Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example signal generation system for a vehicle capable of different modes of movement includes a detector to determine at least one property of vehicle movement and an output representative of that at least one property and a selectively variable signal generator includes an input to receive the at least one output representative of the at least one property of vehicle movement and, responsively, generates a selected signal based on the received output. In some examples, a detector on a pedestrian detects the selected signal from the signal generator and, responsively, provides an output indicative of a vehicle in proximity to the pedestrian. In some examples, a trajectory vector is generated for at least two entities of interest based on at least one characteristic of movement of each entity. Each entity's trajectory vector is expanded and each entity's expanded trajectory vector is analyzed for overlap with the other entity's expanded trajectory vector to assess the possibility of a collision between them.

Methods and apparatus to detect and warn proximate entities of interest

In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for creating a list of expected search queries associated with a search vertical, ordering the list based on at least one factor, and presenting the ordered list of search queries to a mobile communication facility for user selection.

Creation of a mobile search suggestion dictionary

In an outboard motor control system having two outboard motors each mounted on a stern of a boat, there is provided a controller that controls operation of steering actuators to regulate steering angles of the outboard motors such that lines extending from axes of rotation of the propellers of the outboard motors intersect at a desired point. With this, it becomes possible to freely adjust the stream confluence point of the outboard motors, thereby improving boat driving stability and providing enhanced auto-spanker performance.

Outboard motor control system

In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine, transmission and trim angle regulation mechanism, it is configured to change a gear position to the first speed when the gear position is in the second speed and a throttle opening change amount is at or above a predetermined value, start trim-up operation when the engine speed is at or above a first predetermined speed after the gear position is changed to the first speed, change the gear position from the first speed to the second speed when the engine speed is at or above a second predetermined speed after the trim-up operation is started, and stop the trim-up operation after the gear position is changed to the second speed. It can mitigate a deceleration feel generated when the gear position is changed upon the completion of the acceleration and prevent the pitching occurrence.

Outboard motor control apparatus

A marine vessel running controlling apparatus is applicable to a marine vessel which includes a propulsive force generating unit arranged to generate a propulsive force to be applied to a hull of the marine vessel, and a steering unit arranged to turn the hull. The marine vessel running controlling apparatus includes an operational unit to be operated by an operator of the marine vessel to control a steering angle of the steering unit, and a control unit arranged to update control information related to the steering angle of the steering unit with respect to an operation amount of the operational unit based on data acquired during travel of the marine vessel.

Marine vessel running controlling apparatus, and marine vessel including the same

In an outboard motor steering system for an outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat and having an internal combustion engine at its upper portion and a propeller with a rudder at its lower portion powered by the engine to propel and steer the boat, a controller is connected to an actuator to rotate the outboard motor relative to the boat, and controls the actuator in such a manner that steered angle of the outboard motor relative to a steering angle inputted through a steering wheel becomes a predetermined ratio that is changed such that the steered angle of the outboard motor relative to the steering angle decreases with increasing moving speed of the boat. Alternatively, a switch is provided to be manipulated by the operator and generating a signal indicative of an instruction to change the steered angle of the outboard motor when manipulated; and the controller controlling the actuator to steer the outboard motor to an angle in response to inputted steering angle when the switch is not manipulated, while controlling the actuator to change the steered angle when the switch is manipulated. With this, the burdens of the operator are lightened and the steering feel is improved, in particular when the operator steers the boat to approach or leave a quay.

Outboard motor steering system

In an apparatus for controlling an autonomous operating vehicle having an operating machine and a magnetic sensor adapted to detect a border of a travel-scheduled area, the vehicle is controlled to travel around the area from a start point along the border to sequentially record traveling directions and traveled distances on a bitmap. The generated travel trajectory is transformed to map information. A position of the vehicle is detected using bits of the bitmap of the transformed map information, and the vehicle is controlled to, as traveling straight in the north-south directions, while perform the operation with the operating machine based on the calculated traveling direction, the calculated traveled distance and the determined position, utilizing a primary reference direction obtained from a geomagnetic sensor as a reference.

Control apparatus for autonomous operating vehicle

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device of an outboard motor restricting no space of a hull by a turning angle sensor for detecting a turning angle of a swivel shaft and an actuator for driving the swivel shaft, and accurately matching a steering angle of the outboard motor with an intended steering angle of an operator by improving detecting accuracy of the turning angle sensor. SOLUTION: This steering device is constituted so that a steering angle of a steering wheel is detected by a steering angle sensor; the turning angle of the swivel shaft 50 is detected by the turning angle sensor 46; and the outboard motor 10 is steered by driving a steering hydraulic cylinder 42 arranged in an upper part of a swivel case 12 so that a deviation between the detected steering angle and the turning angle becomes zero. The turning angle sensor 46 is composed of a magnet 46a installed on the outer periphery of the swivel shaft 50, and a detecting coil 46b installed on the inner periphery of the swivel case 12, and matches the axis 46c of the turning angle sensor 46 with the rotational center 50c of the swivel shaft 50. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Steering device of outboard motor

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering gear of an outboard motor devised to prevent lowering of a turning property caused by steering insufficiency and an interference between members caused by excessive steering by precisely matching a steering angle of the outboard motor with the maximum steering angle. SOLUTION: This steering gear of the outboard motor is furnished with a left steering stopper to mechanically stop left steering of the outboard motor, a right steering stopper to mechanically stop right steering of the outboard motor and a steering angle sensor to generate output showing the steering angle of the outboard motor, the output of the steering angle sensor is stored as the maximum left steering angle of the outboard motor (S14) when the left steering of the outboard motor is stopped by the left steering stopper (output of an electric current sensor is lower than a specified value), while the output of the steering angle sensor is stored as the maximum right steering angle (S20) when right steering of the outboard motor is stopped by the right steering stopper (output of the electric current sensor is higher than the specified value). COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Steering gear of outboard motor

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a shift change device for an outboard motor capable of restraining an increase in the number of parts and weight by simplifying a connecting structure between a shift rod and an actuator and capable of preventing the space of a hull from being impaired, while improving an operational feeling by using the actuator in an driving source of the shift rod. SOLUTION: The shift rod 80 is rotated by an electric motor 50 for shift. Thus, the shift change of the outboard motor 10 is power-assisted. A unit 90 is constituted by integrating the electric motor 50 for shift, a reduction gear mechanism 92 (first to fifth gears 92a, 92b, 92c, 92d and 92e, an output shaft side gear 92f and an output shaft 92os) for transmitting an output (rotating output) to the shift rod 80 by decelerating it, and a rotational angle sensor 94 for detecting a rotational angle of the shift rod 80. The unit 90 is arranged on a mount frame 56 positioned above the shift rod 80. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Yoshinori Masubuchi

Papers

Outboard motor steering system

Control apparatus for autonomous operating vehicle

Steering device of outboard motor

Steering gear of outboard motor

Shift change device for outboard motor