Patents by Inventor Ralf Gutmann
Ralf Gutmann 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).
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Publication number: 20190351897Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2019Publication date: November 21, 2019Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Publication number: 20190315352Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Patent number: 10377378Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: WAYMO LLCInventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Patent number: 10336325Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Patent number: 10303178Abstract: A system and method for avoiding or mitigating collisions by an autonomous vehicle is provided. Raw sensor data for the vehicle's environment is received, such as through a perception system of the vehicle. A trajectory is also received, the trajectory having a width corresponding to a distance that is at least as wide as the vehicle. The trajectory and raw sensor data are projected onto a grid, such as a static occupancy grid, having a plurality of cells. It is determined whether any cell that overlaps with the trajectory includes the raw sensor data. It is further determined, based on the raw sensor data, whether an obstacle is present along the trajectory. When no obstacles are determined to be present along the trajectory, the trajectory may be verified. However, where obstacles are determined to be present, the vehicle may take an action to avoid collision.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Publication number: 20190155292Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to controlling a first vehicle in an autonomous driving mode. While doing so, a second vehicle may be identified. Geometry for a future trajectory of the first vehicle may be identified, and an initial allowable discomfort value may be identified. Determining a speed profile for the geometry that meets the value may be attempted by determining a discomfort value for the speed profile based on a set of factors relating to at least discomfort of a passenger of the first vehicle and discomfort of a passenger of the second vehicle. When a speed profile that meets the value cannot be determined, the value may be adjusted until a speed profile that meets the value is determined. The speed profile that meets an adjusted value is used to control the first vehicle in the autonomous driving mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2017Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Tobias Kunz, Vadim Furman
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Publication number: 20190023269Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Publication number: 20180265082Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Patent number: 10077047Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Publication number: 20180229724Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
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Patent number: 10005460Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Publication number: 20170341643Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Patent number: 9707960Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Publication number: 20160035223Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining whether a vehicle should continue through an intersection. For example, the one or more of the vehicle's computers may identify a time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. The one or more computers may also estimate a location of a vehicle at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red. A starting point of the intersection may be identified. Based on whether the estimated location of the vehicle is at least a threshold distance past the starting point at the time when the traffic signal light will turn from yellow to red, the computers can determine whether the vehicle should continue through the intersection.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2014Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann, Andreas Wendel, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Donald Jason Burnette
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Patent number: 8959724Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Takata AGInventors: Peter Baumgartner, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
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Patent number: 8833867Abstract: In a method and a device for the control of a vehicle brake system, the setpoint values for each wheel are corrected based on the difference between brake pressures in at least one wheel brake of two different brake circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Erban, Thomas Rader, Alexander Haeussler, Manfred Gerdes, Ralf Gutmann, Thomas Glasstetter
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Patent number: 8226117Abstract: A gas flow distributor for an airbag module distributing a gas flow generated by a gas generator to inflate an airbag, including fastening structures for fastening the gas flow distributor to a gas generator, the gas flow distributor being formed in the shape of a sleeve from a flexible material, wherein the fastening structures include at least one fastening tab that is formed at one end of the gas flow distributor and via which the gas flow distributor can be fastened to the gas generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Takata AGInventors: Richard Honold, Ralf Gutmann, Reiner Jonas
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Patent number: 8201848Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Takata AGInventors: Peter Baumgartner, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
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Publication number: 20110062684Abstract: A fixing element fixes a part to a support wall. When the fixing element is inserted into an opening in the support wall and reaches a predetermined end position, the fixing element locks to the support wall. The fixing element includes a stop element, a snap-on element, and an unlocking element. The stop element bears against a side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The snap-on element is positioned on an inner side of the support wall when the fixing element is locked to the support wall. The unlocking element is connected to the snap-on element. The unlocking element is configured to permit the snap-on element to be unlocked and the fixing element to be removed from the opening. An installation tool and a testing tool may be used in conjunction with the fixing element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Peter BAUMGARTNER, Heinrich Einsiedel, Ralf Gutmann, Oliver Glöckler
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Patent number: 7798520Abstract: An airbag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag on a side of a backrest of a vehicle seat that when inflated first extends substantially in a direction of a vertical vehicle axis and then forward from a backrest in a direction of travel of the vehicle. The airbag includes at least one inflatable chamber extending substantially forward from the backrest in the direction of travel and that is assigned to a body region of a vehicle occupant to support the vehicle occupant in a side collision. The at least one chamber is extended by a section that extends forward in the direction of travel when the airbag is inflated so that the airbag supports the vehicle occupant if vehicle occupant moves obliquely forward in the direction of travel because the section intercepts the associated body region of the vehicle occupant.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Jens Feller, Robert Getz, Ralf Gutmann, Rainer Heuschmid