronic system, recording and playing performances of individual axes of character movement involves, during recording, continually commanding speeds and rotational directions of a stepping axis motor in response to manual movement of a joystick. The joystick commands are modified by means of a feedback motor electrically coupled to the axis motor to mechanically interact with the joystick. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316568 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WEAVING MOTION IN REAL TIME - A device and method for controlling a real time weaving motion are provided. In order to control operation of a robot in a working space, a main moving path of the robot in the working space is determined, a unit motion constituting the determined main moving path is generated, while a continuous motion in which a unit motion is connected, weaving that dynamically changes offset is generated, and a compensation displacement or a compensation rotation amount that is determined according to the work environment is generated. A position and a rotation amount of the robot are calculated in the working space according to at least one of the unit motion, the weaving, the compensation displacement, and the compensation rotation amount. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316569 | METHOD TO PREVENT INTERFERENCE AND DETECT COLLISION BETWEEN MECHANICAL MEMBERS - Method to control the interference and/or collision between mechanical members of at least two operating or one operating unit with respect to fixed positions. At least one operating unit is associated with a position detector or with a position simulator, and is equipped with an electric which drives a mechanical member. The method is managed by a management and control unit. The control of the operating units occurs in two phases, verifying point-by-point the position of the mechanical member as a function of the current dynamics and the braking or acceleration times and spaces (first phase), and verifying the intensity of point-by-point current supplied to at least one electric motor (second phase). | 2014-10-23 |
20140316570 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMUNICATING ROBOT INTENTIONS TO HUMAN BEINGS - In one embodiment, communicating robot intentions to human beings involves determining movements that a robot will make to complete a task, visually communicating a long-term intention of the robot that provides an indication of the movements the robot will make in completing the task, and visually communicating a short-tem intention of the robot that provides an indication of a movement of the robot will make within the next few seconds in working toward completing the task. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316571 | ARTICULATION MODULE FOR A ROBOT AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE SAME - An articulation module for robot and a control method for the same are provided. A plurality of buffer springs are sleeved on a passive element sleeved on a reduction mechanism. A sensor is sleeved on the buffer springs to form a multi-sleeved articulation module. By detecting a difference angle of the distorted buffer springs, the motor is controlled to rotate along with a resistance direction for ensuring operation safety. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316572 | CONTROL DEVICE FOR ROBOT FOR CONVEYING WORKPIECE - A control device for controlling a robot which has a tool for holding a workpiece and a force measuring part for measuring a force acting on the tool. The control device includes a calculating part for calculating a center-of-gravity position of the workpiece, based on force data measured by the force measuring part with a plurality of postures of the robot holding the workpiece, a processing part for performing at least one of a process for estimating a holding state of the workpiece, a process for determining a type of the workpiece, and a process for testing a quality of the workpiece, based on the position of the tool and the center-of-gravity position of the workpiece, and an operating command modifying part for modifying an operating command to the robot, based on a result of the process performed by the processing part. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316573 | ROBOT SYSTEM HAVING A ROBOT FOR CONVEYING A WORKPIECE - A robot system includes a three-dimensional measuring device for obtaining positional information of a workpiece, a robot having a tool capable of holding a workpiece, and a control device for controlling the robot. The control device stores association data which associate the positional information of the workpiece with a center-of-gravity position of the workpiece. A center-of-gravity position of the workpiece to be picked out is estimated, based on the positional information obtained by the three-dimensional measuring device and on to the association data. The control device determines at least one of the holding position of the workpiece, the picking-out direction and the position and posture of the tool, based on the estimated center-of-gravity position. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316574 | HORIZONTAL ARTICULATED ROBOT - A robot includes an angular velocity sensor installed to a second horizontal arm and for obtaining the angular velocity of the first horizontal arm with respect to a base, and suppresses the vibration of the first horizontal arm by driving a first electric motor based on the angular velocity of the first horizontal arm. In the robot, an electric wire to be connected to a second electric motor incorporated in the second horizontal arm and electric wire to be connected to the angular velocity sensor are laid around through a wiring duct having end portions coupled respectively to the base and the second horizontal arm, disposed outside the first horizontal arm and outside the second horizontal arm, and having a passage leading to the inside of the base and the inside of the second horizontal arm. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316575 | ROBOT DEVICE, ROBOT CONTROL METHOD, PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A joint torque computing unit computes a joint torque T | 2014-10-23 |
20140316576 | System for Optimizing and Controlling Particle Size Distribution And For Scale-Up Of Nanoparticle Production In An Aerosol Flame Reactor - The present invention relates to a system for optimizing and controlling the particle size distribution and scale-up of production of nanoparticle in an aerosol flame reactor. The method provides nanoparticles with desired, optimized and controlled particle size and the specific surface area in aerosol reactors using a simulation tool with programmed instructions. The simulation tool couples flame dynamics model and particle population balance model. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316577 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FAN - An apparatus and a method for controlling a fan are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a subtractor, a decision unit, and an adjustment unit. The subtractor calculates a rotational speed difference between a current rotational speed and a target rotational speed. The decision unit decides an adjust factor according to the rotational speed difference. The adjustment unit changes a rotational speed control signal from a first control signal to a second control signal according to the adjust factor. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316578 | Method for Operating an Industrial controller and Industrial Controller - Regarding a method for operating an industrial controller, a control program executable in a processor that is arranged in the industrial controller is subdivided into a main block and several program blocks. The program blocks are processed under event control that takes a processing priority into consideration. The processor includes a multi-core processor having a plurality of independent sub-processors. The method includes assigning the main block to a first sub-processor, and executing a part program associated with the main block in the first sub-processor. The method also includes assigning each of the several program blocks to the additional sub-processors, and executing the part programs associated with the program blocks in the respective sub-processors. The method further includes operating a control device to evaluate as input variables the processing priority and an event assigned to the respective program block, and switching the sub-processors into active or inactive state using the evaluation. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316579 | PROCESS CONTROL OF AN INDUSTRIAL PLANT | 2014-10-23 |
20140316580 | METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A REFERENCE DATA STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN ACTUATOR - Method of constructing a reference data structure and method of controlling an actuator. The present invention is aimed at a method of constructing a reference data structure (DR) comprising at least one setpoint parameter (PAR) for at least one actuator ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316581 | Systems and Methods for Energy-Efficient Control of an Energy-Consuming System - Systems and methods are provided for efficiently controlling energy-consuming systems, such as heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, an electronic device used to control an HVAC system may encourage a user to select energy-efficient temperature setpoints. Based on the selected temperature setpoints, the electronic device may generate or modify a schedule of temperature setpoints to control the HVAC system. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316582 | Automated Facilities Management System having Occupant Relative Feedback - An automated facilities management system has the ability to predict occupant behavior by identifying recurring patterns in the way that people use buildings and comparing them with environmental characteristics. This technology is not limited to human behavior patterns, but extends to any mechanical systems or data points that tend to vary in recurring patterns. The data processing is carried out by rules engines triggered by relational database modifications. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316583 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE EFFICIENCY OF HVAC SYSTEMS - Aspects of the present disclosure disclose systems and methods for controlling the operation and shut down of a plurality of HVAC units in a facility to improve efficiency. More particularly, a target number of inefficient HVAC units may be identified and systematically shut down while monitoring the environmental conditions in the facility to determine if additional HVAC units may be shut down or alternately should be restarted automatically. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316584 | AUTOMATED ADJUSTMENT OF AN HVAC SCHEDULE FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for optimizing a schedule of setpoint temperatures used in the control of an HVAC system. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat includes a schedule of setpoint temperatures that is used to control an HVAC system associated with a structure in which the thermostat is located. The schedule of setpoint temperatures is continually adjusted by small, unnoticeable amounts so that the schedule migrates from the original schedule to an optimal schedule. The optimal schedule may be optimal in terms of energy consumption or some other terms. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316585 | REMOTE MAINTENANCE - The invention relates to a thermostat for communicating with a remote maintenance server. The thermostat being configured for receiving and sending network data from and to the remote maintenance server. The thermostat is configured to receive network data provided by a maintenance interface service for receiving and displaying network data from and to a maintenance person. The thermostat is configured for receiving and sending remote controller data from and to a remote controller. The thermostat is configured to receive remote controller data from a user through a controller user interface. The thermostat is configured for receiving and sending appliance data from and to at least one appliance. The thermostat is configured for generating a request for appliance data from the at least one appliance and the thermostat is configured for receiving appliance data in response to the request for appliance data. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316586 | THERMOSTAT FOR A HVAC - A thermostat for a HVAC comprising:
| 2014-10-23 |
20140316587 | ZONE BASED SYSTEM FOR ALTERING AN OPERATING CONDITION - According to an aspect of the disclosure, a processor is configured to detect a location of a mobile device associated with a site and detect at least one geofence operably associated with the site. The processor is further configured to detect a manual input condition provided at a network device disposed at the site, detect the mobile device being disposed away from the site based on the location of the mobile device relative to the at least one geofence, and initiate a text message to the mobile device indicating the manual input condition in response to the mobile device being disposed away from the site. The processor is further configured to detect an altered operating condition received from the mobile device in response to the text message, and alter the manual input condition of the network device at the site using the altered operating condition. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316588 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATING FUEL PUMP DATA - Various methods are described for evaluating fuel pump data and determining a fuel pump flow rate. One example method may comprise receiving fuel pump information associated with a fuel pump. The method may further comprise updating previous fuel pump information associated with the fuel pump based on the received fuel pump information. Additionally, the method may comprise detecting an alarm condition associated with the fuel pump based at least in part on the updated fuel pump information. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316589 | SECURING PRODUCT STORAGE TANKS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED DELIVERY - A system prevents unauthorized delivery of product to a bulk storage tank, allows authorized delivery, and controls the flow of product at a product entry port of the tank. A remote controlled valve includes a disk flap that is displaceable between an opened position and a closed position, and a disk displacement assembly including a motor coupled with the disk flap. The disk displacement assembly includes a lock feature that locks the disk flap in the opened position and the closed position. A controller is cooperable with the disk displacement assembly and controls activation of the motor. The disk displacement assembly includes a spring transmission assembly interposed between the motor and an axle of the disk flap. The spring transmission assembly permits displacement of the motor when the disk flap is blocked in the opened position or the closed position. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316590 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC PUMPS - A control system and method for controlling electromagnetic drive pumps as, for example, electromagnetic driven membrane pumps are provided in which the control system is formed by at least one microprocessor and at least one sensor, whose microprocessor controls the power supply to at least one electromagnet whose changes in emitted magnetic field causes at least one moving part, directly or indirectly, to perform an oscillating pumping movement. The control system includes at least one positioning sensor which senses the moving part's position in the electromagnetic driven pump. By using the positioning sensor's measurements, the pump can be controlled with great accuracy. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316591 | WATER SUPPLY APPARATUS AND WATER SUPPLY METHOD - A water supply apparatus is provided to meet demands for energy saving by controlling the rotational speed of a pump ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316592 | SELECTIVE DROOP RESPONSE CONTROL FOR A WIND TURBINE POWER PLANT - A power plant controller ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316593 | MULTI-GENERATOR APPLICATIONS USING VARIABLE SPEED AND SOLID STATE GENERATORS FOR EFFICIENCY AND FREQUENCY STABILIZATION - A system includes at least one variable speed generator system configured to provide power to a load bus and at least one fixed speed generator configured to provide power to the load bus. The system also includes a solid state generator (SSG) system including at least one energy storage device and a converter coupled to the at least one energy storage device and configured to transfer power between the at least one energy storage device and the load bus. The system further includes a control system configured to control the at least one variable speed generator system, the at least one fixed speed generator and the SSG system responsive to changes in a load on the load bus. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316594 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR REDUCING SAFETY RISK AND OPTIMIZING ENERGY USE - The present disclosure is generally directed to reducing a safety risk in an automation system such as an automated electrical system in a structure such as a residential, commercial, or industrial building. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for intelligently monitoring and controlling conditions in components and/or wired connections of an automation system indicative of a potential fire hazard. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316595 | Advanced Measurement and Verification of Energy Curtailment - A logic ladder is utilized for conducting Advanced Measurement and Verification (M&V) of energy utilizing devices under curtailment control as part of organized energy management and/or demand response programs. The logic ladder starts with the most accurate method of conducting M&V and steps down from there: first step is measuring energy current directly at the device itself; the second step is use of an Appliance Codes datastore, which are listed capabilities of devices under load control to be used as a proxy if direct measurement of energy consumed at the device is not available; the third step is to poll the smart meter, if it is installed, and taking the energy differential before and immediately after curtailment; and the fourth step is to resort to analytics and historical model estimates of energy curtailment. Appliance Codes consist of a set of parameters that describe the energy utilizing device or appliance under load control, most notably the wattage used when in operation. By approximating the wattage when the device is in operation, one can accurately estimate the wattage under curtailment by simply knowing when the energy utilizing device was turned off and when it was allowed to come back on again after the energy curtailment event. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316596 | INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM - An information processing method includes: calculating, by a computer, a time differential of internal energy that corresponds to a coefficient and is based on radiative cooling, the coefficient corresponding to a degree of exposure of each particle in a collection of particles to a surface of a continuum represented by the collection of the particles; and calculating, by the computer, the internal energy after a unit time based on the time differential of the internal energy. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316597 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING SELF-POWER CONSUMPTION OF A CONTROLLER-BASED DEVICE - A device and method are disclosed for optimizing self-power consumption. The device may sense one or more operating conditions of the device. The device may further select one or more operating parameters associated with at least one of the one or more operating conditions. The device may also estimate a power consumption associated with executing an algorithm to generate at least one updated value for at least one of the one or more operating parameters as well as estimate a power savings associated with operating using the updated value. The device may compare the estimated power consumption to the estimated power savings and determine whether to execute the algorithm based on the comparing. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316598 | Method and Apparatus for Managing Demand Response Resources in a Power Distribution Network - In one aspect of the teachings herein, demand responsive loads are selected for involvement in a given DR event using an advantageous approach to selection that is based on using a mathematical network model to evaluate power loss in a power distribution network as a function of different combinations of demand responsive load selections and corresponding load reduction values. The mathematical network model comprises a mathematical representation of the power distribution network as a multi-phase unbalanced distribution network, including mathematical representations of the physical components in the power distribution network and the connecting relationships of those components. As overall power loss in the system is a function of different combinations of demand responsive load selections, the mathematical network model is used to evaluate system power loss under different demand response load selections, in a manner that automatically accommodates mesh networks and other complex network topologies, distributed generation sources, etc. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316599 | CONSUMER ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND CONSUMER ENERGY MANAGEMENT METHOD - The present invention adjusts the operating status of consumer devices in a manner meeting the consumer's needs when the electric power usable by the consumer is limited. There are provided: an information acquisition part (S | 2014-10-23 |
20140316600 | ELECTRICITY CONTROL SYSTEM, APPARATUS AND METHOD - A system, apparatus and method for controlled provision of electricity through an integrated dual system, in which a first part of the dual system both provides electricity and charges the second part of the dual system. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316601 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING CONTROL POWER WITH AN ENERGY STORE USING TOLERANCES AT THE TIME OF PROVIDING THE CONTROL POWER - A method for providing control power for an electricity network in which at least one energy store connected to the electricity network supplies energy to the electricity network as required and/or takes up energy from the electricity network as required, such that, when there is a change of required control power, a time after a change from which a changed control power is provided by the energy store is chosen in dependence on a charging state at a given time of the energy store. A device for carrying out such a method includes at least one energy store and a control system for controlling power of the energy store in an open-loop and/or closed-loop manner, the energy store being connected to an electricity network such that energy can be fed into the electricity network and can be removed from the electricity network by the device. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316602 | CONTROL DEVICE, CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A control device has a monitoring section that monitors an amount of electric energy of a first machine, and a power supply controller that controls power supply of a second machine in accordance with an amount of electric energy of the first machine and schedule information indicative of an operation schedule of each of the first machine and the second machine. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316603 | COMPUTER SYSTEM, ARRANGEMENT FOR REMOTE MAINTENANCE AND REMOTE MAINTENANCE METHOD - A computer system includes a power supply unit providing at least one first supply voltage for operation of the computer system, a system board has at least one first power supply line that distributes the at least one first supply voltage; at least one processor arranged on the system board and coupled to the first power supply line that executes program code of user programs; a system monitoring module arranged on the system board having a microcontroller that executes program code for remote maintenance; at least one network interface coupled to the system monitoring module; and at least one splitter, coupled to the network interface that taps off a remote feed voltage provided via the network interface and feeds in a second supply voltage into at least one second power supply line of the system board, the second power supply line being coupled to the system monitoring module. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316604 | METHOD FOR ACTIVE CONTROL OF FREQUENCY AND VOLTAGE IN A POWER SUPPLY GRID WITH DECENTRALIZED POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS - The invention relates to a method for actively controlling in a feedback control at least one output parameter (f | 2014-10-23 |
20140316605 | Cooling System Management - A cooling system controller, method, and computer program (or product) for an installation of heat generating machines having variable cooling requirements, the cooling system comprising two or more thermal components sharing a first cooling fluid circuit and first cooling fluid for cooling the installation, the cooling system controller comprising: a requirement discovery engine for recording the variable cooling requirements of the machines; a characterizing engine for measuring and recording outputs for each thermal component in response to a plurality of input control settings for generating a respective set of static set-points for each thermal component; a logic model generator for generating a logical model of the thermal components based on: relationships between the thermal components, operating fluid flow and around the thermal components, static set-points of each component; an optimizer for finding minimum energy consumption for the cooling system; and an interface for continuously adjusting control settings for each component to keep the cooling system operating at the minimum energy consumption. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316606 | System for Reducing the Thermal Inertia of an Electronic Display - A system for controlling the cooling fan within an electronic display based on the amount of ambient light present. An ambient light sensor is used to measure the amount of ambient light which is contacting the display. To anticipate a temperature rise and lower the thermal inertia of the display, the fan speed is increased when high ambient light levels are measured at the exterior of the display. The ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a temperature correction factor to a temperature sensor within the display. Alternatively, the ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a fan speed correction factor to a desired fan speed (calculated based on a temperature sensor within the display). Multiple systems or methods can be used simultaneously within the display to cool several components which may heat and cool at different rates relative to one another. The various systems can have similar or different logic depending on the amount of cooling needed and the manner in which the cooled-components produce/absorb heat. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316607 | OCCUPANT PRESENCE DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION - A system includes a presence sensor that generates a presence signal representing a presence of an occupant in a vehicle, an occupant identification device that generates an occupant identification signal, and a customization controller that applies a default setting to a vehicle feature before receiving the occupant identification signal and applies a customized setting associated with an identified occupant after receiving the occupant identification signal. A method includes receiving a presence signal representing a presence of an occupant in a vehicle, applying a default setting to a vehicle feature in response to receiving the presence signal, receiving an occupant identification signal after customizing the vehicle feature according to the default setting, and applying a customized setting to the vehicle feature. The customized setting is associated with the identified occupant. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316608 | SUSTAINED OVER-THE-HORIZON VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING SENSING SYSTEM - An electrically powered of the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft configured for use with a tether station having a continuous power source is provided including at least one rotor system. The vertical takeoff and landing aircraft additionally has an autonomous flight control system coupled to the continuous power source. The autonomous flight control system is configured to operate an electrical motor coupled to the at least one rotor system such that the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft continuously hovers above the tether station in a relative position. The vertical takeoff and landing aircraft also includes a detection system for detecting objects at a distance from the vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316609 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATION BASED CUSTOMIZATION - Methods and apparatus are provided for a customization control system for a vehicle having a cabin. The apparatus can include a source of vehicle location data, and a door coupled to the cabin and including a window movable relative to the door between a first, closed position and a second, opened position. The apparatus can also include a customization module that, based on the vehicle location data, outputs setting data for the vehicle that includes a movement for the window relative to the door. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316610 | VEHICLE PORTABLE KEY - A portable key switchable between a first mode and a second mode for operating a vehicle has a transmission antenna that transmits a signal to the vehicle, a reception antenna that receives a signal from the vehicle, a changeover switch that is operable by a user when the portable key is switched from the first mode to the second mode, a command switch that is operable by the user when an operation command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, and a controller that performs control so as to transmit the signal from the transmission antenna based on input from the changeover switch or the command switch. The controller transmits a first operation command signal valid in the first mode from the transmission antenna when the command switch is operated in the first mode, | 2014-10-23 |
20140316611 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION FOR REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLES WITH SUPERIMPOSED 3D IMAGERY - The present invention provides a system and method of utilizing superimposed 3D imagery for remotely operated vehicles, namely 3D, reconstructed images of the environment of the ROV. In another aspect, it includes generating a virtual video of 3D elements in the operation environment, synchronizing the angle and position of the camera of a virtual video with the angle and position of a real camera, superimposing the virtual video and the real video from the real camera; superimposing these video feeds such that one is manipulated to show transparencies in areas of less interest, in order to show through the other video. It furthermore may include superimposing information, whether graphic, textual or both on to the hybrid virtual-real 3D imagery. The subject invention is also networked, such that the immersive visual interface described above is accessible to a plurality of users operating from a plurality of locations. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316612 | VEHICLE ACCESS SYSTEM - A system facilitating access to a vehicle when the main battery is incapable of supplying sufficient power for actuating the vehicle's power locks. The system comprises an access device for identifying an authorized user of the vehicle; means positioned in the vehicle for authenticating the remote access device; means positioned in the vehicle for placing the power locks in one of a locked or an unlocked state following authentication of the remote access device by the authenticating means; means positioned in the vehicle for transferring power from an external power supply to the authenticating means and to the means for placing the power locks in a locked or an unlocked state; and an external power supply connectable to the power transferring means to supply power for powering the authenticating means and the means for placing the power locks in a locked or an unlocked state to thereby effect authentication of the remote access device and unlocking/locking the vehicle. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316613 | Aircraft Performance Monitoring System - A method and apparatus for monitoring an aircraft. A current performance of the aircraft is identified during operation of the aircraft using a model of the aircraft and flight state data. A current capability of the aircraft is identified from the current performance of the aircraft. An operation is performed based on the current capability of the aircraft. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316614 | Drone for collecting images and system for categorizing image data - A data collection system provides a first computer media for collecting image data, a second computer media for analyzing the image data and locating anomalies in the image data, a third computer media for linking particular image data to address data of the property where the anomaly is present and a fourth computer media for generating a list of pertinent properties having similar anomalies by address. The image data collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316615 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIRCRAFT SENSOR AND ACTUATOR FAILURE PROTECTION USING RECONFIGURABLE FLIGHT CONTROL LAWS - A method and apparatus for reconfiguring flight control of an aircraft during a failure while the aircraft is flying. The method and apparatus provide a control law that is software-implemented and configured to automatically send flight control data to a mixing/mapping matrix. The method and apparatus also provide a reconfiguration management tool configured to communicate with the mixing/mapping matrix in order to safely transfer authority from a failed actuator to a back-up actuator. The method and apparatus also provide a sensor management tool for providing input to the reconfiguration management tool in order to smooth any transient conditions that may occur during reconfiguration. The method and apparatus provide for a way of smoothing any possible transient situation that might otherwise occur by employment of a fader, the fader being used to gradually convert positioning of failed actuators and positioning of reconfigured actuators. An exemplary aircraft for using the method and apparatus of a reconfigurable flight control system is a quad tilt rotor. The quad tilt rotor provides a variety of redundant and back-actuators, as such, having a robust and highly qualified reconfigurable flight control system is very desirable. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316616 | UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING SAME - One variation of a method for imaging an area of interest includes: within a user interface, receiving a selection for a set of interest points on a digital map of a physical area and receiving a selection for a resolution of a geospatial map; identifying a ground area corresponding to the set of interest points for imaging during a mission; generating a flight path over the ground area for execution by an unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission; setting an altitude for the unmanned aerial vehicle along the flight path based on the selection for the resolution of the geospatial map and an optical system arranged within the unmanned aerial vehicle; setting a geospatial accuracy requirement for the mission based on the selection for the mission type; and assembling a set of images captured by the unmanned aerial vehicle during the mission into the geospatial map. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316617 | FLIGHT SYSTEM FOR AN AIRCRAFT HAVING AN AUTOLAND SYSTEM - A method and system for operating an aircraft having an autoflight system comprising flight guidance functionality and autoland functionality providing input to a flight control system such that both the autoflight and autoland functionality and their corresponding systems are operated at a Design Assurance Level A. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316618 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING DYNAMICALLY CHANGING DISTRIBUTIONS OF VEHICLES IN A VEHICLE SYSTEM - A system and method for determining dynamically changing distributions of vehicles in a vehicle system are disclosed. The system and method determine handling parameters of the vehicle system. The handling parameters are determined for different distributions of the vehicles among different groups at different potential change points along a route. The system and method also determine whether to change the distributions at potential change points based on the handling parameters. Based on determining that the distributions are to change, a selected sequence of changes to the distributions is determined at one or more of the potential change points along the route. Change indices are generated based on the selected sequence. The change indices designate times and/or the one or more potential change points at which the distributions changes. The vehicles included in a common group have common designated operational settings while the vehicles are in the common group. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316619 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION TERMINAL, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Accident information determination server apparatus, when receiving a request from mobile communication terminal operated by a requester, specifies a train line, a terminal location, a moving direction, and a car number where mobile communication terminal that has made the request resides. Then, accident information determination server apparatus determines an impact of the accident represented by the accident information has on the requester who moves from the terminal location in the specified moving direction. Accident information determination server apparatus transmits a data that associates the accident information with the determined result on the accident information to mobile communication terminal. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316620 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR AVERTING AND DAMPING ROLLING OF A SHIP - This invention relates to a method and a device for averting and damping rolling of an engine-driven marine vessel with propeller propulsion. The proposed method recognizes the fact that the speed controller of a ship responds to heel angle variations by propeller speed adjustments. A speed controller is reading such propeller moment change as speed variations to be corrected. By the recurrence of this process, the result is amplifying small rolling effects to a critical rolling. Further elements contribute to this process, such as the propeller side effects ship's hull contact with the sea, waves or winds. However, by suppressing the interaction between heel angle variations and the speed controller, the rolling of a ship can be effectively reduced and averted. The proposed method, by suppressing the cause of the critical rolling, reduces rolling, fuel consumption and maintenance of the ship's propulsion engines. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316621 | LASER IGNITION SYSTEM BASED DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine diagnostics, including visual inspections of an engine cylinder, using existing hardware from a laser ignition system. Light pulses from a laser ignition device are received at a photodetector during non-combusting conditions and used to generate images of an inside of the cylinder that can be assessed by a service technician. An electric motor of the vehicle system can be used during a service mode of the vehicle to rotate the engine to, and hold the engine at, specified engine positions that enable the technician to perform selected diagnostic tests. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316622 | LASER IGNITION SYSTEM BASED DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine diagnostics, including visual inspections of an engine cylinder, using existing hardware from a laser ignition system. Light pulses from a laser ignition device are received at a photodetector during non-combusting conditions and used to generate images of an inside of the cylinder that can be assessed by a service technician. An electric motor of the vehicle system can be used during a service mode of the vehicle to rotate the engine to, and hold the engine at, specified engine positions that enable the technician to perform selected diagnostic tests. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316623 | SHIFT SHOCK REDUCTION SYSTEM OF ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN UTILITY VEHICLE - A shift shock reduction system of an electrically driven utility vehicle comprises: a motor controller which controls an output of a motor; an automatic transmission which has a pair of electrically-powered means with two speeds or more; and a transmission control unit which is electrically connected with the controller, and controls the automatic transmission, wherein when the automatic transmission changes speed by the transmission control unit, a temporary neutral state is implemented, and as soon as the automatic transmission reaches a neutral position, control for increasing or reducing RPM of the motor can be carried out by the motor controller. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316624 | HYBRID VEHICLE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - An ECU determines whether or not fuel in a fuel tank deteriorates. A heating system is configured to be able to perform heating (engine heating) using heat of an engine which heating uses the engine under operation as a heat source, and heating (heat-pump heating) using a heat pump cycle without using the engine as a heat source. When it is determined that the fuel in the fuel tank deteriorates, the ECU controls the heating system and the engine so as to give priority to the engine heating over the heat-pump heating. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316625 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROLLER - A vehicle control system includes a controller configured to be able to perform a slip control in which an internal combustion engine becomes a non-operation state by setting a first clutch to a release state and an electric rotating machine is driven by setting a second clutch to a slip state. In a case where a vehicle starts to run by starting up the internal combustion engine during the slip control is performed, the controller performs a first engagement control in which the second clutch becomes an engagement state and then the first clutch becomes an engagement state at the time a lock-up clutch is in a non-engagement state, and performs a second engagement control in which the first clutch becomes an engagement state and then the second clutch becomes an engagement state at the time the lock-up clutch is in an engagement state. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316626 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE - A vehicle includes: a motor generator for generating driving power for traveling thereof; an ECU for controlling the motor generator; and an inclination detecting unit for detecting inclination of a road surface. The ECU performs power changing driving in which the vehicle is traveled while switching the motor generator between a first state (high output state) and a second state (low output state). In the first state (high output state), driving power of a first level is generated. In the second state (low output state), the driving power is made smaller than that in the first state. When it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on an uphill road based on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting unit, ECU sets the driving power in the first state to be larger than that set when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316627 | CONTROL APPARATUS FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A control apparatus for a vehicle including a second clutch capable of switching between input and output shafts connecting state in which a motor-generation is connected. The control apparatus drives the wheels by the motor-generation so a torque transmitted to the wheels does not fluctuate in case the gear shift is executed to the transmission when is in the output shaft connecting state of the second clutch, and synchronizes the input and output shafts at the gear shift by the motor-generation in case the gear shift is executed to the transmission when the second clutch state is in the input shaft connecting state. The second clutch state is switched to the output shaft connecting state when a drive power to the vehicle is equal or less than a value. The second clutch state is switched to the input shaft connecting state when the drive power is greater than the value. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316628 | DRIVING ENVIRONMENT PREDICTION DEVICE, VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF - There is a need to predict a driving environment with high responsiveness by a simple configuration. There is provided a driving environment prediction device that predicts a driving environment of a vehicle that causes a vehicle stop. The driving environment prediction device comprises: a first vehicle stop time rate calculator which is configured to calculate a rate of vehicle stop time in a first period, as a first vehicle stop time rate (shorter-period vehicle stop time rate); a second vehicle stop time rate calculator which is configured to calculate a rate of vehicle stop time in a second period which is longer than the first period, as a second vehicle stop time rate (longer-period vehicle stop time rate); and a driving environment predictor which is configured to predict the driving environment, based on the shorter-period vehicle stop time rate and the longer-period vehicle stop time rate. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316629 | VEHICLE REGENERATIVE DECELERATION ACTUATOR AND INDICATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - An indicator system for regenerative slowing of a hybrid or electric vehicle includes at least one deceleration indicator positioned on the rear of a vehicle, a vehicle deceleration monitor configured to monitor deceleration and produce a control output signal if deceleration exceeds a predetermined level, a vehicle braking module configured to detect application of the conventional vehicle brakes, and an indicator control module configured to actuate the deceleration indicator when a vehicle deceleration output signal exceeding the predetermined level is received and conventional vehicle brakes are not applied. An independent driver-operated regen mode switch may provide for driver-initiated regen slowing independent of the conventional vehicle brakes or gears, with the deceleration indicator being on when regen mode is initiated by the driver without application of friction brakes, and the predetermined deceleration level is exceeded. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316630 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF A VEHICLE WITH AT LEAST A PARTIAL ELECTRIC DRIVE, VEHICLE AND CHARGING STATION - A method for controlling the temperature of a vehicle with at least a partial electric drive while the vehicle is connected to a charging station includes setting up a data link for bidirectional communication between the vehicle and charging station. Vehicle-side data is acquired with vehicle-side means for acquiring data, and charging-station-side data is acquired with charging-station-side means for acquiring data. Optimum temperature control parameters of the battery and passenger cell are determined using a logic by processing the acquired vehicle-side and charging-station-side data. The temperature control of the battery and of the passenger compartment of the vehicle is carried out with temperature control means. A motor vehicle and a charging station carry out the method. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316631 | DRIVE CONTROL DEVICE FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle which is provided with: a first differential mechanism and a second differential mechanism which have a total of five rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to four rotary elements of said five rotary elements, and which has at least a first drive mode and a second drive mode in which the engine is operated and which are established by selectively connecting a rotary element of said five rotary elements which is connected to said engine, and a rotary element of said five rotary elements which is not connected to any of said engine, said first electric motor, said second electric motor and said output rotary member, to each other through a clutch, or selectively fixing the rotary element connected to said engine and the rotary element not connected to any of said engine, said first electric motor, said second electric motor and said output rotary member, to a stationary member through a brake, the drive control device comprising: a drive mode control portion configured to place the hybrid vehicle selectively in the first drive mode in which said engine is operated, in an engaged state of said brake and in a released state of said clutch, and the second drive mode in which said engine is operated, in a released state of said brake and in an engaged state of said clutch, said drive control portion inhibiting the hybrid vehicle from being placed in said second drive mode when an operating point of said engine lies in a predetermined region, and permitting the hybrid vehicle to be placed in said first drive mode when the operating point of the engine lies in said predetermined region. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316632 | ENHANCED PARK ASSIST WHEEL SPEED COMPENSATION TECHNIQUE - A method of parking a vehicle includes calibrating a wheel speed count of the vehicle based on a measured length that is external to the vehicle, and parking the vehicle based on the calibrated wheel speed count. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316633 | Vehicle Control System and Vehicle Control Method - A position measurement portion manages a measurement target area by dividing the area into a plurality of section areas, and also manages, or keeps track of, an intra-area interfering object number which is the number of interfering objects in a given section area, independently for each of the plurality of the section areas. The travel controller determines, independently for each of the plurality of section areas, if the section area is in a congested state in which the intra-area interfering object number is greater than a set upper limit number, and selects a congested area travel mode as the travel mode when the travel controller is about to cause the vehicle to travel in a section area that is determined to be in the congested state. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316634 | Autonomous Working Device - An autonomous working device, in particular an autonomous lawn mower, comprising a computing unit. The autonomous working device is configured to cover a surface to be treated in strips. The computing unit is configured to adjust an overlap of the strips according to at least one parameter. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316635 | Autonomous Travel System - Provided is an autonomous travel system having an operation management unit including a map database with a combination of topological region maps, on which the range of travel of a vehicle is expressed as points and lines, and metric region maps, on which the travel range is expressed on planar maps; a vehicle position management unit for managing the position of the vehicle; and a vehicle travel planning unit for planning vehicle travel, which, if the vehicle is present near the boundary of a map, blocks the map boundary so that other vehicles will not advance into another map. The operation management unit is provided with a blockage setting unit for dividing a boundary section of a map into a plurality of regions and releasing the blockage of the boundary of a divided region in which no vehicles are present in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316636 | MOVING ROBOT, USER TERMINAL APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A moving robot configured to generate a map of an environment of a territory and allow a user to set a structure of the territory and information on the map used for a location-based service and to use a more intuitively intelligent service is provided. The moving robot includes an operation performer configured to move around a territory and perform a certain operation, a detector configured to collect map building information of the territory, and a controller configured to control the moving robot to move to a set particular area within the territory by referring to the map information of the territory generated based on the collected map building information and control the operation performer to perform the operation with respect to the particular area. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316637 | Active Suspension With Load Detection And Adaptation - A method for estimating a location of a center of gravity (CG) of a sprung mass of a vehicle includes steps of a) determining whether the vehicle is stationary or moving; b) if the vehicle is stationary, calculating estimated x and y coordinates of the CG; c) storing the estimated coordinates in memory; and d) repeating steps a)-c) until the vehicle is no longer stationary. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316638 | HYBRID VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION - Methods and systems for fuel system leak detection in a hybrid electric vehicle using a fuel reservoir are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, during an engine off condition, delivering fuel from a fuel tank into a reservoir while the fuel tank is vented to atmosphere, and sealing the fuel tank from atmosphere and indicating a leak based on pressure in the fuel tank. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316639 | DATA CONVERSION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING A CELL PHONE TO UPDATE FAULT CODE DATA AND MAINTAIN VEHICLES USING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS - An apparatus for obtaining diagnostic codes from vehicles with on-board diagnostic systems, using a cell phone as the code reader, and employing a signal converter between the cell phone and vehicle to allow communication between the cell phone and the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system, and allowing the cell phone to access remote databases and obtain the most current proper parameters to aid a user in troubleshooting vehicle problems and suggesting corrective action. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316640 | AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM, DEVICE AND METHOD TO PROVIDE DATA OF THE AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM - A device to provide data of an autonomous system is configured to receive, from the autonomous system, data that are generated by the autonomous system, and to send the received data to an archiving device for storage. The archiving device is arranged external to the autonomous system and is independent of the operation of the autonomous system. The device provides the stored data for an independent evaluation device. An improved data provision is ensured by the storage of the data accumulating in the autonomous system, independent of the operation of the autonomous system. The provided data can be used for maintenance or setup of the autonomous system. An autonomous system includes such a device, and a method to provide data of an autonomous system; and a method to produce an autonomous system operate by using such a device. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316641 | TECHNIQUES FOR DETECTING SUPERCHARGER BELT SLIP - A technique can include receiving, at a controller for a vehicle, the controller including one or more processors, a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake manifold of an engine of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a supercharger configured to supply pressurized air to the intake manifold. The supercharger can be driven by a crankshaft of the engine via a belt. The technique can include estimating, at the controller, a frequency of the signal to obtain an estimated frequency. The technique can include determining, at the controller, whether the belt is slipping based on a comparison between the estimated frequency and a predetermined frequency. The technique can also include outputting, at the controller, a notification when the belt is determined to be slipping. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316642 | METHOD OF DETECTING SOLENOID VALVE FAILURE OF VEHICLE ELECTRIC BRAKE BOOSTER AND FAILURE DETECTING APPARATUS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SAME - The present invention provides a method of detecting solenoid valve failure of a vehicle electric brake booster, the method including: a) driving the motor so that the piston moves forward until the piston closes at least the cut-off hole in a state in which the solenoid valve is locked; b) measuring pressure in the master cylinder in a state in which the piston is moved forward; c) determining whether the pressure in the master cylinder which is measured in step b) exceeds a predetermined reference value; and d) determining that the solenoid valve is in a failure state when the pressure in the master cylinder which is measured in step b) is the predetermined reference value or less, to detect failure of the solenoid valve only by a software control change, thereby providing an advantageous effect that secures braking safety. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316643 | HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND FAULT CONDITION DETECTION FOR SAME - The present disclosure provides a hydraulic brake system for a motor vehicle and a method for the detection of a fault condition of the hydraulic brake system. An electronic control device determines at least one pressure value of the brake fluid of the brake system and at least one volume value of the brake master cylinder associated with the pressure value during an operation of a brake master cylinder. The electronic control device compares the determined pressure value and volume value with at least one pair of pressure-volume reference values for the detection of a fault condition of the brake system, wherein at least two different fault conditions of the brake system can be differentiated based on the comparison. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316644 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING FAILURE OF THERMOSTAT - A system and method for diagnosing failure of a thermostat that includes a controller configured to measure a coolant temperature and a coolant model temperature and determine a temperature of engine oil, when the coolant temperature is greater than a first reference temperature and the coolant model temperature is equal to or less than a second reference temperature. In addition, the controller is configured to determine an open status or a close status of the thermostat and diagnoses whether there is a failure in the open status of the thermostat, using the temperature of the engine oil as an independent variable. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316645 | Vehicle Tyre Pressure Checking - A sensor array ( | 2014-10-23 |
20140316646 | FUEL INJECTION VALVE - A fuel injection valve includes a cylinder internal pressure sensor disposed in the vicinity of a distal end thereof. The cylinder internal pressure sensor detects a cylinder internal pressure in a cylinder and outputs a first sensor signal Ss1 responsive to the detected cylinder internal pressure. Further, a signal processor, which carries out predetermined signal processing with respect to the first sensor signal Ss1 to thereby convert the first sensor signal Ss1 into a second sensor signal Ss2, is disposed between the cylinder internal pressure sensor and a solenoid unit, which is disposed on a proximal end side of the fuel injection valve. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316647 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control method of accelerator pedal effort identifies a driver's habit of manipulation when a driver starts a vehicle having a pedal effort controllable accelerator pedal from a stationary state. Thus, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to accelerator pedal manipulation habits of the driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316648 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF PEDAL EFFORT FOR ACCELERATOR - An active control method of pedal effort for an accelerator comprises steps to actively vary pedal effort. When a vehicle having a controllable pedal effort accelerator pedal runs, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to accelerator pedal manipulation habits of a driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316649 | ACTIVE CONTROL METHOD OF ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT - An active control method of accelerator pedal effort comprises steps to actively vary pedal effort. When a vehicle having a controllable pedal effort accelerator pedal runs, the active control method can actively vary the accelerator pedal effort according to an accelerator position sensor operation percentages selected by a driver, thereby improving the accelerator pedal manipulation efficiency of the driver. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316650 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AUXILIARY POWER UNIT OF A VEHICLE - A method of controlling an auxiliary power unit of a vehicle. The auxiliary power unit is in communication with an air conditioning system of the vehicle and includes an engine and an alternator coupled to the engine. The method includes determining a state of a compressor of the air conditioning system, the compressor including an off state and an on state, reducing an alternator load relative to the engine in response to the compressor being varied from the off state to the on state, increasing the alternator load relative to the engine after a predetermined time interval, and simultaneously operating the alternator up to an alternator load capacity and the compressor up to a compressor load capacity. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316651 | VEHICLE HAVING AN AUXILIARY BATTERY - The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising: a third control unit for sensing the gear being placed into a parking mode and the removal of an ignition key; a control unit including a temperature-setting part for setting a temperature for a cooling or heating operation, a second sensor for sensing whether or not an indoor temperature has reached the temperature for the cooling or heating operation, a selection switch for enabling a user to select a cooling mode or a heating mode, and an operating switch for operating a cooler or a heater in accordance with the selected cooling mode or heating mode; a main battery for storing power generated by a generator; a first auxiliary battery and a second auxiliary battery for storing surplus power of the main battery; a first control unit interconnected between the main battery and the first and second auxiliary batteries so as to selectively supply the surplus power of the main battery to the less-charged side of either the first auxiliary battery and the second auxiliary battery; a second control unit interconnected between the output ends of the first and second auxiliary batteries and the cooler and the heater so as to selectively supply the charged power of the first and second auxiliary batteries to the cooler and the heater; an air-circulating device connected to one end of the second control unit so as to be operated by the driving power of the first and second auxiliary batteries; a carbon dioxide sensor connected to the other end of the second control unit so as to sense the concentration of carbon dioxide in an indoor area of the vehicle; and a converting switch interconnected between the first control unit and the second control unit so as to supply the power of the first and second auxiliary batteries to a starter motor upon the occurrence of a discharge of the main battery. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316652 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN ADJUSTABLE DAMPER - A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes: comparing a measured acceleration value associated with a movement of a vehicle component of a vehicle with a predetermined acceleration threshold value that corresponds to the vehicle component, wherein the vehicle component is coupled with a frame of the vehicle via at least one vehicle suspension damper; monitoring a state of at least one valve within at least one vehicle suspension damper of the vehicle, wherein the state controls a damping force within the at least one vehicle suspension damper; and based on the comparing and the monitoring, regulating damping forces within the at least one vehicle suspension damper by actuating the at least one valve to adjust to a desired state, such that an acceleration of the frame is reduced. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316653 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE CONTROL METHOD - A vehicle control device includes a motive power source orientation control device, a friction brake orientation control device, a damping force control device, and an orientation control device. The orientation control device controls vehicle body orientation via the motive power source orientation control device when the absolute value of the amplitude of a detected state quantity is less than a first predetermined value, via the damping force control device in addition to the motive power source orientation control device when the absolute value of the amplitude is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, and via the friction brake orientation control device in addition to the motive power source orientation control device and the damping force control device when the absolute value of the amplitude is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316654 | SURGICAL PATIENT SIDE CART WITH STEERING INTERFACE - A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument and a steering interface. The steering interface may include at least one sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted by a user to move the cart. The steering interface may further include a coupling mechanism to removably couple the steering interface with the patient side cart. The at least one sensor may be placed in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart when the steering interface is in a coupled state with the patient side cart. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316655 | MOTOR VEHICLE WITH ROAD EVALUATION DEVICE - A motor vehicle including an adjustable steering assistance is disclosed. The adjustable steering assistance includes an evaluation unit for evaluating the grip of a road travelled, in which the extent of the steering assistance is variable as a function of the result of the road grip evaluation. The effectiveness of the steering assistance adjustment is due to the fact that the driver is accustom to the hand moment exerted on the steering wheel during steering, conventionally as a fixed relationship to the torque, which for steering the wheels of the motor vehicle has to be exerted thereon. Consequently, the lower the steering resistance the less road grip as a general rule. In that the extent of the steering assistance is varied, a road with less grip can thus be suggested to the driver in order to prompt him to a correspondingly careful driving style. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316656 | STEERING SYSTEM CLATTER MITIGATION - A steering system clatter mitigation apparatus and method. The clatter mitigation apparatus excites the steering system at a frequency within a range of an existing engine noise. The excitation of the steering system at a different frequency than the clatter sound greatly reduces the clatter sound. The sound produced by the excitation of the steering system is masked by the existing sound of the engine. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316657 | STABILIZED DIRECTIONAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide stabilized directional control for a vehicle. A directional control system for an embodiment may include a logic device adapted to receive directional data about a vehicle and determine nominal vehicle feedback from the directional data. The nominal vehicle feedback may be used to adjust a directional control signal provided to an actuator of a vehicle. The directional control signal may be limited to a value below an actuator rate limit before a directional control signal is adjusted by the nominal vehicle feedback. A directional control system may include a logic device, a memory, one or more sensors, one or more actuators/controllers, and modules to interface with users, sensors, actuators, and/or other modules of a vehicle. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316658 | STEERING CONTROL APPARATUS - A control computing unit allocates a feedback axial force and a feedforward axial force at an allocation ratio based on an axial force difference which is a difference between the feedback axial force and the feedforward axial force to set a final axial force as a steering-rack axial force. The control computing unit drives a reaction force motor on the basis of the set final axial force. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316659 | AIRBAG CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIRBAG DEVICE OF VEHICLE - In a method for controlling an airbag device of a vehicle, the vehicle includes a steering wheel equipped with a depth-sensing camera, a gyroscope, a drive device, and at least one airbag device. The airbag device includes at least one airbag. The depth-sensing camera captures a 3D scene image of a scene in front of the steering wheel while the vehicle is being driven. The 3D scene image according to a rotation angle of the steering wheel detected by the gyroscope. The 3D scene image is compared with each 3D model of the driver stored in a storage device to determine an actual position of the driver in the 3D scene image to determine whether the driver is in danger. The drive device is driven to unlock the at least one airbag of the airbag device and controls the airbag device to expand the at least one airbag. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316660 | SEAT-INTEGRATED OCCUPANT PRESENCE DETECTOR - A system includes a vehicle seat with an embedded presence detector that can detect a presence of an occupant and output a presence signal. A position controller is configured to receive the presence signal and adjust a position of the vehicle seat to a predetermined driving position in response to receiving the presence signal and prior to turning on a vehicle ignition. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316661 | Seat System for a Vehicle - A seat system for a vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom on which a person can sit. An intermediate support structure is secured to the seat and the vehicle which allows the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. An actuator can interact with the seat to cause the seat to rotate relative to the vehicle. One or more sensors can each measure an aspect of motion. A processor can (i) receive input from each of the one or more sensors, (ii) determine from this input a measure of rotation of the vehicle away from a nominal, level horizontal orientation, and (iii) utilize the input to determine a desired rotation of the seat. An angle that the seat has been rotated away from a nominal, level orientation is more than insubstantially larger than an angle that the vehicle has rotated away from a nominal, level horizontal orientation. | 2014-10-23 |
20140316662 | PORTABLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AID APPARATUS - A portable, foldable, and multifunctional mobility aid apparatus that assists a user in standing, sitting, and/or walking process. The apparatus has an integrated power source and is based on 4 wheels. Users can stand on it and drive it as an electric mobility device, or disable it and use it as a passive walker. The apparatus has a pair of supporting beams with adjustable width to be placed under the user armpits and support the user in standing up, sitting down, and/or moving around. The apparatus can be controlled by a control panel mounted on a pair of handles, and its functions can be controlled by the user with no need for help from another person. The apparatus can be minimized by a combination of multiple telescopic vertical minimization mechanisms and multiple folding mechanisms. | 2014-10-23 |