Patents Examined by Yuen Wong
  • Patent number: 11192660
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit (APU) oil quantity indication system and method provides a stable and accurate oil quantity indication during startup, mission duration and shutdown. The system determines a gulp value at various stages of operation, which is combined with a raw oil quantity indication to provide an indicated oil quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Robert Mallette, Harold Riley
  • Patent number: 11188084
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle in a navigation surrounding area, e.g., a parking area. A digital navigation map, which describes a of the navigation surrounding area is used to describe a roadway network. A navigation route to a destination contained in the navigation map is determined by a navigation system of the motor vehicle according to the navigation map. Sensor data from a sensor device on the motor vehicle is used to describe environment of the motor vehicle. The navigation system carries out a vehicle guidance algorithm based on the sensor data and is trained by a machine learning process using training data. The motor vehicle is guided along the navigation route automatically according to a lateral and/or longitudinal guidance action ascertained by the vehicle guidance algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Florian Schuller
  • Patent number: 11181384
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to validating map data using challenge questions. For instance, an attributes to be validated may be identified from the map data. At least one challenge question may be selected from a plurality of predetermined challenge questions based on the attribute. An image may be retrieved based on image information associated with the at least one challenge question. The image and the at least one challenge question may be provided for display. In response to the providing, operator input identifying an answer to the at least one challenge question may be received. This answer may be then used to validate the attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Michael Steven Montemerlo, Ming Ji, Peter Pawlowski
  • Patent number: 11180024
    Abstract: A system and approach for a vehicle system. The vehicle system may include a vehicle, a propulsion device (e.g., a combustion engine or electric motor), and a controller. The propulsion device may at least partially power the vehicle. The controller may be in communication with the propulsion device and may control the propulsion device according to a target speed of the vehicle. The controller may include a model of energy balances of the vehicle and may use the model to estimate energy losses over a travel horizon of the vehicle. The controller may optimize a cost function over the travel horizon of the vehicle based at least in part on the estimated energy losses to set an actual speed for the vehicle. The estimated energy losses may include one or more of aerodynamic drag, vehicle friction, and conversion efficiency from the propulsion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Garrett Transportation I Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Tschanz
  • Patent number: 11173795
    Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
  • Patent number: 11173765
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle motion is described. The method includes accessing a set of control signals including a measured vehicle speed value associated with a movement of a vehicle. A control signal associated with user-induced input is also accessed. The method compares the measured vehicle speed value with a predetermined vehicle speed threshold value to achieve a speed value threshold approach status, and then compares the set of values to achieve a user-induced input threshold value approach status. The method monitors a state of a valve within the vehicle suspension damper, and determines a control mode for the vehicle suspension damper. The method also regulates damping forces within the vehicle suspension damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Everet Owen Ericksen, Christopher Paul Cox, Philip Tsiaras, Mark Larson, Mario Galasso, Matt McLellan
  • Patent number: 11168981
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating a current wheel circumference of at least one wheel arranged on a vehicle, said method comprising: determining a reference speed of the vehicle at a point in time by means of a reference apparatus, detecting a wheel rotational speed of the at least one wheel at said point in time by means of a wheel rotational speed sensor, estimating a single wheel-circumference value based on the determined reference speed and the detected wheel rotational speed for said point in time by means of a calculation apparatus, storing at least the estimated single wheel-circumference value in a circular buffer for said point in time, estimating a current wheel circumference based on the single wheel-circumference values stored in the circular buffer by the calculation apparatus, outputting the estimated current wheel circumference as a wheel circumference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Olaf Hinz, Laurens Hufer, Roy Lamping
  • Patent number: 11168993
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first route from a first location to a second location using a first map that includes first map elements. The first route includes a series of the first map elements. The method also includes determining a second route from the first location to the second location using a second map by matching the series of the first map elements from the first route to second map elements from the second map. The method also includes monitoring a current location of a device, determining that the current location of the device does not correspond to any of the first map elements from the series of the first map elements, and determining a third route from the current location of the device toward the second location using the second map in response to determining that the current location does not correspond to any of the first map elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Mikhail Tsoupko-Sitnikov, Lukas M. Marti
  • Patent number: 11148665
    Abstract: Provided are a vehicular motion control device and method such that, even when a vehicle is turning, the target trajectory can be followed while maintaining traveling stability, with a reduced sense of incongruity felt by the driver. This vehicular motion control device is equipped with: a target trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a target trajectory for a vehicle to travel; and a speed control unit that increases or decreases the longitudinal acceleration generated in the vehicle, the longitudinal acceleration being positive in the vehicle travel direction. If the vehicle deviates from the target trajectory during turning, the speed control unit performs longitudinal acceleration control to increase or decrease the longitudinal acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Junya Takahashi, Atsushi Yokoyama, Masamichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 11143513
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, perception data describing a set of trajectories driven by a number of vehicles is received at a server from the vehicles or data collection agents over a network. The vehicles were driving through a road segment of a road over a period of time and their driving trajectories were captured. A trajectory analysis is the performed on the perception data using a set of rules to determine driving behaviors of the corresponding vehicles. A lane configuration of the road segment is then determined based on the driving behaviors. A map segment of a navigation map is then updated based on the lane configuration of one or more lanes within the road segment. A higher definition map can be generated based on the updates of the navigation map and the lane configuration, which can be utilized to autonomously drive an ADV subsequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Yifei Jiang, Liangliang Zhang, Dong Li, Jiaming Tao, Jiangtao Hu
  • Patent number: 11140815
    Abstract: A system (S) has at least a first and a second self-driving ground working device for combined working of a predetermined operating region (A). An individual ground working device travels autonomously along a random path inside the operating region. The system has at least one base station for communication with the ground working devices. For a method for setting up and operating the system, provision is made that information relating to an operating variable (B) stored in one ground working device is transmitted to further ground working devices, that a ground working device travels autonomously along a random path (W) inside the operating region, independently of another ground working device, by using the operating variable, and that during the operation of the system of ground working devices the behavior of an individual ground working device is adapted as a function of changes in the operating variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Matt, Samuel Zoettl, Christian Horngacher
  • Patent number: 11112790
    Abstract: Micro-authorization of remote assistance for an autonomous vehicle is described herein. A constraint that inhibits propulsion by a mechanical system of the autonomous vehicle is activated by a computing system of the autonomous vehicle, wherein a signal that identifies the activated constraint is transmitted from the autonomous vehicle to a remote computing system. The remote computing system generates instructions to deactivate the activated constraint. A return signal is transmitted from the remote computing system that specifies instructions to deactivate the constraint and a distance to desirably advance the autonomous vehicle. The computing system of the autonomous vehicle deactivates the constraint and the mechanical system is controlled to advance the autonomous vehicle when signal latency is less than a predetermined threshold duration of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Drew Gross, Brian Pierce, Gillian Langor, Haven Lau
  • Patent number: 11105640
    Abstract: A computer system configured to use train telematics data may be mounted on or within an autonomous vehicle, and which may be configured to (1) receive train telematics data associated with a train that includes GPS location, speed, route, heading, acceleration, and/or track data; (2) determine, based upon the train telematics data, when, or a time period of when, the train will pass through, be passing through, and/or be within a predetermined distance of a railroad crossing; (3) determine an alternate route for the autonomous vehicle to take to avoid waiting at the railroad crossing; and (4) direct the autonomous vehicle to automatically travel along the alternate route or automatically stop at the railroad crossing to allow the train to pass unimpeded and to facilitate avoidance of train-vehicle collisions. Insurance discounts may be generated based upon the risk mitigation or prevention functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventor: Gregory Hayward
  • Patent number: 11099021
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for routing a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes processing circuitry that is configured to receive a current location of the vehicle, routing information including a destination and at least a dynamic wireless power transmission characteristic or an emission characteristic of the vehicle, and a map database. The processing circuitry is further configured to generate one or more routes between the current location and the destination; determine a route cost for each one of the one or more routes wherein the route cost includes the weighted summation of multiple routing factors including a route time and at least a route factor based on the dynamic wireless power transmission characteristic or the emission characteristic of the vehicle; and select a route out of the one or more routes based on route selection criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: George C. Bucsan, Jae Seung Lee
  • Patent number: 11097701
    Abstract: A controller and a control method of a motorcycle brake system including a brake operator, a wheel braking assembly, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform a lean angle obtainment step during turning, and perform a positive gradient setting step. The positive gradient corresponds to the lean angle obtained. The controller is also configured to initiate a braking force suppression operation in states where the motorcycle makes a turn and increases input to the brake operator. This operation is executed to increase braking force generated by the wheel braking assembly in a smaller positive gradient of hydraulic pressure in a wheel cylinder than a positive gradient of hydraulic pressure in a master cylinder when the braking force on the wheel depends only on the input to the brake operator. The braking force suppression operation is initiated in the positive gradient when an initiation reference is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Junya Iwatsuki
  • Patent number: 11099561
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles use accurate maps for navigation. Manually controlling such an autonomous vehicle in certain areas may expand regions the vehicle may service. Such manual control may also be more efficient, safer, and/or reliable, in some instances. Aspects of this disclosure describe techniques for manual control of an autonomous vehicle in unmapped regions. For example, a vehicle may determine and autonomously travel to a mapped location proximate an unmapped destination, and may then be manually controlled from the mapped location to the unmapped destination. In addition, during manual control through the unmapped region, data may be collected using sensors on the autonomous vehicle to map the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy David Kentley-Klay
  • Patent number: 11073831
    Abstract: In one embodiment, perception data is received from a number of autonomous driving vehicles (ADVs) over a network. The perception data includes information describing a set of trajectories that a number of vehicles having driven through a road segment of a road and perceived by one or more ADVs using their respective sensors driving on the same road segment. In response to the perception data, an analysis is performed on the perception data, i.e., the trajectories, to determine one or more lanes within the road segment. For each of the lanes, a lane reference line associated with the lane is calculated based on the trajectories within the corresponding lane. The lane metadata describing the lane reference lines for the one or more lanes are stored in a lane configuration data structure such as a database. The lane configuration database can then be utilized for autonomous driving at real-time subsequently without having to use a high definition map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Yifei Jiang, Liangliang Zhang, Dong Li, Jiaming Tao, Jiangtao Hu
  • Patent number: 11061408
    Abstract: Various devices are described, which are configured to use telematics data from one driver to facilitate safer vehicle travel for another driver. A remote server may include (1) a communication unit configured to receive a broadcast including telematics data generated and transmitted from a first mobile device or smart vehicle; and (2) a processor configured to determine (i) a travel event; (ii) a GPS location of the travel event; and/or (iii) an estimated or actual geographical or temporal scope of the travel event from computer analysis of the telematics data. The remote server may transmit a travel event-related wireless communication to a second mobile device or smart vehicle to facilitate safer vehicle travel for a second driver or vehicle based upon the telematics data associated with the first driver/vehicle. Insurance discounts may be provided for individuals or vehicles based upon having or using the risk mitigation or prevention functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventor: Gregory Hayward
  • Patent number: 11054277
    Abstract: A route is determined, by a network apparatus storing network version of the digital map, from a starting segment to a target segment. The route comprises a list of route segments from the starting location to the target location. Adjacent segments to the route are identified. An adjacent segment is a segment of the digital map that intersects the route and is not a route segment. An expected traffic delay is determined for each adjacent segment based on traffic data. The adjacent segments are separated into delay groups based on the corresponding expected traffic delays. Delay bloom filters are generated, wherein each delay bloom filter encodes a map version agnostic identifier for the adjacent segments of one of the plurality of delay groups. The delay bloom filters and information identifying the route are provided such that a mobile apparatus receives the delay bloom filters and the information identifying the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Rolf, Raul Cajias
  • Patent number: 11047699
    Abstract: A route response provided by a network apparatus is received. The route response comprises route information and one or more delay bloom filters. The route response is received by a mobile apparatus comprising a processor, memory storing a mobile version of a digital map, and a communication interface. A decoded route is determined based on the route information and the mobile version of the digital map. Based on the one or more delay bloom filters, an expected traffic delay for at least one adjacent segment of the decoded route is determined. An adjacent segment is a segment of the digital map that intersects the decoded route and is not a segment of the decoded route. The decoded route and the expected traffic delay for the at least one adjacent segment of the decoded route is provided via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Daniel Rolf, Raul Cajias