Patents Examined by Mussa A Shaawat
  • Patent number: 10885786
    Abstract: A protected region is set for a manned working machine, said region including a first protected region in which new protected region setting request information is not transmitted and which includes the position of the manned working machine, and a second protected region which is set along a periphery of the first protected region and in which new protected region setting request information is transmitted. An area occupied by the vehicle body of the manned working machine on a plane projected on the ground surface is calculated on the basis of vehicle body information indicating the size of the vehicle body of the manned working machine and position information thereof. When the occupied area is present within the first protected region, new protected region setting request information is not transmitted, whereas when the occupied area is present within the second protected region, protected region setting request information is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wataru Tanaka, Masaki Kanai, Tomoyuki Hamada
  • Patent number: 10877472
    Abstract: A flight management system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in which the UAV is equipped for cellular fourth generation (4G) flight control. The UAV carries on-board a 4G modem, an antenna connected to the modem for providing for downlink wireless RF. A computer is connected to the modem. A 4G infrastructure to support sending via uplink and receiving via downlink from and to the UAV. The infrastructure further includes 4G base stations capable of communicating with the UAV along its flight path. An antenna in the base station is capable of supporting a downlink to the UAV. A control centre accepts navigation related data from the uplink. In addition, the control centre further includes a connection to the 4G infrastructure for obtaining downlinked data. A computer for calculating location of the UAV using navigation data as from the downlink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Moshe Zach
  • Patent number: 10872525
    Abstract: A speed prediction method and apparatus are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuyao Xu, Shifan Zhao, Long Wang
  • Patent number: 10864866
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a detector configured to detect a fingerprint of a user and a temperature of the finger. A storage medium is configured to store a user set value corresponding to the detected fingerprint and temperature set value data corresponding to the detected temperature. A controller is configured to control an electronic device in the vehicle based on a user set value corresponding to the detected fingerprint when the user set value exists, and to control an air conditioner based on a temperature set value corresponding to the detected temperature when there are more than a predetermined number of temperature set value data stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yeonhee Choi
  • Patent number: 10852731
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method of calibrating a vehicle's plurality of detection systems. To calibrate a first detection system, orientation data is collected using the first detection device when the vehicle faces a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. To calibrate a second detection system, data is collected using the second detection device while the vehicle moves in a repeatable pattern near a first object. To calibrate a third detection system, light reflected off a second object is detected using the third detection system as the vehicle is moved towards the second object. To calibrate a fourth detection system, data collected using the second detection system and the fourth detection system is compared. To calibrate a fifth detection system, radar signals reflected off a third object is received using the fifth detection system while the vehicle moves relative to the third object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: WAYMO LLC
    Inventors: Colin Braley, Craig Lewin Robinson, Ionut Iordache
  • Patent number: 10850723
    Abstract: Self-propelled vehicles that include swiveling caster wheels and independent drive wheels are disclosed. The self-propelled vehicles are selectively steered in a caster wheel steering mode or a drive wheel steering mode. The vehicle includes a steering position sensor to measure the position of the steering system. A control unit varies the rotational speed of first and second drive wheels based at least in part of the signal from the steering position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nathan D. Dockter, Kent M. Recker, Kent L. Thompson, Curt T. Graham
  • Patent number: 10842067
    Abstract: An automated implement control system includes one or more distance sensors configured for coupling with an agricultural implement. The one or more distance sensors are configured to measure a ground distance and a canopy distance from the one or more sensors to the ground and crop canopy, respectively. An implement control module is in communication with the one or more distance sensors. The implement control module controls movement of the agricultural implement. The implement control module includes a confidence module configured to determine a ground confidence value based on the measured ground distance and a canopy confidence value based on the measured canopy distance. A target selection module of the implement control module is configured to select one of the measured ground or canopy distances as a control basis for controlling movement of the agricultural implement based on the comparison of confidence values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Weidenbach, John D. Preheim
  • Patent number: 10837788
    Abstract: Techniques for assisting a passenger to identify a vehicle and for assisting a vehicle to identify a passenger are discussed herein. Also discussed herein are techniques for capturing data via sensors on a vehicle or user device and for presenting such data in various formats. For example, in the context of a ride hailing service using autonomous vehicles, the techniques discussed herein can be used to identify a passenger of the autonomous vehicle at the start of a trip, and can be used to assist a passenger to identify an autonomous vehicle that has been dispatched for that particular passenger. Additionally, data captured by sensors of the vehicle and/or by sensors of a user device can be used to initiate a ride, determine a pickup location, orient a user within an environment, and/or provide visualizations or augmented reality elements to provide information and/or enrich a user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Duncan John Curtis, Donovan Anton Bass, Michael Moshe Kohen, Auver Cedric Austria
  • Patent number: 10822031
    Abstract: A turn control system for a work vehicle includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from a turn signal input assembly of the work vehicle indicative of a turn indication. The controller is also configured to output a second signal indicative of activation of a turn signal indication assembly based on the turn indication while in a manual control mode. In addition, the controller is configured to output a third signal to a movement control system indicative of instructions to control a turn direction of the work vehicle at an end of a guidance swath based on the turn indication while in an automatic control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Peter John Dix
  • Patent number: 10825339
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a drowsiness alert to a driver of a vehicle are described. A drowsiness estimate data set is compared to historical drowsiness data from multiple vehicles. The drowsiness estimate data set includes current drive context data, and traffic situation data indicative of a present traffic situation for the vehicle and the position of the vehicle. The previously collected drowsiness estimate data sets of the historical drowsiness data are each associated with a determined degree of drowsiness of the respective driver when the previous drowsiness estimate data sets were collected. The degree of drowsiness is determined by a drowsiness detection system in the respective vehicle. A drowsiness risk measure is subsequently determined and, based on the drowsiness risk measure and based on a current drive context for the vehicle, a drowsiness alert may be provided to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henrik Bjersing, Andre Soderlind
  • Patent number: 10807671
    Abstract: An electrical bicycle operating system includes a first switch unit that includes a first switch group configured to be mounted to a bicycle on a first side of a central longitudinal axis of the bicycle, the first switch group including a first switch and a second switch having a first position and a second position in the first switch group. Also included is a second switch unit that includes a second switch group configured to be mounted to the bicycle on an opposite side from the first side, the second switch group including a third switch having a same position as the first position. A control unit is configured to generate a first signal where the first switch unit is actuated, a second signal where the second switch unit is actuated, and a third signal where the first switch unit and the second switch unit are actuated concurrently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Usui, Keijiro Nishi
  • Patent number: 10800446
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to modify a steering assist of a hydraulic power steering system. A disclosed method includes calculating modifier values based on sensor data of a vehicle, calculating a torque modifier value based on the modifier values, and generating a final torque assist based on the torque modifier value and a base torque assist, the final torque assist to be applied to a steering system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Gerard Offerle, Bradley G. Hochrein, Anand Naik
  • Patent number: 10801433
    Abstract: Methods for determining an irregular fuel request (IFR) for vehicle engines coupled to driveshafts via clutched transmissions are provided and include: determining an idle condition of the engine, generating one or more fuel requests during the idle condition, and determining an IFR based on a clutch control parameter and a fuel request generated during the idle condition. The idle condition of the engine is determined based on a vehicle speed and an engine speed if the vehicle speed and engine speed are below respective thresholds. An IFR is determined if a fuel request falls outside a range, and/or if the clutch control parameter is such that the clutch does not substantially impart load to the engine. The idle fuel request range is determined based on a combustion mode of the engine and/or a gear state of the transmission. The method further includes implementing a control action after determining an IFR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Girardi, Neil Anderson
  • Patent number: 10795367
    Abstract: A method for receiving autonomous vehicle (AV) driving path data associated with a driving path in a roadway of a geographic location. The driving path data associated with a trajectory for an AV in a roadway and trajectory points in a trajectory of the driving path in the roadway for determining at least one feature of the roadway positioned a lateral distance from a first trajectory of the one or more trajectories of the driving path of an AV based on the map data. The method includes receiving map data associated with a map of a geographic location, determining a driving path for an AV in a roadway, generating driving path information based on a trajectory point in a trajectory of the driving path, and providing driving path data associated with the driving path to an AV for controlling the AV on the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Henry Polk Milstein, Donald Jason Burnette, Lisa Christine Weitekamp, Bryan John Nagy, Eric Michael Perko
  • Patent number: 10794039
    Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine along a first slot in a work surface includes a machine position sensor and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an elevation difference between each pair of laterally aligned positions of the first slot and a second adjacent slot, generate a first propulsion command to operate the machine according to a first propulsion mode while the machine is disposed along the first slot adjacent each pair of laterally aligned positions at which the elevation difference is less than a slot elevation difference threshold, and generate a second propulsion command to operate the machine according to a second propulsion mode while the machine is disposed along the first slot adjacent each pair of laterally aligned positions at which the elevation difference is greater than the slot elevation difference threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mo Wei, Brian G. Funke, Paul Lenzen
  • Patent number: 10793124
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of electric machines each coupled to a laterally-opposing wheel to output a wheel torque. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to command a combined regenerative braking torque output of the electric machines based on a lesser of a braking torque limit of each individual electric machine. The controller is also programmed to command a regenerative braking torque from each electric machine to be within a predetermined torque threshold of each other in response to a yaw rate exceeding a yaw threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10793287
    Abstract: A method for controlling the warning lights of an unmanned aerial vehicle, in a system, in which one or more light modules are connected to a controller (1), which controller (1) is also connected via a communication interface (5) to a decision subsystem (6) adapted to receive an activation signal from a delivery module (7, 8, 9, 10) providing the activation signal, which method comprises the following steps: a) delivery of the activation signal by the delivery module (7, 8, 9, 10) providing the activation signal to the decision subsystem (6), b) generation of a request to turn the warning lights (4) on or off by the decision subsystem (6) based on the activation signal, and transfer of this request via the interface (5) to the controller (1), c) turning the warning lights (4) on or off by the controller (1) according to the request received in step b). The invention comprises also a system for application of this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AEROBITS SP. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Rafal Osypiuk, Mateusz Spychala
  • Patent number: 10789848
    Abstract: The disclosure includes embodiments for providing cooperative perception among two or more connected vehicles. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, by a vehicle-to-anything (V2X) radio of an ego vehicle, a basic cooperative perception message (CPM) broadcast by a remote vehicle. The basic CPM includes basic CPM data describing objects that a remote vehicle has perceived. The method includes determining that the remote vehicle has misperceived a select object and that the remote vehicle is on a collision course with the select object. The method includes unicasting to the remote vehicle, by the V2X radio of the ego vehicle using a different V2X protocol than was used for receiving the basic CPM, a supplemental CPM including supplemental CPM data describing the select object that the remote vehicle has misperceived so that the remote vehicle is alerted to a presence of the select object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventors: Onur Altintas, Takamasa Higuchi
  • Patent number: 10787174
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for automatically determining and implementing a driving mode from a plurality of driving modes of a vehicle. The system includes a GPS unit configured to detect a geographical location of the vehicle. The system includes a memory configured to store a driving mode map identifying an initial driving mode based on a given geographical location. The system includes an input unit configured to receive a driving mode sensitivity indicating a desired level of driving aggressiveness. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU is configured to determine the driving mode based on the driving mode map, the detected geographical location of the vehicle, and the driving mode sensitivity. The ECU is configured to automatically adjust operation of the vehicle based on the adjusted driving mode by adjusting a suspension, throttle sensitivity, shift points, air conditioning usage, traction control, or stability control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACUTRING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew G. Sata
  • Patent number: 10779457
    Abstract: An agricultural tractor having an auxiliary control station located outside of the tractor cab. The auxiliary control station is used for the actuation of tractor components, e.g. hydraulic cylinders, when an operator is outside of the cab. The auxiliary control station has a user interface which allows the external controls of the auxiliary control station to be reassigned to operate different actuatable elements of the tractor, thereby providing for increased ease-of-use of the tractor when an operator is outside of the cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Barzen