Storage Or Planning Of Route Information Patents (Class 701/25)
  • Patent number: 8880271
    Abstract: Disclosed are a robot cleaner and a method for controlling the same. The robot cleaner and method of the present invention involve dividing the whole area to be cleaned into sub-areas, and easily calculating a full path using travel paths in the sub-areas and connection points between sub-areas, and in the event the whole area to be cleaned is extended or an area which has not been cleaned is found, do not involve regenerating the whole map for cleaning, but rather easily updating the full path using the pre-stored travel path in the sub-areas and the connection points between sub-areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hyeongshin Jeon
  • Publication number: 20140324268
    Abstract: A roadgraph may include a graph network of information such as roads, lanes, intersections, and the connections between these features. The roadgraph may also include one or more zones associated with particular rules. The zones may include locations where driving is typically challenging such as merges, construction zones, or other obstacles. In one example, the rules may require an autonomous vehicle to alert a driver that the vehicle is approaching a zone. The vehicle may thus require a driver to take control of steering, acceleration, deceleration, etc. In another example, the zones may be designated by a driver and may be broadcast to other nearby vehicles, for example using a radio link or other network such that other vehicles may be able to observer the same rule at the same location or at least notify the other vehicle's drivers that another driver felt the location was unsafe for autonomous driving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Steven Montemerlo, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Publication number: 20140324267
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automated guided vehicle, a system having a computer and an automated guided vehicle, and a method for operating an automated guided vehicle. The automated guided vehicle is to travel along track sections automatically from a start point to an end point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: KUKA LABORATORIES GMBH
    Inventors: Patrick Pfaff, Daniel Meyer-Delius, Stefan Loibl
  • Patent number: 8874305
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle is provided. In one aspect, the system and method determines the amount of wear on a component of the vehicle and, based on the amount of wear and information derived from the environment surrounding the vehicle (e.g., another vehicle in the path of the vehicle or a requirement to stop at a particular location), maneuvers the vehicle to mitigate further wear on the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Patent number: 8874300
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for obstacle avoidance. In some embodiments, a robotically controlled vehicle capable of operating in one or more modes may be provided. Examples of such modes include teleoperation, waypoint navigation, follow, and manual mode. The vehicle may include an obstacle detection and avoidance system capable of being implemented with one or more of the vehicle modes. A control system may be provided to operate and control the vehicle in the one or more modes. The control system may include a robotic control unit and a vehicle control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Deere & Company, iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: James Allard, Kathleen A. Wienhold, William Robert Norris, Anthony Francis Catalfano
  • Patent number: 8874301
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle with an autonomous driving control has a set-up mode, an active drive mode, a safe shutdown mode, and an emergency response mode. The active drive mode autonomously navigates along a driving route specified in the set-up mode. A driver sensing system senses a driver presence in the driver seat and a driver's physiological state. Active drive mode is not entered from set-up mode unless the driver is present in the driver seat and the physiological state matches a normal condition. While in active driving mode, an elapsed time period is measured whenever the driver presence is not detected. If the time period increases above a first threshold then a notice is given to the driver that the active drive mode may be interrupted. If the time period increases above a second threshold then the active drive mode is terminated and the safe shutdown mode is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Mark A. Cuddihy, Jialiang Le
  • Patent number: 8874360
    Abstract: A non-transitory processor-readable medium storing code causes a processor at a first vehicle (e.g., a first autonomous vehicle) to generate a first planned path based on a current position of the first vehicle and a mission requirement assigned to the first vehicle. A first planned path associated with a second vehicle (e.g., a second autonomous vehicle), which is based on a current position of the second vehicle and a mission requirement assigned to the second vehicle, is received at the first vehicle. After the first planned path associated with the second vehicle is received, a second planned path is generated based on the first planned path associated with the second vehicle and at least one of the mission requirement assigned to the first vehicle or the first planned path of the first vehicle. The second planned path of the first vehicle is transmitted to the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Proxy Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: John Solomon Klinger, Robert F. Davis
  • Publication number: 20140316635
    Abstract: Provided is an autonomous travel system having an operation management unit including a map database with a combination of topological region maps, on which the range of travel of a vehicle is expressed as points and lines, and metric region maps, on which the travel range is expressed on planar maps; a vehicle position management unit for managing the position of the vehicle; and a vehicle travel planning unit for planning vehicle travel, which, if the vehicle is present near the boundary of a map, blocks the map boundary so that other vehicles will not advance into another map. The operation management unit is provided with a blockage setting unit for dividing a boundary section of a map into a plurality of regions and releasing the blockage of the boundary of a divided region in which no vehicles are present in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Bando, Yukihiro Kawamata
  • Publication number: 20140309836
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for providing position estimations in an autonomous multi-vehicle convoy. Those techniques include initializing a convoy state, selecting a next sensor reading; predicting a convoy state, updating the convoy state, and broadcasting the convoy state to vehicles in the multi-vehicle convoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: NEYA SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Daniel Ollis
  • Publication number: 20140309839
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a traffic control system provide arrangements and processes for managing automated vehicles. The traffic control system can register vehicles and then control the operation of the vehicles through a section of roadway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Ricci, Tadd F. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20140309837
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic driving control system including a road curvature calculating unit that receives shape information of a road ahead from a navigation to calculate curvatures of the road ahead, an optimum speed calculating unit that calculates optimum speeds on the basis of the curvatures of the road calculated by the road curvature calculating unit and selects speed control points, and a target acceleration calculating unit that receives information from the optimum speed calculating unit and calculates a target acceleration on the basis of the calculated optimum speeds and a current speed of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Ham
  • Publication number: 20140309838
    Abstract: A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Publication number: 20140309840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: William David Woolf, Gregory S. Hopper
  • Publication number: 20140309835
    Abstract: A path finding device includes a search unit, a calculation unit, and a selection unit. The search unit finds paths to reach a goal point from a start point while detouring around a stationary obstacle. The calculation unit calculates, for each of the found paths, an encounter probability that is a probability of encountering a non-stationary obstacle using previously accumulated non-stationary obstacle information. The selection unit selects a path with a lowest encounter probability among the found paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kunitoshi YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 8862307
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system comprising at least one unit for operating the steering or navigation of a mobile assistive device for disabled persons, wherein said control system is adapted to be connectable to an existing assistive device for disabled persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Eyego Ab
    Inventors: Ola Pettersson, Erik Wästlund, Kay Sponseller
  • Patent number: 8855846
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle with a camera and conventional sensors, where the processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on the image data and the sensor data. A method for navigating an unmanned aerial vehicle where a processor navigates the vehicle based at least in part on image data corrected by traditional sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Jason W. Grzywna
  • Patent number: 8855918
    Abstract: A method of assisting a user of a personal navigation device with automatically selecting a route after the personal navigation device transitions from driving mode to walking mode includes detecting a mode transition in the personal navigation device from driving mode to walking mode, recording a vehicle location where the mode transition from driving mode to walking mode occurs, receiving a request from the user to create navigation instructions to a destination location, determining a distance from the current location to the destination location, and guiding the user back to the vehicle location by providing walking instructions with the personal navigation device when the distance from the current location to the destination location is greater than or equal to a threshold distance and then guiding the user to the destination location by providing driving instructions with the personal navigation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp.
    Inventors: Paul Ranford, Richard Stanton
  • Patent number: 8855847
    Abstract: An intelligent navigation system navigates a motor vehicle according to real-time road conditions and maneuverability conditions. The intelligent navigation system predicts and corrects potential route deviations before they actually occur. The intelligent navigation system interacts with the maneuverability of a motor vehicle, such that it can navigate the motor vehicle with very little to no human intervention. The intelligent navigation system may embody a method comprising the steps of receiving, from an input device, destination information related to a destination to be reached by the motor vehicle; receiving, from a positioning device, initial location information related to an initial location of the motor vehicle; determining, using a processor, a task for maneuvering the motor vehicle from the initial location to the destination; and instructing, using the processor, a vehicle maneuver controller to implement the task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuo Uehara
  • Patent number: 8855903
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing incentives for the public to travel during time windows and routes that help alleviate traffic congestion. The systems described herein include at least two components: a computer server software system that includes various algorithms and database sub-systems; and a mobile device application. Generally, a user may enter an origin, destination, and preferred time of travel for an intended trip into the mobile device application, which transmits the information to a remote server. The server computes a route for the trip and provides the user with available incentives for traveling the route at one or more departure time windows. The user's mobile device transmits GPS data to the server, which allows the server to verify whether the user has traveled the route during the specified time window. If so, the server then provides the incentive to the user via the user's mobile device or through email.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignees: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona, The University of Arizona, Tech Transfer Arizona
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chiu
  • Publication number: 20140297092
    Abstract: A system, device, and methods for autonomous navigation using intensity-based localization. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving data including a plurality of intensity values from one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route and generating a first group of intensity values wherein the first group includes at least some of the plurality of intensity values received. The method further includes removing the intensity values below an adaptive threshold from the first group of intensity values to generate a second group of intensity values, comparing the second group of intensity values to an intensity map, and generating a localized vehicle position based on the comparison between the second group of intensity values and the intensity map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Delp
  • Publication number: 20140288759
    Abstract: A method for controlling an autonomous vehicle includes: Receiving data relating to a plurality of proposed vehicle locations; generating a simulated vehicle path based on the received data; determining a simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; presenting at least the simulated vehicle orientation in a user-discernable form; receiving a user verification of the simulated vehicle orientation for at least one point on the simulated vehicle path; and producing approved vehicle control commands from the simulated vehicle path and simulated vehicle orientation, the approved vehicle control commands controlling the autonomous vehicle to follow the simulated vehicle path and the simulated vehicle orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: FLANDERS ELECTRIC MOTOR SERVICE, INC.
    Inventor: Jarrid Cima
  • Patent number: 8843245
    Abstract: A robot cleaner has a camera to generate an image of a cleaning area, a controller to prepare a cleaning map based on the image and to drive a robot cleaner, and a communicator to transmit the image and cleaning map to an external device and to receive a control command from the external device. The image and map may be transmitted over a local or wide area network, and the external device may be a computer, television, smart phone, portable phone, or other type of wireless access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Suuk Choe, Younggie Kim, Jeongsuk Yoon, Seongsoo Lee, Junho Jang, Sangik Na, Yiebin Kim, Donghoon Yi, Seungmin Baek
  • Patent number: 8843311
    Abstract: In giving a travel command to an unmanned vehicle in both-side loading, or in setting a position of a loading point in both-side loading, whether a working machine of a loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between an orientation or a position of the working machine when the travel command is instructed and a direction or a position of the boundary line. In setting the position of the loading point in both-side loading, whether the working machine of the loading machine is positioned on left-loading point side or right-loading point side is discriminated in correlation between the orientation or the position of the working machine when position setting of loading point is instructed and the direction or the position of the boundary line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Takeda
  • Patent number: 8843248
    Abstract: System and methods for managing boundaries of a vehicle being guided toward a target are provided. In some aspects, a system includes a first gate module configured to receive primary positional information of the vehicle and secondary positional information of the vehicle, to compare the primary positional information with the secondary positional information, and to generate a first pass indicator or a first fail indicator based on the comparison. The system also includes a first boundary module configured to confine navigation of the vehicle to within one of a plurality of termination boundaries based on which of the first pass indicator and the first fail indicator is generated. Each of the plurality of termination boundaries is confined within a range boundary of the vehicle and offset from the range boundary at a different magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Dunn, Andrew P. Imbrie, Andrew A. Myers
  • Publication number: 20140277898
    Abstract: Guiding a leading vehicle according to a desired trailing vehicle path includes generating one or more proceeding paths for one or more intermediate locations along an implement train between a trailing vehicle first location and a leading vehicle second location. The proceeding paths generated with a propagation and transformation algorithm that propagates a preceding path of one of the first location, such as the desired trailing vehicle path, or one of one or more intermediate locations to an immediately proceeding location, and transforms the preceding path according to dimensional characteristics of the implement train. A second guiding path is generated for the leading vehicle second location with the algorithm based on the immediately preceding path of the intermediate location closest to the second location. The method facilitates guidance of the trailing vehicle along the desired trailing vehicle path without navigation markers on the implement train except for the leading vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RAVEN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Leonard Nelson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140277899
    Abstract: Disclosed is a work vehicle coordinating system configured to carry out a ground work by a main work vehicle and an un-manned controlled sub work vehicle that follows up the main work vehicle. This system includes a main-vehicle position detection module, a sub-vehicle position detection module, a main-vehicle traveling path calculation section, a turning detection unit, a work traveling target calculation section, a turn traveling target calculation section, and a steering control section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yushi Matsuzaki, Hiroyuki Araki, Yasuhisa Uoya, Megumi Suzukawa, Fumio Takada
  • Publication number: 20140277900
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system of a mapping search engine offering sidewalk maps, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, a method of a sidewalk mapping server includes calculating a slope angle of a sidewalk transitioning into a street in at least one of a start location and an end location of the sidewalk in a neighborhood area and determining a transition characteristic of the sidewalk transitioning into the street. The transition characteristic is at least one of a grade-down transition, a grade-up transition, and a gradual transition in at least one of the start location and the end location of the sidewalk in the neighborhood area. A sidewalk map of a neighborhood is generated based on a calculation of the slope angle of the sidewalk transitioning into the street and a determination of the transition characteristic of the sidewalk transitioning into the street.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Raj V. Abhyanker
  • Patent number: 8838332
    Abstract: In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Airbiquity Inc.
    Inventors: Kamyar Moinzadeh, Leon L. Hong, Lee Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140257621
    Abstract: A terrain classification system for a vehicle includes a sensor positioned to scan a surrounding terrain, the sensor providing a sensor signal representative of returns from scanning the surrounding terrain. The terrain classification system also includes a processing circuit configured to receive the sensor signal, classify the surrounding terrain using the sensor signal, evaluate a library of acoustic data to determine an expected acoustic signature that corresponds to the classified surrounding terrain, and create an acoustic cost map with the expected acoustic signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: OSHKOSH CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noah Zych
  • Patent number: 8825264
    Abstract: A roadgraph may include a graph network of information such as roads, lanes, intersections, and the connections between these features. The roadgraph may also include one or more zones associated with particular rules. The zones may include locations where driving is typically challenging such as merges, construction zones, or other obstacles. In one example, the rules may require an autonomous vehicle to alert a driver that the vehicle is approaching a zone. The vehicle may thus require a driver to take control of steering, acceleration, deceleration, etc. In another example, the zones may be designated by a driver and may be broadcast to other nearby vehicles, for example using a radio link or other network such that other vehicles may be able to observer the same rule at the same location or at least notify the other vehicle's drivers that another driver felt the location was unsafe for autonomous driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Steven Montemerlo, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Patent number: 8825262
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique of deriving a parking trajectory for a vehicle. In the technique, a first extension straight line, which includes a linear travel path of the vehicle when the vehicle initially goes in reverse from a neutral position of a steering angle, is calculated upon the vehicle being to go in reverse. A final parking location is obtained based on a calculated length of a parking space and a parking target location in the parking space, and a second extension straight line which includes the final parking location is calculated therefrom. When the vehicle going in reverse along the first extension straight line turns and goes in reverse towards the second extension straight line, an intermediate extension straight line connecting the first extension straight line and the second extension straight line is calculated so that the vehicle is aligned with the second extension straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Ho Lee, Jae Hwan Jeon
  • Patent number: 8825263
    Abstract: Guiding a leading vehicle according to a desired trailing vehicle path includes generating one or more proceeding paths for one or more intermediate locations along an implement train between a trailing vehicle first location and a leading vehicle second location. The proceeding paths generated with a propagation and transformation algorithm that propagates a preceding path of one of the first location, such as the desired trailing vehicle path, or one of one or more intermediate locations to an immediately proceeding location, and transforms the preceding path according to dimensional characteristics of the implement train. A second guiding path is generated for the leading vehicle second location with the algorithm based on the immediately preceding path of the intermediate location closest to the second location. The method facilitates guidance of the trailing vehicle along the desired trailing vehicle path without navigation markers on the implement train except for the leading vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Raven Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Leonard Nelson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140244096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing cooperative autonomous driving between a vehicle and a driver. For this, a cooperative autonomous driving apparatus according to the present invention includes a driver state determination unit for determining a state of a driver and calculating the state of the driver as a risk index. An autonomous driving control unit classifies section characteristics of respective sections included in a path to a destination corresponding to the driver based on section data stored in a database (DB), and controls autonomous driving of a vehicle in which the driver is riding, based on a driving environment recognized for the path to the destination corresponding to the driver. A driving control determination unit determines driving modes of the respective sections included in the path based on the state of the driver and the section characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kyoung-Hwan AN, Woo-Yong Han
  • Publication number: 20140244097
    Abstract: A sensor system for use with an automated guided vehicle (AGV) includes a plurality of sensor units electronically coupled to a sensor control module via parallel communications. Each sensor unit may include a sensor array having a plurality of sensor elements, a conditioning circuit having one or more filter/amplifiers, and a conversion circuit. The sensor control module may be configured to communicate with other AGV components via serial communications. The sensor system is capable of obtaining and storing sensor readings with or without associated offset values and can use the sensor readings to determine the center of a magnetic field using methods that require relatively little processing power. A method of calibrating the sensor system may include determining and storing offset values for a plurality of sensor elements and may be performed with the sensor system installed or uninstalled to the AGV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Fori Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean Allen Colwell
  • Publication number: 20140244095
    Abstract: A parking guidance method and apparatus that includes a controller that is configured to recognize and determine a user selected area as a target parking area when a vehicle parking mode is operated. In addition, the controller is configured to calculate a parking starting point based on the determined target parking area and calculate a parking trajectory from the parking starting point. The controller is configured to generate operation guidance information that induces the vehicle to the parking starting point based on the selected parking starting point and a location of the vehicle and for guiding parking from the parking starting point to the target parking area. Further, the controller is configured to set up a guidance screen that includes generated information when the vehicle is operated in the parking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Jae Seob Choi, Dae Joong Yoon, Eu Gene Chang
  • Patent number: 8818610
    Abstract: Autonomous vehicles use various computing systems to transport passengers from one location to another. A control computer sends messages to the various systems of the vehicle in order to maneuver the vehicle safely to the destination. The control computer may display information on an electronic display in order to allow the passenger to understand what actions the vehicle may be taking in the immediate future. Various icons and images may be used to provide this information to the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Szybalski, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez, Philip Nemec, Christopher Paul Urmson, Sebastian Thrun
  • Patent number: 8818664
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a multi-mode transmission configured to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline. A method for controlling operation of the powertrain system includes determining a bias engine speed based upon an engine speed. A search is executed including determining a respective candidate power cost for operating the powertrain system in response to an output torque request, and determining a respective candidate driveability cost for the candidate engine speed based upon the bias engine speed. The search also selects one of the candidate engine speeds and candidate engine torques that achieves a minimum of a combination of the respective candidate driveability cost and the respective candidate power cost as a preferred engine speed and preferred engine torque. Operation of the powertrain system is controlled based upon the preferred engine speed and preferred engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Samantha Victoria Lado, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20140236413
    Abstract: A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raffaello D'Andrea, Peter R. Wurman, Michael T. Barbehenn, Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael C. Mountz
  • Publication number: 20140229053
    Abstract: An electronic controller defining an autonomous mobile device includes a self-location estimation unit to estimate a self-location based on a local map that is created according to distance/angle information relative to an object in the vicinity and the travel distance of an omni wheel, an environmental map creation unit to create an environmental map of a mobile area based on the self-location and the local map during the guided travel with using a joystick, a registration switch to register the self-location of the autonomous mobile device as the position coordinate of the setting point when the autonomous mobile device reaches a predetermined setting point during the guided travel, a storage unit to store the environmental map and the setting point, a route planning unit to plan the travel route by using the setting point on the environmental map stored in the storage unit, and a travel control unit to control the autonomous mobile device to autonomously travel along the travel route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji TANAKA, Tsuyoshi NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20140222279
    Abstract: A robot configured to navigate a surface, the robot comprising a movement mechanism; a logical map representing data about the surface and associating locations with one or more properties observed during navigation; an initialization module configured to establish an initial pose comprising an initial location and an initial orientation; a region covering module configured to cause the robot to move so as to cover a region; an edge-following module configured to cause the robot to follow unfollowed edges; a control module configured to invoke region covering on a first region defined at least in part based at least part of the initial pose, to invoke region covering on least one additional region, to invoke edge-following, and to invoke region covering cause the mapping module to mark followed edges as followed, and cause a third region covering on regions discovered during edge-following.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Stout, Gabriel Francis Brisson, Enrico Di Bernardo, Paolo Pirjanian, Dhiraj Goel, James Philip Case, Michael Dooley
  • Publication number: 20140222278
    Abstract: Information regarding a vehicle is acquired by a vehicle information acquisition unit provided in the vehicle, and an object to be avoided is detected by an avoidance-target object detection unit. On the basis of the vehicle information and the distance and angle of the object to be avoided, the location and amount of movement of the object to be avoided are calculated by a peripheral information recognition unit, and the calculation accuracy of the location and amount of movement of the object to be avoided are determined by a driving maneuver determination unit. On the basis of the calculation accuracy of the location and amount of movement of the object to be avoided, a driving maneuver for avoiding the object to be avoided is determined, and autonomous driving control is implemented in accordance with the driving maneuver that is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Fujita
  • Patent number: 8798840
    Abstract: A system and method for mapping parameter data acquired by a robot mapping system is disclosed. Parameter data characterizing the environment is collected while the robot localizes itself within the environment using landmarks. Parameter data is recorded in a plurality of local grids, i.e., sub-maps associated with the robot position and orientation when the data was collected. The robot is configured to generate new grids or reuse existing grids depending on the robot's current pose, the pose associated with other grids, and the uncertainty of these relative pose estimates. The pose estimates associated with the grids are updated over time as the robot refines its estimates of the locations of landmarks from which determines its pose in the environment. Occupancy maps or other global parameter maps may be generated by rendering local grids into a comprehensive map indicating the parameter data in a global reference frame extending the dimensions of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Irobot Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Fong, Ethan Eade, Mario E. Munich
  • Patent number: 8797186
    Abstract: A parking assistance system is described for assisting in a parking operation of a vehicle when a plurality of parking spaces is present. A method in a parking assistance system includes performing the following: detecting a plurality of parking spaces; selecting one of the detected parking spaces based on a degree of comfort; and assisting in the parking operation into the selected parking space. The degree of comfort includes at least one predefined condition, on the basis of which the detected parking spaces are classifiable according to the presumed driver acceptance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pampus, Volker Niemz
  • Patent number: 8798842
    Abstract: Systems and methods for aligning a towing vehicle trailer hitch with the tongue of a trailer/towed vehicle are provided that enable a driver to know when the towing vehicle trailer hitch is close enough to the trailer tongue such that the two can be coupled. A trailer hitch includes a tow bar having a free end configured to be coupled to a trailer tongue. An alignment system includes at least one energy emitter secured to the vehicle that emits energy in the direction of the trailer tongue, and at least two sensors secured to the vehicle in spaced-apart relationship. The energy emitter(s) and sensors may be secured to the trailer or trailer hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Teleswivel, LLC
    Inventors: William David Woolf, Gregory S. Hopper
  • Publication number: 20140214257
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating quantum computing systems into mobile systems for the purpose of providing real-time, quantum computer-based control of the mobile systems are described. A mobile system includes a data extraction subsystem that extracts data from an external environment of the mobile system and a quantum computing subsystem that receives data from the data extraction subsystem and performs a quantum computing operation in real-time using the data from the data extraction subsystem. A result of the quantum computing operation influences a behavior of the mobile system, such as the navigation of the mobile system or an action performed by the mobile system. The on-board quantum computing subsystem includes on-board quantum computing infrastructure that is adapted to suit the needs and spatial constraints of the mobile system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: D-Wave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Colin P. Williams, Jeremy P. Hilton
  • Publication number: 20140214258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using unique landmarks to position industrial vehicles during start-up. In one embodiment, a method of using pre-positioned objects as landmarks to operate an industrial vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a start-up scenario from sensor data, wherein the start-up scenario comprises a unique marker start-up or a pre-positioned object start-up. in response to the identified start-up scenario, either a unique marker or pre-positioned object is identified within a physical environment, wherein the pre-positioned object or unique marker corresponds with a sub-area of the physical environment. The industrial vehicle pose is determined in response to the identity of the pre-positioned object or unique marker and the industrial vehicle is operated based on the determined industrial vehicle pose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Crown Equipment Limited
    Inventors: Lisa Wong, Andrew Evan Graham, Christopher W. Goode, Lucas B. Waltz
  • Patent number: 8793036
    Abstract: Technologies are described herein for providing a trackless transit system and controlling adaptive trackless vehicles within that system. Aspects include an autonomous vehicle transit system for controlling vehicle movement of trackless vehicles in the transit system. The system includes a command, control and orchestration system (CCOS) and vehicle controllers. Each vehicle controller is associated with a trackless vehicle and communicates a current location to the CCOS, receives a navigation command, and controls the trackless vehicle according to the navigation command. Further, the CCOS provides navigation commands to the vehicle controllers to control movements of the trackless vehicles within the transit system according to vehicle position information received from the vehicle controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Phillip L. Koon, Gentry B. Stephens
  • Publication number: 20140207325
    Abstract: A system and method for providing lane changing maneuvers in an autonomously driven vehicle. The vehicle includes a navigation controller that provides a planned route for the vehicle to follow and a vehicle controller that receives route information from the navigation controller and provides steering, braking and throttle control for the vehicle to follow the route. Either the navigation controller or the vehicle controller may initiate a lane change maneuver to cause the vehicle to be steered from a travel lane to an adjacent lane. In response to the lane change requirement, the navigation controller provides a route segment to the vehicle controller and a lane-change zone so that the vehicle controller can steer the vehicle to the adjacent lane while in the lane-change zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Upali Priyantha Mudalige, Michael Losh
  • Patent number: 8788162
    Abstract: A system and method for shifting a hybrid vehicle is provided which utilizes one or more controllers to release one or more clutches and brakes when a transmission is shifted into neutral or park and then prevents a rotational element from being rotated by controlling an engine and a motor/generator when the transmission is in neutral or park. Accordingly, shift shock or slip is minimized when a transmission is shifted from a park or a neutral to a drive or a reverse, thus improving a shifting feeling and safety of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Patent number: 8788133
    Abstract: A cleaning robot cleaning a specific region and including a movement module, a sound wave module, a cleaning module and a controlling module is provided. The movement module includes a plurality of wheels. The sound wave module emits a sound wave and receives a plurality of reflected waves. The cleaning module performs a cleaning function. The controlling module generates a contour according to the reflected waves and controls at least one of the movement module and the cleaning module according to the contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: MSI Computer (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih-Che Hung, Yao-Shih Leng