Patents Assigned to Peloton Technology, Inc.
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Publication number: 20190035284Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the efficiency of vehicle platooning systems are described. In one aspect, data associated with roads is received by a system. The data received by a system may include information regarding a number of vehicles capable of platooning on a road. This data may be historical data or real-time data. Based on the received data that indicates how many vehicles capable of platooning may be on a road at a given time a system may direct other platoonable vehicles to travel on the same road at the given time to improve their chances of being able to platoon with other vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventor: Joyce Tam
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Publication number: 20190025857Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, gear ratios on vehicles. A front vehicle can shift a gear which, via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication link, can cause a rear vehicle to shift gears. To maintain a gap, vehicles may shift gears at various relative positions based on a grade of a road.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Luckevich, Shad M. Laws, Joshua P. Switkes, Trevor W. Laing, Joseph Jackson Bendor
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Patent number: 10162366Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes
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Patent number: 10152064Abstract: Various applications for use of mass estimations of a vehicle, including to control operation of the vehicle, sharing the mass estimation with other vehicles and/or a Network Operations Center (NOC), organizing vehicles operating in a platoon and/or partially controlling the operation of one or more vehicles operating in a platoon based on the relative mass estimations between the platooning vehicles. When vehicles are operating in a platoon, the relative mass between a lead and a following vehicle may be used to scale torque and/or brake commands generated by the lead vehicle and sent to the following vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua Philip Switkes, Stephen M. Erlien, Austin B. Schuh
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Publication number: 20180337703Abstract: A system with one or more transceiver antenna assemblies for installation in vehicle side-view mirrors to enable communication with nearby vehicles. Each transceiver antenna assembly may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna system may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2017Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Charles A. Price, James T. O'Keeffe, Thomas J. Birnbaum, Ganymed B. Stanek, Joshua P. Switkes
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Publication number: 20180314267Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle can have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes
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Patent number: 10078338Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2018Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Smartt, Charles A. Price, Joshua P. Switkes
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Patent number: 10074894Abstract: A transceiver antenna assembly for installation in a vehicle side-view mirror to enable communication with nearby vehicles, in which each transceiver antenna may have one or two antenna arrays implemented on a single printed circuit board, protected by an antenna housing used to mount the transceiver antenna inside the mirror assembly. Each antenna array in a dual-channel transceiver antenna may transmit and receive data over one of two DSRC channels. One channel may be used to transmit and receive vehicle data only and the other channel may be used to transmit and receive both vehicle data and audio/video (A/V) data. Each antenna array is connected to a radio in the vehicle that processes received signals and prepares signals for transmission. Such a transceiver antenna assembly, when mounted within the side view mirror assembly of a truck, may be especially useful for communication in truck platooning.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Birnbaum, James T. O'Keeffe, Charles A. Price, Joshua P. Switkes
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Patent number: 10042365Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle an have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes
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Publication number: 20180211544Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. SMARTT, Charles A. PRICE, Joshua P. SWITKES
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Publication number: 20180211546Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. SMARTT, Charles A. PRICE, Joshua P. SWITKES
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Publication number: 20180210457Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. SMARTT, Charles A. PRICE, Joshua P. SWITKES
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Publication number: 20180211545Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking to form a platoon. In one aspect, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration or deceleration, and speed. In some aspects, vehicle onboard systems supply various data (breadcrumbs) to a Network Operations Center (NOC), which in turn provides data (authorization data) to the vehicles to facilitate platooning. The NOC suggests vehicles for platooning based on, for example, travel forecasts and analysis of relevant roadways to identify platoonable roadway segments. The NOC also can provide traffic, roadway, weather, or system updates, as well as various instructions. In some aspects, a mesh network ensures improved communication among vehicles and with the NOC. In some aspects, a vehicle onboard system may provide the authorization data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Smartt, Charles A. Price, Joshua P. Switkes
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Publication number: 20180074514Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for enabling vehicles to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle an have significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. By directly commanding the engine torque and braking of the following vehicle while controlling the gap between vehicles using a sensor system, and additionally using a communication link between vehicles that allows information about vehicle actions, such as braking events, to be anticipated by the following vehicle, a Semi-Autonomous Vehicular Convoying System that enables vehicles to follow closely together in a safe, efficient and convenient manner may be achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes
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Publication number: 20170308097Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: October 26, 2017Applicant: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: JOSHUA P. SWITKES, JOSEPH CHRISTIAN GERDES, EUGENE BERDICHEVSKY
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Publication number: 20170261997Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2017Publication date: September 14, 2017Applicants: Peloton Technology, Inc., Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: JOSHUA P. SWITKES, JOSEPH CHRISTIAN GERDES, EUGENE BERDICHEVSKY
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Patent number: 9665102Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky
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Patent number: 9645579Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating and controlling vehicles, for example heavy trucks, to follow closely behind each other, or linking, in a convenient, safe manner and thus to save significant amounts of fuel while increasing safety. In an embodiment, on-board controllers in each vehicle interact with vehicular sensors to monitor and control, for example, relative distance, relative acceleration/deceleration, and speed. Additional safety features in at least some embodiments include providing each driver with one or more visual displays of forward and rearward looking cameras. Long-range communications are provided for coordinating vehicles for linking, and for communicating analytics to fleet managers or others.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Joshua P Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, David Frederick Lyons, Stephen Norris Boyd, Eugene Berdichevsky
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Patent number: 9582006Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for facilitating participants of vehicular convoys to closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: PELOTON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky
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Patent number: 8744666Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for vehicles to safely closely follow one another through partial automation. Following closely behind another vehicle has significant fuel savings benefits, but is unsafe when done manually by the driver. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fully autonomous solutions require inordinate amounts of technology, and a level of robustness that is currently not cost effective.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Peloton Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joshua P. Switkes, Joseph Christian Gerdes, Eugene Berdichevsky