| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090005990 | Method and system for estimating an agricultural management parameter - A system and method for estimating agricultural parameters for growing crops is well suited for promoting efficient utilization of agricultural inputs (e.g., water consumption). Sensors collect data via one or more vehicles equipped with location-determining receivers. A transmitter transmits the collected environmental data to a data processing system. The data processing system applies the collected environmental data to an agronomic model for determining an agricultural management parameter. A prescription is made available for application of an agricultural input (e.g., water) to a crop in a particular location consistent with the collected environmental data and the agronomic model. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090298539 | Mobile Station for Unmanned Vehicle - A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299582 | Mobile Station for Unmanned Vehicle - A mobile station for an unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicular storage area for storing a vehicle during transit or at rest. A first wireless transceiver communicates a status or command between the vehicle and the mobile station during at least one of vehicular deployment and rest. A station controller manages a management plan of the vehicle comprising at least one of retooling the vehicle, loading a payload on the vehicle, and recharging or refueling of the vehicle. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090303071 | NON-TOXIC, BIODEGRADABLE SENSOR NODES FOR USE WITH A WIRELESS NETWORK - A sensor node for deployment in association with an earth surface has a biodegradable plastic housing, an electronic circuit board within the housing, and at least one battery for providing electrical energy to the circuit board. The circuit board has a non-toxic substrate and at least one lead-free solder element. Each battery is a non-toxic battery. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100063626 | DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE BASE FOR VEHICULAR LOCALIZATION AND WORK-SITE MANAGEMENT - The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a vehicle is comprised of a machine controller, a steering system, a propulsion system, a braking system, a sensor system, and a knowledge base used by the machine controller. The machine controller identifies a dynamic condition and sends commands to the steering system, the propulsion system, and the braking system to move the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063648 | DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE BASE PROGRAM FOR VEHICULAR LOCALIZATION AND WORK-SITE MANAGEMENT - The illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a computer program product is comprised of a computer recordable media having computer usable program code for identifying a dynamic condition. When the dynamic condition is identified, computer usable program code using a knowledge base controls the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063651 | HIGH INTEGRITY PERCEPTION FOR MACHINE LOCALIZATION AND SAFEGUARDING - The illustrative embodiments provide a method for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. An operating environment around the vehicle is identified and sensor data is selected from a set of sensors. A dynamic condition is identified using a plurality of different types of sensors on the vehicle. In response to the dynamic condition being identified, the movement of the vehicle is controlled. Sensor data for a plurality of vehicles is managed by receiving sensor data at the plurality of vehicles, each with a plurality of sensors. In response to a selected vehicle within the plurality of vehicles being unable to obtain needed sensor data, collected sensor data from a number of other vehicles in the plurality of vehicles can be obtained to form alternate sensor data used to control the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063652 | Garment for Use Near Autonomous Machines - The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for localizing an operator using a garment, a number of localization devices capable of being detected by an autonomous vehicle, and a controller capable of sending a control signal to the autonomous vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063663 | LEADER-FOLLOWER FULLY AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH OPERATOR ON SIDE - The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. Movement of an operator located at a side of the vehicle is identified with a plurality of sensors located in the vehicle and the vehicle is moved in a path that maintains the operator at the side of the vehicle while the operator is moving. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063664 | HIGH INTEGRITY PERCEPTION PROGRAM - The illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, an operating environment around the vehicle is identified and sensor data is selected from a set of sensors. A dynamic condition is identified using a plurality of different types of sensors on the vehicle. In response to the dynamic condition being identified, the movement of the vehicle is controlled. In another illustrative embodiment, an environment around the vehicle is identified to form an operating environment. Sensor data is selected from a set of sensors in a plurality of redundant sensors based on the operating environment. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063672 | VEHICLE WITH HIGH INTEGRITY PERCEPTION SYSTEM - The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, an operating environment around the vehicle is identified and sensor data is selected from a set of sensors. The movement of the vehicle is controlled based on the operating environment identified. In another illustrative embodiment, a sensor system has some sensors that are more accurate in a particular environment than other sensors. A dynamic condition is identified by the sensor system and commands are sent to the steering system, the propulsion system, and the braking system to move the vehicle using the sensor data detected by the sensor system. The environment is identified using the plurality of different types of sensors on the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063673 | MULTI-VEHICLE HIGH INTEGRITY PERCEPTION - The illustrative embodiments provide a method for processing sensor data and controlling the movement of a vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, a vehicle having a plurality of sensors attempts to receive sensor data. In response to an inability of the vehicle to obtain needed sensor data, collected sensor data is requested from a plurality of other vehicles to form alternate sensor data. The alternate sensor data is received and the vehicle is controlled using the alternate sensor data. In another illustrative embodiment, a request is received at a first vehicle for sensor data from a different vehicle. Sensor data is collected from a plurality of sensors at the first vehicle. The sensor data is then sent to the different vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063680 | LEADER-FOLLOWER SEMI-AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH OPERATOR ON SIDE - The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. User input selecting a path for the vehicle is received from an operator. The vehicle responds to the user input by moving along the selected path in a manner that maintains the operator on a side of the vehicle. The illustrative embodiments further provide a method and apparatus for improved machine control. The vehicle receives a power-up command, instructions to execute a planned path, and information identifying a leader. The leader is an operator. The vehicle then executes the planned path using the information identifying the leader in order to follow a path of the leader. The vehicle moves along the path in a manner that maintains the leader in a position proximate to a side of the vehicle. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100063954 | DISTRIBUTED KNOWLEDGE BASE METHOD FOR VEHICULAR LOCALIZATION AND WORK-SITE MANAGEMENT - The illustrative embodiments provide a method for controlling a vehicle. In an illustrative embodiment, a dynamic condition is identified and the vehicle is controlled using a knowledge base comprising a fixed knowledge base and a learned knowledge base. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100094481 | High Integrity Coordination System for Multiple Off-Road Vehicles - The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating multiple vehicles. In one illustrative embodiment, machine behaviors are assigned to multiple vehicles performing a task. The vehicles are coordinated to perform the task using the assigned behaviors and a number of signals received from other vehicles and the environment during performance of the task. In another illustrative embodiment, a role is identified for each vehicle in a group of vehicles. A number of machine behaviors are assigned to each vehicle depending upon the identified role for the vehicle. The machine behaviors are selected from coordinating machine behaviors stored in a behavior library. Each vehicle is then coordinated to perform the task according to the role and machine behaviors assigned. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100094499 | High Integrity Coordination for Multiple Off-Road Vehicles - The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating multiple vehicles. In one illustrative embodiment, machine behaviors are assigned to multiple vehicles performing a task. The vehicles are coordinated to perform the task using the assigned behaviors and a number of signals received from other vehicles and the environment during performance of the task. In another illustrative embodiment, a role is identified for each vehicle in a group of vehicles. A number of machine behaviors are assigned to each vehicle depending upon the identified role for the vehicle. The machine behaviors are selected from coordinating machine behaviors stored in a behavior library. Each vehicle is then coordinated to perform the task according to the role and machine behaviors assigned. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100106428 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A STATUS OF A MEMEBER OF A VEHICLE - A system or method for monitoring a status of a member of a vehicle comprises a member of a vehicle. A set of one or more magnets is secured to the member. A magnetic field sensor is mounted on a vehicle, spaced apart from the member. The magnetic field sensor produces a data signal. A data processor receives the data signal from the magnetic field sensor and detects at least one of a deformation or movement of the member with respect to the vehicle. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100116974 | Seed Sensor System And Method For Improved Seed Count And Seed Spacing - A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100223009 | Method and System for Estimating an Agricultural Management Parameter - A system and method for estimating agricultural parameters for growing crops is well suited for promoting efficient utilization of agricultural inputs (e.g., water consumption). Sensors collect data via one or more vehicles equipped with location-determining receivers. A transmitter transmits the collected environmental data to a data processing system. The data processing system applies the collected environmental data to an agronomic model for determining an agricultural management parameter. A prescription is made available for application of an agricultural input (e.g., water) to a crop in a particular location consistent with the collected environmental data and the agronomic model. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100263275 | Robotic Watering Unit - The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for watering plants. A map of an area is received and a determination is made using a processing unit as to whether the area needs water. If the area needs water, current constraints are identified and a determination is made using the processing system as to whether the current constraints allow for watering. If the current constraints allow for watering, a watering solution application plan is generated using the processing system, and the watering solution application plan is executed using a mobile utility vehicle. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268390 | Method for Providing an Application to Plants - Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method and system for providing an application of a resource to plants. A plurality of per plant prescriptions for a plurality of plants are received and a source is selected to fulfill the plurality of per plant prescriptions to form a selected source. Movement of a mobile utility vehicle is controlled to the selected source, the resource is obtained, and movement of the mobile utility vehicle is controlled to each plant in the plurality of plants. The resource is applied from the mobile utility vehicle to each plant according to the per plant prescription. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268391 | Resource Use Management - Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer program product comprising a computer recordable media having computer usable program code. Resource needs are determined for each plant in a plurality of plants to form individual resource needs. Conditions are identified in an environment in which the plurality of plants are located by receiving input from a sensor system to form current conditions. A plurality of per plant prescriptions are calculated for the plurality of plants using the individual resource needs and the current conditions. The application of the resource is controlled from a mobile utility vehicle to each plant in the plurality of plants using the plurality of per plant prescriptions. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268562 | System and Method for Managing Resource Use - Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method and system for determining individual resource needs for each plant in a plurality of plants. Current conditions are identified using a sensor system. A plurality of per plant prescriptions are calculated for the plurality of plants using the individual resource needs and the current conditions. A resource is obtained from a selected resource source in a number of resource sources. The resource is stored in a mobile utility vehicle and applied from the mobile utility vehicle to each plant in the plurality of plants according to the plurality of per plant prescriptions. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100268679 | Horticultural Knowledge Base for Managing Yards and Gardens - Therefore, the illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus for performing horticultural tasks. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus is comprised of a number of data storage devices, a planning process, and a processor unit. The number of data storage devices includes a knowledge base. The processor unit executes the planning process and accesses the knowledge base on the number of data storage devices to identify a horticultural need for a plurality of plants. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20110046780 | DISTRIBUTED ROBOTIC GUIDANCE - The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus that includes a computer system, a number of structured light generators, and a number of mobile robotic devices. The computer system is configured to generate a path plan. The number of structured light generators is configured to project the path plan. The number of mobile robotic devices is configured to detect and follow the path plan. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046784 | ASYMMETRIC STEREO VISION SYSTEM - The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus that includes an autonomous vehicle, a modular navigation system, and an asymmetric vision module. The modular navigation system is coupled to the autonomous vehicle. The asymmetric vision module is configured to interact with the modular navigation system. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046836 | MODULAR AND SCALABLE POSITIONING AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM - The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus that includes an autonomous vehicle, a modular navigation system, and a number of modular components. The modular navigation system is coupled to the autonomous vehicle. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110149079 | PORTAL MANAGEMENT - The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus, a system, and a method for managing a portal. The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a locking system, a detection system, and a portal access system. The locking system is for a portal having a first side and a second side. The portal is configured to swing about an axis through the first side between an opened position and a closed position. The detection system is configured to detect when a robotic vehicle is located within a selected distance of the portal. The portal access system unlocks the portal when the portal is in the closed position and the robotic vehicle is detected within a selected distance of the portal using the detection system. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110150348 | AUTOMATED TAGGING FOR LANDMARK IDENTIFICATION - The different illustrative embodiments provide a method for identifying landmarks in an image. An image of a worksite is received. The image is analyzed to determine a suggested identity of a worksite feature in the image. The suggested identity of the worksite feature is sent over a communications unit. A confirmation of the suggested identity of the worksite feature is received to form a confirmed identity. The confirmed identity and a number of attributes associated with the confirmed identity is stored in a database. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153072 | ENHANCED VISUAL LANDMARK FOR LOCALIZATION - The different illustrative embodiments provide a localization apparatus comprising an identification signal and an orientation controller. The identification signal is for recognition by a localized machine for utilizing the localization apparatus as a location point. The orientation controller is configured to control an orientation of the identification signal dependent upon an orientation of the localization apparatus in a defined environment. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153136 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AREA COVERAGE USING SECTOR DECOMPOSITION - The different illustrative embodiments provide a method for generating an area coverage path plan using sector decomposition. A starting point is identified on a worksite map having a number of landmarks. A first landmark in the number of landmarks is identified. A path is generated around the first landmark until an obstacle is detected. In response to detecting the obstacle, the path is made linear to a next landmark. The path is generated around the next landmark. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153172 | AREA MANAGEMENT - The illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a platform, a camera system, a distribution system, and a processor unit. The platform is configured to move through an area. The camera system is associated with the platform, and the camera system is configured to create image information. The distribution system is associated with the platform and configured to distribute a resource. The processor unit is configured to run an area management process to receive the image information from the camera system, identify a number of inconsistencies in the area using the image information, and control a distribution of the resource by the distribution system in a number of portions of the area in which an inconsistency in the number of inconsistencies is identified. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153338 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEPLOYING PORTABLE LANDMARKS - The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a landmark controller, a landmark deployment system, and a number of portable landmarks. The landmark controller has a landmark position and placement process. The landmark deployment system has a number of manipulative components. The number of portable landmarks are configured to be deployed to a number of locations within a worksite. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110166701 | ADAPTIVE SCHEDULING OF A SERVICE ROBOT - A method for scheduling mowing tasks by a robotic mower is provided. An estimated height of grass cut by the robotic mower is determined for a predetermined number of past mowing tasks. The estimated height of grass cut is compared with a predicted height of grass in an operating environment for the robotic mower. Then, a mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by decreasing a time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being greater than the predicted height of grass. Alternatively, the mowing schedule for the robotic mower is adjusted by increasing the time between mowing tasks in response to the estimated height of grass cut being less than the predicted height of grass. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166705 | AUTONOMOUS CUTTING ELEMENT FOR SCULPTING GRASS - An apparatus comprises a vehicle, a sensing unit, and a control unit. The vehicle is movable in a path and has a first number of cutting elements. The sensing unit detects an obstacle in the path. The control unit is connected to the first number of cutting elements and is configured to autonomously adjust a height of a second number of cutting elements of the first number of cutting elements in response to the sensing unit detecting the obstacle in the path. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166715 | VARYING IRRIGATION SCHEDULING BASED ON HEIGHT OF VEGETATION - A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation. | 07-07-2011 |
