Patents Examined by Maceeh Anwari
  • Patent number: 11347242
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for flight control prioritization. An example apparatus includes a thrust state determiner to determine a first thrust margin between a first limit of first available power for first rotors of a rotorcraft and a first thrust state associated with the first rotors, determine a second thrust margin between a second limit of second available power for second rotors of the rotorcraft and a second thrust state associated with the second rotors, and identify the first thrust margin or the second thrust margin as a selected thrust margin based on a vertical control profile of the rotorcraft, and a command generator to determine a first vertical control command based on the selected thrust margin and a second vertical control command, the second vertical control command being executed by the rotorcraft, and control the rotorcraft based on the first vertical control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan E. Kashawlic, Brandon R. Brown
  • Patent number: 11320817
    Abstract: A method for adjusting image exposure includes, while continuously tracking one or more targets using an imaging device mounted on a movable object, receiving a user indication of a target for imaging, determining a first representation of the target, capturing a first image that includes the first representation of the target, determining an exposure parameter for the imaging device using data in the first image that corresponds to the first representation of the target, determining a second representation of the target, capturing a second image including the second representation of the target, and adjusting the exposure parameter for the imaging device using data in the second image that corresponds to the second representation of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ye Tao, Cong Zhao, Xuyang Feng, Ruochen Tang
  • Patent number: 11313693
    Abstract: A system for closest in path vehicle following using surrounding vehicles motion flow is provided and includes a sensor device of a host vehicle generating data related to vehicles upon a drivable surface. The system further includes a navigation controller including a computerized processor operable to monitor the data from the sensor device, define a portion of the plurality of vehicles as a swarm of vehicles, identify one of the plurality of vehicles as a closest in path vehicle to be followed, evaluate the data to determine whether the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting good behavior in relation to the swarm of vehicles, and, when the closest in path vehicle to be followed is exhibiting the good behavior, generate a breadcrumbing navigation path based upon the data. The system further includes a vehicle controller controlling the host vehicle based upon the breadcrumbing navigation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A. MacDonald, Mohammadali Shahriari, Dorothy Lui, Donovan J. Wisner, Benjamin J. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 11312352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method with which the driving dynamics of an electrically driven vehicle can be modified. Within the scope of the method according to the invention, a vehicle operating characteristic variable, as a function of which a torque transmission mechanism is engaged, is monitored, by means of which torque transmission mechanism two half-shaft assemblies of the vehicle which are each driven by an electric motor can be selectively connected to one another in terms of drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Simon Kaimer, Martin Parigger, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Patent number: 11299132
    Abstract: A driving support apparatus is provided with: a determinator configured to determine a collision probability; and a braking controller programmed to perform a braking control, and a preliminary braking control. The braking controller includes: a braking force increaser configured to increase the braking force applied in the preliminary braking control; and a braking force adjuster configured to perform adjustment, if the braking force applied at an end time point of the preliminary braking control is greater than the braking force applied at a start time point of the braking control in such a manner that a braking force applied in transferring from the preliminary braking control to the braking control has a small change amount, or in such a manner that it is greater than the braking force applied at the end time point of the preliminary braking control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Tsuchiya, Kazunori Nogi
  • Patent number: 11292607
    Abstract: A propeller control system for an aircraft propeller rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having an adjustable blade angle is provided. A blade angle feedback ring is coupled to the propeller to rotate with the propeller and to move along the longitudinal axis along with adjustment of the blade angle. The feedback ring includes position markers spaced around its circumference. A sensor is positioned adjacent the feedback ring for producing signals indicative of passage of the position markers. A controller is in communication with the sensor, and is configured for: measuring a distance between the position markers, wherein the distance is representative of a longitudinal position of the feedback ring; determining whether a value representative of the longitudinal position is within a first threshold range; and when the value is within the first threshold range, storing the value as a calibration value associated with the blade angle feedback ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHTNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Ella Yakobov, James Robert Jarvo
  • Patent number: 11277966
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a machine for operating with an implement that is selectively coupleable to the machine. Both the implement and the machine have memories storing calibration data for machine-implement combinations. The machine and the implement are operated based on a calibration value stored to the machine memory corresponding to an identification of the specific implement that is coupled to the machine. If a calibration value for the specific implement is not already in the machine memory, the machine determines a calibration value for the implement based on other calibration data stored by the machine memory and/or the implement memory. In some embodiments, the calibration data stored by the machine and by the implement is synchronized when the implement is selectively coupled to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael J. Hodson
  • Patent number: 11281944
    Abstract: A method for determining event data including: sampling a first data stream within a first time window at a first sensor of an onboard vehicle system coupled to a vehicle, extracting interior activity data from the first data stream; determining an interior event based on the interior activity data; sampling a second data stream within a second time window at a second sensor of the onboard vehicle system; extracting exterior activity data from the second image stream; determining an exterior event based on the exterior activity data; correlating the exterior event and the interior event to generate combined event data; automatically classifying the combined event data to generate an event label; and automatically labeling the first time window of the first data stream and the second time window of the second data stream with the combined event label to generate labeled event data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Nauto, Inc.
    Inventors: Suchitra Sathyanarayana, Ravi Kumar Satzoda, Alex Thompson, Michael Gleeson-May, Ludmila Levkova
  • Patent number: 11260905
    Abstract: A human-machine interaction somatosensory vehicle is provided. The human-machine interaction somatosensory vehicle may include a vehicle body and two wheels mounted on the vehicle body. The two wheels may rotate around the vehicle body in a radial direction. The vehicle body may include a support frame, two pedal devices mounted on the support frame, a controller, and a driving device configured to drive the two wheels. The support frame may be an integral structure rotatably connected to the two pedal devices. The two pedal devices each may include a pedal foot board and a first position sensor. The first position sensor may be mounted between the pedal foot board and the support frame, and configured to detect stress information of the pedal device. The controller may be configured to control the driving device to drive the two wheels to move or turn based on the stress information of the pedal devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HANGZHOU CHIC INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiawei Ying, Keping Xiao
  • Patent number: 11261068
    Abstract: A steering method of a multi-directional industrial truck for controlling a movement of the multi-directional industrial truck from a starting position into a target position. The method includes selectively controlling automatically at least one of a rotatory component of the movement and a translatory component of the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HUBTEX MASCHINENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Keller
  • Patent number: 11260877
    Abstract: A method for selecting a driving profile of a motor vehicle, a driver assistance system therefor and a motor vehicle equipped therewith is disclosed. In the method and based on an operating action by a driver, a deviation between the number of predetermined driving profiles currently desired by the driver and that previously used is recognized. After the deviation has been recognized, a query is output to the driver as to whether the deviation should be taught by the driver assistance system for the current situation. After the query has been confirmed by the driver, the driver assistance system is accordingly adapted for the current situation in at least one parameter influencing the selection of the driving profile to be used such that the deviation in the automatic selection of the driving profile to be used in future situations that correspond to the current situation is taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Julia Gohlke, Paul Hochrein, Holger Spahr
  • Patent number: 11247647
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a camera obtaining an external view of the vehicle and acquiring illuminance data; a radar detecting a target object located outside the vehicle and acquiring radar data; and a controller including at least one processor for processing the illuminance data acquired by the camera and the radar data acquired by the radar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Dae Seok Jeon
  • Patent number: 11237555
    Abstract: A backup control server for reducing dangers to automation systems of autonomous vehicles includes a memory and a processor. The processor is programmed to detect an anomalous event which may include one of a geomagnetic interference event and a cyber-attack event. The processor may also be programmed to perform a threat assessment for the anomalous event relative to an automation system of a vehicle. The automation system may be configured to control an aspect of autonomous operation of the vehicle. The processor may be further programmed to determine one or more mitigating actions to perform on the automation system based upon the threat assessment. The one or more mitigating actions are configured to reduce a danger to the vehicle presented by the anomalous event. The processor may also be programmed to transmit to the vehicle instructions to perform one or more mitigating actions on the automation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Brian Fields
  • Patent number: 11230375
    Abstract: A method for controlling a flying projectile which rotates during flight, comprising: determining an angle of rotation of an inertial mass spinning about an axis during flight; and controlling at least one actuator for altering at least a portion of an aerodynamic structure, selectively in dependence on the determined angle of rotation and a control input, to control aerodynamic forces during flight. An aerodynamic surface may rotate and interact with surrounding air during flight, to produce aerodynamic forces. A sensor determines an angular rotation of the spin during flight. A control system, responsive to the sensor, produces a control signal in dependence on the determined angular rotation. An actuator selectively alters an aerodynamic characteristic of the aerodynamic surface in response to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 11222544
    Abstract: A platoon control system includes a platoon control in communication with a plurality of individual platoon vehicle controls associated with respective platoon vehicles of a platoon of vehicles traveling along a road. Responsive to a lane change instruction wirelessly communicated by the platoon control, the individual platoon vehicle control of a last platoon vehicle controls the last platoon vehicle to maneuver the last platoon vehicle from an initial traffic lane to another traffic lane. After maneuvering the last platoon vehicle to enter the other traffic lane, the individual platoon vehicle control of the last platoon vehicle controls the last platoon vehicle to allow the individual platoon vehicle controls of the other platoon vehicles to maneuver the other platoon vehicles to enter the other traffic lane ahead of the last platoon vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Ruediger K. Boegel
  • Patent number: 11219155
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an agricultural implement. The system includes a monitor device, a communication module and a display device. The monitor device is in electrical communication with a plurality of sensors monitoring the operation of agricultural implement. The implement sensors generate “as-applied” data. The as-applied data is processed and transmitted to a display device via a communication module. The display device renders maps representing the as-applied data. The generated maps may be accessed and displayed as map overlays on a display device with a common view characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: The Climate Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Koch, Doug Sauder, Tim Sauder, Jakob Stuber
  • Patent number: 11220183
    Abstract: A driver controls a switch inserted in a current path between a secondary battery and an inverter that drives a motor. A first abnormality detector instructs the driver to turn off the switch when an abnormality of the secondary battery is detected. A second abnormality detector is disposed in parallel with the first abnormality detector, and instructs the driver to turn off the switch when the abnormality of the secondary battery is detected. The first abnormality detector suspends an instruction to turn off the switch to the driver, even when the abnormality of the secondary battery is detected, in cases where an ECU instructs discharge-stop prohibition of the secondary battery. The second abnormality detector instructs the driver to turn off the switch after a lapse of a certain time from when the abnormality of the secondary battery is detected, regardless of an instruction from the ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takao, Noriharu Kobayashi, Hoshihito Okada
  • Patent number: 11208205
    Abstract: A rotorcraft including a main rotor, flight controls connected to the main rotor the main rotor, a plurality of engines connected to the main rotor and operable to drive the main rotor, a main rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) sensor, and a monitoring system operable to determine an engine failure of the plurality of engines. The monitoring system is further operable to engage an automated autorotation entry assist process in response to at least determining the engine failure and according to the measured main rotor RPM, where the automated autorotation entry assist process comprises the monitoring system generating one or more rotor RPM related commands according to at least a target main rotor RPM and the measured main rotor RPM, where the automated autorotation entry assist process further comprises controlling the one or more flight controls according to the one or more rotor RPM related commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Luke Dafydd Gillett
  • Patent number: 11208008
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle predicts a collision of the vehicle with an object and then actuates a drive assist device. The control device includes a collision predictor, a drive assist controller, an engine controller, a first power supply system, a second power supply system, a switch, and a switch controller. When a possibility that the vehicle will collide with the object exceeds a threshold, the collision predictor outputs a collision alarm signal. When the collision alarm signal is output during driving of the starter motor, the engine controller stops the starter motor to increase an electric potential of the second power supply system, and the switch controller turns on the switch, based on a difference in electric potential between the first and second power supply systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro Uchimura, Yuji Ohori, Yuki Natsume, Shota Inudo
  • Patent number: 11203440
    Abstract: An aircraft control system may include an engine control subsystem, a flight control subsystem, a processor, and a tangible, non-transitory memory. The tangible, non-transitory memory may be configured to communicate with the processor, and the tangible, non-transitory memory may have instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by the processor, cause the aircraft control system to perform various operations. The various operations may include controlling, by the processor, the engine control subsystem and controlling, by the processor, the flight control subsystem. That is, a single processor (or a single set of processors) may control both the engine control subsystem and the flight control subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Leo J. Veilleux, Jr., Richard A. Poisson