1081 results about "Odometer" patented technology

A pipeline inspection and defect mapping system includes a pig having an inertial measurement unit and a pipeline inspection unit for recording pig location and defect detection events, each record time-stamped by a highly precise onboard clock. The system also includes several magloggers at precisely known locations along the pipeline, each containing a fluxgate magnetometer for detecting the passage of the pig along the pipeline and further containing a highly precise clock synchronized with the clock in the pig. The locations of the various magloggers are known in a north/east/down coordinate system through a differential global positioning satellite process. Finally, a postprocessing off-line computer system receives downloaded maglogger, inertial measurement, and odometer data and through the use of several Kalman filters, derives the location of the detected defects in the north/east/down coordinate frame. Consequently, a task of identifying sites for repair activity is much simplified.

In an automobile, communications to and from the automobile are in the form of messages. Such messages are referred to as “electronic car-mail” or “C-mail” messages as each message has a destination or origination address which includes an identifier, e.g., a vehicle identification number (VIN), identifying the automobile. The messages may be delivered to the automobile from a remote server through a communications network, e.g., the Internet. One such message may contain a recall notice to the automobile. Another message may contain just-in-time map information for navigation, depending on the current location of the automobile. Yet another message may contain advertising information concerning selected entities, e.g., restaurants, gas stations, department stores, etc., also depending on the current location of the automobile. The messages transmitted from the automobile to the remote server may contain, e.g., GPS information identifying the location of the automobile, dynamic data furnished by sensors in the automobile for analysis, an odometer reading and a speedometer reading for records, etc.

The invention discloses a map merging method of unmanned aerial vehicle visual SLAM under city complex environment. The method comprises the steps of 1, collecting an image through an RGB-D camera installed on each unmanned aerial vehicle, utilizing the unmanned aerial vehicle to conduct pretreatment on the image, and then conducting image registration; 2, constructing a visual odometer, and achieving loop detection; 3, optimizing the posture of the unmanned aerial vehicle; 4, constructing an octomap map, and achieving real-time on-line SLAM; 5, transmitting the octomap into a ground computer, merging a local octomap into a global octomap, and then transmitting the merged all-region octomap to the unmanned aerial vehicle. According to the map merging method of the unmanned aerial vehicle visual SLAM under the city complex environment, calculated quantity is reduced, real-time on-line SLAM can be achieved, and hidden danger of information losses brought by unstable wireless transmission is reduced; meanwhile, the task execution time is shortened, the task execution efficiency is improved, hidden danger brought by insufficient unmanned aerial vehicle cruising ability, finally more precise positioning can be obtained, and a more precise map can be established.

A horizontal navigation system aided by a carrier phase differential Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a Laser-Scanner (LS) for an Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV). The high accuracy vehicle navigation system is highly demanded for advanced AGVs. Although high positioning accuracy is achievable by a high performance RTK-GPS receiver, the performance should be considerably degraded in a high-blockage environment due to tall buildings and other obstacles. The present navigation system is to provide decimetre-level positioning accuracy in such a severe environment for precise GPS positioning. The horizontal navigation system is composed of a low cost Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) and a precise odometer. The navigation errors are estimated using a tightly coupled Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). The measurements of the EKF are double differenced code and carrier phase from a dual frequency GPS receiver and relative positions derived from laser scanner measurements.

A three-dimensional map-generating apparatus and method using structured light. The apparatus for generating a three-dimensional map using structured light includes an odometer detecting the pose of a mobile robot, and a distance-measuring sensor including a light source module that emits light upward and a camera module that captures an image formed by light reflected from an obstacle, and measuring a distance to the obstacle using the captured image. The apparatus measures a distance to the obstacle using the distance-measuring sensor while changing the relative pose of the mobile robot, thereby generating a three-dimensional map.

A method for assessing, pricing, and provisioning distance-based vehicle insurance is disclosed. Receiving identification information of a customer and an associated vehicle, a current odometer reading of the vehicle, and a garaging location of the vehicle is disclosed. The customer is provided with a quote including a policy rate identifying a cost per distance unit based on the customer and vehicle identification information and the garaging location. Performing a purchase transaction for an insurance policy in response to the customer selecting one of the items for purchase, wherein coverage provided by the insurance policy expires based on the earlier of an odometer expiration value occurring and a predetermined time limit is disclosed. The expiration odometer value is the sum of the current odometer reading and the total number of distance units included in the selected item. The current odometer reading is not audited prior to or during the purchase transaction.

A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.

An apparatus to acquire 3-dimensional geographical information of an underground pipe includes an in-pipe transfer unit which moves along the inside of the underground pipe, a sensing unit which senses 3-dimensional location information of the in-pipe transfer unit, and an information storage unit which stores a value measured by the sensing unit. Accordingly, the depth at which the underground pipe is located as well as 2-dimensional location information of the underground pipe is stored in the information storage unit so that maintenance and repair of the underground pipe can be carried out with greater efficiency.

In a method of tracking usage habits of a vehicle having a standard vehicle data port, in which a user identification, a start date, a start time, and a start odometer reading are recorded a local vehicle data storage medium upon receipt of an authorized user identification. A shutoff date, a shutoff time and a shutoff odometer reading are recorded in the local vehicle data storage medium upon sensing engine shutoff. A request for vehicle usage information is received from an off-board data storage device. In response thereto the user identification, the start date, the start, the start odometer reading, the shutoff date, the shutoff time and the shutoff odometer reading are transmitted from the local vehicle data storage medium to the off-board data storage device. A report that includes the user identification, the start date, the start, the start odometer reading, the shutoff date, the shutoff time and the shutoff odometer reading, is transmitted from the off-board data storage device to a remote computer, via a global computer network.

An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle.

The invention belongs to the technical field of pipeline surveying and mapping, and in particular relates to an MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) inertial measurement unit-based pipeline surveying and mapping and defect positioning device and a pipeline surveying and mapping and defect positioning method thereof. The MEMS inertial measurement unit-based pipeline surveying and mapping and defect positioning device comprises a measurement unit, a correction unit, a defect detection unit, a power supply unit and a data processing and memory unit. Compared with the conventional inventions and papers and the like, the MEMS inertial measurement unit is lower in cost, and has a wider pipe diameter application range of being 60 mm at minimum besides the autonomy. The MEMS inertial measurement unit is combined with an odometer, a flux-gate magnetometer and an ultrasonic detection device. The pipeline surveying and mapping problem without laying a fixed-point magnetic scale is solved, meanwhile, the information on a defect position is detected and marked, and convenience is provided for the maintenance and strengthening of pipeline defects. An odometer wheel is also connected with a power generation device, so that the problems caused by external power supply are solved.

The invention discloses a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) method for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on mixed vision odometers and a multi-scale map, and belongs to the technical field of autonomous navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles. According to the SLAM method, an overlooking monocular camera, a foresight binocular camera and an airborne computer are carried on an unmanned aerial vehicle platform; the monocular camera is used for the visual odometer based on a direct method, and binocular camera is used for the visual odometer based on feature point method; the mixed visual odometers conduct information fusion on output of the two visual odometers to construct the local map for positioning, and the real-time posture of the unmanned aerial vehicle is obtained; then theposture is fed back to a flight control system to control the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle; and the airborne computer transmits the real-time posture and collected images to a ground station, the ground station plans the flight path in real time according to the constructed global map and sends waypoint information to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and thus autonomous flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle is achieved. Real-time posture estimation and environmental perception of the unmanned aerial vehicle under the non-GPS environment are achieved, and the intelligent level of the unmanned aerial vehicle is greatly increased.

The present invention relates generally to the provision in an automobile of a tamper-evident combined Odometer and Engine Run-time recorder, optionally with display of average speed or indication of type of vehicle use.

The invention discloses a wearable positioning and path guidance method based on a binocular camera under an outdoor operating environment. The wearable positioning and path guidance method comprises the following steps: 1) letting an operator perform environmental exploration, traversing the whole operation site environment along an operation path and positioning by utilizing a binocular vision odometer and a GPS as well as IMU data, and meanwhile creating an operating environment overview map; 2) in the processes of real-time positioning and path guidance, performing global metric positioning by utilizing the binocular vision odometer and topological positioning by utilizing closed-loop detection at the same time; 3) when a loop is judged to be closed, calculating position deviation by utilizing scene features, performing deviation correction on a current global position and completing sample base updating; 4) performing operation task path planning and operation path guidance prompt by utilizing a topological overview map and real-time positioning results, and pushing information to a user. A reliable and real-time operation path guidance and positioning function is provided aiming at a wearable operation auxiliary system for equipment routing inspection, operation and maintenance and other class-A tasks under the outdoor environment.

A system and method for providing an odometer verification for a vehicle. The method carried out by the system includes the steps of: (a) receiving authorization from a customer to periodically store odometer information obtained from the customer's vehicle; (b) configuring at least one processing device such that it automatically stores odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values for the vehicle; (c) receiving a request for an odometer verification; (d) analyzing the odometer readings and associated correlation parameter values in response to the request; (e) determining a verification result based on the analysis; and (f) sending the verification result to a recipient in response to the determination.

The invention discloses a fast monocular vision odometer navigation and positioning method fusing a feature point method and a direct method, which comprises the following steps: S1, starting the vision odometer and obtaining a first frame image I1, converting the image I1 into a gray scale image, extracting ORB feature points, and constructing an initialization key frame; 2, judging whether thatinitialization has been carry out; If it has been initialized, it goes to step S6, otherwise, it goes to step S3; 3, defining a reference frame and a current frame, extracting ORB feature and matchingfeatures; 4, simultaneously calculating a homography matrix H and a base matrix F by a parallel thread, calculating a judgment model score RH, if RH is great than a threshold value, selecting a homography matrix H, otherwise selecting a base matrix F, and estimating a camera motion according to that selected model; 5, obtaining that pose of the camera and the initial 3D point; 6, judging whetherthat feature point have been extracted, if the feature points have not been extracted, the direct method is used for tracking, otherwise, the feature point method is used for tracking; S7, completingthe initial camera pose estimation. The invention can more precisely carry out navigation and positioning.

A method of assessing, pricing, and provisioning distance-based vehicle insurance is disclosed. The method includes receiving a vehicle identification number of a vehicle to be insured from a customer, receiving an preliminary odometer reading of the vehicle to be insured from the customer, and obtaining from the customer a legally binding declaration that the preliminary odometer reading is true and accurate. The method includes insuring the vehicle during a policy period defined by coverage for a preselected number of units distance from the preliminary odometer reading.

The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting defects of inner and outer walls of a pipeline based on three-axis magnetic flux leakage and eddy current, and belongs to the technical field of non-destructive testing. The device comprises a magnetic flux leakage detector, a data processing and storing device, a power supply, at least three odometer wheels and an eddy current detector, wherein the eddy current detector consists of an eddy current sensor and is a device used for detecting the defects on inner and outer surfaces of the pipeline. According to the device provided by the invention, a magnetic flux leakage detection method and an eddy current detection method are combined by using different characteristics of the magnetic flux leakage detection method and the eddy current detection method, so that the function of distinguishing the defect of the inner wall from the defects of the outer wall is realized; and in addition, the method provided by the invention is favorable in detection quality and simple in operation and can be widely applied to non-destructive detection of oil transmission pipelines in the industrial fields of petroleum, petrifaction and the like.

The invention provides a road passable area detection method based on three-dimensional laser radar. The road passable area detection method comprises the steps of: obtaining surrounding information of a vehicle by adopting three-dimensional laser radar, and collecting point cloud data; eliminating the motion distortion of the point cloud by combining the odometer information of the vehicle; extracting laser point cloud interest points according to the point cloud data after motion distortion is eliminated, wherein extracting laser point cloud interest points mainly comprises rejecting data points located out of an area at a certain height above the laser radar; performing ground segmentation by adopting the height information of the extracted laser point cloud interest points and combining the RANSAC algorithm, and distinguishing the ground point cloud and the obstacle point cloud; and rasterizing the distinguished obstacle point cloud, extracting data points closest to the vehicle in each grid, and combining the data points to obtain boundary points of the passable area. According to the invention, the problem of motion distortion generated during the motion of the point cloud is eliminated, so that the surrounding information expressed by the point cloud is more accurate.

The invention discloses a binocular vision positioning and three-dimensional mapping method for an indoor mobile robot. A binocular vision positioning and three-dimensional mapping system for the indoor mobile robot is mainly composed of a two-wheeled mobile robot platform, an odometer module, an analog camera, an FPGA core module, an image acquisition module, a wireless communication module, a storage module, a USB module and a remote data processing host computer. The FPGA core module controls the image acquisition module to collect information of a left image and a right image and sends the information of the left image and the right image to the remote data processing host computer. Distance information between images and the robot is obtained on the remote data processing host computer according to the information of the left image and the right image in a fast belief propagation algorithm, a three-dimensional environmental map is established in the remote data processing host computer, recognition of a specific marker is realized in an improved SIFT algorithm, and then the position of the mobile robot is determined through information integration in a particle filter algorithm. The binocular vision positioning and three-dimensional mapping system is compact in structure and capable of having access to an intelligent space system so that the indoor mobile robot can detect the environment in real time and provide more and accurate services according to the corresponding position information at the same time.

The invention belongs to navigation methods and particularly relates to a method for combined navigation of an inertia/visual odometer/laser radar. The method comprises (1) state model establishment, (2) visual odometer speed measurement based on characteristic information, (3) establishment of a measurement equation and obtaining of a measurement value, (4) Kalman filtering and (5) system error correction. The method has the advantages that a machine vision autonomous navigation technology is used, a monocular camera can measure a vector speed under the conditions of a known distance through the difference of a front frame image and a rear frame image, the laser radar can accurately measure the distance of an observation point and then measure a vector speed, navigation is performed by utilizing combination of the speed obtained through measurement and an inertial reference speed, and high-accuracy navigation is performed finally under the conditions of no outside reference information.

The invention discloses a monocular vision odometer positioning method and a positioning system based on a semi-direct method. The method includes: entering a target scene through a monocular camera and recording scene image data; preprocessing the obtained scene image d and detecting feature points; conducting initialization of the system initializes, tracking the obtained feature points, takingthe tracked feature point pair set as the data set of a robust algorithm, extracting the line features from the scene image, and using the semi-direct method to estimate the pose of the camera; selecting the key frames in the image taken by the camera; performing map construction. The invention realizes a robust and high-quality initialization process. The method selects a key frame to update thedepth information of the three-dimensional feature once when each three-dimensional feature is added to the depth filter for the first time, thereby reducing the uncertainty of the depth information of the new three-dimensional feature and accelerating the convergence of the depth. The reference frame of three-dimensional features is updated to shorten the time interval between the reference frameand the current frame and to reduce the sensitivity to illumination changes.