With Means For Controlling Operation Responsive To Electromagnetic Radiation, Magnetic Force, Or Sound Waves Received From Source, Or Reflected From Object Or Surface, Located Apart From Vehicle Patents (Class 180/167)
  • Patent number: 10126409
    Abstract: A method and a MIMO radar device are provided for determining a position angle of an object. The method includes the following steps: emitting a first radar signal with the aid of a first transmitting antenna having a first radiation pattern; emitting a second radar signal with the aid of a second transmitting antenna having a second radiation pattern; emitting a third radar signal with the aid of a third transmitting antenna having a third radiation pattern; the first, second, and third radar signal being emitted in various directions; receiving radar signals which are reflected on the object; and determining the position angle of the object based on phase differences and based on amplitude differences, which originate from the emission of the radar signals in the first through third directions, between the received reflected radar signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Benedikt Loesch, Michael Schoor
  • Patent number: 10114117
    Abstract: A method (400) and a 3D camera (110) for a vehicle for detecting an object (130) in an area (140) for collecting (401) measurement data related to the area (140) by a sensor (310) in the 3D camera (110) using a first sensor setting, in addition, reception (402) of measurement data related to the area (140) from a radar (120), and detection (405) of the object (130) based on interpretation of collected (401) measurement data by the camera together with measurement data received (402) from the radar (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Mikael Salmén, Fredrich Claezon, Carl Fredrik Ullberg, Mikael Lindberg
  • Patent number: 10108852
    Abstract: A system and method for facial analysis to detect asymmetric expressions is disclosed. A series of facial images is collected, and an image from the series of images is evaluated with a classifier. The image is then flipped to create a flipped image. Then, the flipped image is evaluated with the classifier. The results of the evaluation of original image and the flipped image are compared. Asymmetric features such as a wink, a raised eyebrow, a smirk, or a wince are identified. These asymmetric features are associated with mental states such as skepticism, contempt, condescension, repugnance, disgust, disbelief, cynicism, pessimism, doubt, suspicion, and distrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Thibaud Senechal, Rana el Kaliouby
  • Patent number: 10106153
    Abstract: Systems and methods of deep neural network based parking assistance is provided. A system can receive data sensed by one or more sensors mounted on a vehicle located at a parking zone. The system generates, from a first neural network, a digital map based on the data sensed by the one or more sensors. The system generates, from a second neural network, a first path based on the three-dimensional dynamic map. The system receives vehicle dynamics information from a second one or more sensors located on the vehicle. The system generates, with a third neural network, a second path to park the vehicle based on the first path, vehicle dynamics information and at least one historical path stored in vehicle memory. The system provides commands to control the vehicle to follow the second path to park the vehicle in the parking zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignees: Chongqing Jinkang New Energy Vehicle Co., Ltd., SF Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinhua Xiao, Yifan Tang
  • Patent number: 10109204
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a detection and avoidance apparatus for an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) and systems, devices, and techniques pertaining to automated object detection and avoidance during UAV flight. The system may detect objects within the UAV's airspace through acoustic, visual, infrared, multispectral, hyperspectral, or object detectable signal emitted or reflected from an object. The system may identify the source of the object detectable signal by comparing features of the received signal with known sources signals in a database. The features may include, for example, an acoustic signature emitted or reflected by the object. Furthermore, a trajectory envelope for the object may be determined based on characteristic performance parameters for the object such as cursing speed, maneuverability, etc. The UAV may determine an optimized flight plan based on the trajectory envelopes of detected objects within the UAV's airspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Buchmueller, Nathan Michael Paczan
  • Patent number: 10108195
    Abstract: A gap selection method performed by a gap selection system for a vehicle. The vehicle travels on a road having a first lane and a second lane adjacent to the first. The vehicle travels in the first lane, a first surrounding vehicle travels in the second lane, a second surrounding vehicle travels in the second lane ahead of the first surrounding vehicle with a first gap between the first and second surrounding vehicles. The method includes determining a first minimum safety margin between the first surrounding vehicle and the vehicle, determining a second minimum safety margin between the second surrounding vehicle and the vehicle, evaluating the first gap by determining a minimum limit for a longitudinal position of the vehicle, determining a maximum limit for a longitudinal position of the vehicle, and determining a lane change appropriateness value of the first gap utilizing the minimum limit and the maximum limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Jonatan Silvlin, Mattias Erik Brannstrom, Julia Nilsson, Mohammad Ali
  • Patent number: 10103835
    Abstract: A portable countermeasure device is provided comprising one or more directional antennae, one or more disruption components and at least one activator. The portable countermeasure device further comprises a body, with the directional antennae are affixed to a front portion of the body. The one or more disruption components may be externally or internally mounted to the device body. The portable countermeasure device is aimed at a specific drone, the activator is engaged, and disruptive signals are directed toward the drone, disrupting the control, navigation, and other signals to and from the drone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Alexander Morrow, Daniel E. Stamm, Raphael Joseph Welsh
  • Patent number: 10101438
    Abstract: A noise-mitigated continuous-wave frequency-modulated radar includes, for example, a transmitter for generating a radar signal, a receiver for receiving a reflected radar signal and comprising a mixer for generating a baseband signal in response to the received radar signal and in response to a local oscillator (LO) signal, and a signal shifter coupled to at least one of the transmitter, LO input of the mixer in the receiver and the baseband signal generated by the mixer. The impact of amplitude noise or phase noise associated with interferers, namely, for example, strong reflections from nearby objects, and electromagnetic coupling from transmit antenna to receive antenna, on the detection of other surrounding objects is reduced by configuring the signal shifter in response to an interferer frequency and phase offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Karthik Subburaj, Karthik Ramasubramanian, Sriram Murali, Sreekiran Samala, Krishnanshu Dandu
  • Patent number: 10095226
    Abstract: A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from a remote control device. The RF signal indicates command data in accordance with a first coordinate system that is from a perspective of the remote control device. The command data includes a lift command associated with a hovering state of the RC vehicle. One or more motion sensors are configured to generate motion data that indicates a position of the RC vehicle and an orientation of the RC vehicle. A processor is configured to transform the command data into control data based on the motion data and in accordance with a second coordinate system that is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices are configured to control motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Drone-Control, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine C. Stuckman, Michael D. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 10088845
    Abstract: System and method for behavior based control of an autonomous vehicle. Actuators (e.g., linkages) manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle lever, steering gear, tie rods, throttle, brake, accelerator, or transmission shifter) to direct the operation of the vehicle. Behaviors that characterize the operational mode of the vehicle are associated with the actuators. The behaviors include action sets ranked by priority, and the action sets include alternative actions that the vehicle can take to accomplish its task. The alternative actions are ranked by preference, and an arbiter selects the action to be performed and, optionally, modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Todd Pack, James Allard, David S. Barrett, Misha Filippov, Selma Svendsen
  • Patent number: 10086756
    Abstract: In location-based geo-feature implementations, messages for conveyance on an industrial vehicle are determined based on a current operating state of the industrial vehicle, information about a zone with expected operating conditions, and the industrial vehicle's location. When the industrial vehicle enters the zone, the current operating state of the industrial vehicle is compared to the expected operating state, which determines the message for display. Further, the current operating state may change the way the message is displayed. In vehicle-based implementations, vehicle data is collected and analyzed to generate messages upon the triggering of predetermined events. The detection of an event can be combined with vehicle position data to create an event record that captures location. Tools are also provided for setting up, managing and using the above capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis H. Manci, Philip W. Swift, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 10088840
    Abstract: A transportation system having a transportation space including destinations distributed in the transportation space, multiple independent automated vehicles configured for free roving through the transportation space to and between the destinations so that the vehicles are dynamically distributed through the transportation space, a control system communicably connected via a remote communication link to each of the vehicles and having a system controller that addresses each vehicle to different destinations, and the control system having a vehicle accountant controller separate and distinct from the system controller and configured to independently register a dynamic location of at least one of the vehicles, selected from the multiple vehicles in the transportation space, and command shutdown, via the remote communication link, to only the selected at least one vehicle at the registered location if the registered location corresponds to a predetermined location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Symbotic, LLC
    Inventors: Rick K. Dorval, Todd Comins
  • Patent number: 10083361
    Abstract: A structured light pattern is projected onto the path of a vehicle so as to generate a plurality of light spots, and an image thereof is captured from the vehicle. A world-space elevation of at least a portion of the light spots is responsive to a pitch angle of the vehicle determined responsive to image-space locations of down-range-separated light spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Gerhard Schamp
  • Patent number: 10081343
    Abstract: Described herein is a vehicle system configured to identify and mitigate a risk associated with one or more hazards that may impact a vehicle. The vehicle system may include a service provider computer configured to maintain information related to one or more hazards. In some embodiments, a hazard may be identified based at least in part on its being located within the vicinity of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the service provider computer may generate a mitigation strategy to reduce or eliminate the risk posed by the identified hazard. The mitigation strategy may include one or more actions to be taken by a processor device within the vehicle. Upon being provided with a mitigation strategy, the processor device may execute one or more of the actions in the mitigation strategy without human interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Dai
  • Patent number: 10078770
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating cost effective, reliable, system redundant, self-driving vehicles involves the employment of specialized lane marking components that permit unprecedented sensor feedback, and in particular, a system and method that enables accurate lane marking recognition despite adverse weather conditions, which presently pose problems experienced by self-driving systems that rely upon vision based camera systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kovarik, James J. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 10079979
    Abstract: The invention relates to a camera arrangement for a vehicle, comprising a camera (12), wherein by means of the camera arrangement a brightness of the surroundings of the camera is determinable. The camera arrangement comprises a storage device (38) in which is stored at least one brightness reference value (34) capturable by the camera. This reference value (34) is correlated with a corresponding value (36) indicative of a photometric quantity measurable by means of a photometer (14) at this brightness. An evaluation unit of the camera arrangement is designed for comparing a brightness value determined by the camera with the brightness reference value (34). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for calibrating a camera (12) and for operating a camera arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Brouk Wedajo, Yan Quelquejay, Samia Ahiad, Julia Petit, Caroline Robert-Landry
  • Patent number: 10077061
    Abstract: A profile detection system is provided having first and second position sensors disposable adjacent an article wherein the first and second position sensors and the article are relatively movable. A laser sensor is disposed on a crane as a third position sensor. An additional sensor is configured to identify train components. A bar code reader, an optical character recognition reader or a radio frequency identification reader may selectively be used as the additional sensor. A programmable indication device is in communication with the first, second and third position sensors and the additional sensor. The programmable indication device develops an indication of a profile of the article responsive to the first and second position sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey E. Schmidt, Daniel B. Zakula, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10071644
    Abstract: Provided herein is an inductive power transfer pad for inductive power transfer to a vehicle. The inductive power transfer pad includes a stationary part and a movable part. The movable part includes a primary winding structure. The movable part is movable between a retracted state and an extended state. The power transfer pad is designed or controllable such that the movable part is only movable to a position from a set of predetermined positions. The set of predetermined positions is a subset of the set of all positions between the retracted and the extended state. A method of operating an inductive power transfer pad and an inductive power transfer system are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Bombardier Primove GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Wechsler, Dominik Anders
  • Patent number: 10073467
    Abstract: A traveling control apparatus includes an operation amount calculating unit for calculating the amount of operations for controlling at least one of a driving mechanism and a braking mechanism of a vehicle to make the difference between a target position and the actual position of the vehicle small; a determining unit for determining whether the actual position follows the target position; and a target position setting unit for setting the target position that changes with time passage, when it is determined by the determining unit that the actual position follows the target position. The target position setting unit sets the target position so a change in the target position with the time passage becomes smaller than that in the case where it is determined that the actual position follows the target position, when it is determined by the determining unit that the actual position does not follow the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yosuke Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10071744
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle including at least one assistance function or at least a partially automated driving function, including: ascertaining at least one safe driving state; capturing the current driving state; determining a permissible range for the current driving state of the vehicle from which at least one of the at least one safe driving state is attainable; operating the vehicle using an activable or active assistance function or an at least partially automated driving function within the specified permissible range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Oliver Pink, Christoph Schroeder, Stefan Nordbruch
  • Patent number: 10071686
    Abstract: An audio system of a vehicle includes: an acceleration state module that sets an acceleration state signal to a first state when a longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle is greater than a first predetermined acceleration, where the first predetermined acceleration is positive; a sound control module that selectively sets audio characteristics for an acceleration event in response to determinations that all of: (i) the acceleration state signal is in the first state; (ii) an electric motor is outputting positive torque to a powertrain of the vehicle; and (iii) a driver is applying pressure to an accelerator pedal; and an audio driver module that, based on the audio characteristics, applies power to speakers to output sound within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Reilly, Frank C. Valeri, Roger C. Barlow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10071745
    Abstract: Automated drive assisting systems, methods, and programs acquire an expected travel route for a vehicle that includes an automated drive section in which automated drive control for the vehicle is permitted, and execute the automated drive control for the vehicle such that the vehicle travels along the expected travel route in the automated drive section which is included in the expected travel route. The systems, methods, and programs recover the automated drive control after the vehicle, which travels through manual drive based on a drive operation by a user, passes through a branch point that is provided in the automated drive section and that meets a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuji Sato
  • Patent number: 10065512
    Abstract: A vehicle has a charging device for charging an energy store at a charging station. The charging device has a vehicle-side coupling element for coupling to a charging-station-side coupling element. A control unit is provided is arranged in the region of the vehicle-side coupling element for maneuvering the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Michael Werner
  • Patent number: 10067505
    Abstract: An automatic driving system includes an electronic control device configured to: detect a driving operation input amount during an automatic driving control for a vehicle; determine whether the driver is able to start manual driving during the automatic driving control for the vehicle; output a signal for performing switching from automatic driving to the manual driving based on a result of a comparison between the driving operation input amount and a driving switching threshold that is a threshold for the switching from the automatic driving to the manual driving; set the driving switching threshold to a first driving switching threshold when it is determined that the driver is able to start the manual driving; and set the driving switching threshold to a second driving switching threshold exceeding the first driving switching threshold when it is determined that the driver is not able to start the manual driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Ichikawa, Taisuke Sugaiwa
  • Patent number: 10067501
    Abstract: A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew Edward Hoffman, Michael Cordell Mountz
  • Patent number: 10068472
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting a driver of a first vehicle determines whether the first vehicle is traveling in a first lane of a multi-lane highway. The method further determines that another vehicle is approaching the first vehicle from behind in a second lane of the multi-lane highway. The method determines that the first vehicle is being passed by the second vehicle, and outputs a warning to the driver, instructing the driver to merge into the second lane where the second vehicle had been traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: VEONEER US, INC.
    Inventor: James M. Young
  • Patent number: 10059340
    Abstract: A starting control device is provided to detect a preceding vehicle that is stopped in front of a host vehicle, acquire a relative speed and an inter-vehicular distance between the preceding vehicle and the host vehicle, detect a starting request input by the driver of the host vehicle, and detects the number of times the starting request has been detected after the host vehicle has stopped. Then, the starting control device causes the host vehicle to start following a preceding vehicle when a standby period, which is the period from when the starting request is detected to when at least one of the relative speed and the inter-vehicular distance satisfies a preset start condition, is shorter than a start permission period that is set in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugano, Yasuhiko Takae
  • Patent number: 10055987
    Abstract: In a method for vehicle communication between a first and a second vehicle, depending on environmental information, predetermined situation messages are optionally provided for transmission from the first vehicle to the second vehicle. Depending on whether a selection is made, the selected situation message is transmitted, for example by a wireless radio link, to the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Stählin
  • Patent number: 10054944
    Abstract: An illustrative example system for developing an autonomous vehicle response includes a simulator that provides an at least visual simulation of a plurality of different situations that may be encountered while driving, a driver input device that allows the driver to respond to the simulation of the plurality of situations in a manner consistent with the driver's driving response to the situations, respectively, and a compute device including at least one processor and data storage associated with the processor. The compute device is configured to determine a profile of the driver based on information from the driver input device regarding the driver's driving responses to the simulation of the situations. The profile is at least temporarily stored in the data storage. The profile provides information for controlling the autonomous vehicle response to an actual situation corresponding to at least one of the simulated situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Matt Jones, Peter Bontrager, Sebastian Paszkowicz, Paul Wheller
  • Patent number: 10053067
    Abstract: A vehicle safety assist system is configured to detect vehicles travelling ahead of a host vehicle and determine a relative kinematic property between a detected vehicle and the host vehicle and a relative kinematic property reliability measure indicative of a reliability of the determined relative kinematic property. The system is also configured, on the basis of host vehicle state information, a number of detected vehicles, the relative kinematic property and the reliability of the relative kinematic property of each detected vehicle, determine a host vehicle impact consequence level and an impact consequence level reliability measure indicative of a reliability of the determined host vehicle impact consequence level. On the basis of the host vehicle impact consequence level and the impact consequence level reliability measure, the system is further configured to determine whether the vehicle safety assist system should issue a warning signal and/or an autonomous braking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Magnus Brandin
  • Patent number: 10053146
    Abstract: A steerable, self-propelled vehicle includes a rotatable steering column that is connected to control the steering angle of one or more ground-engaging members of the vehicle. The vehicle includes between the steering column and the ground-engaging member a first steering servomechanism having at least a first steering assistance characteristic; a second steering servomechanism having a second steering assistance characteristic also being connected to act on the steering column. A controller is provided for causing the first and second steering assistance characteristics to influence the steering of the vehicle in dependence on one or more one or more control commands generated in the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Morselli, Francesco Canuto, Patrizio Turco, Enrico Raffone
  • Patent number: 10055994
    Abstract: A parking assistance device includes: a route determination unit that determines a route from an initial position of a vehicle to a target parking position when assisting the vehicle to be parked in a parking area, and includes, a first generation unit generating a first circumference tangent to a line passing though the initial position and extending along a forward direction of the vehicle, and a second generation unit generating a second circumference having a tangent line passing through a rear position of the vehicle at a rear direction of the target parking position in the forward direction and extending along the forward direction, and having a radius of minimum turning of the vehicle, a part of the first circumference functions as a part of the route, and a part of a third circumference functions as the route subsequent to the first circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motokatsu Tomozawa, Norio Imai
  • Patent number: 10049307
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for training an object-recognition neural network that identifies an object in a computer-readable image. An example method includes assigning a first neural network for determining a visual alignment model of the images for determining a normalized alignment of the object. The method further includes assigning a second neural network for determining a visual representation model of the images for recognizing the object. The method further includes determining the visual alignment model by training the first neural network and determining the visual representation model by training the second neural network independent of the first. The method further includes determining a combined object recognition model by training a combination of the first neural network and the second neural network. The method further includes recognizing the object in the image based on the combined object recognition model by passing the image through each of the neural networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sharathchandra U. Pankanti, Xi Peng, Nalini K. Ratha
  • Patent number: 10046458
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for confining movement actions of a robot and a method thereof, the system comprising a virtual wall device and a robot, the virtual wall device is configured to receive a barrier detection signal in a predetermined receiving range and to emit a virtual wall signal, through the virtual wall signal, a work space can be virtually divided into a first work area and a second work area. The robot continuously emits the barrier detection signal during its operation and is able to receive the virtual wall signal; when the robot gets into the predetermined emitting range and receives the virtual wall signal, the robot decides to get across or escape by checking the information from the virtual wall signal with its passing record. Therefore, the system can be applied to confine the robot to operate in the first work area or the second work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Inventor: Jason Yan
  • Patent number: 10048694
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a first transmitting unit transmitting a signal including first identification information with directivity of a predetermined width, and a first receiving unit receiving a signal with directivity wider than directivity of the first transmitting unit. A charger includes a second receiving unit receiving the signal including the first identification information, and a second transmitting unit transmitting a signal including second identification information when the second receiving unit receives the signal including the first identification information. A first control unit controls, when the signal including the second identification information is received by the first receiving unit, drive of a motor to allow a body case to travel based on a direction that the signal including the first identification information is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouichi Abe
  • Patent number: 10043080
    Abstract: A self-position calculating apparatus includes: a light projector 11 configured to project a patterned light beam 32a onto a road surface 31 around a vehicle; and a camera 12 configured to capture an image 38 of the road surface 31 around the vehicle including an area onto which the patterned light beam 32a is projected. The self-position calculating apparatus calculates an orientation angle of the vehicle 10 relative to the road surface 31 from a position of the patterned light beam 32a on the image 38 obtained by the camera 12, and calculates an amount of change in the orientation of the vehicle based on temporal changes in multiple feature points on the road surface which are detected from the image 38. The self-position calculating apparatus calculates current position and orientation angle of the vehicle by adding the amount of change in the orientation to initial position and orientation angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nishiuchi
  • Patent number: 10029368
    Abstract: A domestic robotic system including a robot having a payload for carrying out a domestic task within a working area. The robot also includes a plurality of sensors, including one or more local environment sensors that are configured to receive signals from exterior sources local to the robot. The system further includes data storage, which is operable to store boundary information that defines the path of a predetermined boundary within which the robot is permitted to move. The robot is programmed to operate in at a reference trail recording mode and a navigation mode. In the reference trail recording mode, the robot moves along a reference trail while receiving sensor information from its sensors, with the path of the reference trail being calculated by the system based on the stored boundary information so as to be spaced apart from the path of the predetermined boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: F Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
    Inventors: Karni Wolowelsky, Shai Abramson
  • Patent number: 10029612
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lamp for a vehicle and a method of controlling the same. The vehicle lamp intuitively informs a traveling direction of the vehicle and minimizes deterioration of visibility when a failure occurs and a method of controlling the same. A lamp for a vehicle includes a light source unit having a plurality of light source groups and an operation state detection unit configured to detect an operation state of at least one light source included in each of the plurality of light source groups. A lighting mode determination unit is configured to determine a lighting mode of the light source unit based on the detected operation state. A control unit is configured to operate the light source unit in any one of a first lighting mode and a second lighting mode based on the determined lighting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: SL Corporation
    Inventors: Eun Sang Yu, Ji Young Yang, Dae Kyu Kim, Ki Yang Park
  • Patent number: 10018727
    Abstract: A location information sharing system includes an emergency call system and a navigation system provided in a vehicle, wherein the emergency call system comprises a first initial location calculation unit for generating a first initial location by receiving a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or a global positioning system (GPS) signal transmitted from a GNSS or GPS satellite, a first compensation location calculation unit for generating a first compensation location compensated from the first initial location, a first transmitting/receiving unit for receiving a second initial location and a second compensation location transmitted from the navigation system, and a first control unit for outputting one location information of the first initial location, the first compensation location, the second initial location, and the second compensation location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Chang Sik Hwang
  • Patent number: 10019907
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for detecting an obstacle in a path of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) are described herein, including, but not limited to, receiving data from a single image/video capturing device of the UAV, computing a score based on the received data, and performing at least one obstacle avoidance maneuver based on the score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Parag Mohan Kanade, Charles Wheeler Sweet, III, Jeffrey Baginsky Gehlhaar
  • Patent number: 10011300
    Abstract: A lane change control arrangement, vehicle, and method are described. The lane change control arrangement is arranged to adjust a host vehicle velocity in accordance with a first velocity profile to expand a detectable zone to cover a previously undetectable zone of a second road lane, detect whether a vehicle is present in the previously undetectable zone, determine that a lane change is possible, or determine that a lane change is unsuitable using the second road lane and issue a control signal to the vehicle drive arrangement to adjust the host vehicle velocity until a safety distance is established between the host vehicle and the detected vehicle, and issue a control signal to the vehicle drive arrangement to perform the lane change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Julia Nilsson, Mohammad Ali, Mattias Erik Brannstrom
  • Patent number: 10013720
    Abstract: A damage assessment module operating on a computer system automatically evaluates a roof, estimating damage to the roof by analyzing a point cloud of a roof. The damage assessment module identifies individual shingles from the point cloud and detects potentially damaged areas on each of the shingles. The damage assessment module then maps the potentially damaged areas of each shingle back to the point cloud to determine which areas of the roof are damaged. Based on the estimation, the damage assessment module generates a report on the roof damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan Allen Plummer, Drew Cross, Nathan L. Tofte
  • Patent number: 10012720
    Abstract: A radar bracket for a vehicle includes a central portion configured to receive a radar module so that the radar module is exposed on a front side of the radar bracket, and a side wall encircling and extending laterally from the central portion and comprising a non-conductive material. At least of a portion of a backside of the side wall is covered by a radar absorbing material having a dielectric constant higher than a dielectric constant of the side wall. The at least a portion of the side wall has a thickness dw proportional to a quarter of the wavelength of a signal emitted by the radar module, and selected based on the dielectric constants of the side walls of the radar bracket and the radar absorbing material, such that a reflection at the interface between the side wall and the radar absorbing material is effectively cancelled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Martin Emanuelsson
  • Patent number: 10011247
    Abstract: An apparatus, including a memory which stores information regarding a limitation or restriction for allowing or prohibiting a control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding a vehicle or a premises, a first controller located remote from the vehicle or premises, which is specially programmed to perform the control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding the vehicle or premises. The first controller receives a first signal transmitted from a second controller. The first signal contains information regarding a control, monitoring, or security, operation, regarding the vehicle or premises. The second controller is located at a location remote from the first controller and remote from the vehicle or premises. The first controller determines, utilizing the information regarding the limitation or restriction, whether the control, monitoring, or security, operation, is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: GTJ VENTURES, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Anthony Joao
  • Patent number: 10005465
    Abstract: A moving body control device includes an attitude angle detection section configured to detect ah attitude angle of an inverted moving body, a command value generation section configured to generate an attitude angular speed command value of the inverted moving body according to the attitude angle detected by the attitude angle detection section, a control section configured to control drive of the inverted moving body according to the attitude angular speed command value generated by the command value generation section, a determination section configured to make a determination whether or not the inverted moving body travels in a constant direction for a prescribed time or longer, and an acceleration-deceleration command section configured to increase or decrease the attitude angular speed command value generated by the command value generation section when the determination section makes a determination that travel is performed in the constant direction for the prescribed time or longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Kondo
  • Patent number: 10005388
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polite-sounding vehicle horn apparatus. The polite-sounding vehicle horn apparatus includes: a main horn sound generator provided in a vehicle, and configured to generate main horn sounds; a subsidiary horn sound generator provided in the vehicle, and configured to generate subsidiary horn sounds lower than the main horn sounds; a main horn button provided on a steering wheel of the vehicle; a subsidiary horn button provided on the steering wheel of the vehicle; a camera sensor configured to detect a shape of a human in front of the vehicle; and an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to generate a main horn sound via the main horn sound generator when the main horn button is pushed, and to generate a subsidiary horn sound lower than the main horn sound via the subsidiary horn sound generator when the subsidiary horn button is pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Tae Oan Kim
  • Patent number: 10007271
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed relate to autonomous vehicle technology. A follow vehicle having driving controls for use by humans may be equipped with a wireless transceiver, controller, sensors, and interfaces for use with control systems such that the follow vehicle may be caused to follow the lead vehicle without human interaction with the follow vehicle. The follow vehicle may wirelessly receive information from the lead vehicle regarding position, movement, acceleration or deceleration, steering, or other information relevant to following the lead vehicle. The follow vehicle may include sensors for sensing the position, movement, acceleration, deceleration, steering, or other properties of the lead vehicle. The lead vehicle may be equipped with RF transmitters that provide indicators to the follow vehicle, such that the sensors can more readily sense the lead vehicle. Multiple follow vehicles may be wirelessly linked to form a train that is not mechanically linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: AVISHTECH, LLC
    Inventors: Tarun Amla, Jyoti Amla, Keshav Amla
  • Patent number: 10005458
    Abstract: An automatic driving system for an automatically driven vehicle. In the system, a travel direction acquirer is configured to acquire travel direction information that is information indicative of whether or not each of lanes in a parking lot is unidirectional. In addition, in the system, an allowance determination unit is configured to, if determining, based on the travel direction information acquired by the travel direction acquirer, that each of the lanes in the parking lot is unidirectional, allow automatic driving of the automatically driven vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ohshima
  • Patent number: 9994221
    Abstract: Arrangements described herein provide adaptive cruise control systems that present travel settings for one or more nearby vehicles. Location information for one or more nearby vehicles can be acquired. Travel settings for the one or more nearby vehicles can be acquired. The travel settings can include a set speed and a set distance for each of the one or more nearby vehicles. Arrangements described herein can present within the vehicle the travel settings for the one or more nearby vehicles. A vehicle to follow from the one or more nearby vehicles can be selected based on the displayed travel settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John-Michael McNew
  • Patent number: 9996086
    Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode is provided. The vehicle is configured to obtain an indication of a final destination, and, if the final destination is not on a pre-approved road for travel by the vehicle, the vehicle is configured to determine a route from the vehicle's current location to an intermediary destination. The vehicle is further configured to determine a means for the vehicle user to reach the final destination from the intermediate destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Bradley Templeton