884 results about "Automatic guidance" patented technology

System and method for preventing vehicle accidents in which the absolute position of the vehicle is determined, e.g., using a satellite-based positioning system such as GPS, and the location of the vehicle relative to the edges of the roadway is then determined based on the absolute position of the vehicle and stored data relating to edges of roadways on which the vehicle may travel. A system or component within the vehicle is initiated, e.g., an alarm or warning system, or the operation of a system or component is affected, e.g., an automatic guidance system, if the location of the vehicle approaches close to an edge of the roadway or intersects with an edge of the roadway.

A system, method and device for the capture and display of high-resolution stereoscopic or monoscopic wide fields-of-view (FOV) at still or video rates, presenting techniques and designs for distance measuring, for changing the working stereo capture range of a stereoscopic image capture device, and for playing pre-recorded or transmitted stereoscopic video image data through a player unit. The system supports multiple independent viewers and image analysis sub-systems of various types utilizing hardware, software and firmware. Further included is a stereoscopic videoconferencing embodiment that captures and transmits an entire room's view and automatically directs focus of images.

A method for deriving accurate body size measures of a user from a sequence of 2D images includes: a) automatically guiding the user through a sequence of body poses and motions; b) scanning the body of said user by obtaining a sequence of raw 2D images of said user as captured by at least one camera during said guided sequence of poses and motions; c) analyzing the behavior of said user to ensure that the user follows the provided instructions; d) extracting and encoding 2D shape data descriptors from said sequence of images by using a 2D shape analyzer (2DSA); and e) integrating said 2D shape descriptors and data representing the user's position, pose and rotation into a 3D shape model.

Palletizing systems and methods increasing the efficiency at which pallets of mixed products are built. The systems and methods include a pallet building module for receiving customer orders and generating pallet building instructions for arranging the products on the pallets, among other functions. The pallet building module is in communication with a number of robot cells that include source products and pallet building robots for building pallets based upon instructions generated by the pallet building module. The system includes other modules for system control including conveyor controllers, forklift controllers, and automatic guided vehicle controllers, among other controllers. Methods for building pallets of mixed product from source products within more than one robot cell.

The present invention provides a system for collecting, anonymizing, and communicating information collected from medical pumps without the need for additional effort by medical care professionals. The pump / multi-pump derived information can be aggregated between hospitals and across healthcare institutions to provide global overviews of pump performance and drug use information. This information can assist with the delivery of healthcare by providing automatic guidance warnings, for example, deviating from established ranges for common delivery rates; trend monitoring to anticipate needs of the health care community based upon global health trends; and allocation of healthcare equipment by monitoring the total operating time and lifecycles of the pumps. Knowledge derived from this pump / multi-pump derived information can be used in an administrative capacity and to develop evolving advisory protocols for users of pumps comparing real-time pump protocols to those appropriate for a given drug.

Disclosed are systems and methods for an automated materials handling facility. The automated materials handling facility uses a series of automated devices, such as automated guidance vehicles, mobile drive units, robotic arms, automated sorters, etc., to facilitate item receive, stow, pick, shipping and other aspects of materials handling. The automated devices are controlled by a materials handling control system that sends instructions to the various devices to coordinate operation of those devices and to coordinate flow of items through the materials handling system.

An automatic guidance system for an agricultural vehicle includes a tractor, a towed implement, an absolute tractor position sensor, a relative implement position sensor, and an electronic control system. The operator inputs the implement geometry and field information into the control system. The control system combines this data with the absolute vehicle position and relative implement position to accurately guide the towed implement through a field.

The present invention provides for distributed navigation and route guidance using networked computing devices. A computing device may host one or more navigation functional components. The location of a navigable object is sensed and communicated to associated navigation components in a communication network. The navigation components collectively provide guidance information to a navigable object controller. A navigable object controller directs the movement of an navigable object using guidance information to keep it on a specified route. The navigable object controller interacts with the distributed navigation system through an interface, which provides the appropriate presentation of guidance information and functions for the particular type of navigable object controller (e.g., human-machine interface, or system to system). The present invention provides the structures and methods for a flexible navigation and guidance system supporting a variety of network capabilities and computing devices using the same software implementation.

Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, with the customer's permission, it may be detected by sensors that an occupant of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency. A nearby medical facility may be determined based upon the vehicle location and the detected medical emergency. A route from the current vehicle location to the medical facility may be determined, and the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be automatically directed or routed to the medical facility. A message may also be generated and transmitted to the medical facility to alert them that a person in need of timely medical assistance is on the way. Life and auto insurance discounts may be generated for risk averse customers based upon their vehicles having the emergency response functionality.

A reactive AGV system includes an AGV vision guidance system which places the camera system and controlled lighting sources between the drive wheels of the AGV to shield from ambient light and provide a constant lighting condition. The AGV guide path includes physical path properties for controlling AGV behavior. Visual Parameters of the guide path such as line thickness, line color, the presence and form of a secondary control line, or the presence of distinct a line elements may all be used as visual input control signals for the AGV. Additionally viewable icons are used for controlling AGV routing. These icons may, preferably, also be human readable to enhance the customer understanding and therefore usage of the system.

Method and system for managing cabling rooms that include a plurality of communication panels, which are arranged closely to one another. Each cabling room has a plurality of patch panels, structurally connected to form vertical structures. An operator is automatically guided to a communication panel or a plurality of communication panels, in which changes are to be made to modify the connectivity status or to deal with connectivity problems that may arise for any reason. The system automatically indicates to an operator optimal ports that are available and optimal patch cords for connecting them, based on distances between ports and on the electrical characteristics of the electrical signals that it is intended to pass between the ports.

A system 1000, and its alternates 1002 through 1022, for automatically tracking and videoing the movements of multiple participants and objects during an event. System 1000 and its alternates comprise a scalable area tracking matrix of overhead tracking cameras 120c, whose individual field-of-views 120v combine to form a contiguous view 504m of the performance area where the event is being held. As participants 110, and all other necessary objects such as 103 (e.g. a puck in ice-hockey) and 104 (e.g. a stick in ice-hockey) move about during the event, computer 160 analyzes the images from contiguous view 504m to create a real-time tracking database at least including participant and object centroid locations respective to the performance area, and preferably including their identities matched to these ongoing locations. System 1000 and its alternates then employ the real-time database to automatically direct, without operator intervention, one or more side-view cameras such as 140-a, 140-b, 140-c and 140-d, to maintain optimal viewing of the event. The participants and objects may additionally be marked with encoded or non-encoded, visible or non-visible markers, either denoting centroid locations visible from their upper surfaces, and / or non-centroid locations visible from perspective views. The encoded markers are preferably placed on upper surfaces and detectable by computer 160 as it analyzes the images from contiguous overhead field-of-view 504m, thus providing participant and object identities to correspond with ongoing locations, further enhancing algorithms for subsequently controlling side-view cameras 140-a through 140-d. The non-encoded markers are preferably placed on multiple non-centroid locations at least on the participants that are then adjustably viewable by system 1000 and its alternates as the system uses the determined locations of each participant from the overhead view to automatically adjust one or more side-view cameras to tightly follow the participant. The resulting images from side-view cameras 140-a through 140-d may then be subsequently processed to determine the non-encoded marker locations, thus forming a three dimensional model of each participant and objects movements.

A roadway-powered electric vehicle (RPEV) system includes: (1) an all-electric vehicle; and (2) a roadway network over which the vehicle travels. The all-electric vehicle has one or more onboard energy storage elements or devices that can be rapidly charged or energized with energy obtained from an electrical current, such as a network of electromechanical batteries. The electric vehicle further includes an on-board controller that extracts energy from the energy storage elements, as needed, and converts such extracted energy to electrical power used to propel the electric vehicle. The energy storage elements may be charged while the vehicle is in operation. The charging occurs through a network of power coupling elements, e.g., coils, embedded in the roadway. The RPEV system also includes: (1) an onboard power meter; (2) a wide bandwidth communications channel to allow information signals to be sent to, and received from, the RPEV while it is in use; (3) automated garaging that couples power to the RPEV for both replenishing the onboard energy source and to bring the interior climate of the vehicle to a comfortable level before the driver and / or passengers get in; (4) electronic coupling between “master” and “salve” RPEV's in order to increase passenger capacity and electronic actuators for quick-response control of the “slave” RPEV; (5) inductive heating coils at passenger loading / unloading zones in order to increase passenger safety; (6) an ergonomically designed passenger compartment; (7) a locating system for determining the precise location of the RPEV; and (8) a scheduling and dispatch computer for controlling the scheduling of RPEV's around a route and dispatch of RPEV's based on demand.

During a sporting or similar event, participants and objects are automatically tracked using a scalable matrix of fixed, non-adjustable overhead cameras that form a view of the entire performance area. The participants and objects are identified with attached visible or non-visible markers that are detected using image analysis. A real-time database of two-dimensional movement locations is created from the resulting information, which is then used to automatically direct multiple fixed, adjustable side-view cameras for capturing and recording the event. Image analysis of this side-view video detects additional markers providing a three-dimensional model of the participants and objects.

A system, method and device for the capture and display of high-resolution stereoscopic or monoscopic wide fields-of-view (FOV) at still or video rates, presenting techniques and designs for distance measuring, for changing the working stereo capture range of a stereoscopic image capture device, and for playing pre-recorded or transmitted stereoscopic video image data through a player unit. The system supports multiple independent viewers and image analysis sub-systems of various types utilizing hardware, software and firmware. Further included is a stereoscopic videoconferencing embodiment that captures and transmits an entire room's view and automatically directs focus of images.

A roadway-powered electric vehicle system includes an all-electric vehicle and a roadway network over which the vehicle travels. The vehicle has one or more onboard energy storage elements or devices that can be rapidly charged or energized with energy obtained from an electrical current, such as a network of electromechanical batteries. The electric vehicle further includes an on-board controller that extracts energy from the energy storage elements, as needed, and converts such extracted energy to electrical power used to propel the electric vehicle. The energy storage elements may be charged while the vehicle is in operation.

In one illustrative embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a device adapted to determine the position of a target magnet, wherein the device includes a pair of orthogonal magnetic field sensors laterally disposed along an axis that is substantially transverse to an axis defined by one that is nominally parallel to the direction of the target magnet. In another illustrative embodiment, the subject matter is adapted for use on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), whereby detection of the target magnet's location facilitates correction of the vehicle's heading and position while traversing an AGV system. The present subject matter is also directed to a method whereby the position of a target magnet may be determined by triangulation, utilizing trigonometric calculations based upon the strength and direction of the magnet field to determine the magnet's position relative to the magnetic field sensors.

The invention provides an automated guided vehicle navigation method based on two-dimension code positioning and relates to the technical field of navigation of automated vehicles. The automated guided vehicle navigation method based on two-dimension code positioning solves the technical problems that according to an existing method, deployment is not convenient, investment cost is high, and paths are not flexible. According to the automated guided vehicle navigation method based on two-dimension code positioning, a two-dimension code label array which is arranged in a mesh mode is attached to the ground of the site where an automated guided vehicle is applied, two-dimension code labels on the ground are obtained through a camera and are recognized when the automated guided vehicle advances, the automated guided vehicle is controlled to advance according to the position information contained in the two-dimension code labels, and thus navigation of the automated guided vehicle is achieved. The automated guided vehicle navigation method based on two-dimension code positioning has the advantages that deployment is convenient, investment cost is low, and the paths are flexible.

A system for controlling a marine vessel that includes a sonar depth finder configured to display a chart for a body of water. The chart has depth information for the body of water, and is programmed to allow a user to select from a plurality of depths indicated on the sonar depth finder display. The sonar depth finder further is configured to generate a route for the marine vessel. The route includes a path through the body of water where each point along the path is at the desired depth. The system includes a vessel control device in communication with the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is configured to receive transmissions from the sonar depth finder. The transmissions include the route generated by the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is further configured to automatically direct the marine vessel along the route.

The invention discloses an automatic guidance system based on radio frequency identification labels and vision, and the method of the automatic guidance system. The invention is characterized in adopting a four-wheel structure, wherein two front wheels are used for steering and two rear wheels are used for driving; a direct current motor is used as the travelling and driving device, which is driven to steer by a stepping motor; the invention is provided with a wheel steering angle positioning device, so the invention has relatively high dynamic response ability; a black and white parallel guide belt is adopted as a guide path, with the radio frequency identification labels discontinuously laid below, and red work station characters arranged at both sides; CCD collects road surface information, and the brightness of light source adaptive controls according to image gray information; characters are extracted by utilizing color differences; straight lines are rapidly HOUGH transformed and identified; a control signal is sent to AGV controller after processed by an industrial control computer, and the direct current motor and the stepping motor are controlled. In order to effectively realize the communication dispatch between AGVS in real time, radio frequency identification labels are adopted for positioning, and a wireless transceiver module is adopted for communication between AGVS and a host. The invention has the advantages of good environmental adaptability and navigation precision, and lower cost.

A battery exchange system for a battery-powered mobile vehicle comprises an exchanger automatic guided vehicle (“EAGV”) which is controlled by a central computer and which comprises a linking member that is temporarily connectable to the battery and a motive member that moves the battery at least horizontally relative to the mobile vehicle. During a battery exchange operation, the EAGV automatically engages the battery and removes the battery from the mobile vehicle. The EAGV may then automatically engage a charged battery and insert the charged battery into the mobile vehicle.

An automated guided vehicle and a method of controlling an automated guided vehicle which are capable of varying the travel path of the automatic guided vehicle in order to reduce wear patterns created in the floor of the material handling facility. The travel path of the AGV is varied by intentionally applying a deviation from a selected predetermined route along which the AGV is traveling.

Disclosed is a stereo vision measuring device based on a binocular omni-directional vision sensor. Each ODVS composing the binocular omni-directional vision sensor adopts the design of mean angle resolution. The parameters of two image collection cameras are in complete accord and in possession of a pretty good symmetry, and can quickly realize the point-to-point matching. The device adopts a unified spherical coordinate in the process of data collection, processing, description and representation of space objects in terms of centering on human in visual space, and adopts the elements of distance sense, direction sense and color sense to express features of each characteristic point, thereby simplifying the complication of calculus, omitting the calibration of the cameras, facilitating the feature extraction and realizing the stereo image matching easily, finally realizing the purpose of high-effective, real-time, and accurate stereo vision measurement. The device can be applied in a plurality of fields of industrial detection, object identification, robot automatic guidance, astronautics, aeronautics, military affairs, etc.

An automated guided vehicle control system and method which allows overall conveying time to be reduced by simultaneously moving a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to working locations without interfering with each other. For this purpose, when there is a conveyance request, one of a plurality of the AGVs operated on a single guide path is assigned work. Further, it is determined whether another automated guided vehicle moving to a working location exists on the guide path. Also information on current and working locations of the automated guided vehicles is read if the automated guided vehicle moving to the working location exists on the guide path. Further, it is determined whether simultaneous movements are possible based on the read information. The automated guided vehicle waiting for work is moved if the simultaneous movements are possible. Accordingly, the overall convey time is reduced by simultaneously moving the AGVs to working locations or by previously moving the AGVs to optimal locations without interfering with each other, so that conveying efficiency of the AGVs is improved.

A method and system for automatically guiding a user through a design flow for an integrated circuit are disclosed. The method and system include displaying a design flow user interface on a user's computer, where the user interface includes symbols corresponding to design flow process steps. The design flow process steps are defined with a set of rules, and user input for each step is analyzed for compliance with the rules. The user is allowed to proceed to a next step in the flow once it is determined that the previous steps have been completed successfully.

An automated guided vehicle has plural conveyors for transferring materials to be transferred mounted on a self-propelling dolly and juxtaposed in a transverse direction. Each of the conveyors includes plural part conveyors whose operation can be controlled individually and arranged in tandem in a transferred direction. One or three or more part conveyors may be disposed or arranged in tandem in the direction of the vehicular width. One or three or more part conveyors may be disposed or juxtaposed in the transverse direction.

A system for controlling a marine vessel that includes a sonar depth finder configured to display a chart for a body of water. The chart has depth information for the body of water, and is programmed to allow a user to select from a plurality of depths indicated on the sonar depth finder display. The sonar depth finder further is configured to generate a route for the marine vessel. The route includes a path through the body of water where each point along the path is at the desired depth. The system includes a vessel control device in communication with the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is configured to receive transmissions from the sonar depth finder. The transmissions include the route generated by the sonar depth finder. The vessel control device is further configured to automatically direct the marine vessel along the route.

The present invention discloses a method for remotely treating automobile insurance service and a system thereof. The method comprises the following steps: remotely realizing the automobile insurance acceptance service through inputting customer information based on mobile communication system and used portable mobile communication device, and storing or outputting the insurance acceptance information; at a state that the automobile is generated with an accident, through the mobile communication system and the used portable mobile communication device, automatically guiding the interaction based on insurance acceptance information through inputting the customer accident generation information for quickly completing the automobile insurance accident report, and storing or outputting the automobile insurance accident report information; based on the insurance acceptance information and automobile insurance accident report information, completing the automobile insurance accident field and automobile exploration remotely through collecting the field image information and related information of automobile insurance accident by the used portable mobile communication device, and storing or outputting the automobile insurance accident field and automobile exploration information; and based on the insurance acceptance information, automobile insurance accident report information and automobile insurance field and automobile exploration information, remotely completing the automobile insurance accident loss evaluating movably, generating the automobile insurance accident loss evaluating information, and transmitting the automobile insurance accident loss evaluating information to a maintenance shop or a related department.

A GPS-based vehicle guidance system and a method for automatically guiding a vehicle through and end of a row turn. The present invention provides a method and system that automatically guides the vehicle through an end of row turn without manual control. An algorithm using the minimum turning radius of the vehicle and the rate of change of the vehicle creates a set of interpolated data points resulting in an end of row turn.

A self-guiding wind turbine made of two reinforced parallel girders whose side center of thrust is displaced from the column axis where it is supported and turns. Its dihedral-shaped two-bladed rotor is self-stabilizing since its center of thrust is behind its center of gravity and the guiding axis of the turbine, thus improving self-guiding whilst in motion. The axial thrust is controlled, whilst the head and rotor are tilting, hydraulically by counter-pressure, ensuring they do not surpass the power collected and the moments on the structure, shoe and ground. The self-guiding structure can tilt hydraulically lowering its head and rotor and facilitating its assembly and maintenance, and can remain “asleep” when not in use, thus reducing the visual impact on the environment. This turbine makes use of the force of the wind to control itself, simplifying the manufacture of large turbines connected to the network or in isolated applications.