Patents by Inventor Richard Brian Donnelly
Richard Brian Donnelly 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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Patent number: 10969782Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to matching an available vehicle to a rider requesting a service. In one example, a computer-implemented method includes obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or more computing devices, a service request from a rider. The method further includes obtaining, by the computing system, data indicative of a current location of the rider; and determining that the current location of the rider is within proximity of an autonomous vehicle queuing location. The method further includes providing, by the computing system, data to the rider to provide for selection of an available autonomous vehicle at the autonomous vehicle queuing location. The method further includes obtaining, by the computing system, rider authentication data upon a selection of an autonomous vehicle by the rider; and, in response to obtaining rider authentication data, matching an autonomous vehicle selected by the rider to provide for performance of the service request.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Molly Castle Nix, Sean Chin, Eric J. Hanson, Richard Brian Donnelly, Dennis Zhao
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Publication number: 20210094820Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining autonomous vehicle operator awareness are provided. A method can include determining, by a computing system, an awareness challenge for an operator of a vehicle. The awareness challenge can be based on object data. The awareness challenge can have one or more criteria. The criteria can include a challenge response interval, a response time, and an action for satisfying the awareness challenge. The method can include initiating, by the computing system, a timer measuring elapsed time from a start time of the challenge response interval. The method can include communicating to the operator, by the computing system, a soft notification indicative of the awareness challenge during the challenge response interval. The method can include determining, by the computing system, whether the operator provides a user input after the response time interval and whether the user input corresponds to the action for satisfying the awareness challenge.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Philipp Haban, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo, Chad Johnathan Staller, Clifford Shaun Webb, Douglas Dallesandro
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Patent number: 10864920Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining autonomous vehicle operator awareness are provided. A method can include determining, by a computing system, an awareness challenge for an operator of a vehicle. The awareness challenge can be based on object data. The awareness challenge can have one or more criteria. The criteria can include a challenge response interval, a response time, and an action for satisfying the awareness challenge. The method can include initiating, by the computing system, a timer measuring elapsed time from a start time of the challenge response interval. The method can include communicating to the operator, by the computing system, a soft notification indicative of the awareness challenge during the challenge response interval. The method can include determining, by the computing system, whether the operator provides a user input after the response time interval and whether the user input corresponds to the action for satisfying the awareness challenge.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Philipp Haban, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo, Chad Johnathan Staller, Clifford Shaun Webb, Douglas Dallesandro
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Publication number: 20200264613Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes one or more sensors for detecting an object in an environment surrounding the autonomous vehicle and a vehicle computing system comprising one or more processors receiving canonical route data associated with at least one canonical route, and controlling travel of the autonomous vehicle based on sensor data from the one or more sensors and the canonical route data associated with the at least one canonical route. The at least one canonical route comprises at least one roadway connected with another roadway in a plurality of roadways in a geographic location that satisfies at least one route optimization function derived based on trip data associated with one or more traversals of the plurality of roadways in a geographic location by one or more autonomous vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Inventors: Andrew Raymond Sturges, Alexander Edward Chao, Yifang Liu, Xiaodong Zhang, Richard Brian Donnelly, Bryan John Nagy, Jeff Schneider, Collin Christopher Otis
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Patent number: 10726379Abstract: A launch vehicle can include a mobility system, a launch system, and a computing system. The mobility system can be configured to travel to a general target location. The launch system can be configured to house a plurality of autonomous delivery vehicles assigned for transporting one or more deliverable items from the general target location to respective specific target delivery locations. The computing system can be configured to control launch of the plurality of autonomous delivery vehicles from the launch vehicle at a respective plurality of predetermined launch positions, each predetermined launch position associated with a corresponding launch time, and each autonomous delivery vehicle configured to travel from a launch position of the respective plurality of predetermined launch positions to a specific target delivery location of the respective specific target delivery locations and from the specific target delivery location to one or more predetermined landing positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, James Lee Epifano, Jacob William Fischer, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo, David Patrick Rice
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Patent number: 10656645Abstract: A method for determining a canonical route includes receiving trip data associated with one or more traversals of a plurality of roadways in a geographic location by one or more autonomous vehicles. The method includes generating at least one canonical route based on the trip data, wherein the at least one canonical route includes at least one roadway connected with another roadway in the plurality of roadways. The method includes providing canonical route data associated with the at least one canonical route to an autonomous vehicle for controlling travel of the autonomous vehicle on the at least one canonical route.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventors: Andrew Raymond Sturges, Alexander Edward Chao, Yifang Liu, Xiaodong Zhang, Richard Brian Donnelly, Bryan John Nagy, Jeff Schneider, Collin Christopher Otis
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Publication number: 20200150682Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining data indicative of a location associated with a user to which an autonomous vehicle is to travel. The autonomous vehicle is to travel along a first vehicle route that leads to the location. The method includes obtaining traffic data associated with a geographic area that includes the location. The method includes determining an estimated traffic impact of the autonomous vehicle on the geographic area based at least in part on the traffic data. The method includes determining vehicle action(s) based at least in part on the estimated traffic impact and causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the vehicle action(s) that include at least one of stopping the autonomous vehicle at least partially in a travel way within a vicinity of the location or travelling along a second vehicle route.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Michael Aitken
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Patent number: 10647333Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining autonomous vehicle operator awareness are provided. A method can include determining, by a computing system, an awareness challenge for an operator of a vehicle. The awareness challenge can be based on object data. The awareness challenge can have one or more criteria. The criteria can include a challenge response interval, a response time, and an action for satisfying the awareness challenge. The method can include initiating, by the computing system, a timer measuring elapsed time from a start time of the challenge response interval. The method can include communicating to the operator, by the computing system, a soft notification indicative of the awareness challenge during the challenge response interval. The method can include determining, by the computing system, whether the operator provides a user input after the response time interval and whether the user input corresponds to the action for satisfying the awareness challenge.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Philipp Haban, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo, Chad Johnathan Staller, Clifford Shaun Webb, Douglas Dallesandro
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Publication number: 20200142428Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining data indicative of a location associated with a user to which an autonomous vehicle is to travel. The autonomous vehicle is to travel along a first vehicle route that leads to the location. The method includes obtaining traffic data associated with a geographic area that includes the location. The method includes determining an estimated traffic impact of the autonomous vehicle on the geographic area based at least in part on the traffic data. The method includes determining vehicle action(s) based at least in part on the estimated traffic impact and causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the vehicle action(s) that include at least one of stopping the autonomous vehicle at least partially in a travel way within a vicinity of the location or travelling along a second vehicle route.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Michael Aitken
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Publication number: 20200050211Abstract: An autonomous robot is provided. In one example embodiment, an autonomous robot can include a main body including one or more compartments. The one or more compartments can be configured to provide support for transporting an item. The autonomous robot can include a mobility assembly affixed to the main body and a sensor configured to obtain sensor data associated with a surrounding environment of the autonomous robot. The autonomous robot can include a computing system configured to plan a motion of the autonomous robot based at least in part on the sensor data. The computing system can be operably connected to the mobility assembly for controlling a motion of the autonomous robot. The autonomous robot can include a coupling assembly configured to temporarily secure the autonomous robot to an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous robot can include a power system and a ventilation system that can interface with the autonomous vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventor: Richard Brian Donnelly
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Publication number: 20200051001Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to the transportation of autonomous robots. In one example, a computing system performs operations including obtaining data associated with a request for an autonomous robot transport service; determining an availability of one or more autonomous vehicles for the autonomous robot transport service; selecting an autonomous vehicle to provide transport of an autonomous robot associated with the autonomous robot transport service based at least in part on the availability of one or more autonomous vehicles and the data associated with the request for the autonomous robot transport service; generating an autonomous robot service assignment for the selected autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the data associated with the request for the autonomous robot transport service; and providing data indicative of the autonomous robot service assignment to the selected autonomous vehicle for the selected autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous robot transport service.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventor: Richard Brian Donnelly
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Publication number: 20200050198Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an autonomous vehicle service are provided. A method can include obtaining data indicative of a service associated with a user, and obtaining data indicative of a transportation of an autonomous robot. The method can include determining one or more service configurations for the service. The method can include obtaining data indicative of a selected service configuration from among the one or more service configurations, and determining a service assignment for an autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the selected service configuration. The service assignment can indicate that the autonomous vehicle is to transport the user from the service-start location to the service-end location. The method can include communicating data indicative of the service assignment to the autonomous vehicle to perform the service.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2018Publication date: February 13, 2020Inventor: Richard Brian Donnelly
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Patent number: 10532749Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting autonomous vehicle parameters in response to passenger feedback are provided. A method can include obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or more computing devices, passenger input data descriptive of one or more passenger experiences associated with one or more autonomous driving sessions, obtaining, by the computing system, one or more vehicle data logs descriptive of vehicle conditions associated with the passenger input data descriptive of one or more passenger experiences associated with the one or more autonomous driving sessions, determining, by the computing system using a machine-learned model, an adjusted vehicle parameter of an autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the passenger input data descriptive of one or more passenger experiences and the associated one or more vehicle data logs descriptive of vehicle conditions, and implementing, by the computing system, the adjusted vehicle parameter in an operation of the autonomous vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventor: Richard Brian Donnelly
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Patent number: 10528059Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling autonomous vehicles are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining data indicative of a location associated with a user to which an autonomous vehicle is to travel. The autonomous vehicle is to travel along a first vehicle route that leads to the location. The method includes obtaining traffic data associated with a geographic area that includes the location. The method includes determining an estimated traffic impact of the autonomous vehicle on the geographic area based at least in part on the traffic data. The method includes determining vehicle action(s) based at least in part on the estimated traffic impact and causing the autonomous vehicle to perform the vehicle action(s) that include at least one of stopping the autonomous vehicle at least partially in a travel way within a vicinity of the location or travelling along a second vehicle route.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Michael Aitken
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Publication number: 20190332123Abstract: Systems and methods for determining autonomous vehicle user boarding times are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining location data associated with a user device associated with a user. The method includes determining an estimated time until the user starts boarding the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the location data associated with the user device. The method includes obtaining data associated with the user. The method includes determining an estimated time of boarding duration for the user based at least in part on the data associated with the user. The method includes determining an estimated time until the user completes boarding of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the estimated time until the user starts boarding the autonomous vehicle and the estimated time of boarding duration for the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Michael Aitken
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Patent number: 10394345Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying imagery on a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system are provided. In one example embodiment, a method includes determining, by the one or more computing devices, a rotational frequency of a LIDAR device located on a vehicle. The method includes illuminating, by the one or more computing devices, one or more of a plurality of light emitting elements coupled to the LIDAR device based at least in part on the rotational frequency of the LIDAR device and the one or more images for display.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, David Patrick Rice, Philipp Haban, Thomas Jeffery Watson, Jr.
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Patent number: 10377260Abstract: Vehicle control systems can include one or more location sensors, an energy storage device, one or more charge sensors and one or more vehicle computing devices. The location sensor(s) can determine a current location of a vehicle, while the charge sensor(s) can determine a current state of charge of an energy storage device that can be located onboard the vehicle to provide operating power for one or more vehicle systems. The vehicle computing device(s) can communicate the current location of the vehicle and current state of charge of the energy storage device to a remote computing device, receive from the remote computing device a charging control signal determined, at least in part, from the current location of the vehicle and the current state of charge of the energy storage device, and control charging of the energy storage device in accordance with the charging control signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Sean Jeffrey Kelly, Justin Wayne Ho, James Lee Epifano
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Patent number: 10372141Abstract: Systems and methods for determining autonomous vehicle user boarding times are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining location data associated with a user device associated with a user. The method includes determining an estimated time until the user starts boarding the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the location data associated with the user device. The method includes obtaining data associated with the user. The method includes determining an estimated time of boarding duration for the user based at least in part on the data associated with the user. The method includes determining an estimated time until the user completes boarding of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the estimated time until the user starts boarding the autonomous vehicle and the estimated time of boarding duration for the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Michael Aitken
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Publication number: 20190217736Abstract: Vehicle control systems can include one or more location sensors, an energy storage device, one or more charge sensors and one or more vehicle computing devices. The location sensor(s) can determine a current location of a vehicle, while the charge sensor(s) can determine a current state of charge of an energy storage device that can be located onboard the vehicle to provide operating power for one or more vehicle systems. The vehicle computing device(s) can communicate the current location of the vehicle and current state of charge of the energy storage device to a remote computing device, receive from the remote computing device a charging control signal determined, at least in part, from the current location of the vehicle and the current state of charge of the energy storage device, and control charging of the energy storage device in accordance with the charging control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Richard Brian Donnelly, Sean Jeffrey Kelly, Justin Wayne Ho, James Lee Epifano
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Publication number: 20190221058Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to communicating autonomous-vehicle status. In particular, the methods, devices, and systems of the present disclosure can: determine one or more maintenance statuses of one or more of multiple different systems of an autonomous vehicle; and depict at least one of the status(es) via a display device affixed to an exterior of the autonomous vehicle and configured to display information associated with the multiple different systems such that the information is visible to an observer located outside the autonomous vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2018Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Molly Castle Nix, Sean Chin, Eric James Hanson, Philipp Haban, Richard Brian Donnelly, David Patrick Rice, Thomas Jeffery Watson, JR.