Patents Examined by Donald J. Wallace
  • Patent number: 11673544
    Abstract: An autonomous parking arrangement for a motor vehicle includes at least one camera associated with the vehicle and capturing images of parking spaces surrounding the vehicle. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the at least one camera and processes the captured images. A touch-sensitive display screen is communicatively coupled to the electronic processor and displays the processed images. The display screen enables a user of the motor vehicle to select a parking space in the processed images by touching the display screen. The display screen indicates to the electronic processor which of the parking spaces has been selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Donald Allen Turner
  • Patent number: 11673573
    Abstract: A vehicle is a vehicle on which an ADK is mountable. The vehicle includes: a VP that controls the vehicle in accordance with an instruction from the ADK; and a VCIB that serves as an interface between the ADK and the VP. The VP outputs an accelerator pedal position signal in accordance with an amount of depression of an accelerator pedal by a driver, and outputs an accelerator pedal intervention signal, to the ADK through the VCIB. The accelerator pedal intervention signal indicates that the accelerator pedal is depressed, when the accelerator pedal position signal indicates that the amount of depression is larger than a threshold value, and indicates beyond autonomy acceleration of the vehicle, when an acceleration request in accordance with the amount of depression is higher than a system acceleration request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ikuma Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11673557
    Abstract: A system and method for path planning of autonomous vehicles based on gradient are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: generating and scoring a first suggested trajectory for an autonomous vehicle; generating a trajectory gradient based on the first suggested trajectory; generating and scoring a second suggested trajectory for the autonomous vehicle, the second suggested trajectory being based on the first suggested trajectory and a human driving model; and outputting the second suggested trajectory if the score corresponding to the second suggested trajectory is within a score differential threshold relative to the score corresponding to the first suggested trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: TUSIMPLE, INC.
    Inventors: Wutu Lin, Xiaodi Hou
  • Patent number: 11667376
    Abstract: A system and method for flight control compensation for component degradation is illustrated. The system comprises a first flight component mechanically coupled to the electric aircraft and a second flight component mechanically coupled to the electric aircraft. A sensor is also coupled to both the first flight component and the second flight component, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a performance degradation datum in one of the first flight component and the second flight component and transmit the performance degradation datum to a flight controller. The system also comprises a flight controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the flight controller is configured to receive the performance degradation datum from the sensor and adjust operation of either the first flight component or the second flight component as a function of the performance degradation datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua E. Auerbach, Nicholas Moy, Collin Freiheit
  • Patent number: 11667407
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the invention address potential co-orbital threats to a spacecraft through the use of a plurality of evasion pattern maneuvers selected to prevent a rendezvous with a potential co-orbital threat from occurring within a finite horizon. Embodiments in accordance with the invention maintain separation from the potential co-orbital threat while minimizing a defending spacecraft's fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Oleg Yakimenko, Edward Hanlon
  • Patent number: 11662733
    Abstract: A trajectory setting device that sets a trajectory of a host vehicle includes a first path generation unit configured to generate a first path by assuming all obstacles around the host vehicle to be stationary obstacles, a second path generation unit configured to generate a second path when the moving obstacle is assumed to move independently, a third path generation unit configured to generate a third path when the moving obstacle is assumed to move while interacting with at least one of the other obstacles or the host vehicle, a reliability calculation unit configured to calculate reliability of the second path and reliability of the third path, and a trajectory setting unit configured to set the trajectory for traveling from the first path, the second path, and the third path based on the reliability of the second path and the reliability of the third path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiki Kindo
  • Patent number: 11659784
    Abstract: A system provided for use with a lawn mower includes a processor in communication with the lawn mower. The processor is configured to acquire geographic location data of the lawn mower and mapping data for the lawn mower as the lawn mower operates on the plot of land. The processor is configured to acquire performance data of the lawn mower as the lawn mower operates on the plot of land according to a first path and generate a map of the plot of land at least partially based on the geographic location data and the mapping data. The processor is configured to determine an operational efficiency of the lawn mower according to the first path and determine a second path for the lawn mower that increases the operational efficiency of the lawn mower for operating on the plot of land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Alyn G. Brown, David H. Dunten
  • Patent number: 11661218
    Abstract: An exploration method includes: a step of exploring a natural resource on a satellite, a minor planet, or a planet; a step of acquiring the natural resource detected by the exploration; and a step of storing the acquired natural resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ISPACE, INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hakamada, Takahiro Nakamura, John Walker, Toshiro Shimizu, Toshiki Tanaka, Daisuke Furutomo, Yu Kudo, Kiyona Miyamoto, Daishi Matsukura, Mohamed Ragab, Abdelkader Haouchine, Damien Haikal, Chit Hong Yam, Julian Jakub Gramatyka
  • Patent number: 11656634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing enhanced autopilot mode awareness for a pilot of an aircraft. The apparatus comprises an autopilot control interface that allows the pilot to activate an operational mode of an autopilot system for the aircraft and to set aviation function parameters of the autopilot system. An autopilot status interface is included that displays the operational mode of the autopilot system and a current status of the aviation function parameters that are controlled by the autopilot system, and an indicator of anticipated actions by the autopilot system to control the aviation function parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Santosh Mathan, Diblik Vasco, Ondrej Klusacek, Jonathan Matthew Wong, Mark Peurifoy
  • Patent number: 11654902
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a vehicle computer coupled to a vehicle. The vehicle computer may be configured to compute (e.g., generate) an automated lane change maneuver moving the vehicle from a first lane into a second, adjacent lane. The lane change maneuver may have commenced while the maneuver was safe to conduct, but a threat vehicle (or another threat object) may be subsequently detected moving into the same target lane. The option to immediately abort the maneuver and return to the original lane may not be appropriate after some time into the lane change maneuver. The vehicle computer may control the vehicle in a lateral position hold along the lane demarcation line for a predetermined amount of time before moving into the second lane when the threat vehicle clears the second lane or returning to the first lane when the threat vehicle does not clear the second lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: PlusAI, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Joseph Dingli, Lichun Yang, Mohammadhussein Rafieisakhaei
  • Patent number: 11649055
    Abstract: Processes and systems for determining that a piece of luggage has been left behind in an overhead bin of a vehicle. When a passenger places a piece of luggage into the overhead bin, it is associated with that passenger by detecting that the passenger has sat down in a particular seat after the luggage has been placed into the overhead bin. When it has been determined that the passenger has deboarded the vehicle, and the luggage has not been removed, reminder signals are sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Heinisch
  • Patent number: 11649076
    Abstract: A system detects a maneuver of at least one space object by receiving a first data set relating to orbital characteristics of at least one space debris object. The system trains a model, using the first data set, in order to model orbital behaviors of the at least one space debris object. The system then receives a second data set relating to orbital characteristics of the at least one space object, and detects a maneuver of the at least one space object using the trained model and the second data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jonsimon Tack, Christine Nezda
  • Patent number: 11649060
    Abstract: A system for stowable propulsion in an electric aircraft that includes at least a propulsor mounted on at least a structural feature that includes at least a rotor and at least a motor mechanically coupled to the at least a rotor, where the motor is configured to cause the rotor to rotate as a function of an activation datum, at least a sensor communicatively coupled to the at least a propulsor configured to detect a position datum as a function of the configuration, generate a clearance datum as a function of the position datum, transmit the clearance datum to a flight controller, and a flight controller communicatively coupled to the at least a propulsor and the at least a sensor configured to receive the clearance datum from the at least a sensor and generate the activation datum as a function of the clearance datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Herman Wiegman
  • Patent number: 11644829
    Abstract: Remote provision of a drone resource is disclosed. A user equipment (UE) can generate a request for drone resources that can be employed to find an appropriate drone from a set of drones. The drone can be automatically provisioned to allow access to the drone resource in accord with the request. The set of drones can comprise different tiers of drones. A response can be generated indicating the state of provisioning a drone in accord with the request. The user equipment can make the request available to a drone allocation component via a communication framework that can comprise a wireless interface. Provisioning of the drone can similarly be accomplished via the communication framework. As such, the set of drones can be distributed and can be provisioned from a UE located remotely from the drone allocation component and/or the drones comprising the set of drones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Venson Shaw
  • Patent number: 11634132
    Abstract: In deceleration set processing, first-class and second-class deceleration are specified. The first-class deceleration is deceleration of the vehicle corresponding to a first-class state. The first-class state is a state of a slowdown target of the vehicle. The second-class deceleration is deceleration of a following moving body corresponding to a second-class state. The second-class state is a state of the vehicle as viewed from the following moving body. If a minimum value of the first-class deceleration (a first-class minimum value) is equal to or greater than a minimum value of the second-class deceleration (a second-class minimum value), target deceleration is set to the first-class minimum value. Otherwise, based on a second-class minimum value phase, the target deceleration is set to deceleration equal to or greater than the second-class minimum value. The second-class minimum value phase is a phase to which the second-class minimum value belongs in a second deceleration feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi Kawanai
  • Patent number: 11635772
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aircraft and a method of controlling an aircraft. The aircraft comprises a continuous wing assembly extending from port to starboard sides of the aircraft. The aircraft is controlled partially by flexing portions of the wing, and partially or totally by mechanical systems that alter the position of a fuselage with respect to the wing. The fuselage is attached to the wing by a wing/fuselage joint structure that permits at least two mutually orthogonal axes of rotation of the fuselage relative to the wing. The aircraft includes a sensors, a telemetry system linked to a remote server, and a control system for programming flight information and aircraft control instructions and a plurality of actuators responsive to the control system for rotating the fuselage relative to the wing and flexing the wing for controlling the flight of the aircraft in response to instructions from the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: ROMAERIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony F. Pizarro, Bruno C. Doerwald
  • Patent number: 11634147
    Abstract: A method includes an initial trailer health assessment and real-time trailer health monitoring. The initial trailer health assessment includes autonomous pre-trip maneuvers of the autonomous vehicle during a first time period, and detecting a pre-trip vehicle health condition. A vehicle health score is calculated based on the pre-trip vehicle health condition. If the vehicle health score is at least a threshold value, real-time trailer health monitoring is performed during a trip of the autonomous vehicle during a second time period, by actively monitoring vehicle dynamics data and/or image data associated with the autonomous vehicle, to determine a fault condition of the autonomous vehicle. If the fault condition meets a first criteria, a control parameter and/or a travel plan of the autonomous vehicle is adjusted. If the fault condition meets a second criteria different from the first criteria, a signal is sent to cause the autonomous vehicle to cease movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: PlusAI, Inc.
    Inventors: Siva Bhargav Ravella, Xiaoyu Huang
  • Patent number: 11634238
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a frame configured to support a load, a first set of wheels provided on the frame, a second set of wheels provided on the frame, and a controller. The first set of wheels is configured to descend or ascend in response to the controller, and is oriented to move in a first direction. The second set of wheels is configured to descent or ascend in response to the controller, and is oriented to move in a different direction from the first direction. The controller configured to control the descent and ascent of the second set of wheels and the first set of wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Titus Waithaka Kiiru, Todd Reichert, Cameron Robertson
  • Patent number: 11628940
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for operating a gliding parachute/kite. The gliding parachute/kite has a wing with a flexible material, and a set of suspension lines adapted for coupling a load to the wing, such that the coupling is configurable in any one of a plurality of possible states based on relative lengths of the suspension lines. In some implementations, the possible states include a first state enabling gliding in a first direction, and a second state enabling gliding in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Reversing direction is possible with the first and second states. Additionally, or alternatively, the possible states include a spinning state enabling spinning of the gliding parachute/kite. Adjusting a rate of decent is possible with the spinning. Reversing direction and/or spinning operations can be used to improve control of trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Mist Mobility Integrated Systems Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Mccann, Alexandre Cote, Eric Dainty, David Gransden
  • Patent number: 11628723
    Abstract: A method of controlling posture of a vehicle is provided to determine a minute tendency of understeer or oversteer of the vehicle and to control the posture of the vehicle when recognizing the minute tendency of the understeer or oversteer while driving the vehicle straight. The includes determining whether torque is applied to drive wheels while driving the vehicle and acquiring equivalent inertia information of a drive system in real time based on drive system operation information in response to determining that the torque is being applied to the drive wheels. The understeer or oversteer of the vehicle is determined from the equivalent inertia information obtained in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ji Won Oh, Jeong Soo Eo