Conceptio › Archive › Google Patents

Google Patentsopen access

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods — Drivent Llc (US10493952B1)

Drivent Llc · Google Patents

Google Patents · Patents · License: Open Access

Open Source ↗

driventllc wesleyedwardschwie

patent, google patents, intellectual property, US10493952B1, Drivent Llc, Wesley Edward Schwie, en, 2019

ABSTRACT

Abstract

A vehicle fire is an emergency in which seconds count. Each second saved until the rider exits the vehicle can significantly reduce the severity of injuries due to the fire. Accordingly, a safety system can include a self-driving vehicle configured to transport a rider, a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the self-driving vehicle, a seat coupled to the self-driving vehicle, and a seat belt configured to alternatively have a buckled state and an unbuckled state. In many embodiments, the safety system includes a smoke detection system coupled to the self-driving vehicle and configured to detect smoke inside a cabin of the self-driving vehicle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/134,190 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,289,922); filed Sep. 18, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/148,940 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,223,844); filed Oct. 1, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/230,410 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,282,625); filed Dec. 21, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/782,887; filed Dec. 20, 2018; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/821,524; filed Mar. 21, 2019; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Patent Application No. 62/822,863; filed Mar. 23, 2019; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

The entire contents of the following application are incorporated by reference herein: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/362,509; filed Mar. 22, 2019; and entitled SELF-DRIVING VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS.

BACKGROUND

Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles. Certain embodiments relate to self-driving vehicles.

Description of Related Art

Vehicles typically require a driver. These vehicles often can only perform actions when directly steered by the driver. However, self-driving vehicles are not reliant upon drivers and can perform actions based upon particular events. Self-driving vehicles can dramatically increase travel safety and convenience. As a result, there is a need for systems and methods that enable self-driving vehicles to perform actions based upon particular events.

SUMMARY

Self-driving vehicles will save tens of thousands of lives per year. The majority of vehicle-related deaths are caused by driver error. Tests have shown that self-driving vehicles nearly eliminate self-inflicted accidents (although they are not immune to accidents caused by human drivers of other vehicles). Self-driving vehicles have unlimited attention spans and can process complex sensor data nearly instantaneously. The ability of self-driving vehicles to save lives is so impressive that society has a moral imperative to develop self-driving technology such that it can be widely adopted.

Self-driving vehicles also have the ability to dramatically save time and improve convenience in roadway travel. Specifically, self-driving vehicles have unlimited potential to learn and predict human behavior and perform actions accordingly. Some embodiments enable a self-driving vehicle to monitor human activity and predict when and where the human will be located and whether the human needs a ride from the self-driving vehicle. Self-driving vehicles will be able to perform such tasks with incredible efficacy and accuracy that will allow self-driving vehicles to proliferate at a much faster rate than would otherwise be the case.

Some embodiments comprise a maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. In some embodiments, maintenance systems comprise a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The camera system can be configured to take a picture of an item left behind by a first rider. Maintenance systems can comprise a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle to a first location to remove the item.

In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to the ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera coupled to a rear-view mirror of the vehicle and directed towards a first row of the vehicle, and the camera system comprises a second camera coupled to a ceiling of the vehicle and directed towards a second row of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera located in a trunk area of the vehicle such that the first camera is configured to enable an image analysis system to determine if the item is left in the trunk area.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to automatically drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.

Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can be configured to notify the first rider that the item was left behind.

In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The third image can enable the rider to see the item on a display of her remote computing device.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive an address of the first location from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication.

In some embodiments, the first location is an address at which the first rider has requested to pick up the item. The address can be the rider's current address. The address can also be a location at which the rider is not currently located by at which the rider (or the rider's representative) plans to meet the vehicle (or another vehicle carrying the item) to retrieve the item.

In some embodiments, the communication system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third wireless communication can comprise instructions for shipping the item.

In some embodiments, the first location is a shipping location (such as a FedEx, UPS, or USPS facility) configured to remove the item from the vehicle and configured to ship the item according to the shipping instructions. The vehicle management system can be configured to enable removing the item from the vehicle once the vehicle is located at the shipping location.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive the first location of a service area configured to clean the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the service area to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.

Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system in response to the vehicle leaving the service area. Some embodiments comprise a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication comprising the third image to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle. The first wireless communication can be configured to enable the manager to verify that the item was removed from the vehicle.

Some embodiments comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The image analysis system can be configured to compare the third image to the second image to detect that the item was removed from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.

In some embodiments, a communication system is configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider. The first wireless communication can comprise a third image taken by the camera system. The third image can be configured to show the item. The first wireless communication can be configured to ask the first rider if the item belongs to the first rider. The communication system can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can be configured to inform the maintenance system that the first rider is an owner of the item. The maintenance system can comprise a memory configured to record that the first rider is the owner of the item.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a location detection system configured to receive the first location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider to enable the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location in response to an image analysis system detecting the item left by the first rider.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image (of the interior) taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a communication system having an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver. The communication system can be configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication is configured to notify the manager that the item was left behind. The communication system can be configured to send a second wireless communication comprising a third image of the item to the remote computing device in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive a third wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to the communication system sending the first wireless communication. The third second wireless communication can be configured to instruct the vehicle management system to autonomously drive the vehicle to the first location to remove the item.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to cause the camera system to take a first interior image of the interior of the vehicle in response to determining that the first rider has exited the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system further comprises an image analysis system having at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions (e.g., code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers) that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the image analysis system to detect the item left behind by analyzing the first interior image taken by the camera system after the first rider has exited the vehicle. The first location can be a vehicle cleaning facility. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the vehicle cleaning facility to remove the item in response to the image analysis system detecting the item.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle available to accept a pick-up request of a second rider. In the second mode, the vehicle management system can be configured to make the vehicle unavailable to accept the pick-up request. The vehicle management system can be configured to be in the second mode from a first time at which the image analysis system detects the item left behind. The vehicle management system can be configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode in response to at least one of the item being removed, receiving an indication that the vehicle has been cleaned, and the vehicle leaving a vehicle cleaning station.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine that the first rider has exited the vehicle in response to (1) receiving a location of a remote computing device associated with the first rider and determining that the location is not inside the vehicle, (2) failing to detect a direct wireless communication from the remote computing device to an antenna of the vehicle, (3) determining, by the image analysis system, that a second interior image does not show the first rider, and/or (4) determining, by the image analysis system, that an infrared image of the interior of the vehicle does not show the first rider.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and a memory comprising program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the maintenance system to (1) compare a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system after the first baseline image to detect the item left behind by the first rider, and/or (2) drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location to remove the item in response to the detecting the item. The program instructions can comprise code modules configured to be executed by one or more computers located in the vehicle and/or located away from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the first location is a first vehicle cleaning facility. The program instructions can be configured to select the first vehicle cleaning facility based at least in part on determining a distance from the vehicle to the first vehicle cleaning facility and/or based at least in part on determining that the first vehicle cleaning facility is approved by a manager of the vehicle. The memory can comprise a list of vehicle cleaning facilities that were approved by the manager of the vehicle. The program instructions can be configured to choose a cleaning facility that was previously approved by the manager and is located near the current location of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with the first rider in response to detecting the item. The first wireless communication can comprise an image of the item. The program instructions can be configured to receive a second wireless communication from the remote computing device in response to sending the first wireless communication. The second wireless communication can comprise an instruction (e.g., from the first rider) to return the item. The program instructions can be configured to drive, by the vehicle management system, the vehicle to the first location in response to the instruction.

Some embodiments comprise a maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. A maintenance system can comprise a smoke detection system configured t

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND

Field

Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to vehicles. Certain embodiments relate to self-driving vehicles.

Description of Related Art

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of the first rider in response to the image analysis system detecting the item left behind by the first rider.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises an image analysis system configured to detect the item left behind by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of the interior of the vehicle to a second image (of the interior) taken by the camera system after the first baseline image.

Some embodiments comprise a maintenance system configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. A maintenance system can comprise a smoke detection system configured to detect smoke inside a cabin of the vehicle; a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device associated with a manager of the vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke; and/or a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a maintenance system comprises a memory having an identification of a first rider of the vehicle. The communication system can comprise an antenna, a transmitter, and/or a receiver. The communication system can be configured to send the identification of the first rider to the remote computing device of the manager in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a maintenance system comprises a camera system coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The camera system can be configured to take a picture of a first rider smoking. The communication system can be configured to send the picture of the first rider smoking to the remote computing device.

In some embodiments, the camera system comprises a first camera directed towards a first row of the vehicle. The first camera can be configured to take the picture in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system comprises a camera system and an image analysis system configured to detect the smoke inside the vehicle by comparing a first baseline image taken by the camera system of an interior of the vehicle to a second image taken by the camera system (of the interior of the vehicle) after the first baseline image.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system comprises an ionization smoke detector configured to detect cigarette smoking. The smoke detection system can also comprise an optical smoke detector configured to detect electronic cigarette aerosol by analyzing a particle size of the aerosol and determining that the particle size is indicative of electronic cigarette use.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system comprises at least one optical smoke detector configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke. The communication system is configured to send the first wireless communication identifying the smoke as an aerosol in response to the smoke detection system determining that the particle size is greater than a predetermined threshold. The communication system can be configured to send the first wireless communication identifying the smoke as cigarette smoking in response to the smoke detection system determining that the particle size is less than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, a camera system is coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The camera system can be configured to take a picture of a first rider smoking. The communication system can be configured to send the picture of the first rider smoking to the remote computing device. The first wireless communication can be configured to enable the remote computing device to display the picture of the first rider smoking and to display an indication of whether the smoke is due to the aerosol or the cigarette smoking.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a ventilation system having a fan to push air in the cabin. The fan can be located inside the dash of the vehicle such that the fan pushes air in the cabin by pushing air through a vent and into the cabin. The vehicle management system can be configured to automatically increase a rate at which the ventilation system pushes outside air into the cabin of the vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. In several embodiments, the rate is increased by increasing a rotational speed of the fan.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a temperature management system having a thermometer and having at least one of an air conditioner, a heater, and a ventilation system having a fan to circulate air in the cabin. The fan can be located inside a vent inside the dash of the vehicle such that the fan is configured to circulate air in the cabin by pushing air out from a vent. The vehicle management system can be configured to at least one of increase and decrease an ambient temperature inside the cabin by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle to decrease a comfort level of a first rider.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to decrease an ambient temperature inside the cabin by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit and/or by at least twenty degrees Fahrenheit in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle to decrease a comfort level of a first rider. The vehicle management system can be configured to increase an ambient temperature inside the cabin by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit and/or by at least twenty degrees Fahrenheit in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle to decrease a comfort level of a first rider.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine a local speed limit and is configured to automatically reduce a speed of the vehicle below the local speed limit in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. Some embodiments include reducing the speed so much that the vehicle stops (e.g., such that the vehicle is parked). The vehicle management system can be configured to determine a suitable parking location in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, and the vehicle management system can be configured to park the vehicle in the parking location in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a speaker. The speaker can be configured to emit audio commands instructing a first rider of the vehicle to cease smoking in order to cause the vehicle management system to increase the speed and/or start moving again after being stopped in a parking location.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to drive a first rider to a destination selected by the first rider. The vehicle management system can be configured to cease driving towards the destination in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to continue driving towards the destination in response to the smoke detection system no longer detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to fine an account of a first rider of the vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The smoke detection system can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is larger than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to fine the account a first amount if the particle size is larger than the predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to fine the account a second amount if the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold. The second amount can be larger than the first amount and/or at least 20 percent larger than the first amount.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a lighting system having at least one light coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The lighting system can be configured to illuminate at least one of a seat of the vehicle and a majority of the cabin. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the lighting system to illuminate at least one of the seat and the majority of the cabin in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a speaker. The speaker can be configured to emit audio commands instructing a first rider of the vehicle to cease smoking. The vehicle management system can be configured to cease illuminating the majority of the cabin in response to the smoke detection system no longer detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to receive a first location of a service area configured to clean the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to the service area in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system is configured to detect the smoke emitted by a first rider while the vehicle is driving to a drop off location of the first rider. The vehicle management system can comprise a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the vehicle management system is configured to make the vehicle available to accept a pick-up request of a second rider. In the second mode, the vehicle management system is configured to make the vehicle unavailable to accept the pick-up request. The vehicle management system can be configured to enter the second mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode in response to at least one of receiving an indication that the vehicle has been cleaned and the vehicle leaving a vehicle cleaning station.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a ventilation system having a fan to push air in the cabin. The fan can be embedded in a vent channel of the dash or can be located in any other suitable location. The smoke detection system can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to automatically increase a rate at which the ventilation system pushes outside air into the cabin in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to a service area configured to clean the vehicle in response to determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle. The smoke detection system is configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to a service area configured to clean the vehicle in response to determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises at least one of a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle and a ventilation system having a fan to push air in the cabin. The smoke detection system can be configured to detect the smoke emitted by a first rider while the vehicle is driving to a drop off location of the first rider. The smoke detection system can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, the vehicle management system is configured to at least one of use the motor to automatically roll down the window and increase a rate at which the ventilation system pushes the air into the cabin.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the particle size is larger than the predetermined threshold and after at least one of rolling down the window and increasing the rate, the vehicle management system is configured to make the vehicle available to pick up a second rider.

In some embodiments, in response to determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the vehicle management system is configured to make the vehicle unavailable to pick up the second rider until after the vehicle management system has driven the vehicle to a service area configured to clean the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle and a rain sensor configured to detect an indication of rain on the vehicle. The smoke detection system can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and/or in response to the rain sensor not detecting the indication of the rain. The vehicle management system can be configured to drive the vehicle to a service area configured to clean the vehicle in response to determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle and a rain sensor configured to detect an indication of rain on the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and in response to the rain sensor not detecting the indication of the rain.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to intentionally increase a travel time of the vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to increase the travel time by changing from a first travel route to a destination (e.g., a destination chosen by a first rider) to a second travel route to the destination. The vehicle management system can be configured to change from the first travel route to the second travel route to intentionally increase the travel time in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises at least one of a speaker and a display screen. At least one of the speaker and the display screen can be configured to provide at least one of audio instructions and visual instructions to a first rider in the vehicle. At least one of the audio instructions and the visual instructions can be configured to warn the first rider to cease smoking to avoid increasing the travel time.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises at least one of a speaker and a display screen. At least one of the speaker and the display screen is configured to provide at least one of audio instructions and visual instructions to a first rider. At least one of the audio instructions and the visual instructions can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking in order to decrease the travel time.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to reduce a speed of the vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, the vehicle management system is configured to automatically reduce the speed while still enabling the vehicle to continue transporting a first rider toward a destination selected by the first rider.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine a local speed limit. The vehicle management system can be configured to intentionally reduce the speed of the vehicle to a velocity below the local speed limit and above five miles per hour (and/or above ten miles per hour) in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the vehicle management system to intentionally reduce the speed of the vehicle to a velocity below a local speed limit and above five miles per hour in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises at least one of a speaker and a display screen. At least one of the speaker and the display screen can be configured to provide at least one of audio instructions and visual instructions to a first rider. At least one of the audio instructions and the visual instructions can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking in order to increase the speed.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system is configured to detect smoke from a rider smoking inside the vehicle and/or is configured to detect smoke from a fire inside the vehicle. A vehicle can be configured to drive a first rider to a destination chosen by the first rider. The vehicle management system can be configured to cease driving toward the destination in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured (to cause the vehicle management system) to cause the vehicle to cease driving toward the destination in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system is configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to cease driving toward the destination in response to the maintenance system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold. The vehicle can stop moving, pull over to a parking location alongside the road, and/or stop at a cleaning facility configured to remove the smoke smell from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to cease driving in response to the maintenance system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and determining that a concentration of the smoke exceeds a predetermined threshold. The concentration threshold can be configured to be indicative of smoke from a fire rather than smoke from smoking a cigarette or vaping.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the vehicle to stop moving via (e.g., by) a first stopping mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The program instructions can be configured to cause the vehicle to stop moving via (e.g., by) a second stopping mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and the maintenance system detecting an indication of a person being located inside the vehicle. The second stopping mode can be configured to enable the vehicle to stop more quickly than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the second stopping mode is configured to enable the vehicle to move at a greater speed than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to determine a local speed limit, and the second stopping mode is configured to enable the vehicle to exceed the local speed limit by a greater amount than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the second stopping mode is configured to enable the vehicle to accelerate faster than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the second stopping mode is configured to enable the vehicle to decelerate faster than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to drive on a road. The vehicle management system can comprise a vehicle guidance system having at least one of a camera, a radar, and a lidar. The vehicle guidance system can be configured to detect objects located outside the vehicle on the road. Program instructions can be configured to enable the vehicle to come closer to the objects in the second stopping mode than in the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a vehicle guidance system having at least one of a camera, a radar, and a lidar. The vehicle guidance system can be configured to detect objects located outside the vehicle on the road. The maintenance system can comprise at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions configured to be executed by the at least one processor and comprising a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. In the first mode, the program instructions are configured to prompt the vehicle management system to drive the vehicle toward a location (e.g., a destination, a drop-off location, a pick-up location).

In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to exit the first mode and enter the second mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and in response to the maintenance system determining that a person is not located inside the vehicle. In the second mode, the program instructions prompt the vehicle guidance system to implement a first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to exit the first mode and enter the third mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and the maintenance system determining that the person is located inside the vehicle. In the third mode, the program instructions prompt the vehicle guidance system to implement a second stopping mode configured to enable the vehicle to come to a stop in less time than the first stopping mode.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a speaker configured to emit an audio command. The audio command can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking in order to resume driving toward the destination.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a display screen. The display screen can be configured to provide visual instructions to the first rider. The visual instructions can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking in order to resume driving toward the destination.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to resume driving toward the destination in response to at least one of the smoke detection system no longer detecting the smoke and the smoke detection system detecting a decrease in a concentration of the smoke.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system is configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke inside the vehicle. The maintenance system can comprise a speaker, at least one processor, and at least one memory. The memory can comprise program instructions configured to be executed by the at least one processor such that the program instructions are configured to cause the speaker to emit a first audio command in response to the maintenance system determining that the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The program instructions can be configured to cause the speaker to emit a second audio command in response to the maintenance system determining that the particle size is larger than the predetermined threshold. The second audio command can be configured to communicate different information than the first audio command to a first rider inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is configured to drive a first rider to a destination, and the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory can comprise program instructions configured to be executed by the at least one processor.

In some embodiments, program instructions comprise a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the maintenance system can make the vehicle available to accept a pick-up request of a second rider. In the second mode, the maintenance system can make the vehicle unavailable to accept the pick-up request. The maintenance system can be configured to enter the second mode in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The maintenance system can be configured to exit the second mode and enter the first mode in response to the smoke detection system no longer detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, the maintenance system detecting that a concentration of the smoke is less than a predetermined threshold, the maintenance system receiving a communication in response to the vehicle having been cleaned, and/or the maintenance system receiving an indication (such as GPS data) indicative of the vehicle having left a cleaning facility.

In some embodiments, a maintenance system is configured to be used with a self-driving vehicle. A maintenance system can comprise a smoke detection system coupled to the vehicle and configured to detect smoke inside a cabin of the vehicle. The smoke detection system can be coupled to the vehicle by being placed inside the vehicle, being attached to a roof of an interior of the vehicle, and/or coupled to the vehicle in any suitable way configured to enable the smoke detection system to detect smoke inside the vehicle. A maintenance system can comprise a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a vehicle management system is configured to respond in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. Embodiments described herein include many different ways in which the vehicle management system can respond to the smoke detection system detecting smoke inside the vehicle. Responses can protect the safety of riders inside the vehicle and/or can reduce smoke damage to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, a maintenance system comprises a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. The remote computing device can be associated with a manager of the vehicle such that the first wireless communication is configured to notify the manager regarding the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle, and the vehicle management system is configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle. The vehicle management system can comprise a rain sensor configured to detect an indication of rain on the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and in response to the rain sensor not detecting the indication of the rain.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a motor configured to roll down a window of the vehicle. The smoke detection system can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to use the motor to automatically roll down the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and determining that the particle size is less than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a temperature management system. The temperature management system can comprise a thermometer, an air conditioner, a heater, and a ventilation system. The ventilation system can comprise a fan configured to circulate air in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle management system can be configured to increase and/or decrease an ambient temperature inside the cabin by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle. In response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, the vehicle management system can increase and/or decrease the ambient temperature to decrease a comfort level of a first rider.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions configured to be executed by the at least one processor. The program instructions can be configured to cause the vehicle management system to at least one of increase and decrease the ambient temperature by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit and by less than thirty degrees Fahrenheit. In response to the smoke detection system detecting smoke inside the vehicle, the program instructions can cause the vehicle management system to increase and/or decrease the ambient temperature (e.g., by at least ten degrees Fahrenheit and/or by less than thirty degrees Fahrenheit) to decrease the comfort level of a rider inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a speaker and/or a display screen. At least one of the speaker and the display screen can be configured to provide at least one of audio instructions and visual instructions to the first rider. At least one of the audio instructions and the visual instructions can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking in order to enable changing the ambient temperature to increase the comfort level.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system is configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to increase and/or decrease the ambient temperature inside the cabin (to decrease the comfort level of the first rider) in response to the maintenance system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to automatically at least partially restore (e.g., increase) the comfort level in response to the smoke detection system no longer detecting the smoke inside the vehicle, detecting that a concentration of the smoke is less than a predetermined threshold, detecting that a concentration of the smoke is decreasing, and/or detecting that a concentration of the smoke has decreased by at least a predetermined amount and/or ratio.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises a lighting system configured to illuminate at least a portion of an interior of the vehicle. The lighting system can comprise at least one light coupled to an interior of the vehicle. The lighting system can be configured to illuminate at least one of a seat of the vehicle and a majority of the cabin (of the vehicle). The vehicle management system can be configured to use the lighting system to illuminate at least one of the seat and the majority of the cabin in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the vehicle management system to illuminate at least one of the seat and the majority of the cabin in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system is configured to cease illuminating at least one of the seat and the majority of the cabin in response to the smoke detection system in response to the smoke detection system no longer detecting smoke inside the vehicle, detecting that a concentration of the smoke is less than a predetermined threshold, detecting that a concentration of the smoke is decreasing, and/or detecting that a concentration of the smoke has decreased by at least a predetermined amount and/or ratio.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system is configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke to determine if the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold. The vehicle management system can be configured to illuminate at least one of the seat of the vehicle and the majority of the cabin in response to the maintenance system detecting the smoke inside the vehicle and determining that the particle size is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

In some embodiments, the vehicle management system comprises at least one of a speaker and a display screen. At least one of the speaker and the display screen can be configured to provide at least one of audio instructions and visual instructions to a first rider inside the vehicle. At least one of the audio instructions and the visual instructions can be configured to instruct the first rider to cease smoking while at least one of the seat and the majority are illuminated by the lighting system.

In some embodiments, the smoke detection system (that is coupled to the vehicle) comprises an ionization smoke detector configured to detect cigarette smoking and comprises an optical smoke detector configured to detect electronic cigarette aerosol by analyzing a particle size of the aerosol and determining that the particle size is indicative of electronic cigarette use.

In some embodiments, the maintenance system comprises a communication system configured to send a first wireless communication to a remote computing device in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke. The smoke detection system (coupled to the vehicle) can be configured to analyze a particle size of the smoke. The communication system can be configured to send the first wireless communication identifying the smoke as an aerosol in response to the smoke detection system determining that the particle size is greater than a predetermined threshold. The communication sys

CLAIMS

Claims ( 26 )

The following is claimed:

1. A safety system comprising:

a self-driving vehicle;

a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the self-driving vehicle;

a smoke detection system coupled to the self-driving vehicle and configured to detect smoke inside a cabin of the self-driving vehicle, wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a door and a door lock configured to impede opening the door; and

at least one processor and at least one memory having program instructions that when executed by the at least one processor are configured to cause the vehicle management system to unlock the door of the self-driving vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle.

2. The safety system of claim 1 , further comprising a speed detection system, wherein the program instructions are configured to cause the vehicle management system to automatically unlock the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the speed detection system determining that the self-driving vehicle is moving at a first speed that is less than a first speed threshold.

3. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a motor configured to at least partially open the door, wherein the program instructions are configured to cause the motor to at least partially open the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle.

4. The safety system of claim 3 , further comprising a speed detection system, wherein the program instructions are configured to cause the vehicle management system to unlock the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the speed detection system determining that the self-driving vehicle is moving at a first speed that is less than a first speed threshold, and

the program instructions are configured to cause the motor to at least partially open the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the speed detection system determining that the self-driving vehicle is moving at a second speed that is less than a second speed threshold.

5. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a window and a motor configured to at least partially open the window, wherein the program instructions are configured to cause the motor to at least partially open the window in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle.

6. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the smoke detection system is configured to detect a concentration of the smoke, and the program instructions are configured to cause the vehicle management system to automatically unlock the door of the self-driving vehicle in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the safety system determining the concentration of the smoke is greater than a predetermined threshold.

7. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the smoke detection system is configured to detect a particle size of the smoke, and the vehicle management system is configured to unlock the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the safety system determining the particle size is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

8. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a window and a motor configured to at least partially open the window, the smoke detection system is configured to detect a particle size of the smoke, the program instructions are configured to cause the vehicle management system to unlock the door in response to the safety system determining the particle size is smaller than a first predetermined threshold, and the program instructions are configured to cause the motor to at least partially open the window in response to the safety system determining the particle size is larger than a second predetermined threshold.

9. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a window and a motor configured to at least partially open the window, and the self-driving vehicle comprises an actuator configured to move the door lock to an unlocked state,

the smoke detection system comprises a camera and at least one of an ionization smoke detector and an optical smoke detector, wherein the camera is configured to take a picture showing at least a portion of the cabin, and

the program instructions are configured to cause the motor to at least partially open the window in response to the safety system determining that the picture shows the smoke, and the program instructions are configured to cause the actuator to move the door lock to the unlocked state in response to at least one of the ionization smoke detector and the optical smoke detector detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle.

10. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the program instructions are configured to automatically unlock the door lock in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the safety system receiving a verification input from a rider, wherein the verification input is configured to confirm a presence of the smoke in the self-driving vehicle.

11. The safety system of claim 10 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a display screen,

the program instructions are configured to receive the verification input from the rider via at least one of the display screen and a button pressed by the rider in response to a visual request shown on the display screen, and

in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke, the program instructions are configured to cause the display screen to emit the visual request for the rider to confirm the presence of the smoke.

12. The safety system of claim 10 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a microphone and a speaker,

the verification input comprises a verbal response received from the rider via the microphone in response to the program instructions causing the speaker to emit an audio request for the rider to confirm the presence of the smoke, and

in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke, the program instructions are configured to cause the speaker to emit the audio request.

13. The safety system of claim 10 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a camera, and the verification input comprises a gesture made by the rider and recorded by the camera.

14. The safety system of claim 10 , wherein the verification input comprises a wireless communication transmitted from a remote computing device of the rider to the safety system.

15. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a speaker, and

in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle, the program instructions are configured to cause the speaker to emit audio instructions, wherein the audio instructions are configured to alert a rider regarding the door being unlocked.

16. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a display screen, and

in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle, the program instructions are configured to cause the display screen to show visual instructions to a rider, wherein the visual instructions are configured to alert the rider regarding the door being unlocked.

17. The safety system of claim 1 , further comprising a temperature detection system coupled to the self-driving vehicle and configured to detect a temperature inside at least a portion of self-driving vehicle,

wherein the program instructions are configured to cause the vehicle management system to unlock the door in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle and the temperature detection system detecting the temperature greater than a predetermined temperature threshold.

18. The safety system of claim 17 , wherein the temperature detection system comprises a camera system configured to identify the smoke.

19. The safety system of claim 18 , wherein the temperature is located within 24 inches of the smoke.

20. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the door comprises an unlocked state and a locked state, and the program instructions are configured to verify the door is in the unlocked state in response to the smoke detection system detecting the smoke inside the self-driving vehicle.

21. The safety system of claim 2 , wherein the first speed threshold is less than 10 miles per hour.

22. The safety system of claim 2 , wherein the first speed threshold is less than 30 miles per hour and greater than 1 mile per hour.

23. The safety system of claim 4 , wherein the first speed threshold is less than 30 miles per hour and the second speed threshold is less than 15 miles per hour.

24. The safety system of claim 4 , wherein the first speed threshold is less than 30 miles per hour, the first speed threshold is greater than 1 mile per hour, and the first speed threshold is greater than the second speed threshold.

25. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a speaker, and

26. The safety system of claim 1 , wherein the self-driving vehicle comprises a display screen, and

US16/524,108

2018-09-18

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Active

US10493952B1

( en )

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number

Priority Date

Filing Date

Title

US16/524,108

US10493952B1

( en )

2019-03-21

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US16/524,110

US10479319B1

( en )

2019-03-21

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

PCT/US2019/051488

WO2020061028A1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-09-17

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US16/678,751

US11221622B2

( en )

2019-03-21

2019-11-08

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US16/678,660

US11221621B2

( en )

2019-03-21

2019-11-08

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US17/026,656

US11644833B2

( en )

2018-10-01

2020-09-21

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number

Priority Date

Filing Date

Title

US201962821524P

2019-03-21

US16/362,509

US10471804B1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-03-22

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US201962822863P

2019-03-23

US16/524,108

US10493952B1

( en )

2019-03-21

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US16/362,509

Continuation-In-Part

US10471804B1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-03-22

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US17/026,656

Continuation-In-Part

US11644833B2

( en )

2018-10-01

2020-09-21

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US16/362,509

Continuation

US10471804B1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-03-22

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US16/524,110

Continuation-In-Part

US10479319B1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Publications (1)

Publication Number

Publication Date

US10493952B1

true

US10493952B1 ( en )

2019-12-03

Family

ID=68695896

Family Applications (1)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US16/524,108

Active

US10493952B1

( en )

2018-09-18

2019-07-28

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

Country Status (1)

Country

Link

( 1 )

US10493952B1

( en )

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

US10832569B2

( en )

2019-04-02

2020-11-10

Drivent Llc

Vehicle detection systems

US20210179015A1

( en )

2019-12-11

2021-06-17

Hyundai Motor Company

Device and Method for Controlling Vehicle

DE102019220338A1

( en )

2019-12-20

2021-06-24

Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft

Method for transmitting an emergency call in an autonomous vehicle

US11073838B2

( en )

2018-01-06

2021-07-27

Drivent Llc

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US11074542B2

( en )

2018-09-27

2021-07-27

Intel Corporation

Automated delivery device and method for delivering a package

US11221622B2

( en )

2019-03-21

2022-01-11

Drivent Llc

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US11295148B2

( en )

2019-09-24

2022-04-05

Ford Global Technologies, Llc

Systems and methods of preventing removal of items from vehicles by improper parties

US11313159B2

( en )

2015-09-12

2022-04-26

Adac Plastics, Inc.

Gesture access system for a motor vehicle

US11346142B2

( en )

2020-03-19

2022-05-31

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Smart window to reduce HVAC load

US11373462B2

( en )

2016-12-16

2022-06-28

Ford Motor Company

Autonomous vehicle computer

US11465634B1

( en )

2015-06-23

2022-10-11

United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)

Automobile detection system

GB2608616A

( en )

2021-07-06

2023-01-11

Daimler Truck AG

Emergency detection system for a vehicle as well as vehicle

US11644833B2

( en )

2018-10-01

2023-05-09

Drivent Llc

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

CN116291067A

( en )

2023-04-20

2023-06-23

éåºèµåæ¯æ°è½æºæ±½è½¦è®¾è®¡é¢æéå¬å¸

Intelligent opening and closing control method and device for door lock

AU2022203524A1

( en )

2022-05-13

2023-11-30

Man-Chee Liu

Cigarette smoke alarm device for non-smoking space

US20230386315A1

( en )

2021-02-22

2023-11-30

Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd.

Systems and methods for smoke detection

CN117462865A

( en )

2023-10-27

2024-01-30

æ·±å³é«æ°å´çèç§ææéå¬å¸

A vehicle fire emergency window breaking method, equipment and computer-readable storage medium

US11919451B2

( en )

2022-02-28

2024-03-05

Nissan North America, Inc.

Vehicle data display system

US12077997B2

( en )

2015-09-12

2024-09-03

Adac Plastics, Inc.

Motor vehicle gesture access system including powered door speed control

US12147229B2

( en )

2019-11-08

2024-11-19

Drivent Llc

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US20250121687A1

( en )

2023-10-13

2025-04-17

Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha

Internal structure of mobile object

US12344244B2

( en )

2022-02-28

2025-07-01

Nissan North America, Inc.

Vehicle lane marking detection system

US12612046B2

( en )

2022-02-28

2026-04-28

Nissan North America, Inc.

Vehicle drivable area detection system configured to detect data representing vertical obstacles and a drivable area from a point cloud and provide the data to a driver assist component

Citations (202)

* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

US4212069A

( en )

1976-08-31

1980-07-08

Baumann Dwight M

Paratransit fare computation and dispatching method

US5769471A

( en )

1995-09-04

1998-06-23

Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha

Apparatus for unlocking a door lock for a vehicle

US5798695A

( en )

1997-04-02

1998-08-25

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Impaired operator detection and warning system employing analysis of operator control actions

US5871063A

( en )

1997-01-22

1999-02-16

Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.

Seat belt latch sensor system

US5945919A

( en )

1996-05-30

1999-08-31

Trimble Navigation Limited

Dispatcher free vehicle allocation system

US5960523A

( en )

1998-08-25

1999-10-05

Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.

Seat belt buckle sensor

US5986420A

( en )

1996-11-11

1999-11-16

Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha

Apparatus for automatically opening and closing pop-up door of a vehicle

US6011478A

( en )

1997-05-08

2000-01-04

Nittan Company, Limited

Smoke sensor and monitor control system

US6081088A

( en )

1997-12-26

2000-06-27

Asmo Co., Ltd.

Automatic opening/closing apparatus

US20020077876A1

( en )

2000-12-18

2002-06-20

O'meara Cian E.

Allocation of location-based orders to mobile agents

US20020121291A1

( en )

2001-03-03

2002-09-05

Daum Wolfgang R.A.

Method and device to clean the interior room of a car

US6530251B1

( en )

1999-11-18

2003-03-11

Strattec Security Corporation

Modular vehicle door lock and latch system and method

US20030195696A1

( en )

1993-05-18

2003-10-16

Jones M. Kelly

Notification systems and methods with notifications based upon prior stop locations

US20030214585A1

( en )

2002-01-09

2003-11-20

Bakewell Charles Adams

Mobile enforcement platform with aimable violation identification and documentation system for multiple traffic violation types across all lanes in moving traffic, generating composite display images and data to support citation generation, homeland security, and monitoring

US20040068354A1

( en )

1998-04-27

2004-04-08

Tabe Joseph A.

Smart seatbelt control system

US20040076280A1

( en )

2002-07-17

2004-04-22

Omron Corporation

Operation service information mediation system

US20040219933A1

( en )

2003-02-07

2004-11-04

Johnathan David Faith

Transportation ordering system

US7093515B2

( en )

2002-10-09

2006-08-22

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Accelerator pedal device for a vehicle

US20070096447A1

( en )

2003-10-07

2007-05-03

Tabe Joseph A

Smart seatbelt control system

US20070132567A1

( en )

2000-03-02

2007-06-14

Donnelly Corporation

Video mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle

US20070198144A1

( en )

2005-10-21

2007-08-23

Norris William R

Networked multi-role robotic vehicle

US7298250B2

( en )

2003-08-29

2007-11-20

Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha

Seatbelt reminder system

US20080030906A1

( en )

2005-03-01

2008-02-07

Fujitsu Limited

Magnetoresistive effect element and magnetic memory device

US20080144944A1

( en )

1992-05-05

2008-06-19

Automotive Technologies International, Inc.

Neural Network Systems for Vehicles

US7413357B2

( en )

2005-06-13

2008-08-19

Silverstate Safety Image

Concealed camera

US20090140886A1

( en )

2007-12-03

2009-06-04

International Truck Intellectual Property Company, Llc

Multiple geofence system for vehicles

US20090287367A1

( en )

2008-05-16

2009-11-19

Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc.

Method and apparatus for driver control of a limited-ability autonomous vehicle

US7698078B2

( en )

2007-06-15

2010-04-13

Tesla Motors, Inc.

Electric vehicle communication interface

US20100169199A1

( en )

2008-12-31

2010-07-01

Fuller Max L

Method for In-Cab Driver Operation

US7777619B2

( en )

2007-04-11

2010-08-17

Ford Global Technologies, Llc

System and method for implementing active safety counter measures for an impaired driver

US20110059341A1

( en )

2008-06-12

2011-03-10

Junichi Matsumoto

Electric vehicle

US20110098017A1

( en )

2007-06-27

2011-04-28

Ford Global Technologies, Llc

Method And System For Emergency Notification

US7999701B1

( en )

2008-06-26

2011-08-16

Bin Xu

Transportation notification system

US20110267186A1

( en )

2010-04-29

2011-11-03

Ford Global Technologies, Llc

Occupant Detection

US8078359B2

( en )

2009-10-05

2011-12-13

Tesla Motors, Inc.

User configurable vehicle user interface

US20120009845A1

( en )

2010-07-07

2012-01-12

Juniper Holding Corp.

Configurable location-aware toy capable of communicating with like toys and associated system infrastructure for communicating with such toys

US20120083960A1

( en )

2010-10-05

2012-04-05

Google Inc.

System and method for predicting behaviors of detected objects

US8180379B2

( en )

2007-06-28

2012-05-15

Apple Inc.

Synchronizing mobile and vehicle devices

US20120158251A1

( en )

2007-05-01

2012-06-21

Ronald Van Houtan

Enhanced seat belt/accelerator behavioral system

US8325025B2

( en )

2008-12-12

2012-12-04

Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.

Automated geo-fence boundary configuration and activation

US20130085817A1

( en )

2011-09-29

2013-04-04

Michael Collins Pinkus

Discount offer system and method for use with for hire vehicles

US8433934B1

( en )

2012-06-28

2013-04-30

Google Inc.

Saving battery on wireless connections on mobile devices using internal motion detection

US20130132140A1

( en )

2009-12-04

2013-05-23

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Determining a location related to on-demand services through use of portable computing devices

US20130138460A1

( en )

2011-11-29

2013-05-30

Hartford Fire Insurance Company

System and method for administering a telematics-enabled test drive dealer program

US20130197674A1

( en )

2012-01-30

2013-08-01

Apple Inc.

Automatic configuration of self-configurable environments

US20130231824A1

( en )

2012-03-05

2013-09-05

Florida A&M University

Artificial Intelligence Valet Systems and Methods

US20130246301A1

( en )

2009-12-04

2013-09-19

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Providing user feedback for transport services through use of mobile devices

US20130335213A1

( en )

2011-02-16

2013-12-19

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

Lane departure warning/assistance method and system having a threshold adjusted based on driver impairment determination using pupil size and driving patterns

US8686844B1

( en )

2011-06-29

2014-04-01

Intellectual Ventures Fund 79 Llc

Methods, devices, and mediums associated with risk management of vehicle operation

US8700251B1

( en )

2012-04-13

2014-04-15

Google Inc.

System and method for automatically detecting key behaviors by vehicles

US20140129132A1

( en )

2011-07-05

2014-05-08

Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha

Recommendation information provision system

US20140129951A1

( en )

2012-11-08

2014-05-08

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Providing on-demand services through use of portable computing devices

US20140172727A1

( en )

2005-12-23

2014-06-19

Raj V. Abhyanker

Short-term automobile rentals in a geo-spatial environment

US20140207541A1

( en )

2012-08-06

2014-07-24

Cloudparc, Inc.

Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras

US8818608B2

( en )

2012-11-30

2014-08-26

Google Inc.

Engaging and disengaging for autonomous driving

US20140253314A1

( en )

2012-09-24

2014-09-11

Amy Rambadt

Child safety seat mobile alarm and method therefor

US8849494B1

( en )

2013-03-15

2014-09-30

Google Inc.

Data selection by an autonomous vehicle for trajectory modification

US20140316616A1

( en )

2013-03-11

2014-10-23

Airphrame, Inc.

Unmanned aerial vehicle and methods for controlling same

US20140336935A1

( en )

2013-05-07

2014-11-13

Google Inc.

Methods and Systems for Detecting Weather Conditions Using Vehicle Onboard Sensors

US20140350855A1

( en )

2012-02-28

2014-11-27

Google Inc.

Systems and Methods for Providing Navigational Assistance to Reserved Parking Locations

US20150012833A1

( en )

2013-07-02

2015-01-08

Fortis Riders Corporation

Mobile application using gestures to facilitate communication

US8948993B2

( en )

2013-03-08

2015-02-03

Richard Schulman

Method and system for controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle

US8949016B1

( en )

2012-09-28

2015-02-03

Google Inc.

Systems and methods for determining whether a driving environment has changed

US8954252B1

( en )

2012-09-27

2015-02-10

Google Inc.

Pedestrian notifications

US8954217B1

( en )

2012-04-11

2015-02-10

Google Inc.

Determining when to drive autonomously

US20150046080A1

( en )

2011-04-19

2015-02-12

Kees Wesselius

Vehicle request management system having a central server

US20150066284A1

( en )

2013-09-05

2015-03-05

Ford Global Technologies, Llc

Autonomous vehicle control for impaired driver

US20150088421A1

( en )

2013-09-26

2015-03-26

Google Inc.

Controlling Navigation Software on a Portable Device from the Head Unit of a Vehicle

US8996224B1

( en )

2013-03-15

2015-03-31

Google Inc.

Detecting that an autonomous vehicle is in a stuck condition

US9008890B1

( en )

2013-03-15

2015-04-14

Google Inc.

Augmented trajectories for autonomous vehicles

US9019107B2

( en )

2013-06-19

2015-04-28

GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Methods and apparatus for detection and reporting of vehicle operator impairment

US20150120504A1

( en )

2013-10-25

2015-04-30

Michael Todasco

Systems and methods for completion of item delivery and transactions using a mobile beacon

US9026300B2

( en )

2012-11-06

2015-05-05

Google Inc.

Methods and systems to aid autonomous vehicles driving through a lane merge

US20150148077A1

( en )

2013-11-25

2015-05-28

Agco Corporation

Dynamic cooperative geofence

US20150149283A1

( en )

2003-05-28

2015-05-28

Eclipse Ip, Llc

Notification Systems and Methods that Communicate Advertisements Based Upon Location and/or Personal Profiles

US20150185034A1

( en )

2007-01-12

2015-07-02

Raj V. Abhyanker

Driverless vehicle commerce network and community

US20150199619A1

( en )

2012-08-07

2015-07-16

Hitachi, Ltd.

Use-Assisting Tool for Autonomous Mobile Device, Operation Management Center, Operation System, and Autonomous Mobile Device

US9119038B2

( en )

2013-05-21

2015-08-25

Yopima Llc

Systems and methods for comparative geofencing

US9120485B1

( en )

2012-09-14

2015-09-01

Google Inc.

Methods and systems for smooth trajectory generation for a self-driving vehicle

US20150248689A1

( en )

2014-03-03

2015-09-03

Sunil Paul

Systems and methods for providing transportation discounts

US9139133B2

( en )

2012-05-31

2015-09-22

GM Global Technology Operations LLC

Vehicle collision warning system and method

US20150271290A1

( en )

2014-03-19

2015-09-24

Uber Technologies, Inc.

Providing notifications to devices based on real-time conditions related to an on-demand service

US20150295949A1

( en )

2012-11-02

2015-10-15

University Of Washington Through Its Center For Commercialization

Using Supplemental Encrypted Signals to Mitigate Man-in-the-Middle Attacks on Teleoperated Systems

US9194168B1

( en )

2014-05-23

2015-11-24

Google Inc.

Unlock and authentication for autonomous vehicles

US20150339923A1

( en )

2013-01-01

2015-11-26

Tomtom Development Germany Gmbh

Vehicle management system

US20150339928A1

( en )

2015-08-12

2015-11-26

Madhusoodhan Ramanujam

Using Autonomous Vehicles in a Taxi Service

US20150346727A1

( en )

2015-08-12

2015-12-03

Madhusoodhan Ramanujam

Parking Autonomous Vehicles

US20150348221A1

( en )

2014-06-02

2015-12-03

Self-driving vehicle systems and methods — Drivent Llc (US10493952B1)

Related documents