公开(公告)号：US20220028277A1

公开(公告)日：2022-01-27

申请号：US16935266

申请日：2020-07-22

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： Vijaysai Patnaik ,  Robert Chen

IPC: G08G1/00 ,  G08G1/0967

Abstract: The disclosure relates to managing a fleet of autonomous vehicles. For instance, a method may include receiving, from a plurality of the autonomous vehicles of the fleet, reports identifying locations of detected puddles. A miles per puddle rate may be determined based on the received reports. An operating policy for the fleet may be determined based on the miles per puddle rate. An instruction may be sent to one or more of the autonomous vehicles of the fleet in order to implement the operating policy.

公开(公告)号：US20210181737A1

公开(公告)日：2021-06-17

申请号：US16714967

申请日：2019-12-16

Applicant: WAYMO LLC

Inventor： Vijaysai Patnaik ,  William Grossman

IPC: G05D1/00 ,  B60C23/02 ,  B60C23/20 ,  B60C23/06 ,  G05D1/02

Abstract: The technology relates to the prediction and handling of tire blowouts for vehicles operating in a self-driving (autonomous) mode. Aspects involve determining a likelihood of tire failure, including actions the vehicle may take to reduce the likelihood of failure. Pre-trip and real-time system checks can be taken. A vehicle model including the tires may be employed in blowout prediction. The on-board system may store received data and detected sensor regarding tire pressure and temperature, which can be evaluated based on the model in order to avoid or minimize the likelihood of a blowout given various factors. The factors can include the load weight and distribution of cargo, current and upcoming weather conditions on the route, the number of miles traveled per tire, and detected obstructions, such as potholes, debris or other roadway impairments. Should a blowout occur, the autonomous system may immediately take any necessary corrective action.

公开(公告)号：US20210078649A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-18

申请号：US17098574

申请日：2020-11-16

Applicant: WAYMO LLC

Inventor： Vijaysai Patnaik ,  William Grossman

IPC: B62D35/00 ,  G05D1/02 ,  G01S17/89 ,  B60W30/18 ,  B60R1/00

Abstract: The technology relates to enhancing the operation of autonomous vehicles. Extendible sensors are deployed based on detected or predicted conditions around a vehicle while operating in a self-driving mode. When not needed, the sensors are fully retracted into the vehicle to reduce drag and increase fuel economy. When the onboard system determines that there is a need for a deployable sensor, such as to enhance the field of view of the perception system, the sensor is extended in a predetermined manner. The deployment may depend on one or more operating conditions and/or particular driving scenarios. These and other sensors of the vehicle may be protected with a rugged housing, for instance to protect against damage from the elements. And in other situations, deployable foils may extend from the vehicle's chassis to increase drag and enhance braking. This may be helpful for large trucks in steep descent situations.

公开(公告)号：US20210034060A1

公开(公告)日：2021-02-04

申请号：US16548980

申请日：2019-08-23

Applicant: WAYMO LLC

Inventor： Vijaysai Patnaik ,  William Grossman

IPC: G05D1/02 ,  G05D1/00 ,  B60W30/06

Abstract: The technology relates to assisting large self-driving vehicles, such as cargo vehicles, as they maneuver towards and/or park at a destination facility. This may include a given vehicle transitioning between different autonomous driving modes. Such a vehicles may be permitted to drive in a fully autonomous mode on certain roadways for the majority of a trip, but may need to change to a partially autonomous mode on other roadways or when entering or leaving a destination facility such as a warehouse, depot or service center. Large vehicles such as cargo truck may have limited room to maneuver in and park at the destination, which may also prevent operation in a fully autonomous mode. Here, information from the destination facility and/or a remote assistance service can be employed to aid in real-time semi-autonomous maneuvering.

公开(公告)号：US20210034054A1

公开(公告)日：2021-02-04

申请号：US16548960

申请日：2019-08-23

Applicant: Waymo LLC

Inventor： Vijaysai Patnaik ,  William Grossman

IPC: G05D1/00 ,  G05D1/02 ,  G06K9/00 ,  G08G1/0967

Abstract: The technology relates to assisting large self-driving vehicles, such as cargo vehicles, as they maneuver towards and/or park at a destination facility. This may include a given vehicle transitioning between different autonomous driving modes. Such a vehicles may be permitted to drive in a fully autonomous mode on certain roadways for the majority of a trip, but may need to change to a partially autonomous mode on other roadways or when entering or leaving a destination facility such as a warehouse, depot or service center. Large vehicles such as cargo truck may have limited room to maneuver in and park at the destination, which may also prevent operation in a fully autonomous mode. Here, information from the destination facility and/or a remote assistance service can be employed to aid in real-time semi-autonomous maneuvering.