Patents Examined by Redhwan k Mawari
  • Patent number: 11048259
    Abstract: A control device is configured to cause a vehicle parked in a parking lot to move to a pick-up area in accordance with a call from a user who is a passenger of the vehicle. The control device includes a user position acquiring unit, a predicted time calculator, and a timing manager. The user position acquiring unit is configured to acquire, as a user position, a current position of the user who has made the call. The predicted time calculator is configured to calculate a predicted user arrival time on the basis of the user position, and the predicted user arrival time is a time in which the user is predicted to arrive at the pick-up area. The timing manager is configured to manage a movement start timing at which the vehicle to be called starts moving to the pick-up area on the basis of the predicted user arrival time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junya Seki
  • Patent number: 11047112
    Abstract: A control system includes: an engine; a first hydraulic pump and a second hydraulic pump driven by the engine; a switching device provided in a flow path that connects the first hydraulic pump to the second hydraulic pump, and configured to perform switching between a merged state in which the flow path is opened and a separated state in which the flow path is closed; a first hydraulic actuator to which hydraulic fluid discharged from the first hydraulic pump is supplied in the separated state; a second hydraulic actuator to which hydraulic fluid discharged from the second hydraulic pump is supplied in the separated state; a determining unit configured to determine whether output of the engine is limited; and a merging-separating control unit configured to control the switching device so as to perform switching to the merged state when the determining unit determines that output of the engine is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Jimbo, Kenichi Kitamura, Yoshihiro Kumagae
  • Patent number: 11034382
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for vehicles that easily obtains equivalent steering torques to vehicle driving information such as a steering angle without being affected by a road surface state and aging-changes of mechanism characteristics of a steering system. The steering apparatus includes a torsional angle control section that calculates a motor current command value based on a target torsional angle corresponding to vehicle driving information and the torsional angle, and includes a torsional angle feedback compensating section that calculates a target torsional angular velocity by a deviation between the target torsional angle and the torsional angle. A torsional angular velocity calculating section calculates a torsional angular velocity by the torsional angle, and a velocity control section calculates a pre-limitation motor current command value by performing proportional compensation based on the target torsional angular velocity and the torsional angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tsubaki, Yousuke Imamura
  • Patent number: 11021851
    Abstract: A mining machine having a control system for operating the mining machine. The control system includes a vibration monitor. The mining machine further includes a sensor and a vibration control system. The sensor senses vibration of a component of the mining machine. The vibration control system determines when the mining machine is moving in a proper cycle, triggers acquisition of vibration sensor data from the sensor in response to determining that the mining machine is moving in the proper cycle, and outputs the vibration sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Joy Global Surface Mining Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Daniel, Jose Torres, Mark Emerson
  • Patent number: 11015956
    Abstract: A method for in-line sensor calibration are provided, comprising: obtaining sensor data from a plurality of sensors of different types coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while the UAV is in flight, wherein the plurality of sensors have an initial spatial configuration relative to one another; detecting, with aid of a processor, a change in a spatial configuration of the plurality of sensors relative to one another from the initial spatial configuration to a subsequent spatial configuration, based on the sensor data; determining the subsequent spatial configuration; and adjusting data, while the UAV is in flight, from at least one of the plurality of sensors based on the subsequent spatial configuration. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for sensor calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ketan Tang, Yongjian Zhao, Bing Li, Guyue Zhou
  • Patent number: 10996666
    Abstract: The presently disclosed technology discloses an unmanned aerial vehicle control method and apparatus. A device displays a map. The device detects a first movement path on a touch-sensitive surface of the device. The device overlays a trajectory on the map in accordance with the first movement path. The device automatically generates a number of waypoints along the trajectory. and the device displays the waypoints on the trajectory and sends instructions to an unmanned vehicle in accordance with the trajectory and the waypoints. The unmanned vehicle moves in accordance with trajectory by executing the instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jialun Li, Kaifeng Li, Xiangxin Zhang, Jia Wei, Qiuli Huang, Linghong Li, Zhiqiang Yu, Dongsheng Gu
  • Patent number: 10996672
    Abstract: A driving control apparatus for a vehicle is provided with an environmental condition estimating part including: a surrounding recognizing function that recognizes the vehicle's driving lane; and another vehicle driving on the driving lane; and a function that obtains the vehicle's moving state, a path generating part that generates a target path based on information obtained by the environmental condition estimating part, and a vehicle control part that performs speed control and steering control for causing the vehicle to follow the target path, and configured to be capable of executing an ACC function that performs a constant speed drive or a following drive, an LKA function that keeps the driving within the vehicle's driving lane, an override function that stops the ACC function by operation intervention of a driver, and a function that performs fallback control of the ACC function, the apparatus being configured to alter an ACC override threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Katsuhiko Sato
  • Patent number: 10981571
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a driveline that includes one or more electric machine providing torque to one or more axles are described. In one example, a requested vehicle speed is adjusted responsive to at least one of vehicle yaw, vehicle roll, and vehicle pitch so that vehicle speed may be maintained at a requested value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Rajit Johri, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jose Velazquez Alcantar
  • Patent number: 10982969
    Abstract: A method is provided for establishing determining lane-level route guidance, and more particularly, to establishing recommended lane-level guidance between an origin and a destination based on a safe, efficient, or popular path. Methods may include receiving a plurality of probe data points from a plurality of probe apparatuses, each probe apparatus traveling between a respective origin and destination pair; determining a lane-level maneuver pattern for each probe apparatus between the origin and the destination; providing for storage of the lane-level maneuver patterns for each probe apparatus in the memory; grouping together lane-level maneuver patterns for probe apparatuses having an origin and destination pair within a predefined similarity of origin and destination pairs of other apparatuses; and generating a lane-level maneuver pattern for each group based on at least one of a popularity, efficiency, or relatively safe lane-level maneuver pattern for the respective group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.
    Inventor: James Fowe
  • Patent number: 10976748
    Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to sounds for a vehicle having an autonomous driving mode. In one example, an audible signal corresponding to a sound received at one or more microphones of the vehicle may be received. Sensor data generated by a perception system of the vehicle identifying objects in an environment of the vehicle may be received. A type of sound may be determined by inputting the audible signal into a classifier. A set of additional signals may be determined based on the determined type of sound. The sensor data may be processed in order to identify one or more additional signals of the identified set of additional signals. The vehicle may be controlled in the autonomous driving mode in order to respond to the sound based on the one or more additional signals and the type of sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: David Harrison Silver, Jennifer Taylor
  • Patent number: 10967703
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a vehicle cabin heating system, based on particulate filter (PF) regeneration prediction. In one example, a method includes predicting an amount of exhaust heat that may be recovered via an exhaust heat exchanger during an upcoming PF regeneration event, and prior to the PF regeneration event, adjusting an amount of electric power supplied to an electric heater of the cabin heating system. The amount of adjustment may be based on the predicted amount of exhaust heat that may be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Errick, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 10967878
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for controlling at least one subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising: a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or each of the at least one vehicle subsystems in one of a plurality of baseline subsystem control modes by setting at least one control parameter of the or each of the at least one subsystems to a predetermined, stored, value or state applicable to that baseline subsystem control mode, each baseline subsystem control mode corresponding to one or more different driving conditions for the vehicle; and input means for permitting a user to provide an input to the control system, wherein, for at least one of the plurality of baseline subsystem control modes, the control system is configured to allow a user to define, via the input means, a user-configured subsystem control mode based on one said at least one baseline subsystem control mode by adjusting the value or state of at least one of said at least one control parameters to a value or state
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Charlotte Cooke, Robert Burford, David Armstrong, Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 10960815
    Abstract: A method for controlling a display means on board a motor vehicle, characterized in that it includes: a first step of determining the presence of a disruption in front of the vehicle, in which it is checked that at least one parameter representative of the presence of a disruption in front of the vehicle meets at least one predetermined condition; a second step of developing a display order that is triggered when the predetermined conditions are met, and in which an order to display a pictogram representative of the disruption on the display means is transmitted by an electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Joel Li, Kedar Sathaye
  • Patent number: 10960988
    Abstract: Delivery landing pads for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are disclosed. A disclosed landing pad to support a UAV includes a landing surface, and a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the landing surface. The landing pad also includes a processor to determine a presence of the UAV on the landing pad and calculate a weight of a payload transported by the UAV based on a measurement of the pressure sensor to determine whether the payload has been delivered to the landing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: James Kendall Walker
  • Patent number: 10959367
    Abstract: An agricultural implement controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of at least one image of a field and to determine a crop residue mass map of the field based on the at least one image. In addition, the agricultural implement controller is configured to receive a second signal indicative of a position of an agricultural tillage implement within the field and to determine a target penetration depth, a target downforce, a target speed, or a combination thereof, of at least one ground engaging tool based on the crop residue mass map of the field and the position of the agricultural tillage implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement controller is configured to output a third signal indicative of instructions to control at least one actuator coupled to the at least one ground engaging tool based on the target penetration depth, the target downforce, the target speed, the combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Patent number: 10954655
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a work implement, a main body, a bucket position detector, a display device, and a display controller. The work implement has a bucket. To the main body, the work implement is attached, and the main body has a cab. The bucket position detector detects a position of the bucket. The display device is provided in the cab and configured to overlay and thus display work assistance information on an actual view of a work site. The display controller is configured to change displaying of the work assistance information on the display device based on a distance between the position of the bucket detected by the bucket position detector and design topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Ohiwa, Masao Yamamura, Tomohiro Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10947920
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to take images, in real-time, of a cylinder during combustion and estimate cylinder soot generation. If excess soot generation is determined, cylinder fueling is adjusted by varying an injection pressure, amount, and ratio. An air-fuel ratio of the cylinder is also adjusted in view of exhaust temperature constraints to reduce soot generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Patent number: 10948927
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles may be dynamically directed to rendezvous with autonomous vehicle trains or convoys. Current location and/or route information of the Autonomous Vehicle Train (AVT) may be received by an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle may compare its current location and/or route information to determine a rendezvous point with the AVT. The autonomous vehicle may route itself to the rendezvous point with the AVT. Once there, the autonomous vehicle may verify the identification of the AVT, such as by using sensors/cameras to verifying a lead vehicle of the AVT (e.g., by verifying make/model, color, and/or license plate). The autonomous vehicle and lead vehicle may communicate to allow the autonomous vehicle to join the AVT. A minimum level of autonomous vehicle functionality may be verified prior to the autonomous vehicle being allowed to join the AVT. As a result, vehicle traffic flow and travel experience by passengers may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Steven J Harris, Theobolt N Leung, Jay T Hieb
  • Patent number: 10932409
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for directing an autonomous robotic vehicle such as a lawn mower relative to a work region. In some embodiments, the vehicle travels in a random pattern within a travelling containment zone of a lesser size than the work region. The travelling containment zone may move or travel across the work region such that, over time, the travelling containment zone travels over most all of a working surface of the work region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: THE TORO COMPANY
    Inventors: Ryan Douglas Ingvalson, Jason Thomas Kraft, Alexander Steven Frick
  • Patent number: 10937310
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle control system is described comprising a receiver configured to receive traffic environment information, a processor configured to determine a reliability for the traffic environment information and a controller configured to generate a command signal for a vehicle based on the traffic environment information and the reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: INTEL IP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Markus Dominik Mueck, Dario Sabella, Ingolf Karls, Honglei Miao, Leonardo Gomes Baltar, Yang Yang, Miltiadis Filippou, Mustafa Emara