Patents by Inventor Christian Merfels

Christian Merfels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240109559
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle at least partially autonomously, comprising obtaining at least one potential conflict area in which there is a potential for conflict with other road users, wherein, according to a planned driving maneuver, the conflict area is to be traversed by the motor vehicle. The method comprises determining at least one observation area which, for the purpose of traversing the conflict area, needs to be observed in order to avoid conflicts with the other road users; wherein at least one dimension of the observation area is determined taking into account at least one of the following: a) a speed of the motor vehicle; b) a type of a road user expected in the observation area; c) an observed state of the traffic infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Wojciech Waclaw Derendarz, Carsten Last
  • Patent number: 11940291
    Abstract: A method for updating a map of the surrounding area wherein the map is used when controlling a transportation vehicle. The transportation vehicle attempts, when travelling along a carriageway, to detect a landmark recorded in the map of the surrounding area using sensors. In response to the transportation vehicle being unable to detect the landmark using its sensors, the transportation vehicle prepares a proposal for deletion which is sent to an external central computer. The proposal for deletion is examined in the external central computer and deletes the landmark from the map of the surrounding area in response to the proposal for deletion being verified. In the method, information regarding a visibility range for the landmark is entered in the map of the surrounding area specifying at what range the landmark is visible from a road permitting a more effective detection of landmarks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Daniel Wilbers, Christian Merfels, Bernd Rech, Thilo Schaper, Niklas Koch, Stefan Jürgens, David Perdomo Lopez, Constanze Hungar
  • Patent number: 11892300
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a model of the environment of a vehicle, in which method an initial position estimate for the vehicle is acquired and map data are acquired, wherein the map data comprise information about the spatial arrangement of geographical areas, and the geographical areas are assigned to different area categories. Environmental data within an acquisition space is acquired, and objects are detected using the environmental data, wherein an object position and an object category are assigned to each detected object. The environmental model is determined using the detected objects. Assignment rules are provided which define the assignment of the object categories to the area categories, wherein the objects are detected in accordance with the assignment rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Moritz Schack, Christian Merfels
  • Patent number: 11532097
    Abstract: A method for estimating the quality of localization using sensor detection, wherein the vehicle detects dynamic objects on the road and in the direct surroundings of the road and estimates the dimensions of the objects. The movement of these objects in the near future is estimated. The outer casings of these objects are entered into a map of the surroundings. From the perspective of the sensors used to detect the features in the surroundings, the limitations of the fields of view and the predicted temporal development thereof resulting from the movement of the transportation vehicle and the predicted movements of the objects are entered into the map of the surroundings. The surrounding features that have been entered into the map of the surroundings and which may at visible in the near future are determined. An upper limit for a measure of the quality of localization is estimated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel Wilbers, Christian Merfels, Bernd Rech, Thilo Schaper, Niklas Koch, Stefan Jürgens, David Perdomo Lopez, Constanze Hungar
  • Patent number: 11486988
    Abstract: This disclosure relates, e.g., to a method for calibrating the alignment of a moving object sensor that comprises the steps: Detection of the movement of the object sensor, multiple detection of at least one static object by the moving object sensor at different positions of the object sensor, calculation of the relative positions of the static object with respect to the corresponding positions of the object sensor, calculation of anticipated positions of the static object from the relative positions while assuming an alignment error of the object sensor, calculation of an error parameter from the anticipated positions, and minimization of the error parameter by adapting the alignment error of the object sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Niklas Koch, Christian Merfels, Ugur Kekec
  • Publication number: 20220316909
    Abstract: A method for providing an information signal (8) for at least partially automatic vehicle control involves an environment sensor system (3) of a motor vehicle (1) being used to generate measurement data for surroundings of the motor vehicle (1). A computing unit (2) of the motor vehicle (1) is used to identify an object (7) and a landmark (5) on the basis of the measurement data. The computing unit (4) is used to determine a first relative position of the object (7) in relation to the landmark (5) on the basis of the measurement data. A communication interface (4) of the motor vehicle (1) is used to generate the information signal (8) on the basis of the first relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicants: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, MAN Truck & Bus SE
    Inventors: Bernd RECH, Constanze HUNGAR, Daniel WILBERS, Niklas KOCH, Stefan JÜRGENS, Christian MERFELS
  • Publication number: 20220262034
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating non-semantic reference data for determining the position of a motor vehicle involves a set of raw data points being provided that models a stipulated surrounding area. A stipulated descriptor characterizing a property of the surrounding area is determined for each of the raw data points. At least one point cluster is generated by grouping the raw data points on the basis of their descriptors. A characteristic number relating to an information gain for determining the position of the motor vehicle is assigned to a first point cluster on the basis of the descriptors of the raw data points. The characteristic number is taken as a basis for storing feature information of the first point cluster on a memory unit as non-semantic reference data for determining the position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicants: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
    Inventors: Constanze HUNGAR, Daniel WILBERS, Bernd RECH, Niklas KOCH, Stefan JUERGENS, Christian MERFELS
  • Patent number: 11358606
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle incorporates polling regarding the control of the motor vehicle, leading to an improvement in the working conditions of a plurality of evaluation units accessing sensor units of the motor vehicle. Control commands for controlling the motor vehicle are determined from this polling by a conflict checking unit. The conflict checking unit determines the feasibility of the control commands, taking into consideration predetermined verification criteria with regard to conflicts between the individual control commands and the practicability of the individual control commands. The conflict checking unit also determines a control specification for a vehicle control unit based on the feasibilities and certain decision criteria. Finally, the motor vehicle is controlled by use of the vehicle control unit in accordance with the control specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: AUDI AG, VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Bernd Rech, Daniel Wilbers, Thilo Schaper, Constanze Hungar, Niklas Koch, Florian Haubner, Simon Seitle
  • Patent number: 11281228
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining a position of a transportation vehicle. A preliminary position of the transportation vehicle is determined, objects are detected in an area surrounding the transportation vehicle wherein the objects have at least visible and virtual building corners, the detected objects are transferred into a local coordinate system and are assigned to a map with objects based on the preliminary position of the transportation vehicle, and the position of the transportation vehicle is determined based on an equalization calculus in which the objects in the map which are most suitable for the objects transferred into the local coordinate system are ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Moritz Schack
  • Patent number: 11222543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining traffic information with the aid of a central monitoring device which is in communication with a plurality of fleet vehicles in order to obtain traffic information from the fleet vehicles, wherein within communication with the fleet vehicles the monitoring device transmits targeted measurement requests to the fleet vehicles. In one exemplary aspect, the invention proposes that during the transmission of targeted measurement requests, the monitoring device takes account of the quality of sensors with which the individual fleet vehicle are equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignees: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Constanze Hungar, Bernd Rech, Thilo Schaper, Daniel Wilbers, Niklas Koch, Florian Haubner, Simon Seitle
  • Publication number: 20210341293
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a model of the environment of a vehicle, in which method an initial position estimate for the vehicle is acquired and map data are acquired, wherein the map data comprise information about the spatial arrangement of geographical areas, and the geographical areas are assigned to different area categories. Environmental data within an acquisition space is acquired, and objects are detected using the environmental data, wherein an object position and an object category are assigned to each detected object. The environmental model is determined using the detected objects. Assignment rules are provided which define the assignment of the object categories to the area categories, wherein the objects are detected in accordance with the assignment rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Moritz Schack, Christian Merfels
  • Publication number: 20210341310
    Abstract: A method for estimating the quality of localization using sensor detection, wherein the vehicle detects dynamic objects on the road and in the direct surroundings of the road and estimates the dimensions of the objects. The movement of these objects in the near future is estimated. The outer casings of these objects are entered into a map of the surroundings. From the perspective of the sensors used to detect the features in the surroundings, the limitations of the fields of view and the predicted temporal development thereof resulting from the movement of the transportation vehicle and the predicted movements of the objects are entered into the map of the surroundings. The surrounding features that have been entered into the map of the surroundings and which may at visible in the near future are determined. An upper limit for a measure of the quality of localization is estimated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel WILBERS, Christian MERFELS, Bernd RECH, Thilo SCHAPER, Niklas KOCH, Stefan JÜRGENS, David PERDOMO LOPEZ, Constanze HUNGAR
  • Publication number: 20210310823
    Abstract: A method for updating a map of the surrounding area wherein the map is used when controlling a transportation vehicle. The transportation vehicle attempts, when travelling along a carriageway, to detect a landmark recorded in the map of the surrounding area using sensors. In response to the transportation vehicle being unable to detect the landmark using its sensors, the transportation vehicle prepares a proposal for deletion which is sent to an external central computer. The proposal for deletion is examined in the external central computer and deletes the landmark from the map of the surrounding area in response to the proposal for deletion being verified. In the method, information regarding a visibility range for the landmark is entered in the map of the surrounding area specifying at what range the landmark is visible from a road permitting a more effective detection of landmarks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel WILBERS, Christian MERFELS, Bernd RECH, Thilo SCHAPER, Niklas KOCH, Stefan JÜRGENS, David PERDOMO LOPEZ, Constanze HUNGAR
  • Patent number: 11127304
    Abstract: A method, a device, and a computer-readable storage medium with instructions for determining the location of a datum detected by a transportation vehicle wherein at least one pose estimation is ascertained. An uncertainty of the at least one pose estimation is determined wherein the uncertainty of the pose estimation includes a process of scaling an uncertainty estimation of the pose estimation, wherein the scaling process is based on a comparison of the pose estimation with a priori information. The at least one pose estimation is fused solely with at least one additional pose estimation with a weighting according to the uncertainties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventors: Lukas Fröhlich, Christian Merfels, Bernd Rech, Thilo Schaper, Niklas Koch, Daniel Wilbers, Frederik Meysel
  • Patent number: 11079236
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for estimating an individual position. In order to improve the estimation of the individual position of a vehicle, for example, at least one first position measurement is carried out by a first positioning system and at least one second position measurement is carried out by at least one second positioning system. A third position measurement is also carried out by the first positioning system. The third position measurement is carried out after the first and second position measurements. The individual position is estimated on the basis of at least the third position measurement and at least one position error value. The position error value is determined on the basis of the at least one first position measurement and the at least one second position measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Thorsten Hehn, Marcel Geppert
  • Publication number: 20210229690
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle incorporates polling regarding the control of the motor vehicle, leading to an improvement in the working conditions of a plurality of evaluation units accessing sensor units of the motor vehicle. Control commands for controlling the motor vehicle are determined from this polling by a conflict checking unit. The conflict checking unit determines the feasibility of the control commands, taking into consideration predetermined verification criteria with regard to conflicts between the individual control commands and the practicability of the individual control commands. The conflict checking unit also determines a control specification for a vehicle control unit based on the feasibilities and certain decision criteria. Finally, the motor vehicle is controlled by use of the vehicle control unit in accordance with the control specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicants: AUDI AG, VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian MERFELS, Bernd RECH, Daniel WILBERS, Thilo SCHAPER, Constanze HUNGAR, Niklas KOCH, Florian HAUBNER, Simon SEITLE
  • Patent number: 11041729
    Abstract: A method for determining a global position of a first landmark is provided, wherein at least one first and one second measurement data set are recorded. A first reference point and a first recording space are assigned to the first measurement data set, and a second reference point and a second recording space are assigned to the second measurement data set. A spatial correlation of the first and second landmark relative to each other is determined using the first measurement data set. The global position of the first landmark relative to a global reference point is determined by determining a first and second relative position of the first landmark, by determining a first relative position of the second landmark, and by using the determined spatial correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Ugur Kekec
  • Patent number: 10962369
    Abstract: Absolute position data (605) of a machine are determined for respective multiple times (t.1, t.3, t.5, t.8, t.11), and odometry position data of the machine are also determined. A pose graph (661) is generated, wherein edges (672) of the pose graph (661) correspond to the odometry position data, and nodes (671) of the pose graph (661) correspond to the absolute position data (605). The pose graph (661) is optimized to obtain an estimated position. Optionally, the odometry can also be estimated. A driver assistance functionality of the machine, for example a motor vehicle, can be controlled optionally on the basis of the estimated position. For example, the driver assistance functionality can relate to autonomous driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Christian Merfels
  • Publication number: 20210035449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining traffic information with the aid of a central monitoring device which is in communication with a plurality of fleet vehicles in order to obtain traffic information from the fleet vehicles, wherein within communication with the fleet vehicles the monitoring device transmits targeted measurement requests to the fleet vehicles. In one exemplary aspect, the invention proposes that during the transmission of targeted measurement requests, the monitoring device takes account of the quality of sensors with which the individual fleet vehicle are equipped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicants: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Christian Merfels, Constanze Hungar, Bernd Rech, Thilo Schaper, Daniel Wilbers, Niklas Koch, Florian Haubner, Simon Seitle
  • Publication number: 20200209369
    Abstract: This disclosure relates, e.g., to a method for calibrating the alignment of a moving object sensor that comprises the steps: Detection of the movement of the object sensor, multiple detection of at least one static object by the moving object sensor at different positions of the object sensor, calculation of the relative positions of the static object with respect to the corresponding positions of the object sensor, calculation of anticipated positions of the static object from the relative positions while assuming an alignment error of the object sensor, calculation of an error parameter from the anticipated positions, and minimization of the error parameter by adapting the alignment error of the object sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Niklas Koch, Christian Merfels, Ugur Kekec