Patents Examined by Brittany Renee Peko
  • Patent number: 11299180
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a recognizer configured to recognize a surrounding situation of a vehicle based on an output of an on-board sensor; an interruption vehicle specifier configured to specify an interruption vehicle attempting to interrupt a travel lane from a lateral side of the travel lane in which there is the vehicle based on a recognition result of the recognizer; and a driving controller configured to control at least one of an acceleration or deceleration speed or steering of the vehicle based on a position of the specified interruption vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Oguro, Junya Yoda
  • Patent number: 11295621
    Abstract: Methods and associated systems and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional (3D) flight path for a moveable platform such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a set of 3D information associated with a virtual reality environment and receiving a plurality of virtual locations in the virtual reality environment. For individual virtual locations, the system receives a corresponding action item. The system then generates a 3D path based on at least one of the set of 3D information, the plurality of virtual locations, and the plurality of action items. The system then generates a set of images associated with the 3D path and then visually presents the same to an operator via a virtual reality device. The system enables the operator to adjust the 3D path via the virtual reality device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuewen Ma, Kaiyong Zhao, Shizhen Zheng, Chihui Pan
  • Patent number: 11288973
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides various technical solutions to technical problems facing UAV detection, threat assessment, and mitigation purposes. UAV detection may be accomplished using a variety of UAV sensors and systems, which may be used in an Unmanned Aerial System Mitigation and Detection system to generate a UAV Automated Threat Assessment and a UAV mitigation solution. The UAV Automated Threat Assessment may be generated by combining input from various sensors and systems. For example, the UAV Automated Threat Assessment may selectively combine data received from geographically arranged sensors, assemble the input from those sensors using a user-adjustable artificial neural network (ANN), determine whether a potential intruding UAV is not a threat, is transiting, is loitering, or is attacking, and generates a mitigation solution output to an operator that includes an automated mitigation notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: University of North Dakota
    Inventor: Joseph James Vacek
  • Patent number: 11279370
    Abstract: A drive assistant (700) executes a drive assist function that is a function of a drive assist system. A first electronic control apparatus (401) has a first sensor (501). A second electronic control apparatus (402) has a second sensor (502). The first electronic control apparatus (401) is connected to the drive assistant (700) via a main network (10). The second electronic control apparatus (402) is connected to the first electronic control apparatus (401) via a sub-network (20) having no connection to the drive assistant (700). The first electronic control apparatus (401) outputs, to the main network (10), control assist information generated on the basis of first sensing information acquired by the first sensor (501) and second sensing information acquired by the second sensor (502).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Ryota Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 11254330
    Abstract: A method includes at least the following phases: a first phase wherein a path to be followed is generated, the path being subdivided into a series of sections of which the starting point forms an intermediate position; a second phase wherein, at the current intermediate position of the vehicle: a non-zero curvature is defined for each of the next n prediction horizon sections, the curvature varying progressively from one section to the next; a prediction is made, before the vehicle engages a movement, as to whether the path can be followed to the prediction horizon, as a function of imposed constraints and of the estimated lateral and/or longitudinal slips; a third phase wherein, if the path can be followed, the steering lock angle of the front wheels and the linear traction speed of the vehicle are controlled as a function of the state of the vehicle and of the lateral and/or longitudinal slips to line up the centre of the axle of the rear wheels on the path; if the path cannot be followed, the vehicle is re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Eric Lucet, Alain Micaelli, François-Xavier Russotto
  • Patent number: 11247584
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat includes a seat base having a seat surface and a backrest having a backrest surface. In the seat base and/or in the backrest, sensors are provided that detect forces, pressures and/or movements effected by a person sitting on the vehicle seat and consequently issue a signal. A control device is provided that detects the signals issued by the sensors and actuates actuators provided in the vehicle seat to adjust the seat base and/or backrest, or components thereof, in order to adjust the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Uwe Breitweg, Matthias Franz, Ingo Janka, Harald Lathwesen
  • Patent number: 11235762
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle stop support system for supporting vehicle stop in an emergency condition. The vehicle stop support system detects a physical abnormality of a driver; sets a target time period based on the detected abnormality; detects a plurality of stop point candidates in a traveling direction of a vehicle; estimates a time period required to reach each of the candidates; a estimates a rear-end collision risk which is a risk that, when assuming that the vehicle stops at each of the candidates, the vehicle will be rear-ended by a following vehicle; and a sets a stop point, wherein the system is operable to set, as the stop point, one of the candidates which satisfies a condition that the required time period estimated with respect thereto is equal to or less than the target time period and which is lowest in terms of the rear-end collision risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Sugano, Takuya Yamashita, Takesato Fushima
  • Patent number: 11235766
    Abstract: A device for setting a target vehicle that sets a target vehicle to be subjected to driving assistance control of a host vehicle includes: a detection signal acquisition device capable of acquiring a first detection signal representing an object by an image, and a second detection signal representing the object by a reflection point; and setting control unit, which determines whether to set a forward object as a target vehicle, wherein if a movement history is not associated with the forward object, and a combination history is associated with the forward object, then as a selection threshold of a first determination parameter for determining whether to set the forward object as the target vehicle, a selection threshold is used such that the forward object is less likely to be selected as the target vehicle than with the selection threshold which would be used if a movement history is associated with the forward object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yohei Masui, Ryo Mizuno, Takashi Maeda, Naoki Kusumoto, Yuki Tezuka
  • Patent number: 11232654
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to identify a diagnostic test to perform for a vehicle component, identify one of a plurality of XiL platforms on which to perform the diagnostic test, and perform the diagnostic test on the identified XiL platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Stefan, Alain Marie Roger Chevalier, Michael Marbaix, Evangelos Bitsanis, Turgay Isik Aslandere
  • Patent number: 11225247
    Abstract: Techniques and methods for providing additional safety for interactions with pedestrians. For instance, a vehicle may identify a region through which the vehicle and agent (such as a pedestrian) pass. The vehicle may determine a time buffer value and/or a distance buffer value based on the vehicle and the agent passing through the region. The vehicle may determine a time threshold and/or a distance threshold for passing through the region in the presence of the agent. The time threshold and/or the distance threshold may be based on a velocity of the vehicle, a safety factor, a hysteresis factor, a comfort factor, and/or an assertiveness factor. If the time buffer value is below the time threshold and/or the distance buffer value is below the distance threshold, the vehicle may yield to the agent. Otherwise, the vehicle may not yield to the agent within the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Beller, Zhenqi Huang
  • Patent number: 11214249
    Abstract: A method initiates a reaction of a first vehicle to a person in the environment of a second vehicle. The person is on a road on which the first vehicle is travelling and the second vehicle is detected. Measurement data determined by at least one sensor unit are received by a control unit. The control unit carries out a classification and registers the evaluated data as a person and as a second vehicle. Motion vectors of the person are determined and the expected movement of the person is calculated. A position and width of the vehicle doors of the second vehicle are determined or estimated on the basis of the measurement data. A probability of the person opening a vehicle door is calculated. A reaction of the first vehicle is initiated by the control unit depending on the calculated probability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Mielenz
  • Patent number: 11214245
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a traveling controller and a determination unit. The traveling controller is configured to control driving force when a vehicle travels. The determination unit is configured to determine, in a case where an obstacle is detected on a road surface on which the vehicle travels, appropriateness of the vehicle passing over the obstacle. The traveling controller is configured to control the driving force of the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from passing over the obstacle in a case where the determination unit determines that it is inappropriate to pass over the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11208103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle control device for automatically controlling at least a part of the drive control of the host vehicle. If an external condition detecting unit detects a first other vehicle subject to following control and a second other vehicle which exhibits the traveling movements of cutting in between the first other vehicle and the host vehicle, a deceleration limiter sets limits that differ depending on whether or not the relative speed of the host vehicle vis-a-vis the second other vehicle exceeds a speed threshold having a positive value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oguro, Daichi Kato
  • Patent number: 11203354
    Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle by jointly estimating a state of a vehicle and a function of a tire friction of a vehicle traveling on a road uses a particle filter maintaining a set of particles. Each particle includes an estimation of a state of the vehicle, an estimation of probability density function (pdf) of the tire friction function, and a weight indicative of a probability of the particle. The system executes the particle filter to update the particles based on a motion model and a measurement model of the vehicle, control commands moving the vehicle and measurements of the state where the vehicle moved according to the control commands. A control command is generated based on the motion of the vehicle, the weighted combinations of the state of the vehicle and the pdf of the tire friction function weighted according corresponding weights of the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Berntorp
  • Patent number: 11189180
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media for unmanned aerial vehicle visual line of sight flight operations. A UAV computer system may be configured to ensure the UAV is operating in visual line of sight of one or more ground operators. The UAV may confirm that it has a visual line of sight with the one or more user devices, such as a ground control station, or the UAV may ensure that the UAV does not fly behind or below a structure such that the ground operator would not be able to visually spot the UAV. The UAV computer system may be configured in such a way that UAV operation will maintain the UAV in visual line of sight of a base location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Skydio, Inc.
    Inventors: Volkan Gurel, Bernard J. Michini, Edward Dale Steakley
  • Patent number: 11180164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle control apparatus for controlling traveling of a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a stop control unit configured to move the vehicle in a vehicle width direction and stop the vehicle in a traveling state; a notification unit configured to make a notification of the stop of the vehicle; and a change unit configured to change a notification method by the notification unit in accordance with a stop mode of the vehicle stopped by the stop control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Horii, Tadahiko Kanoh, Jun Ochida, Nobuharu Nagaoka, Hirofumi Kanazaki, Luwei Jia
  • Patent number: 11173774
    Abstract: Systems and methods described in this disclosure provide methods and systems for automatic deployment of a vehicle covering apparatus to protect the vehicle from environmental conditions such as severe weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
    Inventors: Gregory David Hansen, Andre Rene Buentello, Manfred Amann
  • Patent number: 11173860
    Abstract: An occupant protection device includes: a collision prediction unit configured to predict a collision state including a collision direction in a vehicle; a seat direction detection unit configured to detect a direction of a seat that is rotatable around a vertical axis of the vehicle with respect to the vehicle; a driving unit configured to adjust a degree of tension of a seatbelt; and a control unit configured to control the driving unit in accordance with the collision direction with respect to the vehicle predicted by the collision prediction unit and the direction of the seat with respect to the vehicle detected by the seat direction detection unit to change the degree of tension of the seatbelt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Akaba
  • Patent number: 11124178
    Abstract: An automatic tilting vehicle includes a pair of wheels that are non-steering driving wheels, a braking/driving device, a vehicle tilting device, and a control device, and the control unit calculates a target tilt angle of the vehicle for tilting the vehicle turning inward and controls the vehicle tilting device so that a tilt angle of the vehicle becomes the target tilt angle. The control unit calculates target braking/driving forces of the pair of wheels based on a braking/driving operation of a driver, corrects the target braking/driving forces so that a difference between vertical forces acting on the wheels caused by the braking/driving forces of the pair of wheels is reduced, and controls the braking/driving device such that braking/driving forces of the pair of wheels becomes the corrected target braking/driving forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahito Ishino