474 results about "Onboard computer" patented technology

A smart grid gateway which includes a onboard computer programmed to provide load measurement and control of at least one local resource or asset. At least one metrology module is configured to provide metering of the at least one local resource or asset. At least one LAN module is configured to communicate with the at least one local resource or asset. At least one WAN module is configured to communicate with a network operations center.

Provided is a method of receiving data from a vehicle onboard computer. The onboard computer is configured to transmit vehicle identification data in response to receipt of an identification request, which is transmitted in a basic communication protocol. The onboard computer is further configured to transmit private operational data in response to receipt of a private data request. The private data request is transmitted in a diagnostic protocol. The method includes connecting a scan tool to the onboard computer, and polling the onboard computer to identify the basic communication protocol. The identification request is then transmitted to the onboard computer. Vehicle identification data is subsequently received from the onboard computer. A protocol database having a plurality of diagnostic protocols is then accessed. Each diagnostic protocol is associated with respective vehicle identification data. The diagnostic protocol is then determined based on the received vehicle identification data.

A system for synchronizing data for use in a navigation comprises a computing device and a vehicle onboard computer system. The computing device comprises an associated communication subsystem adapted for wireless communications, a user interface permitting entry of address data, and memory adapted to store the address data. The onboard computer comprises a communication subsystem for wireless communications with the computing device, memory to locally store address data, and a navigation system having a user interface that allows for selection of stored address data. The navigation system calculates a route based upon the selected address, displays the route on the user interface, and synchronizes address data using an information synchronization protocol. Changes or additions to the address data in the computing device are synchronized with local address data of the onboard computer, facilitating selection of addresses for route calculation.

The present invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting a vehicle feature of a vehicle, where the system includes a first sensor, an onboard computer, a camera, a mirror, a controller; an actuator; and an algorithm. The algorithm instructs the onboard computer in steps for adjusting one or more vehicle features. The first sensor and the controller are in electronic communication with the onboard computer and the controller is in electronic communication with one or more actuators that connect to and adjust the various vehicle features. The onboard computer includes or accesses a database that correlates users, features, and vehicle feature settings. Such vehicle features include seat position and camera viewing angle.

An apparatus, method for detecting critical areas and a pedestrian detection apparatus using the same are provided. An application of the pedestrian detection system is provided to help limit critical urban environment to particular areas. Contrary to traditional pedestrian detection systems that localize every pedestrians appearing in front of the subject vehicle, the apparatus first finds critical areas from urban environment and performs a focused search of pedestrians. The environment is reconstructed using a standard laser scanner but the subsequent checking for the presence of pedestrians is performed by incorporating a vision system. The apparatus identifies pedestrians within substantially limited image areas and results in boosts of timing performance, since no evaluation of critical degrees is necessary until an actual pedestrian is informed to the driver or onboard computer.

An animal feedlot management system is disclosed, wherein each feed delivery vehicle employed therein uses real-time virtual reality (VR) modelling and coordinate acquisition techniques supported upon an Internet-based (i.e., Cyberspace) communications platform in order to carry out various types of feedlot operations. Each feedlot vehicle has an on-board computer system which includes a VR subsystem, for accessing a VR database maintaining information representative of a VR model of the feedlot and the objects present therein (eg., tagged animals, pens, alley ways, feedbunks, buildings, vehicles, etc.

An apparatus, method for detecting critical areas and a pedestrian detection apparatus using the same are provided. An application of the pedestrian detection system is provided to help limit critical urban environment to particular areas. Contrary to traditional pedestrian detection systems that localize every pedestrians appearing in front of the subject vehicle, the apparatus first finds critical areas from urban environment and performs a focused search of pedestrians. The environment is reconstructed using a standard laser scanner but the subsequent checking for the presence of pedestrians is performed by incorporating a vision system. The apparatus identifies pedestrians within substantially limited image areas and results in boosts of timing performance, since no evaluation of critical degrees is necessary until an actual pedestrian is informed to the driver or onboard computer.

A system and method for establishing a mutually authenticated secure link between a mobile platform system and a remote system is provided. An onboard computer system (OCS) generates a dynamic certificate and digitally signs the dynamic certificate with a static certificate. The dynamic certificate is transmitted to a remote central computer system (CCS). The CCS verifies that the dynamic certificate is from a trusted source and sends a return dynamic certificate electronically signed with the static certificate to the OCS. The OCS verifies the return dynamic certificate is from the CCS, thereby establishing a mutually authenticated secure link between the OCS and the CCS.

A predictive cruise control system utilizes information about the current vehicle position, and upcoming terrain to save fuel and increase driving comfort. A vehicle operating cost function is defined, based on a plurality of environmental parameters, vehicle parameters, vehicle operating parameters and route parameters. As the vehicle travels over a particular route for which route parameters, such as road gradient and curvature, are stored in a road map, sensors aboard the vehicle detect environmental and vehicle operating parameters, including at least vehicle speed and its position relative to the road map. As the vehicle proceeds, an onboard computer iteratively calculates and stores in a memory vehicle control parameters that optimize the vehicle operating cost function for a predetermined prediction horizon along the route ahead of the vehicle. The optimal vehicle control parameters for the Prediction Horizon are then stored, updated and used to control the vehicle.

A method of processing vehicle diagnostic data is provided for identifying likely vehicle fix(s) associated with a diagnostic data, and identifying a repair procedure(s) for correcting the likely fix(s). The process receiving vehicle diagnostic data from a vehicle onboard computer at a remote diagnostic database, the database being arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to possible vehicle fix(s). The possible vehicle fix(s) are prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to combinations of diagnostic data stored in a prior experience database. The prior experience database having an identified fix associated with each stored combination of diagnostic data. The fix associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely fix. The most likely fix is mapped to a vehicle repair database, the most likely fix being directly mapped to an associated repair procedure for repairing the most likely fix.

A method of transferring files between a computer on board a train and a remote station including determining if the remote station is within range of the train and establishing wireless communication between the onboard computer and the remote station. Next, the computer determines whether there are files to be transferred, and if so, transfers the file. If the remote station has updates to be transferred to the train, such updates are transferred to the onboard computer. Files and updates are also transferred between remote stations and between remote stations and a home base station. A method of adjusting a simulator includes inputting data from the train onto a simulator. The simulator is operated with the data and the simulator automatically adjusts the parameters of the simulator until the data of the simulator matches the data from the train. The data can then be process and analyzed.

A system for synchronizing data for use in a navigation comprises a computing device and a vehicle onboard computer system. The computing device comprises an associated communication subsystem adapted for wireless communications, a user interface permitting entry of address data, and memory adapted to store the address data. The onboard computer comprises a communication subsystem for wireless communications with the computing device, memory to locally store address data, and a navigation system having a user interface that allows for selection of stored address data. The navigation system calculates a route based upon the selected address, displays the route on the user interface, and synchronizes address data using an information synchronization protocol. Changes or additions to the address data in the computing device are synchronized with local address data of the onboard computer, facilitating selection of addresses for route calculation.

The invention relates to a method for diagnosing the driving capability of a driver of a motor vehicle (5), in which changes in driver condition are ascertained from physiological measured values derived from the driver while driving in the vehicle and evaluated, and if the changes are serious, a warning is issued or remedial actions are initiated, wherein the physiological measured values ascertained while driving in the vehicle are combined by means of a corresponding expert system (10) with health-relevant data for the driver ascertained in stationary fashion, and with data indicating driver stress that are estimated in particular from the instantaneous traffic situation and instantaneous operating state of the vehicle (5), and changes in the driver's condition are weighted with the estimated driver stress and interpreted; and an apparatus (1) for carrying out the method, which is characterized in that the expert system (10) is implemented in an onboard computer of the vehicle (3) which is connected via a bus (3) internal to the vehicle to a mobile driver condition sensor suite (4) that supplies the physiological measured values; to a memory / transfer medium (15, 18) that delivers the biographical data and / or the health-relevant data ascertained in stationary fashion; and to an ACC system and driving direction system (11) internal to the vehicle.

The invention relates to a miniature unmanned helicopter auto flight control system which comprises an on-board control system, wherein, an on-board computer gets signals from sensors through a serial port, and exchanges data with a ground-based computer through on-board and ground wireless Ethernet access points; the on-board computer carries out serial communication with a digital signal processor to control a steering engine set of the unmanned helicopter; a remote control signal receiver outputs to the digital signal processor and then is connected with the on-board computer through a serial port, and an auto control signal and a ground remote control signal are accumulated to get a current steering engine control signal. And the auto flight control system also comprises a ground control system, wherein, the ground-based computer transmits flight control instructions to the on-board computer and receives and records flight data; through operating a ground helicopter remote controller, manual control instructions can be transmitted to the on-board remote control signal receiver via wireless radio frequency signals. The invention can improve the auto flight ability of the miniature unmanned helicopter, strengthen system reliability, expand the application range of the unmanned helicopter and enable the helicopter to complete given missions beyond the visual range.

A motorized wheel-chair is equipped with one or more sensors for detecting obstacles. The detection method may be either radar or sonar (or both). An on-board computer processes these echoes and presents a visual or auditory display. With the benefit of these displays, the user issues voice commands (or exerts manual pressure) to maneuver appropriately the motorized wheelchair. One or more microphones pick up the sounds of the user's voice and transmit them to a computer. The computer decodes the maneuvering commands by speech-recognition techniques and transmits these commands to the wheelchair to effect the desired motion. In addition to speech recognition for decoding commands, voice (speaker) recognition is employed to determine authorized users.

A multi-stage diagnostic system and related method which seeks diagnostic information from a secondary information source when a first information source does not yield sufficient data for producing a diagnostic result. In particular, diagnostic process includes a first stage of communicating with an onboard vehicle computer to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes therefrom. If no diagnostic trouble codes are retrieved from the onboard computer, the diagnostic process proceeds to a second stage wherein symptomatic diagnostic information is solicited from the user. A series of symptomatic questions may be presented to the user on a smartphone. The answers from the symptomatic questions may be used to identify a most likely solution, which may be associated with a repair part(s). The corresponding repair part(s) may be identified by an associated universal part number(s) based on vehicle identification information associated with the vehicle needing repair.

The present invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting a vehicle feature of a vehicle, where the system includes a first sensor, an onboard computer, a camera, a mirror, a controller; an actuator; and an algorithm. The algorithm instructs the onboard computer in steps for adjusting one or more vehicle features. The first sensor and the controller are in electronic communication with the onboard computer and the controller is in electronic communication with one or more actuators that connect to and adjust the various vehicle features. The onboard computer includes or accesses a database that correlates users, features, and vehicle feature settings. Such vehicle features include seat position and camera viewing angle.

A method is for diagnosing the driving capability of a driver of a motor vehicle, in which changes in driver condition are ascertained from physiological measured values derived from the driver while driving in the vehicle and evaluated, and if the changes are serious, a warning is issued or remedial actions are initiated, wherein the physiological measured values ascertained while driving in the vehicle are combined by a corresponding expert system with health-relevant data for the driver ascertained in stationary fashion, and with data indicating driver stress that are estimated in particular from the instantaneous traffic situation and instantaneous operating state of the vehicle, and the changes in the driver's condition are weighted with the estimated driver stress and interpreted. An apparatus for performing the method is characterized in that the expert system is implemented in an onboard computer of the vehicle which is connected via a bus internal to the vehicle to a mobile driver condition sensor suite that supplies the physiological measured values, to a memory / transfer medium that delivers the biographical data and / or the health-relevant data ascertained in stationary fashion, and to an ACC system and driving direction system internal to the vehicle.

Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for safely transporting passengers from pickup locations to destination locations on-demand using automated / pilotless vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. In one implementation, an on-demand passenger transport system includes one or more VTOL aircraft which operate without human pilots, and each of the VTOL aircraft operates under the control of an associated onboard computer. The disclosed system further includes a ground control system which is configured to: receive a service request from a passenger for a transport service of the VTOL aircraft; assign one of the VTOL aircraft to the requesting passenger; process the service request to generate a flight task; transmit the flight task to the assigned VTOL aircraft. The onboard computer of the VTOL aircraft is configured to control a flight of the VTOL aircraft to transport the passenger from a pickup location to a destination location by air based on the flight task.

A multi-stage diagnostic system and related method which seeks diagnostic information from a secondary information source when a first information source does not yield sufficient data for producing a diagnostic result. In particular, diagnostic process includes a first stage of communicating with an onboard vehicle computer to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes therefrom. If diagnostic trouble codes are received from the onboard computer, the diagnostic trouble codes are used to produce a diagnostic result. On the other hand, if no diagnostic trouble codes are retrieved from the onboard computer, the diagnostic process proceeds to a second stage wherein symptomatic diagnostic information is solicited from the user. A series of symptomatic questions may be presented to the user on a smartphone.

The present invention relates to a system for automatically adjusting a vehicle feature of a vehicle, where the system includes a first sensor, an onboard computer, a camera, a mirror, a controller; an actuator; and an algorithm. The algorithm instructs the onboard computer in steps for adjusting one or more vehicle features. The first sensor and the controller are in electronic communication with the onboard computer and the controller is in electronic communication with one or more actuators that connect to and adjust the various vehicle features. The onboard computer includes or accesses a database that correlates users, features, and vehicle feature settings. Such vehicle features include seat position and camera viewing angle.

A self-propelled crawler / tractor apparatus is disclosed for traveling through a tubular pipeline while conducting pipeline wall inspection operations and / or towing gear for cleaning, maintenance and the like. The crawler / tractor apparatus is propelled by a plurality of radially positioned motorized traction wheels. Each motorized traction wheel includes a brushless DC electric motor along with clutch, gearbox and other mechanical drive components integrated into a compact self-contained motorized wheel assembly which is sealed and filled with an electrically non-conductive lubricating / cooling oil. The seal integrity at each wheel assembly is maintained against oil leakage and debris ingress by a pressure-balancing mechanism which matches internal oil pressure to the exterior ambient pressure present in the pipeline. The electric motor drive for each traction wheel is individually controlled via an onboard computer to provide a wide range of torque and wheel speeds.

A portable memory device consisting of a cell phone used in substitution of an automobile key and interfaced with an automobile onboard computer and ignition system. The portable memory device contains data that, when read by the onboard computer, enables the ignition system. The portable memory device is read and write capable, thereby allowing for data to be used by the onboard computer in conjunction with several automobile systems, and allowing for data to be transferred from said systems to the portable memory device by the onboard computer, thus facilitating vehicle operation and, in one embodiment, a method for managing a transportation fleet using portable memory devices in place of mechanical ignition keys and manual check-out and check-in procedures.

A method of processing vehicle diagnostic data is provided for identifying likely vehicle fix(s) associated with a diagnostic data, and identifying a repair procedure(s) for correcting the likely fix(s). The process receiving vehicle diagnostic data from a vehicle onboard computer at a remote diagnostic database, the database being arranged to map vehicle diagnostic data to possible vehicle fix(s). The possible vehicle fix(s) are prioritized in accordance with ranked matches of the received diagnostic data to combinations of diagnostic data stored in a prior experience database. The prior experience database having an identified fix associated with each stored combination of diagnostic data. The fix associated with the highest ranked combination of diagnostic data is identified as the most likely fix. The most likely fix is mapped to a vehicle repair database, the most likely fix being directly mapped to an associated repair procedure for repairing the most likely fix.

A portable memory device used in substitution of an automobile key and interfaced with an automobile onboard computer and ignition system. The portable memory device contains data that, when read by the onboard computer, enables the ignition system. The portable memory device is read and write capable, thereby allowing for data to be used by the onboard computer in conjunction with several automobile systems, and allowing for data to be transferred from said systems to the portable memory device by the onboard computer.

An online composition based aircraft return route programming method comprises the following steps: 1, plotting the geographic information of a whole flight line or only a selected typical area, and storing the geographic information in an airborne computer; 2, obtaining the inertial navigation information of an aircraft in real time; 3, obtaining a real time graph; 4, determining the current flight position; 5, estimating the inertial navigation error, and utilizing the estimated inertial navigation error to correct the navigation parameter of the aircraft; 6, storing the information-fused aircraft position information obtained in step 5 in the geographic information of the airborne computer according to a preset rule by the airborne computer in the aircraft flight process, and carrying out online composition of the information-fused aircraft position information; and 7, carrying out real-time track programming according to the online composition result and the task characteristic of the aircraft in the aircraft return process to complete flight guiding.

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 discloses vehicle diagnostic systems and, more particularly, methods and systems for remotely retrieving vehicle data from a vehicle with a computer-based diagnostic application. A method of retrieving vehicle data from a vehicle includes establishing a first connection between a host computer and a computer network, establishing a second connection between an onboard computer of a vehicle and the computer network, and transferring vehicle data over the computer network. Systems and apparatuses for performing the methods of the present invention are also described.

In the present invention, a multi-person pose recognition system has been developed. This system includes a body pose detection module, a CC2420DBK board and a multi-person pose monitoring software module. The body pose detection module includes a triaxial accelerometer, a Zigbee chip and an 8-bit microcontroller. Several body pose detection modules and the CC2420DBK board form a Zigbee wireless sensor network (WSN). The CC2420DBK board functions as the receiver of the Zigbee WSN and communicates with a robot onboard computer or a host computer through a RS-232 port. The multi-person pose monitoring software monitors and records activities of multiple users simultaneously. The present invention provides a pose recognition algorithm by combining time-domain analysis and wavelet transform analysis. This algorithm has been implemented in the microcontroller of a body pose estimation module. Through the algorithm, the system can recognize seven body poses: falling, standing, sitting, lying, walking, going upstairs and going downstairs.