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)
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Patent number: 9988050Abstract: A vehicle control device which can substantially eliminate or shorten a period when vehicle speed exceeds a lowered speed limit when a vehicle goes into a road where a speed limit lower than before then during running of the vehicle should be provided. A speed control decreases vehicle speed so that the vehicle speed approaches the next speed limit from a time point when it is judged that a position of the own-vehicle is at a predetermined position in front of a transition point which is a point where the next speed limit starts to be applied, in a case where a specified condition that the next speed limit is lower than the present speed limit is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Keiji Yamashita, Tetsuya Taira
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Patent number: 9989371Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for determining and assigning intermediate handoff checkpoints for low-resolution robot planning. In various implementations, a global path planner may identify a task to be performed by a robot in an environment. In various implementations, the global path planner may determine, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the environment or the task, an intermediate handoff checkpoint for the robot to reach by a scheduled time while the robot performs the task. In various implementations, the global path planner may determine that a measure of reactivity that would be attributable to the robot upon the robot being assigned the intermediate handoff checkpoint satisfies a reactivity threshold. In various implementations, the global path planner may provide, to a local path planner associated with the robot, data indicative of the intermediate handoff checkpoint.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Jared Stephen Russell
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Patent number: 9988047Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to at least detect objects or other vehicles. The control system, responsive to determination of a traffic condition, is operable to control a steering system of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control system is operable to detect a lane splitting vehicle approaching or adjacent to the vehicle. With the vehicle traveling in an occupied traffic lane and responsive to detection of the lane splitting vehicle approaching the vehicle, the control system controls the steering system of the vehicle to move the vehicle in a direction away from a side region of the occupied lane at which the lane splitting vehicle is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
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Patent number: 9983582Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a vehicle for maneuvering a passenger to a destination autonomously. The vehicle includes one or more computing devices and a set of user input buttons for communicating requests to stop the vehicle and to initiate a trip to the destination with the one or more computing devices. The set of user input buttons consisting essentially of a dual-purpose button and an emergency stopping button different from the dual-purpose button configured to stop the vehicle. The dual-purpose button has a first purpose for communicating a request to initiate the trip to the destination and a second purpose for communicating a request to pull the vehicle over and stop the vehicle. The vehicle has no steering wheel and no user inputs for the steering, acceleration, and deceleration of the vehicle other than the set of user input buttons.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Philip Nemec, Anne Kristiina Aula, David Tse-Zhou Lu, Brian Douglas Cullinane, Calvin Karl Johnson, Albert Shane, Christopher Kennedy Ludwick, YooJung Ahn
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Patent number: 9981682Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide an electric power steering apparatus that performs a judgment of a manual input during an automatic steering control by an accurate and precise method based on the mechanical equation, and have a steering performance which a driver and a fellow passenger do not feel uncomfortable.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Takahiro Tsubaki
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Patent number: 9981659Abstract: Provided is a driving assist device 10 that recognizes an object in the vicinity of a moving body, and assists a driver in driving the moving body, the apparatus including: an object detecting unit 12 that detects the object in the vicinity of the moving body; a three dimensional object detecting unit 13 that detects a three dimensional object in the vicinity of the moving body; and an object recognition unit 18 that recognizes the object at a predetermined detection position as a non-obstacle when the object information storing unit 16 stores the position of the object, and the three dimensional object information storing unit 17 does not store the position of the three dimensional object at the predetermined position in which detection is performed by both of the object detecting unit 12 and the three dimensional object detecting unit 13.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiromitsu Urano, Katsuhiro Sakai, Toshiki Kindo, Kentaro Ichikawa, Masahiro Harada
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Patent number: 9972209Abstract: Geographic location data and telematics data may be collected in real-time by a mobile device within a vehicle, or the vehicle itself. The telematics data may indicate vehicle direction, speed, motion, etc., as well as traffic hazards in the surrounding environment. A remote server may receive the location and telematics data from two vehicles. If an anomalous or hazardous condition exists in the vicinity of the first vehicle, a geographic relationship with the second vehicle is determined, and if within a predetermined distance, an alert or alternate route for the second vehicle is determined and transmitted to the second vehicle. As a result, a negative impact or risk of collision caused by the anomalous condition on the second vehicle is alleviated. The amount of the insured's usage of the telematics data-based risk mitigation or prevision functionality may be used to calculate or adjust insurance premiums, rates, or discounts.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventor: Gregory Hayward
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Patent number: 9972205Abstract: A remote controlled mobile traffic control system which can be used in the place of a human flag person. A mobile platform with an adjustable traffic control indicator thereon is controlled by a remote control. The operator can move the platform and change the indication of the traffic control apparatus from a safe distance. The apparatus permits “flagging” of traffic in a moving traffic control zone arrangement, and operational safety is maximized. A traffic barrier arm is movable between deployed and retracted positions obstructing the path of oncoming traffic, for example by a remote controlled actuator or by remote controlled turning of the platform. A remote alarm unit accompanies to the work crew to alarm them of traffic entering the work zone without authorization or at unsafe speed. The apparatus can travel with a moving or changing work zone, either by human remote control or autonomous “follow me” functionality.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Leo Beaulieu
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Patent number: 9969405Abstract: An alarm apparatus for a vehicle is configure to be capable of communicating with a portable terminal to be used at a driver seat by a driver of the vehicle that performs automatic driving, alarms the driver using the portable terminal, and includes a determination unit that determines whether a distance or arrival time from the vehicle to a termination position for the automatic driving is a predetermined value or less, during the automatic driving, based on position information about the vehicle and map information, or based on surrounding environment information about the vehicle, and an alarm unit that displays alarm information for having the driver start manual driving, on a screen of the portable terminal, when the determination unit determines that the distance or arrival time from the vehicle to the termination position for the automatic driving is the predetermined value or less.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hirotada Otake
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Patent number: 9968032Abstract: A mower includes a plurality of cutting heads, each cutting head having a minor cutting width, the plurality of cutting heads connected by a plurality of connectors in an array having a variable major cutting width. The mower also includes a steering system coupled with a first driven wheel and supported by one cutting head, and a second driven wheel supported by one other cutting head. The steering system is capable of steering the first driven wheel independently from the second driven wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Inventor: Kyle Edward Yarberry
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Patent number: 9964948Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting autonomous vehicles are provided. The methods and systems can help increase safety and consumer satisfaction with autonomous vehicles and help bridge the gap towards completely autonomy. A method for assisting autonomous vehicles can include providing an autonomous vehicle having sensory inputs and providing a remote control center having two-way communication with the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can send its sensory input information to the control center and the control center can send control information to the autonomous vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: The Florida International University Board of TrusteesInventors: Oliver Ullrich, Naphtali Rishe
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Patent number: 9958854Abstract: Systems and methods for robotic measurement of parts are provided. One system includes one or more omni-directional ground vehicles configured to move within a facility defined work zone to a setup calibration station and an engineering defined work space, wherein the engineering defined work space includes a part to be measured. The system also includes a multi-axis robot removably coupled to each of the omni-direction ground vehicles and configured to move a laser scanner, wherein the laser scanner of each of the multi-axis robots is configured to move in at least two linear directions and one rotational direction. The system further includes a processor configured to automatically generate a surface ready output file from measurement data received from the laser scanners, wherein the surface ready output file is configured to command a machine to manufacture a mating component to the part.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Christina M. Vasquez, Theodore M. Boyl-Davis, Dario I. Valenzuela, Darrell D. Jones
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Patent number: 9959374Abstract: Disclosed is an atmospheric information network comprised of a group of low earth orbit satellite-based sensors providing global coverage of the earth, together with one or more ground-based sensor networks, together with one or more mobile sensor networks, all operating to collect near-real-time or real-time data, together with data gathering from other governmental and commercial atmospheric data sources, together with software algorithms and processes for data reduction, data analysis, correlation of information, data fusion, modeling, reporting of near-real-time or real-time atmospheric conditions of air pollution and wind, and prediction of future atmospheric conditions of air pollution and wind. Such information is presented in geospatial and infographic formats on computer or mobile device displays, or electronic billboards.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Scepter IncorporatedInventors: Peter Rosti, Philip Father, Alex Ramia
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Patent number: 9958260Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting a feature point to recognize an obstacle using a laser scanner are provided. The apparatus includes a laser scanner that is installed at a front of a traveling vehicle and is configured to obtain laser scanner data having a plurality of layers in real time. In addition, a controller is configured to separate the laser scanner data obtained by the laser scanner into a plurality of layers to extract measurement data present in each layer and determine feature points of the measurement data to classify a type of obstacle based on a plurality of stored feature points.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Yonsei UniversityInventors: Minkyun Yoo, Hyunju Kim, Hoon Lee, Youngwon Kim, Hyungsun Jang, Baehoon Choi, Beomseong Kim, Euntai Kim
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Patent number: 9956956Abstract: A vehicle system for a vehicle can include sensors and a controller. The sensors can detect a position and speed of the vehicle and a position and speed of an object adjacent to the vehicle's lane. The controller can determine an operational state based on input from the sensors. The controller can operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode, wherein the controller controls the speed of the vehicle and a spacing between the vehicle and the object. The controller can switch from the autonomous mode to a learning mode in response to a driver taking control of the vehicle's speed or steering. In the learning mode, the controller can learn a preferred spacing between the vehicle and the object and a preferred speed relative to the object. The controller can control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the preferred spacing and speed during similar operational states.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Syed Ali, Masayuki Imanishi
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Patent number: 9958871Abstract: A method of confining a robot in a work space includes providing a portable barrier signal transmitting device including a primary emitter emitting a confinement beam primarily along an axis defining a directed barrier. A mobile robot including a detector, a drive motor and a control unit controlling the drive motor is caused to avoid the directed barrier upon detection by the detector on the robot. The detector on the robot has an omnidirectional field of view parallel to the plane of movement of the robot. The detector receives confinement light beams substantially in a plane at the height of the field of view while blocking or rejecting confinement light beams substantially above or substantially below the plane at the height of the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Joseph L. Jones, Philip R. Mass
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Patent number: 9959765Abstract: A motor vehicle alert system based on vehicle dynamics input includes a communication module positioned in a host vehicle receiving and sending vehicle data in a vehicle mobility data format. A list generator in communication with the communication module generates the vehicle data as specific vehicle identification data in a track list to distinguish a sensed vehicle and at least one other vehicle positioned proximate the host vehicle. A tracker module in communication with the list generator periodically updates the vehicle data for the sensed vehicle and the at least one other vehicle. A transient condition data device generates data identifying when a transient condition of the sensed vehicle is present. A message standard conformance module receives the data identifying the transient condition and forwards the data identifying the transient condition to the communication module for transmission to the at least one other vehicle proximate to the host vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: DURA OPERATING LLCInventors: Aaron Evans Thompson, Donald Raymond Gignac, Danish Uzair Siddiqui, Rajashekhar Patil, Gordon M. Thomas
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Patent number: 9958869Abstract: A system and method is provided for identifying an object along a road, where the object may be represented by a bounding box, and projecting a set of obstacle points within the bounding box corresponding to the identified object. In one aspect, a two-dimensional plane oriented perpendicular to a direction of the movement of the vehicle may be identified. In another aspect, the areas of the plane that may be occupied based on the set of obstacle points may be determined to generate a contour of the identified object. Thereafter, the height profiles of the identified object and the vehicle may be determined and identified, respectively. Based on the height profiles, a minimum clearance may be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Nathaniel Fairfield, Ian James Mahon
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Patent number: 9955136Abstract: A distance measuring device reduces an amount of calculations required to generate a parallax image. The distance measuring device that generates the parallax image to measure a distance includes image sensors each capturing an image, an edge image extractor that extracts an edge image in accordance with the image, the edge image including pixel values each containing identification information used to identify an edge caused by a brightness variation from light to dark or an edge caused by a brightness variation from dark to light, a binarized edge image generator that generates a binarized edge image in accordance with the identification information of the edge image, a parallax image generator that generates the parallax image from the binarized edge image, and a distance image calculator that calculates a distance image from the parallax image.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiki Kuranuki
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Patent number: 9944283Abstract: A vehicle traveling controller performs emergency evacuation traveling in the case of an emergency. The vehicle traveling controller determines whether a vehicle traveling in accordance with a normal traveling rule is not dangerous and becomes proper traveling or not based on environmental information around the vehicle, when it is determined that the vehicle traveling in accordance with the normal traveling rule becomes proper traveling, executes normal traveling control for instructing the vehicle to travel in accordance with the normal traveling rule, and when the vehicle traveling in accordance with the normal traveling rule does not become proper traveling, executes emergency evacuation traveling control for instructing the vehicle to perform emergency evacuation traveling not in accordance with the normal traveling rule.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiki Kindo, Kazuaki Aso, Masahiro Harada
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Patent number: 9943206Abstract: A robot cleaner is provided. The robot cleaner includes a communication unit configured to communicate with the robot cleaner using a near field wireless communication (NFC) and a processor configured to detect a state of the robot cleaner among a plurality of predefined states. The processor is also configured to, in response to NFC tagging being performed with the mobile terminal, control the communication unit to transmit information corresponding to the detected state to the mobile terminal.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hee-kyung Yang, Ji Eom, Ji-hye Jang
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Patent number: 9942384Abstract: A method on an electronic device is described. A first sensor of the electronic device scans for a first movement indication. A set of second sensors of the electronic device are activated based on the first movement indication. The set of second sensors scan for a respective set of second movement indications. The set of second movement indications are weighted based on a respective set of sensor weight values to obtain a weighted set of second movement indications. The weighted set of second movement indications is combined to determine a device mode of the electronic device. The device mode is updated based on the combination of the weighted set.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Ghouse Adoni Mohammed, Craig J Detter
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Patent number: 9931750Abstract: A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: David A. Cohen, Daniel N. Ozick, Clara Vu, James Lynch, Philip R. Mass
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Patent number: 9928431Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode may engage in a reverse-parallax analysis that includes a vehicle system detecting an object, capturing via a camera located at a first location a first image of the detected object, retrieving location data specifying (i) a location of a target object, (ii) the first location, and (iii) a direction of the camera, and based on the location data and the position of the detected object in the first image, predicting where in a second image captured from a second location the detected object would appear if the detected object is the target object.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Bradley Templeton, Nathaniel Fairfield, Dave Ferguson
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Patent number: 9919652Abstract: A vehicle side-view mirror control system includes a pair of extendable side-view mirrors and a controller configured to receive and store one or more trailer identifying indicia and one or more predetermined extendable side-view mirror configurations. The controller is configured to control translation of at least one of the pair of side-view mirrors to a one of the one or more predetermined extendable side-view mirror configurations according to the one or more stored trailer identifying indicia. The one or more trailer identifying indicia define or identify a specific trailer having been previously towed by the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Dupuis, David Joseph Orris, Thomas Lorenzo
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Patent number: 9919715Abstract: Systems and methods for vehicle mode scheduling with learned user preferences include monitoring vehicle data when a vehicle changes from a first mode to a second mode. The method also includes analyzing the vehicle data to identify a preference for the second mode during a driving context. Additionally, the method includes generating a recommendation on whether to switch to the second mode while traversing a route based on the vehicle data, and the driving context, and presenting the recommendation to the driver.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Jianbo Lu, Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Perry Robinson MacNeille, Xiaoming Wang
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Patent number: 9919748Abstract: A vehicular sensing system, a vehicle and a method of performing one or both of vehicular mapping and navigating operations using the sensing system. The sensing system is secured to a roof or other suitable location on the vehicle and includes one or more sensors configured to acquire at least one of vehicular mapping and navigational data, a retractable mounting structure to move the sensor or sensors between a deployed and stowed position, and an aerodynamic spoiler, air dam or deflector. The body of the spoiler acts as a housing with a recess formed in its upper surface such that upon placement of the spoiler on the roof, the recess provides a location within the spoiler to permit storage of the mounting structure and sensors when they are in their deployed (non data-acquisition) mode of operation. The size and placement of the mounting structure and sensors is such that they do not detract from the aerodynamic or aesthetic qualities of the spoiler.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Danil V. Prokhorov
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Patent number: 9914432Abstract: A safety device that would be installed within the fuel lines of motor vehicles including cars and trucks, with the device remotely activated by police and other law enforcement personnel to block the flow of fuel to the vehicle engine, thus disabling the vehicle to provide law enforcement officials a practical way in which to safely disable a motor vehicle in the event of a police chase, thus protecting both parties, as well as other motorists, innocent bystanders and property from the dangers that can easily occur as a result of high speed chases.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Inventor: Mario Ramos
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Patent number: 9910136Abstract: A system and method for filtering LiDAR data is provided. The system includes a LiDAR data collector that is configured to collect the LiDAR data from a LiDAR and store the LiDAR data in a matrix structure. A noise point determiner is configured to determine whether a first filtering condition for determining whether a point within a predetermined reference distance in the LiDAR data is present, a second filtering condition for determining whether a present point adjacent to a left and right by a reference of a reference point in the matrix structure is a first reference value or less, and a third filtering condition for determining whether a present point adjacent to a top and bottom by the reference of the reference point is a second reference value or less are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Myung Seon Heo, Byung Yong You, Young Chul Oh
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Patent number: 9910440Abstract: An escape-path-planning system to operate an automated vehicle includes an object-detector and a controller. The object-detector is suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The object-detector is used to detect an other-vehicle in an adjacent-lane next to a present-lane traveled by the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the object-detector. The controller is configured to, in response to a lane-change-request, determine a first-route-plan that steers the host-vehicle from the present-lane to the adjacent-lane, determine a second-route-plan that steers the host-vehicle into the present-lane, initiate the first-route-plan when a forecasted-distance between the other-vehicle and the host-vehicle is greater than a distance-threshold, and cancel the first-route-plan and select the second-route-plan when the forecasted-distance between the other-vehicle and the host-vehicle becomes less than the distance-threshold after the first-route-plan is initiated.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Junqing Wei, Wenda Xu, Jarrod M. Snider
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Patent number: 9910151Abstract: A radar object detection system includes a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor emits a first radar signal toward a first area about a vehicle, and outputs a first signal indicative of detected targets proximate to the vehicle. The controller receives the first signal from the first sensor, determines when a trailer is connected to the vehicle based on the first signal, defines a shadow-zone that corresponds to a first portion of the first area obstructed by the trailer from being viewed by the first sensor, and ignores detected targets within the shadow-zone that are indicated by the first signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Cashler
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Patent number: 9904293Abstract: A system for automatically trailering a marine vessel includes a set of coded tags coupled to a boat trailer, each storing data regarding its location on the trailer. A tag reader is located aboard the vessel, and estimates a first distance to a first coded tag in the set and a second distance to a second coded tag in the set. A position determination module uses the first and second estimated distances to determine position and heading of the vessel and the trailer in a given coordinate system. A feedback control module calculates a difference between the positions of the vessel and the trailer and a difference between the headings of the vessel and the trailer and determines vessel movements required to minimize the position and heading differences. A marine propulsion system automatically actuates a propulsion device to produce the required vessel movements to propel the vessel onto the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: David M. Heap, Troy J. Kollmann
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Patent number: 9903947Abstract: A boundary signal detection system distinguishes a valid boundary signal for a target region from an extraneous boundary signal for a neighboring region. The system includes electronics that convert the candidate signal from a time domain to a frequency domain to identify at least one embedded frequency in the candidate, that compare the at least one embedded frequency in the candidate signal to at least one predetermined embedded frequency of the valid boundary signal, and that identify the candidate signal as the valid boundary signal based upon the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Colin E. Das, Brent R. Trenhaile
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Patent number: 9905013Abstract: A speed calculating device calculates the speed of an object around a moving body and includes: an image detection unit that captures an image of the surroundings of the moving body and detects the object from the captured image; and a speed calculation unit that calculates the speed of the object, using a moving body speed indicating the speed of the moving body and an image speed, which indicates the speed of the object and is calculated from the image, at a ratio corresponding to a distance from the moving body to the object. The speed calculation unit calculates the speed of the object using the moving body speed and the image speed such that the ratio of the moving body speed increases as the distance to the object increases and the ratio of the image speed increases as the distance to the object decreases.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryo Inomata
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Patent number: 9904284Abstract: A robot that moves to a position indicated by a remote device, and a method for controlling the moving robot. The moving robot according to an embodiment includes a traveling unit that moves a main body, a light reception unit that receives light, and a control unit that determines a traveling direction of the moving robot by filtering the light received from the light reception unit in accordance with a probability-based filtering method, and controls the traveling unit so that the main body travels in the traveling direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: No San Kwak, Hong Jun Kim, Ji Min Kim, Kyung Shik Roh, Soon Yong Park, Suk June Yoon
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Patent number: 9902396Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a driving state determining portion configured to determine whether the vehicle is in a drivable state at a present time or will be in a drivable state at a point in time after a predetermined period of time has passed from the present time, based on data indicative of a positional relationship between the vehicle and a surrounding environment, that is used in the autonomous driving mode; and a rotation speed reducing portion configured to reduce a rotation speed of the electric motor when it is determined that the vehicle is in an undrivable state at the present time or will be in an undrivable state at the point in time after the predetermined period of time has passed, and the rotation speed of the electric motor is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenji Itagaki
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Patent number: 9902069Abstract: A robot system includes a mobile robot having a controller executing a control system for controlling operation of the robot, a cloud computing service in communication with the controller of the robot, and a remote computing device in communication with the cloud computing service. The remote computing device communicates with the robot through the cloud computing service.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: Timothy S. Farlow, Michael T. Rosenstein, Michael Halloran, Chikyung Won, Steven V. Shamlian, Mark Chiappetta
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Patent number: 9896312Abstract: A mechanism and method for making status reporting devices for container handlers, including: providing a micro-controller module, and installing a program system into memory accessed by a computer directing the micro-controller module. The micro-controller module communicatively couples with means for wirelessly communicating and for sensing a state of the container handler. Means for wirelessly communicating may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location. The micro-controller module may be communicatively coupled to a separate means for determining location. An apparatus making the devices may include a second program system directing the invention's method through a second computer, which may control an assembly device in creating the micro-controller, coupled with the means for sensing and for wirelessly communicating.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: HKI Systems and Service LLCInventors: Henry S King, Toru Takehara
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Patent number: 9896096Abstract: A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensor means to detect other vehicles, and computing means to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment means enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Inventors: David E. Newman, R. Kemp Massengill
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Patent number: 9889716Abstract: A method for improving the safety and comfort of a vehicle driving over a railroad track, cattle guard, or the like. The method may include receiving, by a computer system, one or more inputs corresponding to one or more forward looking sensors. The computer system may also receive data characterizing a motion of the vehicle. The computer system may estimate, based on the one or more inputs and the data, a motion of a vehicle with respect to a railroad track, cattle guard, or the like extending across a road ahead of the vehicle. Accordingly, the computer system may change a suspension setting, steering setting, or the like of the vehicle to more safely or comfortably drive over the railroad track, cattle guard, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Harpreetsingh Banvait, Scott Vincent Myers, Ashley Elizabeth Micks, Sneha Kadetotad
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Patent number: 9891319Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement detection device for detecting a movement of an object in a space range. The movement detection device includes a light source, a light guiding element, at least two light sensing elements and a processing unit. The light sensing elements have an offset therebetween along a first direction such that the object, when moving in the space range, reflects the light from the light source sequentially to the light sensing elements through the light guiding element. The processing unit identifies the movement of the object along the first direction according to a sequence that the light sensing elements detect the light reflected by the object.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.Inventor: En-Feng Hsu
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Patent number: 9891316Abstract: An on-vehicle target detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a radar sensing portion and a processing unit that processes information from the radar sensing portion. The processing unit detects a target that is present in the periphery of the vehicle based on detection results from the radar sensing portion, and determines a depth determination value indicating the depth of the target detected. The processing unit compares the depth determination threshold and a threshold set in advance and determines that the target is a low-lying target that is surmountable by the vehicle, when the depth determination value is determined to be less than the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Akiyoshi Mizutani, Yoshie Samukawa, Ryusuke Uyama
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Patent number: 9892296Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 11, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventors: Joseph E. Kovarik, James J. Kovarik
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Patent number: 9884423Abstract: A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: iRobot CorporationInventors: David A. Cohen, Daniel N. Ozick, Clara Vu, James Lynch, Philip R. Mass
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Patent number: 9877629Abstract: A cleaning system comprising a rotor; an agitator; a rechargeable battery having a housing and at least two cells within the housing; a suction motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the suction motor coupled to the rotor; a brush motor receiving power from the rechargeable battery, the brush motor coupled to the agitator; a user-controlled switch configured to generate a user-activated signal in response to user manipulation; and a controller. The controller configured to output a first pulse-width modulated signal at a first duty cycle to control the suction motor, output a second pulse-width modulated signal at a second duty cycle to control the brush motor at a first speed, receive the user-activated signal, and upon receiving the user-activated signal, output the second pulse-width modulated signal at a third duty cycle to control the brush motor at a second speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.Inventors: Mark Reindle, Brett Reed
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Patent number: 9878723Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for switching a vehicle driving mode. A sensing unit senses a state of a driver of a vehicle configured to be driven automatically or manually. An intention detecting unit detects whether the driver intends to switch from an automatic driving mode to a manual driving mode based on the state of the driver. An operation detecting unit detects whether the driver is able to operate the vehicle in the manual driving mode based on the state of the driver. A driving state predicting unit predicts a driving state of the vehicle in the manual driving mode based on detecting that the driver is able to operate the vehicle in the manual driving mode. A control unit determines that the predicted driving state of the vehicle meets a preset condition and switches from the automatic to the manual driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Hyun Kim
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Patent number: 9877470Abstract: A robotic orchard spraying system having an autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV), autonomously delivering an amount of a premixed solution over path, the path identified by a forward-looking sensor. The ADV uses GPS to sense an area containing the path, and LiDAR as the forward-looking sensor. Also, a mobile control center, configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehicle of the path within the areas and to confirm that the autonomous delivery vehicle is following the path within the area. Additionally, a mapper vehicle generates the path within the area, the mapper vehicle being configured to communicate information about the path and the area to the command center. The mapper vehicle senses the path with a forward-looking LiDAR sensor, and senses the area with a GPS sensor. Moreover, a nurse truck has a reservoir of premixed solution for replenishing a tank of the ADV.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Crinklaw Farm Services, Inc.Inventors: David Curtis Crinklaw, Chase Schapansky, Richard Vaccari, Jeremy Bischel, Ryan Johnson
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Patent number: 9880558Abstract: A travel control device which allows a vehicle to travel along a lane of a travel path recognizes lane markers on the right and left of a lane, sets a travel area of the vehicle between the lane markers, selects a travel path candidate having high straightness among a plurality of travel path candidates with priority and determines the selected travel path candidate as a target travel path, and performs travel control according to the target travel path.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 9873430Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vehicle speed control system operable to cause a vehicle to operate in accordance with a target speed value, the system being further operable automatically to control cross-axle locking means of an axle of the vehicle to cause an increase in resistance to relative rotation of wheels of the axle. Thus, the speed control system may be operable automatically to command the cross-axle locking means to increase the resistance to relative rotation of wheels of the axle without a driver being required to intervene to command assumption of this condition.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: James Kelly
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Patent number: 9873196Abstract: Apparatus and methods for navigation of a robotic device configured to operate in an environment comprising objects and/or persons. Location of objects and/or persons may change prior and/or during operation of the robot. In one embodiment, a bistatic sensor comprises a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver may be spatially displaced from the transmitter. The transmitter may project a pattern on a surface in the direction of robot movement. In one variant, the pattern comprises an encoded portion and an information portion. The information portion may be used to communicate information related to robot movement to one or more persons. The encoded portion may be used to determine presence of one or more object in the path of the robot. The receiver may sample a reflected pattern and compare it with the transmitted pattern. Based on a similarity measure breaching a threshold, indication of object present may be produced.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Brain CorporationInventors: Botond Szatmary, Micah Richert