Of Relative Distance From An Obstacle Patents (Class 340/435)
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Patent number: 9975469Abstract: A system for displaying vehicle information in the passenger compartment of the vehicle includes an information acquisition device, a display device, and a control unit. The information acquisition device acquires at least one piece of information related to the vehicle, and the display device is configured to display the piece(s) of information in the passenger compartment. The display device includes at least two light sources. The control unit is configured to receive the acquired piece(s) of information and to control the light sources according to a stored pattern corresponding to the received information. For each piece of information received by the control unit, the stored pattern includes sequential lighting of the light sources according to a lighting sequence depending on the received information.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Interieur IndustrieInventor: Pierre Guerreiro
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Patent number: 9975649Abstract: A safety system includes an apparatus-mounted projector capable of projecting a warning image onto a designated danger zone about a dangerous implement of the apparatus. The projector is in signal communication with an electronic control module configured to control the warning image depending on a measured or received operational state of the apparatus implement. The projected warning image can include static, dynamic, or static and dynamic image elements depending on the measured or received operational state of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2017Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Inventor: Stan W. Ross
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Patent number: 9971352Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes at least one controller. The controller is programmed to receive first sensor readings from a first group of sensors and provide a first vehicle pose based on the first sensor readings. The first vehicle pose includes a first location and a first orientation of the vehicle. The controller is also programmed to receive second sensor readings from a second group of sensors and provide a second vehicle pose based on the second sensor readings. The second vehicle pose includes a second location and a second orientation of the vehicle. The controller is further programmed to, in response to the first vehicle pose being outside a predetermined range of the second vehicle pose, generate a diagnostic signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Upali P. Mudalige, Padma Sundaram
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Patent number: 9969331Abstract: A method for producing a masking instruction for a camera of a vehicle, the method including a setting step, a transforming step, and a storing step. In the setting step, interpolation points of a field-of-view boundary are set in a vehicle coordinate system using three-dimensional model data of the vehicle, the interpolation points being set from a camera perspective that is modeled in the model data. In the transforming step, vehicle coordinates of the interpolation points from the vehicle coordinate system are transformed into a spherical coordinate system to obtain spherical coordinates of the interpolation points. In the storing step, a mask curve defined by the interpolation points, is stored in the spherical coordinate system in order to produce the masking instruction.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Michael Huebner, Thomas Schoeberl, Steffen Abraham
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Patent number: 9965955Abstract: To improve traveling safety of a vehicle by continuing an alarm after the end of a crash prevention control for preventing a crash between an own vehicle and a target object, a drive support apparatus of the invention detects the target object which exists in a predetermined detection area ahead of the own vehicle, starts to issue an alarm with an alarm generating part to a driver of the own vehicle if probability of a crash between the own vehicle and the target object is greater than a predetermined value, start a crash prevention control in which an automatic driving operation is performed for preventing the crash with the target object, and continues to issue the alarm until a predetermined timing (timing when the driver of the own vehicle performs a predetermined driving operation, for example) after the crash prevention control by the crash prevention controlling part has been ended.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryo Fujishiro
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Patent number: 9956903Abstract: A vehicle spot or floodlight system includes a vehicle rear-mounted light source such as a backup light array configured to emit light at a first intensity and at another intensity that is different from the first intensity. Emission of light at the another intensity is caused by an actuator operatively associated with the rear-mounted light source. A controller selectively allows the actuator to cause the emission at the another intensity. The controller allows the actuator to cause the emission of light at the another intensity only on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle transmission is in a park or on receiving a signal indicating that the vehicle ignition is set on run, accessory, or off. The controller resets the actuator to off after a predefined time period when the ignition system is set on accessory or off, or when the transmission is placed in drive.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Srihari Prasad Gondhi, Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Udayakumar Ramasami, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Li Yan
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Patent number: 9959767Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning of occluded or obstructed objects are provided. The method includes: detecting a presence of at least one object in a predetermined area, the predetermined area being visually obstructed from an operator of a machine; determining whether at least one condition for displaying the detected at least one object is met; and in response to determining that the at least one condition is met, displaying a graphical indicator corresponding to the detected at least one object. The method and apparatus may be implemented in a vehicle to display graphical indicators warning of object on obstructing portions of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David A. Canella, Norman J. Weigert
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Patent number: 9956962Abstract: A method and a device for determining a reaction time of a vehicle driver of a vehicle includes a display device displaying at least one visual stimulus; and processing circuitry using a view recognition device to observe the direction of view of the vehicle driver, and determining the reaction time starting from the displaying of the visual stimulus, the reaction time corresponding to a specified time span if the direction of view of the vehicle driver is not recognized within the specified time span as running in the direction of the visual stimulus, or the reaction time corresponding to a time span in which the direction of view of the vehicle driver is recognized within the specified time span as running in the direction of the visual stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Esther-Sabrina Wacker
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Patent number: 9952058Abstract: A driver visibility detection system for a vehicle includes an indicator, an eye position obtainer, and a visible range calculator. The indicator indicates the driver to look at, through a windshield of the vehicle, a furthest ground position of a road on which the vehicle is traveling. The eye position obtainer recognizes an eye position of the driver when the driver looks at the furthest ground position. The visible range calculator calculates a visible range of the driver based on the eye position detected by the eye position obtainer.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Minglei Huang
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Patent number: 9950667Abstract: A vehicle system for detecting an object, including: an image input unit installed at the front or the rear of a vehicle to capture images in the vicinity of the vehicle; an image processing unit converting the image input from the image input unit; an object detecting unit analyzing the images converted by the image processing unit and extracting key points for a background of the images to detect a moving object approaching the vehicle; an interface unit including an input means for the vehicle and an output means outputting information; and a control unit controlling a warning for the moving object to be detected from the object detecting unit and output through the interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignees: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD., SOGANG UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Sung Joo Lee, Gyeong Hwan Kim, Hyug Jae Lee
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Patent number: 9950683Abstract: A vehicle safety system including a detection system and a related method. The detection system is arranged to detect objects and includes at least two detectors. At least one control unit is arranged to determine that an object that is detected by an initial detector is classified as a confirmed object for the initial detector in its initial coverage area. The control unit is also arranged to determine whether at least one detection of another detector is from the same object. If so, a first preliminary detection of the other detector is classified as an intermediate low quality confirmed object for the other detector. A confirmed object is considered as a more reliable detection than a low quality confirmed object, which in turn is considered as a more reliable detection than a preliminary detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Tinlian Abt, Peter Loffler
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Patent number: 9955080Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display unit, a camera that is configured to capture images, and a controller. The controller is configured to access a preview image that is captured by the camera and that includes an object. The controller is further configured to determine, based on the preview image, whether the camera is focused on the object and a prescribed condition of the object is satisfied. The controller is further configured to output, based on a determination that the camera is focused on the object and the prescribed condition of the object is satisfied, information associated with the object by overlaying the information associated with the object on the preview image.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Sujin Kim, Sunghye Yoon
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Patent number: 9947221Abstract: Vehicular communication systems and methods are disclosed, including one or more media devices. A host device inside a vehicle is coupled to a media device that is adaptable to being mounted to the vehicle. The media device includes a display configured to display a default image. The host device is configured to receive data associated with a predefined direction of the vehicle from vehicle operation sensors on the vehicle and receive traffic data from one or more application servers. In response to the data, the host device determines a vehicle status and transmits media content to be presented on the display, including at least one road sign. The host device is further configured to establish a link with a second media device including a display and transmit instructions to project the media content.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Inventor: Robert Mazzola
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Patent number: 9944291Abstract: A method and/or computer program product controls an operational mode of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) that is initially being operated in a nominal autonomous mode. Detectors on an SDV detect an erratically driven vehicle (EDV) that is being operated in an unsafe manner within a predetermined distance of an SDV. In response to detecting the EDV, a driving mode device in the SDV changes an operational mode of the SDV from the nominal autonomous mode to an evasive autonomous mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski, Ashish Kundu, Peter K. Malkin, Clifford A. Pickover
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Patent number: 9937888Abstract: A method for controlling triggering of at least one passenger protection device for a vehicle. The method includes a step of determining whether a signal level of at least one read-in impact signal, which represents a change in a vehicle condition indicating a potential collision of the vehicle with a potential accident object, exceeds an evaluation limiting value. The method also includes a step of using a high triggering threshold value for triggering of the at least one passenger protection device when the signal level of the at least one read-in impact signal exceeds the evaluation limiting value.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Johannes Ludwig Foltin
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Patent number: 9940528Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes first and second cameras and a rear backup camera. A control processes image data captured by the first camera and determines that the first camera is misaligned when the first camera is disposed at the left side of the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the first camera, is operable to algorithmically at least partially compensate for misalignment of the first camera. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data, a composite image is displayed that provides a view that approximates a view from a single virtual camera. Image data captured at least by the first camera is processed using an edge detection algorithm to detect edges of objects exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, an object of interest exterior of the vehicle is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 9937859Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising an end facing an external object, at least one vehicle light positioned adjacent to the end and projecting a light pattern onto the object, a window adjacent to the end, and at least one proximity indicator coupled to the window at a predetermined position corresponding to an expected location of the light pattern on the object when the end is located a predetermined distance from the object. The proximity indicator can be removably adhered to the window. The light pattern can be visible through the window from a vehicle interior. In some embodiments, the object is positioned adjacent to a rear end of the vehicle and the at least one vehicle light is a rear vehicle light. In other embodiments, the object is positioned adjacent to a front end of the vehicle and the at least one vehicle light is a front vehicle light.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Carlos Gerardo Navarro Zavala, Jorge Romero Sanchez
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Patent number: 9939791Abstract: An information providing device includes an agent ECU that sets a reward function through the use of history data on a response, from a driver, to an operation proposal for an in-vehicle component, and calculates a probability distribution of performance of each of actions constructing an action space in each of states constructing a state space, through reinforced learning based on the reward function. The agent ECU calculates a dispersion degree of the probability distribution. The agent ECU makes a trial-and-error operation proposal to select a target action from a plurality of candidates and output the target action when the dispersion degree of the probability distribution is equal to or larger than a threshold, and makes a definitive operation proposal to fix and output a target action when the value of the dispersion degree of the probability distribution is smaller than the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ko Koga
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Patent number: 9933252Abstract: The self-position calculating apparatus includes: a patterned light beam extractor extracting a position of the patterned light beam an image of an area onto which the patterned light beam is projected. The apparatus calculates an orientation angle of the vehicle relative to the road surface from the position of calculates an amount of change in orientation of the vehicle based on temporal changes in multiple feature points on the road surface; and calculates a current position and a current orientation angle of the vehicle by adding the amount of change in the orientation to an initial position and an initial orientation angle of the vehicle. If a detected condition of the patterned light beam is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the patterned light beam extractor extracts the position from a superimposed image by superimposing images.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nishiuchi, Norihisa Hiraizumi, Jun Matsumoto
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Patent number: 9933779Abstract: Examples described herein include an autonomous vehicle that receives guide assistance from a human driven vehicle in response to a determination that the autonomous vehicle cannot progress safely on its route.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William Ross, John Bares, David LaRose, Matthew Sweeney
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Patent number: 9934687Abstract: A method for providing sound tracking information includes detecting a sound occurred adjacent to a subject vehicle and generating a sound tracking result based at least on sound data regarding detected sound, determining a detect on category as one of a non-vehicle detection, an error detection or a vehicle detection, based at least on the sound tracking result, and determining an error detection index adjusted based at least on the detection category as well as whether a notification based at least on the detection category is generated. Herein, the sound tracking result includes a probability of whether there is at least one other vehicle at each of a plurality of angles in each of a plurality of frames continued according to time.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jae Kwang Kim, Yoon Ho Jang
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Patent number: 9933786Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle steering system, an actuator configured to control the steering system, a first controller, and a second controller. The first controller is in communication with the actuator. The first controller is programmed with a primary automated driving system control algorithm and is configured to communicate an actuator control signal based on the primary automated driving system control algorithm. The second controller is in communication with the actuator and with the first controller. The second controller is configured to, in response to a first predicted vehicle path based on the actuator control signal deviating from a current lane, control the actuator to maintain a current actuator setting. The second controller is also configured to, in response to the first predicted vehicle path being within the current lane, control the actuator according to the actuator control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Padma Sundaram, Keun Jae Kim, Rami I. Debouk, Dean C. Degazio
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Patent number: 9931976Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to determine safety margins for operating a vehicle and communicating that information to other nearby vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Kevin Terwilliger, Andrew Tosh, Jefferson Walter Wirtz, Rex Bryan
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Patent number: 9931981Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a rotatable blind spot sensor that monitors a blind spot detection area of a subject vehicle. The rotatable blind spot sensor generates first object data while positioned at a first angle and second object data while positioned at a second angle. A controller receives the first object data and the second object data and determines whether the object is a secondary vehicle located within a blind spot detection area of the subject vehicle. A driver alert system generates an alert in response to the controller determining that the object is the secondary vehicle located within the blind spot detection area of the subject vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ting-Yu Lai, Miki Sato, Bo Sun
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Patent number: 9931985Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first sensor, an interface, a second sensor and a processor. The first sensor may be configured to generate a video signal based on a targeted view of a driver. The interface may be configured to receive status information about one or more components of a vehicle. The second sensor may be configured to detect an object within a predetermined radius of the second sensor. The processor may be configured to determine a field of view of the driver based on the status information. The processor may be configured to generate a control signal in response to a cross reference between (i) a field of view of the driver and (ii) the detected object. The control signal may be used to alert the driver if the detected object is not in the field of view of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ambarella, Inc.Inventors: Shimon Pertsel, Alexander Fink
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Patent number: 9928734Abstract: Vehicle-to-pedestrian information systems that use directional sound transmission on autonomous vehicles are disclosed. A cloud computing system manages messages for transmission to pedestrians via autonomous vehicles having directional speakers. The cloud computing system identifies pedestrians and identifies messages for the pedestrians. Pedestrians may be known and authenticated to the cloud computing system or may be unknown. The cloud computing system maintains profiles for known pedestrians and transmits messages to vehicles based on the profiles. The cloud computing system keeps track of the location of vehicles and causes the vehicles to use directional speakers to transmit messages to the pedestrians based on the relative positions of the vehicles and the pedestrians.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventor: Austin L. Newman
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Patent number: 9928429Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a calculating unit and a detecting unit. The calculating unit calculates an additional value of a luminance values for each coordinate value in a first direction. The calculating unit calculates an additional value of the luminance values for each coordinate value in a second direction. The detecting unit detects a region of the image in which additional values of the luminance values for each coordinate value in the first direction are equal or a region in which additional values of the luminance values for each coordinate value in the second direction are equal.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Kozo Baba, Norio Hashiguchi, Syoji Kita, Kunikazu Takahashi
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Patent number: 9922566Abstract: A road type module, based on a present location of the vehicle, determines whether the vehicle is traveling on a single lane road. The single lane road includes passing zones and no passing zones. The single lane road has only a first lane designated for travel in one direction and a second lane designated for travel in an opposite direction. A passing zone module, when the vehicle is traveling on the single lane road, determines whether the vehicle is located in one of the passing zones or in one of the no passing zones. A display module selectively displays at least one of: a driving distance to a next one of the passing zones on the single lane road in a direction of travel of the vehicle; and an estimated driving period to the next one of the passing zones.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Fabricio Pereira
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Patent number: 9919649Abstract: [Problem] With prior art warning devices for vehicles, there is a risk of posing inconvenience to the driver, as well as a risk of the driver failing to notice a warning. [Means for Solving the Problem] This invention is provided with an image capture device (1), a detection device (2), an image processing device (3), a primary warning device (4), and a secondary warning device (5). The image capture device (1) captures images of the surroundings of a vehicle (C). The detection device (2) detects vehicle information. The image processing device (3) detects target objects, such as pedestrians (P), from a fish-eye image (A0) of an entire range of surroundings of a vehicle (C) captured by the image capture device (1). If the image processing device (3) detects a target object, the primary warning device (4) displays the target object.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: ICHIKOH INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Keisuke Honda, Hideto Kurimoto
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Patent number: 9918800Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system may include a base, a column connected to the base, a boom connected to the column, a surgical instrument manipulator arm connected to the boom, and an obstacle indication system comprising an illumination source that directs light in a path of the boom. Various exemplary embodiments also encompass methods of providing obstacle indication via a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system, including directing light onto an object in a path of the boom to indicate that the object is located in a path of the boom, and methods of determining a predetermined height to be stored in a patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system, including illuminating an object in the path of the patient side cart and storing a current height of the patient side cart as the predetermined height.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Brandon D. Itkowitz, Michael L. Hanuschik, Paul W. Mohr
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Patent number: 9922553Abstract: Methods, systems, and storage media are described for assisting the operation of a first vehicle. In embodiments, a computing device of the first vehicle may obtain first sensor data from a first sensor of the first vehicle. The first sensor data may be representative of a second vehicle proximate to the first vehicle. The computing device may determine a first position of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle; initiate a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications session with the second vehicle; receive second sensor data from the second vehicle during the V2V communications session; and determine a second position based on the second sensor data. The second position may be a position of the second vehicle relative to a third vehicle. The computing device may display an image of the third vehicle on a display device. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Donal McErlean
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Patent number: 9924091Abstract: First and second images are captured at first and second focal lengths, the second focal length being longer than the first focal length. Element sets are defined with a first element of the first image and a corresponding second element of the second image. Element sets are identified as background if the second element thereof is more in-focus than or as in-focus as the first element. Background elements are subtracted from further analysis. Comparisons are based on relative focus, e.g. whether image elements are more or less in-focus. Measurement of absolute focus is not necessary, nor is measurement of absolute focus change; images need not be in-focus. More than two images, multiple element sets, and/or multiple categories and relative focus relationships also may be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Atheer, Inc.Inventors: Mohamed Nabil Hajj Chehade, Sina Fateh, Sleiman Itani, Allen Yang Yang
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Patent number: 9916762Abstract: A parallel parking system may include a controller configured to generate an alert identifying a discrepancy between a permitted parking distance that is defined by local requirements and a recommended parking distance that is defined by a minimum distance between an object adjacent to an available parking place to avoid contact with the object and an open vehicle door in a parked position in response to the recommended distance exceeding the permitted distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Rodrigo Felix
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Patent number: 9916760Abstract: By storing an increased number of traffic conditions within existing coding uniforms, the system described herein efficiently transmits traffic conditions with a high degree of granularity and low bandwidth cost. A digital map server determines a traffic condition for a portion of a road, packages the traffic condition within a channel of an individual coding uniform of a coding language, and transmits the coding uniform to a computing device. Alternatively, the traffic condition can be encoded within the channel of the coding uniform by the computing device. The coding uniform can also store a length of the portion of road to which the traffic condition corresponds. The computing device may then access the traffic condition, and then render a visual representation of traffic patterns on a digital map. The traffic conditions may also be packaged as arrays within a picture or texture file.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rajkumar Balasubramanian, Jason Allen Doucette
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Patent number: 9914391Abstract: A vehicle proximity notification apparatus has first and second loudspeakers which output warning sound notifying proximity of a vehicle to an outside, and an adjusting unit. The adjusting unit adjusts the sound output from the first loudspeaker so that a sound collecting signal, which is obtained when the second loudspeaker collects the sound output from the first loudspeaker, coincides with a reference signal, in a state in which the first loudspeaker functions as a sound outputting element and the second loudspeaker functions as a sound collecting element. In addition, the adjusting unit adjusts the sound output from the second loudspeaker so that a sound collecting signal, which is obtained when the first loudspeaker collects the sound output from the second loudspeaker, coincides with a reference signal, in a state in which the second loudspeaker functions as a sound outputting element and the first loudspeaker functions as the sound collecting element.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinnosuke Nagasawa, Fumiyasu Konno
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Patent number: 9911345Abstract: Provided is a navigation system that processes a route plan and data from the surrounding environment to identify a potential threat of undesirable contact anywhere along the route plan. The provided navigation system generates an informative, anticipative display of the vehicle's surrounding environment. When a potential threat is identified, the provided navigation system provides a visual threat alert that enables rerouting the vehicle, thereby averting the potential threat.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Mahipal Reddy, Anil Kumar Songa
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Patent number: 9908468Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a collision warning to a driver of a host vehicle. The method estimates geometry of a lane of a road in which the host vehicle is traversing and further identifies, via a non-line-of-sight sensor, at least one remote vehicle traversing ahead of the host vehicle in the estimated lane of the road. The host vehicle tracks, via a line of sight sensor, a preceding vehicle traversing directly ahead of the host vehicle in the estimated road-lane and detects a speed of a slowest remote vehicle of the at least one identified remote vehicles. The host vehicle predicts a motion of the preceding vehicle based on the detected speed of the slowest remote vehicle and an inter-vehicle distance, and generates a warning to the driver of the host vehicle based on the predicted relative motion of the preceding vehicle to the host vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Vladimeros Vladimerou, Derek Caveney
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Patent number: 9908411Abstract: A broadcast of a signal is received at a first system from a second system at a first time. From the signal, a location of a target associated with the second system and a velocity of the target are determined relative to a location of the first system and a velocity of the first system. At the first system, using the location and the velocity of the first system and using the location and the velocity of the target, a likelihood is computed of a collision between the first system and the second system. A notification is sent from the first system about the likelihood of collision responsive to the likelihood of collision exceeding a threshold likelihood.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James E. Bostick, Paul Alexander Raphael Frank, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen
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Patent number: 9902309Abstract: The present disclosure describes a vehicle and a method for illuminating a region rearward of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a braking system for braking the vehicle, a reverse gear for starting to drive the vehicle (10) in reverse, and a sensor for detecting an engaged reverse gear. Furthermore, a brake activating device connected to the sensor is provided, wherein the brake activating device activates the braking system automatically once the sensor has detected an engaged reverse gear, and wherein when the braking system is activated, at least one brake light of the vehicle can be switched on by means of a light switch-on device.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Stefan Bauch, Carsten Singer
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Patent number: 9903558Abstract: A vehicle lighting fixture can be configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern by two-dimensionally scanning light with resolutions different in part, for example, in which the resolution in the horizontal direction is high at the center area and is gradually lowered toward the outer periphery from the center area. The vehicle lighting unit can include an optical deflector configured to two-dimensionally scan with groups of spots of light having been incident thereon from a light source; a screen member in which the light scanning by the optical deflector forms a luminance distribution corresponding to a predetermined light distribution pattern; an optical system configured to project the luminance distribution forward; and an optical controlling member configured to change a pitch between spots in a group of spots among the groups of spots of light scanned by the optical deflector on the screen member.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Shinya Hoshino
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Patent number: 9906906Abstract: Systems and methods for distinguishing between user mobile device location data indicating user locations within an area of interest or merely near an area of interest are disclosed. User geospatial location data is obtained at user mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) upon the triggering event of a user action (e.g., visiting a web site or using an application on the user mobile device). The location data is stored and compared against polygonal map data accurately and precisely defining a map area of the area of interest. A map view may be generated by generating markers having different styles for user location data within or near the area of interest, which markers may then be overlaid on a map including a polygon representation of the area of interest. Such map view may be augmented by additional data and presented as a report including location and additional data for a plurality of users.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: CARS.COM, LLCInventors: Jennifer Lou Chae Pecard, Guy Jeffrey Bloomfield, Benjamin Mitchell Cohen, Ramesh Jankampet
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Patent number: 9907086Abstract: A communication apparatus for inter-vehicular communication according to the present invention includes: a network state estimating unit configured to estimate network state information indicating a current network state based on driving information and channel state information of neighboring vehicles; a network access controller configured to control whether to transmit a message based on the network state information; a transmission scheduler configured to control a transmission time point of the message based on the network state information; and a transmission buffer unit configured to delay transmission of the message according to the control of the transmission time point of the transmission scheduler.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.Inventors: Song Nan Bai, Jae Il Jung, Tae Won Kim, Won Jae Yi
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Patent number: 9900969Abstract: An antistatic cover which, when the cover covers an insulating resin-made tube, can enhance the certainty of preventing the tube from being electrically charged, and can facilitate attachment to and detachment from the tube. The tubular cover body, is divided in a circumferential direction to form first and second divided portions. The cover body is elastically deformed such that the first and second divided portions separate from each other, and allow the tube to pass through between the first and second divided portions. The cover body has a plurality of first cutaway portions, which pass through at least one of the first and second divided portions in a radial direction of the cover body, and is configured such that, when the cover body is fitted onto the tube, a part of the tube can be exposed through the plurality of first cutaway portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: NIPPON PILLAR-PACKING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kiyotaka Ohmae, Kazukiyo Teshima, Satoru Matsuda, Masaki Miyamoto, Daisuke Urata
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Patent number: 9898929Abstract: A vehicle driving assistance apparatus has a sensor that detects an object around an own vehicle; and a processing apparatus that determines whether the object detected by the sensor is a static vehicle or a roadside static object, carries out driving assistance if a first driving assistance carrying-out condition is satisfied when determining as a static vehicle and carries out the driving assistance if a second driving assistance carrying-out condition is satisfied when determining as a roadside static object. A threshold concerning the first driving assistance carrying-out condition is lower than a threshold concerning the second driving assistance carrying-out condition.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoaki Harada, Yosuke Ito
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Patent number: 9898005Abstract: A method of autonomous driving includes identifying, from detected information about an environment surrounding a vehicle on a roadway, a lateral surface profile of the roadway. Based on the lateral surface profile of the roadway, vertical wheel positions at identified candidate future lateral positions of the vehicle are determined. Based on the determined vertical wheel positions, as part of a driving path along the roadway, future lateral positions of the vehicle from among the identified candidates therefor are determined using an energy function that algorithmically favors low vertical wheel positions.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Xue Mei, Masahiro Harada, Danil V. Prokhorov
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Patent number: 9895974Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a first acquisition portion acquiring a captured image data outputted from an imaging portion that is provided at a vehicle and that images a surrounding of the vehicle, a second acquisition portion acquiring an inclination angle of the vehicle on a basis of a state information of the vehicle, the state information outputted from a vehicle state detection portion that is provided at the vehicle, and an output portion being configured to output an output image data to a display device, the output image data including the captured image data and an inclination angle display information indicating the inclination angle of the vehicle, the output portion changing a display method within the output image data in accordance with the inclination angle of the vehicle and outputting the output image data.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuya Watanabe, Tetsuya Maruoka, Itsuko Ohashi
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Patent number: 9892519Abstract: A method for detecting an object captured by a camera in an environmental region of a vehicle based on a temporal sequence of images of the environmental region is disclosed. An electronic evaluation device is used to determine at least one characteristic pixel of the object in a first image of the sequence of images, and the determined characteristic pixel is tracked in at least a second image and a flow vector each having a vertical component and a horizontal component is provided by the tracking. A first depth component, which is perpendicular to the vertical component and the horizontal component, is determined based on the vertical component, and a second depth component, perpendicular to the vertical component and the horizontal component, is determined based on the horizontal component. When the first and second depth component correspond within a tolerance range, a validated final depth component is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: VALEO Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventors: Camilo Vejarano, Julien Rebut
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Patent number: 9889792Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automotive lamp, and more particularly, to an automotive lamp capable of informing an ambient vehicle approaching from one side behind the vehicle of a vehicle state by irradiating light of a road pattern to indicate the vehicle state to an area behind the vehicle. The automotive lamp includes a lamp unit disposed in a rear lamp housing of a vehicle and a detection unit configured to detect whether a reverse shift stage is selected. The lamp unit is configured to irradiate a first light distribution pattern that forms a reversing light signal pattern in the rearward direction of the vehicle, and a second light distribution pattern that forms a road pattern on the rearward road surface of the vehicle. The first light distribution pattern and the second light distribution pattern are formed simultaneously, when the reverse shift stage is selected.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: SL CorporationInventors: Youngho Son, Byoungki Ji, Hyejin Han, Jinhee Yu
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Patent number: 9889798Abstract: Systems and methods are presented herein for improved cross-path detection between a host vehicle and a target object. In general, the cross-path angle by solving a multiple hypothesis problem characterized by independent calculations across a first plurality of time points, the multiple hypothesis problem supposing a plurality of possible cross-path angle solutions, each cross-path angle solution representing a corresponding possible trajectory for the target object. Advantageously, a cross-traffic alert or other feedback may be triggered based at least partially on whether the target object is within a region of interest, wherein the region of interest is determined at least in part based on the estimated cross-path angle. In some embodiments the cross-path angle may be determined by selecting a cross-path angle solution from the plurality of possible cross-path angle solutions which minimizes a variance between results of the independent calculations across the first plurality of time points.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Shan Cong, Bei Yan
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Patent number: 9893699Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for the synthesis of external sound of a vehicle, the system comprising a hazard analysis unit configured to detect a collision hazard between the vehicle and at least one further road user, in particular an outside traffic participant; at least one electroacoustic transducer; and a sound processing unit configured to generate an audio signal representing an, in particular vehicle dependent, synthetic noise signal and to control the at least one electroacoustic transducer to output a synthetic external sound based on the audio signal, wherein the sound processing unit is configured to modify the audio signal to enhance the perceptibility of the synthetic external sound by the further road user upon detection of the collision hazard.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbHInventor: Juergen Heinrich Zollner