Patents by Inventor Eric Wolff

Eric Wolff 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: 20240140458
    Abstract: Among other things, a vehicle drives autonomously on a trajectory through a road network to a goal location based on an automatic process for planning the trajectory without human intervention; and an automatic process alters the planning of the trajectory to reach a target location based on a request received from an occupant of the vehicle to engage in a speed-reducing maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Harshavardhan Ravichandran, Karl Iagnemma, Eric Wolff
  • Patent number: 11946749
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for driver data guided spatial planning. A spatial structure is generated comprising a plurality of nodes connected by edges. At least some of the nodes and edges represent a path to navigate a vehicle from a first point to a second point. Edges of the spatial structure are labeled as useful based on a distance metric. The spatial structure is pruned by removing one or more edges from the spatial structure according to a respective label of the edges, wherein an extent of the removal is based on a predetermined graph size, a predetermined performance, or any combinations thereof to obtain a pruned graph. A path from the first point to the second point on the pruned graph is identified and the vehicle is navigated in accordance with the path from the first point to the second point on the pruned graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Bence Cserna, Tianyi Gu, Eric Wolff, Elena Corina Grigore, Mochan Shrestha
  • Patent number: 11938957
    Abstract: Enclosed are embodiments for sampling driving scenarios for training machine learning models. In an embodiment, a method comprises: assigning, using at least one processor, a set of initial physical states to a set of objects in a map for a set of simulated driving scenarios, wherein the set of initial physical states are assigned according to one or more outputs of a random number generator; generating, using the at least one processor, the set of simulated driving scenarios in the map using the initial physical states of the objects in the set of objects; selecting, using the at least one processor, samples of the simulated driving scenarios; training, using the at least one processor, a machine learning model using the selected samples; and operating, using a control circuit, a vehicle in an environment using the trained machine learning model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventor: Eric Wolff
  • Patent number: 11927957
    Abstract: Among other things, a system provides speed behavior planning for vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Dmytro S. Yershov, Jeong hwan Jeon, Tichakorn Wongpiromsarn, Eric Wolff
  • Publication number: 20240075951
    Abstract: Provided are methods for generating future maneuver parameters in a planner, which include receiving at least one first set of parameters associated with one or more previous maneuvers of a vehicle and at least one second set of parameters associated with a maneuver goal of the vehicle, generating, using the first and second sets of parameters, a future maneuver parameter corresponding to a future maneuver of the vehicle, training at least one data model by comparing the generated future maneuver parameter to one or more reference maneuver parameters, generating, based on training, a corrected future maneuver parameter. The corrected future maneuver parameter includes a future maneuver of the vehicle and a correction to the future maneuver of the vehicle. The first set of parameters includes the generated corrected future maneuver parameter, which is used to correct at least one first parameter. The training is executed using the corrected first parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Caglayan Dicle, Sammy Omari, Nanxiang Li, Sang Uk Lee, Eric Wolff
  • Patent number: 11919539
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for screening and monitoring the health of a vehicle user including receiving sensor data produced by a sensor at the vehicle, processing the sensor data to determine at least one health condition of the user of the vehicle, and in response to determining the at least one health condition, executing a vehicle function selected from a plurality of vehicle functions based on the at least one health condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wolff, Abhimanyu Singh, Linh Pham
  • Patent number: 11912271
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for predicting how an agent (e.g., a vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.) will move in an environment based on prior movement, the road network, the surrounding objects and/or other relevant environmental factors. One trajectory prediction technique involves generating a probability map for an agent's movement. Another trajectory prediction technique involves generating a trajectory lattice, for an agent's movement. In addition, a different trajectory prediction technique involves multi-modal regression where a classifier (e.g., a neural network) is trained to classify the probability of a number of (learned) modes such that each model produces a trajectory based on the current input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Tung Minh Phan, Eric Wolff, Emilio Frazzoli, Elena Corina Grigore, Freddy Boulton
  • Patent number: 11897460
    Abstract: Among other things, sensor signals are received using a vehicle comprising an autonomous driving capability. A risk associated with operating the vehicle is identified based on the sensor signals. The autonomous driving capability is modified in response to the risk. The operation of the vehicle is updated based on the modifying of the autonomous capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Hsun-Hsien Chang, Noam Weinstein, Eric Wolff, Philipp Robbel, Jacob C. Cheuvront, Karl Iagnemma, Katarzyna Anna Marczuk
  • Patent number: 11872984
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for predicting how an agent (e.g., a vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.) will move in an environment based on prior movement, the road network, the surrounding objects and/or other relevant environmental factors. One trajectory prediction technique involves generating a probability map for an agent's movement. Another trajectory prediction technique involves generating a trajectory lattice, for an agent's movement. In addition, a different trajectory prediction technique involves multi-modal regression where a classifier (e.g., a neural network) is trained to classify the probability of a number of (learned) modes such that each model produces a trajectory based on the current input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Tung Minh Phan, Eric Wolff, Emilio Frazzoli, Elena Corina Grigore, Freddy Boulton
  • Patent number: 11858508
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for predicting how an agent (e.g., a vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.) will move in an environment based on prior movement, the road network, the surrounding objects and/or other relevant environmental factors. One trajectory prediction technique involves generating a probability map for an agent's movement. Another trajectory prediction technique involves generating a trajectory lattice, for an agent's movement. In addition, a different trajectory prediction technique involves multi-modal regression where a classifier (e.g., a neural network) is trained to classify the probability of a number of (learned) modes such that each model produces a trajectory based on the current input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Tung Minh Phan, Eric Wolff, Emilio Frazzoli, Elena Corina Grigore, Freddy Boulton
  • Patent number: 11827241
    Abstract: Among other things, we describe techniques for adjusting lateral clearance for a vehicle using a multi-dimensional envelope. A trajectory is generated for the vehicle. A multi-dimensional envelope is generated indicating a drivable region for the vehicle and containing the trajectory. One or more objects are identified located along or adjacent to the trajectory. At least one dimension of the generated multi-dimensional envelope is adjusted to adjust a lateral clearance between the vehicle and the identified one or more objects. A control module of the vehicle navigates the vehicle along the multi-dimensional envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Francesco Seccamonte, Eric Wolff, Emilio Frazzoli, Juraj Kabzan
  • Publication number: 20230373529
    Abstract: Provided are methods for a safety filter for machine learning planners. Example methods can include applying a plurality of safety parameters to a plurality of trajectories generated for an ego vehicle, determining whether the plurality of trajectories are unsafe based at least on application of the plurality of safety parameters to the plurality of trajectories, filtering a trajectory from the plurality of trajectories based at least on determining the trajectory is unsafe, and providing the remaining trajectories from the plurality of trajectories to a machine learning model trained to generate a score for selection of a selected trajectory for the vehicle from the remaining trajectories. Systems and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Momchil Tomov, Eric Wolff, Sammy Omari
  • Patent number: 11814075
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for conditional motion predictions. The techniques include generating, by a planning circuit, a set of candidate trajectories for a vehicle based on possible macro actions by the vehicle, predicting, by the planning circuit and for at least some trajectories in the set of candidate trajectories, a response by a target vehicle to the respective trajectory and a probability of the response by the target vehicle, selecting, by the planning circuit, a trajectory from the set of candidate trajectories based at least in part on the response by the target vehicle to the trajectory, the probability of the response by the target vehicle, and characteristics of the trajectory, and operating, by a control circuit, the vehicle based on the selected trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wolff, Sammie Katt, Bence Cserna
  • Publication number: 20230322266
    Abstract: A scene simulation system can use scene data of a scene of a vehicle to generate one or more simulated states and one or more simulated trajectories associated with the one or more simulated states. The system can evaluate the simulated trajectories and select an action for the vehicle based on the evaluation of the simulated trajectories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Caglayan Dicle, Benjamin Riviere, Eric Wolff, Dmitry S. Yershov
  • Publication number: 20230311850
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for receiving, from at least one sensor of a vehicle, sensor data associated with a surface along a path to be traveled by a vehicle; using a surface classifier to determine a classification of the surface based on the sensor data; determining, based on the classification of the surface, drivability properties of the surface; planning, based on the drivability properties of the surface, a behavior of the vehicle when driving near the surface or on the surface; and controlling the vehicle based on the planned behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Bence Cserna, Eric Wolff, Shih-Yuan Liu
  • Patent number: 11772669
    Abstract: Among other things, a vehicle drives autonomously on a trajectory through a road network to a goal location based on an automatic process for planning the trajectory without human intervention; and an automatic process alters the planning of the trajectory to reach a target location based on a request received from an occupant of the vehicle to engage in a speed-reducing maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Harshavardhan Ravichandran, Karl Iagnemma, Eric Wolff
  • Patent number: 11731653
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for conditional motion predictions. The techniques include generating, by a planning circuit, a set of candidate trajectories for a vehicle based on possible macro actions by the vehicle, predicting, by the planning circuit and for at least some trajectories in the set of candidate trajectories, a response by a target vehicle to the respective trajectory and a probability of the response by the target vehicle, selecting, by the planning circuit, a trajectory from the set of candidate trajectories based at least in part on the response by the target vehicle to the trajectory, the probability of the response by the target vehicle, and characteristics of the trajectory, and operating, by a control circuit, the vehicle based on the selected trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Eric Wolff, Sammie Katt, Bence Cserna
  • Patent number: 11708066
    Abstract: Among other things, techniques are described for receiving, from at least one sensor of a vehicle, sensor data associated with a surface along a path to be traveled by a vehicle; using a surface classifier to determine a classification of the surface based on the sensor data; determining, based on the classification of the surface, drivability properties of the surface; planning, based on the drivability properties of the surface, a behavior of the vehicle when driving near the surface or on the surface; and controlling the vehicle based on the planned behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Bence Cserna, Eric Wolff, Shih-Yuan Liu
  • Publication number: 20230159063
    Abstract: Provided are methods for autonomous driving mode engagement. Some systems described receive at least one autonomous vehicle operation task output associated with driving a vehicle in autonomous driving mode in an environment while the vehicle is operated in manual driving mode in the environment. The at least one autonomous vehicle operation task output is compared to a respective threshold, wherein the respective threshold is adaptive based on a current operational state of the vehicle in the manual driving mode. A transition indicator is set based on the comparison, and a transition from the manual driving mode to the autonomous driving mode is rejected in response to the transition indicator indicating a smooth transition from the manual driving mode to the autonomous driving mode is unavailable. Methods and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Jesse Adam Miller, Eric Wolff, Ning Wu
  • Patent number: 11644842
    Abstract: Provided are methods for augmenting data related to generation of vehicle trajectories, which include predicting, using a machine learning model, a first trajectory of a vehicle at a first time in an environment surrounding the vehicle and including at least one object, detecting a deviation of the predicted first trajectory at the first time from a first ground truth trajectory of the vehicle and determining that, at the first time, the deviation satisfies a threshold, predicting, using the machine learning model, a second trajectory of the vehicle based on the predicted first trajectory of the vehicle and a second ground truth trajectory of at least one object at a second time being subsequent to the first time, and generating a training dataset for training the machine learning model using the predicted first and second trajectories of the vehicle. Systems and computer program products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Motional AD LLC
    Inventors: Tung Minh Phan, Eric Wolff