Patents by Inventor Jens Steffen

Jens Steffen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240141972
    Abstract: A group transmission device includes a main transmission which has a main shaft, a countershaft and a spur gear pair which includes a first spur gear arranged coaxially and axially overlapping with the main shaft and a second spur gear arranged coaxially and axially overlapping with the countershaft. A range group has a first shaft non-rotationally connected to the main shaft, a second shaft non-rotationally connected to a transmission output shaft, a third shaft and a blocking switching unit. A first switching unit non-rotationally connects the third shaft to a housing. A second switching unit has an axially shiftable switching element and non-rotationally connects the third shaft to the first spur gear. The main shaft is coupled non-rotationally to a transmission input shaft. A third switching unit has an axially shiftable further switching element and non-rotationally connects the first spur gear to the first shaft of the range group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Frank STEFFENS, Marc STROELIN, Jens LUCKMANN
  • Publication number: 20240141971
    Abstract: A group transmission device includes an upshift assembly with a first transmission element, a second transmission element and a third transmission element. A downshift assembly has a first transmission element, a second transmission element and a third transmission element. A main shaft is arranged coaxially to the upshift assembly and a layshaft is arranged parallel to the main shaft. A first idler gear is arranged coaxially to the main shaft and axially between the upshift assembly and the downshift assembly and is connectable to the main shaft for conjoint rotation by a first shift unit. The first idler gear is connectable to the third transmission element of the downshift assembly for conjoint rotation by a second shift unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Frank STEFFENS, Marc STROELIN, Jens LUCKMANN, Marc KLEIN, Detlef SCHNITZER
  • Patent number: 11970160
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
  • Publication number: 20240083425
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20240017738
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for controlling an autonomous vehicle. For example, a set of potential stopping locations may be identified based on a current location of an autonomous vehicle. A set of potential states may be identified for the autonomous vehicle. A fallback cost for each potential state of the set of potential states to reach each potential stopping location of the set of potential stopping locations may be determined. A trajectory for an autonomous vehicle may be planned based on a route to a destination and the determined fallback costs. The autonomous vehicle may be controlled according to at least a portion of the trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Steven Vozar, Ioan-Alexandru Sucan, Jory Denny, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Ryan Luna, Jonathan Daudelin, Tian Jin
  • Patent number: 11851055
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20230315122
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining general weather conditions affecting the roadway around a vehicle, and how such conditions may impact driving and route planning for the vehicle when operating in an autonomous mode. For instance, the on-board sensor system may detect whether the road is generally icy as opposed to a small ice patch on a specific portion of the road surface. The system may also evaluate specific driving actions taken by the vehicle and/or other nearby vehicles. Based on such information, the vehicle's control system is able to use the resultant information to select an appropriate braking level or braking strategy. As a result, the system can detect and respond to different levels of adverse weather conditions. The on-board computer system may share road condition information with nearby vehicles and with remote assistance, so that it may be employed with broader fleet planning operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: David Harrison Silver, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Michael James
  • Patent number: 11762392
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling a first vehicle in an autonomous driving mode. While doing so, a second vehicle may be identified. Geometry for a future trajectory of the first vehicle may be identified, and an initial allowable discomfort value may be identified. Determining a speed profile for the geometry that meets the value may be attempted by determining a discomfort value for the speed profile based on a set of factors relating to at least discomfort of a passenger of the first vehicle and discomfort of a passenger of the second vehicle. When a speed profile that meets the value cannot be determined, the value may be adjusted until a speed profile that meets the value is determined. The speed profile that meets an adjusted value is used to control the first vehicle in the autonomous driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Tobias Kunz, Vadim Furman
  • Patent number: 11720116
    Abstract: A system and method for avoiding or mitigating collisions by an autonomous vehicle is provided. Raw sensor data for the vehicle's environment is received, such as through a perception system of the vehicle. A trajectory is also received, the trajectory having a width corresponding to a distance that is at least as wide as the vehicle. The trajectory and raw sensor data are projected onto a grid, such as a static occupancy grid, having a plurality of cells. It is determined whether any cell that overlaps with the trajectory includes the raw sensor data. It is further determined, based on the raw sensor data, whether an obstacle is present along the trajectory. When no obstacles are determined to be present along the trajectory, the trajectory may be verified. However, where obstacles are determined to be present, the vehicle may take an action to avoid collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Patent number: 11650603
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining general weather conditions affecting the roadway around a vehicle, and how such conditions may impact driving and route planning for the vehicle when operating in an autonomous mode. For instance, the on-board sensor system may detect whether the road is generally icy as opposed to a small ice patch on a specific portion of the road surface. The system may also evaluate specific driving actions taken by the vehicle and/or other nearby vehicles. Based on such information, the vehicle's control system is able to use the resultant information to select an appropriate braking level or braking strategy. As a result, the system can detect and respond to different levels of adverse weather conditions. The on-board computer system may share road condition information with nearby vehicles and with remote assistance, so that it may be employed with broader fleet planning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: David Harrison Silver, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Michael James
  • Patent number: 11636362
    Abstract: The technology relates to predicting that an object is going to enter into a trajectory of a vehicle. This may include receiving sensor data identifying a first location of the object in an environment of the vehicle at a first point in time and receiving sensor data identifying a second location of the object in the environment at a second point in time. In addition, a boundary of the trajectory is determined by defining at least a two-dimensional area through which the vehicle is expected to travel in the future. A first distance between the boundary and the first location and a second distance between the trajectory and the second location are determined. The first distance and the second distance are used to determine that the object is going to enter into the trajectory at a future point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Zhinan Xu
  • Patent number: 11619940
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for operating an autonomous vehicle. To operate the autonomous vehicle, a plurality of lane segments that are in an environment of the autonomous vehicle is determined and a first object and a second object in the environment are detected. A first position for the first object is determined in relation to the plurality of lane segments, and particular lane segments that are occluded by the first object are determined using the first position. According to the occluded lane segments, a reaction time is determined for the second object and a driving instruction for the autonomous vehicle is determined according to the reaction time. The autonomous vehicle is then operated based on the driving instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jared Stephen Russell, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Patent number: 11608060
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to identifying and adjusting speed plans for controlling a vehicle in an autonomous driving mode. In one example, an initial speed plan for controlling speed of the vehicle for a first predetermined period of time corresponding to an amount of time along a route of the vehicle is identified. Data identifying an object and characteristics of that object is received from a perception system of the vehicle. A trajectory for the object that will intersect with the route at an intersection point at particular point in time is predicted using the data. A set of constraints is generated based on at least the trajectory. The speed plan is adjusted in order to satisfy the set of constraints for a second predetermined period of time corresponding to the amount of time. The vehicle is maneuvered in the autonomous driving mode according to the adjusted speed plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Vadim Furman, Tobias Kunz
  • Publication number: 20220212662
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20220206494
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for operating an autonomous vehicle. To operate the autonomous vehicle, a plurality of lane segments that are in an environment of the autonomous vehicle is determined and a first object and a second object in the environment are detected. A first position for the first object is determined in relation to the plurality of lane segments, and particular lane segments that are occluded by the first object are determined using the first position. According to the occluded lane segments, a reaction time is determined for the second object and a driving instruction for the autonomous vehicle is determined according to the reaction time. The autonomous vehicle is then operated based on the driving instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: WAYMO LLC
    Inventors: Jared Stephen Russell, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20220176987
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a of generating and following planned trajectories for an autonomous vehicle. For instance, a baseline for a planned trajectory that the autonomous vehicle can use to follow a route to a destination may be determined. A stopping point corresponding to a traffic control that will cause the autonomous vehicle to come to a stop using the baseline may be determined. Sensor data identifying objects and their locations may be received. A plurality of constraints may be generated based on the sensor data. A planned trajectory may be generated using the baseline, the stopping point, and the plurality of constraints, wherein constraints beyond the stopping point are ignored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Jared Russell, Jens-Steffen Gutmann, Ioan-Alexandru Sucan
  • Publication number: 20220169214
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for generation of trajectories for a vehicle driving in an autonomous driving mode. For instance, information identifying a plurality of objects in the vehicle's environment and a confidence value for each of the objects is received. A set of constraints may be generated. That one or more processors are unable to solve for a trajectory given the set of constraints and an acceptable braking limit may be determined. A first constraint is identified as a constraint for which could not be solved and a first confidence value. That the vehicle should apply a maximum braking level is determined based on the identified first confidence value, a threshold, and the determination that the one or more processors are unable to solve for a trajectory. Based on the determination that the vehicle should apply the maximum braking level, the maximum braking level is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Shiying Zhou, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20220161790
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
  • Patent number: 11307587
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for operating an autonomous vehicle. To operate the autonomous vehicle, a plurality of lane segments that are in an environment of the autonomous vehicle is determined and a first object and a second object in the environment are detected. A first position for the first object is determined in relation to the plurality of lane segments, and particular lane segments that are occluded by the first object are determined using the first position. According to the occluded lane segments, a reaction time is determined for the second object and a driving instruction for the autonomous vehicle is determined according to the reaction time. The autonomous vehicle is then operated based on the driving instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Jared Stephen Russell, Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Patent number: 11299150
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann