Self-driving vehicle systems and methods

US9429947B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Eric John Wengreen · Sammamish, US
• Wesley Edward Schwie · Minneapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 14, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2016
• Expiry date: Apr 14, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G10L15/1807
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Although self-driving vehicles excel under “normal” driving conditions, they sometimes struggle with new situations that often would not be overly difficult for a person. Several embodiments described herein enable a hybrid approach that leverages the exceptional abilities of self-driving vehicles while soliciting human interaction in select situations. The resulting combination of machine intelligence and human intelligence significantly enlarges the potential of self-driving vehicles in a manner that will enable self-driving vehicles to become widespread much faster than would otherwise be the case.