Patents Examined by Muhammad Shafi
  • Patent number: 11841236
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices that receive a request for a vehicle from a client computing device. The request identifies a first location. The one or more computing devices also determine whether the first location is within a threshold outside of a service area of the vehicle. When the location is within the threshold distance outside of the service area of the vehicle, the one or more computing devices identify a second location within the service area of the vehicle where the vehicle is able to stop for a passenger and based on the first location. The one or more computing devices then provide a map and a marker identifying the position of the second location on the map for display on the client computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Anne Kristina Aula, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Daniel Jules Switkin, Jennifer Arden, Renaud-Roland Hubert
  • Patent number: 11832553
    Abstract: Operating an autonomous grounds maintenance machine includes determining a travel path for the machine to reach a destination waypoint in a zone of a work region. The travel path is analyzed for problem areas based on a predetermined terrain map. Rotations of the machine may be planned even before the machine begins to travel down the path to proactively prevent the machine from becoming trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventor: Jason T. Kraft
  • Patent number: 11834173
    Abstract: A system for neutralization of a target aerial vehicle comprises a plurality of counter-attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and an aerial vehicle detection system comprising at least one detection sensor operable to detect the target aerial vehicle in flight. The system also comprises an aerial vehicle capture countermeasure in the form of a net tethering the plurality of counter-attack UAVs to one another. The counter-attack UAV(s) are operable to capture and neutralize the target aerial vehicle with the net. The system can comprise at least one net storage device associated with a structure and configured to store at least a portion of the net when in a stowed position, and to facilitate deployment of the net when moved to a deployed position via coordinated flight of the plurality of counter-attack UAVs based on the detected target aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sarcos Corp.
    Inventors: Fraser M. Smith, Marc X. Olivier
  • Patent number: 11828612
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for a displaying a route in a first electronic device. A message is received from a second electronic device. Based on analyzing the received message, first location information including address information inputted from a user of the second electronic device is identified in the received message. The first location information is obtained from the received message. Second location information of the first electronic device is obtained. A start location is set to the obtained second location information and the destination location is set to the selected address information. Based on obtaining route information between the start location and the destination location, a route representing the obtained route information between the start location and the destination location is displayed on a display of the first electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Dong-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 11829133
    Abstract: A vehicle remote control system includes a server including a transceiver and a controller. The transceiver is configured to receive location data from a vehicle and location data from a remote device. The controller is configured to receive an operating instruction signal from the remote device, the operating instruction signal including instructions to operate one or more components of the vehicle. A distance between the vehicle and the remote device is determined based on the location data from the vehicle and the location data from the remote device. The operating instruction signal is transmitted to the vehicle in response to a determination that the distance between the vehicle and the remote device is equal to or less than a corresponding threshold distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11827343
    Abstract: A commanded control signal is compared against an adaptive control signal in order to detect a rotor strike by a rotor included in an aircraft, wherein the adaptive control signal is associated with controlling the rotor and the adaptive control signal varies based at least in part on the commanded control signal and state information associated with the rotor. In response to detecting the rotor strike, a control signal to the rotor is adjusted in order to reduce a striking force associated with the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Scott Saunders
  • Patent number: 11822330
    Abstract: A method for operating an aircraft with N>4 drive units. A flight control system (FCS) generates control commands u_COM, u_COM?U?R{circumflex over (?)}N, for the drive units, via a first channel. u represents limitations of the drive units. The FCS generates pseudo-control commands ?_COM, ?_COMER{circumflex over (?)}4, in the first channel, which specify torques about corresponding axes of rotation of the aircraft and a thrust, a control matrix M?R{circumflex over (?)}(4×N) with ?=M u establishing a relationship with the control commands u; in the first channel. Admissible control commands u_COM?U are calculated from the pseudo-control commands; and the first channel is monitored and, based on a result, is passivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Volocopter GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Stephan, Jan Zwiener
  • Patent number: 11821737
    Abstract: A method carried out by a computer for coordinating a route comprising a public transportation leg using a vehicle operated by a public transportation service and characterized by an estimated arrival time; and a subsequent ordered transportation leg using a vehicle operated by an ordered transportation service, the method comprising: transmitting to the ordered transportation service an order for a vehicle to provide the ordered transportation leg, the order being characterized by an estimated departure time; tracking real-time progress of the user along the public transportation leg; responsive to the tracking detecting a delay in the public transportation leg, determining a later departure time for the ordered transportation leg; transmitting to the ordered transportation service a revised order for the ordered transportation leg comprising the later departure time; and sending to the mobile communication device a rescheduling notification comprising the later departure time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: MOOVIT APP GLOBAL LTD
    Inventors: Nir Erez, Roy Bick, Yovav Meydad
  • Patent number: 11814078
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to using remote assistance to maneuver an autonomous vehicle to a location. A computing device used by a remote operator may receive a request for assistance from a vehicle that indicates the vehicle is stopped at a first location with one or more navigation options for enabling the vehicle to navigate from the first location to a second location. At least one navigation option includes a maneuver technique that requires operator approval prior to execution. The computing device may then display a graphical user interface (GUI) that conveys the one or more navigation options. Based on detecting a selection of a particular navigation option, the computing device may transmit instructions to the vehicle to perform the particular navigation option. The vehicle may configured to navigate from the first location to the second location by performing the particular navigation option while monitoring for changes in the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Ioan-Alexandru Sucan, Joshua Herbach, Collin Winter
  • Patent number: 11807131
    Abstract: Personal mobility vehicles, their various components, methods and systems for controlling, using, tracking, and/or interacting with personal mobility vehicles, and methods and systems for integrating personal mobility vehicles within dynamic transportation networks so that a personal mobility vehicle (PMV) can be used in combination with a vehicle of a transportation provider to efficiently complete a transportation request are discussed. For example, a PMV may be used in combination with a lane-constrained vehicle to improve travel time between two locations in situations where the time it may take for a lane-constrained vehicle to reach the starting location may be affected by traffic congestion at the starting location. The PMV may transport a transportation requestor from a starting location to an intermediate location away from the traffic congestion to then transfer to a lane-constrained vehicle for the remainder of the trip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lyft, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Ellis Whitt, Steven James Martisauskas, Dor Levi
  • Patent number: 11803182
    Abstract: Identification and guidance systems configured to facilitate vehicle management in logistics yards or the like are described. The systems can include an identification and guidance (I/G) unit attached to each transport vehicle within the logistics yard. The I/G unit transmits information (e.g., location and guidance information) over a wireless network to a remote controller. The remote controller can transmit relevant information received from the I/G unit to a portable communications device associated with the transport vehicle to which the I/G unit is mounted. For example, the portable communications device may be located in a tractor being used to maneuver the transport vehicle about the logistics yard so that the driver can use the information displayed on the portable communications device to assist with maneuvering the transport vehicle. Related methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems AB
    Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Daryl Day
  • Patent number: 11800831
    Abstract: A control system including a drive system and a blade system; a collision sensor; a main board having a main processor and in communication with the collision sensor, the drive system, and the blade system; the collision sensor, upon sensing a collision, capable of transmitting a collision signal to the main processor; the main board capable of transmitting an adjustment command to the drive system or the blade system; a vision sensor; a vision processor in communication with the vision sensor and the main processor, and capable of determining whether the image data represent an obstacle; the vision sensor capable of transmitting image data to the vision processor; when the vision processor determines the image data represent an obstacle, the vision processor capable of transmitting a collision-replicating signal to the main processor, prompting the main board to transmit the adjustment command to the drive system and/or the blade system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Damon J. Hoyda
  • Patent number: 11797020
    Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) interacts with a user to provide tasks such as conveniently displaying information on a screen and moving with the user as they move. The AMD determines an area, or bounding box, of a user appearing within images obtained by a camera that is mounted on the AMD. A preferred area, with respect to the images, such as a center of the image, is specified to provide desired framing of images. As images are acquired by the camera, a difference between the bounding box and the preferred area is determined. Based at least in part on this difference, instructions are determined to move one or more of the cameras or the entire AMD to try and reframe the bounding box in subsequent images closer to the preferred area. Other factors, such as the user being backlit, may also be considered in determining the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Wenqing Jiang, Xin Yang
  • Patent number: 11794755
    Abstract: A system provides on-demand remote support services including teleoperation of vehicles. In response to a remote support request, the system assesses environmental conditions, historical data, and/or parameters of a request for remote support to rank available operators capable of fulfilling the request, and selects an optimal operator for the remote support request based on desired criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Phantom Auto Inc.
    Inventors: Shay Magzimof, David Parunakian, Michael Kris
  • Patent number: 11794727
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle includes processing means configured to: receive first signals from a receiving means in dependence on received transmitted signals from a remote control device indicating a requested motion of a vehicle; receive one or more second signals indicative of a diagnostic device being in operative communication with the vehicle; and provide an output signal for controlling movement of the vehicle in dependence on the requested motion. The output signal is inhibited if: a diagnostic device is in operative communication with the vehicle and a maintenance mode has not been activated, as determined from the first signals or from one or more third signals; or if a door or the bonnet is open, unless a diagnostic device is in operative communication with the vehicle; or if the vehicle weight is not being borne by the wheels unless a diagnostic device is in operative communication with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventor: Jonathan Woodley
  • Patent number: 11787354
    Abstract: A vehicle is electrically connected to one or more accessories. The vehicle includes at least one controller that may be configured to identify the accessory based on accessory identification information. The controller may also be configured to provide one or more commands to control an operation of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Krosschell, Aidan B. Shaughnessy, Joshua T. Weed, Benjamin S. Fuchs, Adam C. Koosmann, Austin A. Holt, Scott Taylor, Aaron T. Reay
  • Patent number: 11772514
    Abstract: A system for predicting degradation of a battery for use in an electric vehicle is presented. The system includes a computing device communicatively connected to at least a pack monitor unit, wherein the at least a pack monitor unit is configured to detect a battery pack datum of a plurality of battery modules incorporated in a battery pack. The computing device is further configured to receive the battery pack datum as a function of the at least a pack monitor unit, generate, as a function of the battery pack datum, a battery pack model associated with the battery pack of the electric vehicle, and determine a battery degradation prediction as a function of the battery pack datum and the battery pack model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: BETA AIR, LLC
    Inventor: Steven J. Foland
  • Patent number: 11774958
    Abstract: A vehicle is operable in a first mode in which vehicle actions are controlled in response to inputs received by an input device carried by the vehicle from an operator while being boarded on the vehicle and in a second mode in which vehicle actions are controlled in response to inputs received from the operator while the operator is proximate the vehicle, but no longer boarded on the vehicle. The vehicle carries a sensor configured to output a sensed input, as sensed by the sensor, from the operator proximate the vehicle, but not boarded on the vehicle. The sensed input is recognized and associated with a vehicle action and control signals are output to the vehicle based on the sensed input to cause the vehicle to carry out the vehicle action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Zimeno, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Travis Whitney, Rama Venkata Surya Kumar Varma Bhupatiraju, Mizbauddin Mohammed, Bhargav Ramakrishna Reddy, Praveen V. Penmetsa, Zachary M. Omohundro
  • Patent number: 11767058
    Abstract: A program stored in a mobile terminal including a computer, a camera, a display, and a communication device, the program being configured to operate an operation target vehicle from outside with use of the mobile terminal, the operation target vehicle being registered in advance, the program causing the computer to execute: a step of estimating a distance from the mobile terminal to the operation target vehicle based on a size of an image of the operation target vehicle included in a photographed image of the camera; a step of determining whether or not the estimated distance is less than a prescribed threshold; a step of receiving an operation instruction with respect to the operation target vehicle when the estimated distance is less than the threshold; and a step of causing the communication device to output a signal instructing an operation in response to the received operation instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Jumpei Fuke
  • Patent number: 11760339
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a rapid-response active suspension system controls suspension force and position for improving vehicle safety and drivability. The system may interface with various sensors that detect safety critical vehicle states and adjust the suspension of each wheel to improve safety. Pre-crash and collision sensors may notify the active suspension controller of a collision and the stance may be adjusted to improve occupant safety during an impact while maintaining active control of the wheels. Wheel forces may also be controlled to improve the effectiveness of vehicle safety systems such as ABS and ESP in order to improve traction. Also, bi-directional information may be communicated between the active suspension system and other vehicle safety systems such that each system may respond to information provided to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jack A. Ekchian