In recent years, autonomous vehicles (or “robocars”) have been a major innovation in transportation. Many companies are pursuing the commercialization of these smart cars. It is crucial to protect intellectual property in this fast-changing market with a strong IP protection strategy.

The self-driving car, also known as autonomous vehicles, has the potential to change society. These vehicles could reduce accidents and improve transportation efficiency, according to some predictions. Developers of autonomous vehicles need to be aware of legal developments around patents and trade secrets that could affect their ability to bring self-driving cars to market.

The Growth Of Autonomous Vehicles Patents

The field of autonomous vehicle technology is rapidly changing. As such, there have been significant increases in the number and quality of patents filed in recent years. Sensor technology, mapping, localization, decision-making, and control algorithms, as well as communication systems, are some of the most popular areas for patents. Google, Tesla, and Uber are some of the top patent filers in this area. There has been an increase in patents filed by traditional car makers like Ford, General Motors, and BMW.

As they prepare for a future without drivers, carmakers are patenting autonomous vehicle technology in America. The majority of patents in the automated vehicle industry revolve around AI patents and augmented reality technology. This technology is also used in metaverse Patents.

It is clear from the latest patent trends that automakers, software developers, and designers are all working together to bring self-driving vehicles to consumers as soon as possible.

Why is innovation and patenting on autonomous vehicles so rapid?

Autonomous vehicles that interact with their environment are well-known in America thanks to large R&D investments by companies like Uber, Google, and Apple.

America is a large country, with many people and many cars. A larger population means more accidents and traffic, which makes it necessary to find an easier way out.

They are being introduced at a slower pace due to regulatory issues. Because they help reduce traffic congestion, the US has been quick in adapting autonomous vehicles. However, it is still illegal to use AI tech without a driver.

The Trend In Autonomous Vehicle Patents

Autonomous cars will revolutionize the car experience and bring with them a whole new set of issues.

Sartre filed the first patent in autonomous vehicle technology. However, it was categorized as a patented AI System that can drive along highways and limited-access roads.

Due to the scarcity of US patents & which has been a trend ever since the late 90s, there are virtually no US patent applications before 2006 for self-driving vehicles. Only 59 US patents for autonomous vehicle-related technologies were granted in 2012.

Sensor fusion systems

One of the most important topics for autonomous vehicles is sensor fusion. It is a revolutionary technology that can revolutionize transportation by providing real-time insights into objects, people, and obstacles.

Sensor fusion algorithms are software and hardware processes that combine inputs from different sensors to produce a more accurate picture of your environment. Although the idea may sound simple, it’s not easy to implement.

This feat can be achieved using many algorithms. Each algorithm has its strengths and weaknesses. The reliability of your system can be improved by choosing the right method.

The literature has covered a variety of sensor fusion methods. There are three main types of sensor fusion methods: the Multi-Sensor Data Fusion Framework (MSDF), the Camera and Radar Fusion(CAF), and the High-Level Fusion method. Multi-Sensor Data Fusion is a combination of several processing chains and object detection processes.

Because it eliminates the limitations of individual sensors, sensor fusion is crucial. The combination of radar and camera fusion can produce high-resolution images that show you the environment. These images can be used to inform intelligent actions.

Sensor fusion is a significant step forward, even though it’s not as easy as it sounds. It creates the most accurate environment model. The model is only as accurate as the algorithms that process the data.

The LiDAR is one of the most popular sensors found in modern vehicles. It uses 3D spinning technology for reliable night and day perception. It provides depth perception and reliable detection and localization.

Another form of sensor fusion is feature-level fusion. This fuses low-dimensional features from multiple infrared sensing devices. It is a good idea also to include information from multiple sensors in the fusion process.

Other methods exist to achieve sensor fusion. For example, external hardware can be used to synchronize devices. Another sensor fusion algorithm uses a motion model or measurement model to calculate the data required for fusion.

The core of many automated driving systems is sensor fusion. Each type of sensor is unable to provide the necessary information to make intelligent and safe decisions due to the increasing complexity of the driving task.

Connected AVs

Connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), are vehicles that can work in conjunction with other vehicles or road infrastructure to accomplish a range of tasks. They can also practically maneuver toward road hazards.

CAVs can reduce traffic congestion, lower fuel costs, and improve safety. Their introduction will require a significant investment in research and development. They will need to be tested for years before they can become fully operational.

A connected autonomous vehicle (or connected vehicle) is a new type and form of automated vehicle that can share sensing and lateral communications capabilities with other vehicles. It can communicate with pedestrians and other vehicles. The system can increase safety, reduce congestion and increase the capacity of freeways.

Autonomous vehicles make use of onboard sensors that can detect and map objects on the road. These vehicles can identify pedestrians and cyclists, spot obstructions, and follow other cars. They are also expected to make safe driving decisions in difficult driving situations.

A CRAV simulation (or augmented reality vehicle simulator) is a great tool to test and visualize the capabilities of CAVs. Tata Elsi’s V2X Emulator is a patent-pending device that simulates real-world conditions in an artificial laboratory setting. AutoSens awarded this augmented reality system the silver medal in 2019 for its outstanding validation tool.

Automation is a trend in the vehicle industry. It offers many benefits including reduced traffic congestion, driver fatigue, and more efficient parking. It is essential to improve road infrastructure and allow data acquisition and processing capabilities. This will increase safety for connected vehicles.

Research and development can also reduce the time taken for an AV’s arrival at its destination. Some companies have already implemented Level 4 pilot projects.

Although automated vehicles will eventually replace human drivers, this will take some time. Researchers are currently evaluating the safety and reliability of these vehicles as well as their overall impact on transportation. To ensure safety for all involved, a solid communication protocol is essential.

Truck platooning

Truck platooning, an automated vehicle technology, uses V2V communication (vehicle-to-vehicle) to control multiple trucks. Truck platoons can increase throughput while reducing aerodynamic drag.

Truck platooning could be a solution to improving transportation in the United States, which is already experiencing driver shortages. Platooning can reduce accidents and increase fuel economy.

Canada’s one company is working on an off-road truck platooning program. This system will solve transportation problems in remote areas. Peterbilt is another research project that the U.S. has undertaken.

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), truck platooning’s primary purpose is to make roads safer. Truck platooning is a good way to improve safety but there are still hazards. These hazards can be caused by human error or hardware issues.

Automated vehicles might not be as attentive as human drivers, which could lead to increased risks of multi-vehicle collisions. Automated vehicles may also make it more difficult for drivers to keep traffic flowing.

Truck platooning must be accepted by regulators, fleets, and the general public to be a success. Field testing and initial testing are required to achieve this. These tests will be used to determine how the system functions and assess safety and traffic flow.

Two heavy-duty platooning research programs funded by the Federal Highway Administration have been conducted to study the effects of truck platooning. These studies were conducted using full-scale fluid dynamics simulations. This can be costly. But, the actual maneuvering of automated cars can give an accurate estimate of the effects.

A surrogate model based on AI can be used to optimize platoon arrangements in real time. It is possible to calculate the effect of platooning on traffic, road conditions, and freeway on-ramp areas.

How to determine the best distance between platoons is one of the most important issues. Except in exceptional cases, the platoon leader truck can’t give up his role. Platooning is more beneficial if the platoon travels at a high speed.

Autonomous systems for high-mobility

Software-driven high-mobility autonomous equipment can be used to navigate, transport passengers, and do other tasks. They can reduce congestion in traffic. They do however present a few sociotechnical problems. These include the need to have efficient data management, data classification, as well as control methods. To assess the impact of these systems on transportation, a variety of tools are required.

Optimization-based approaches are one way to study the effects of the AMoD system. This involves determining the number of AVs needed to provide a service, and then identifying locations for charging stations. There are a variety of solutions, including machine learning, mathematical optimization, and custom algorithms.

Another method is to use a central coordination system to optimize charging schedules, rebalancing, and other functions. This allows multiple vehicles to be guided at once. This reduces externalities and allows for better routing, rebalancing, and other benefits.

Many researchers have studied the deployment of AMoD systems. Many approaches to this problem have been developed through their research. These methods are often tailored to specific problems and may not be compatible with rigorous transportation infrastructure design. A complete characterization of an AMoD network requires additional properties such as trust, fairness, and interactions among stakeholders.

New technologies can reduce traffic congestion and fuel consumption, as well as reduce crashes. These solutions aren’t yet available. The current regulations, if they are not implemented soon, will have a significant impact on the future outcomes of mobility.

Robo-taxis and ridesharing, for example, require a solid policy framework to address a variety of issues such as the number of drop-off and pickup locations. These service costs can be affected by the area of operation and the purchasing power of customers. These services are still very young, but they may eventually be more affordable than transit or taxi services.

Industrial inspection robots, rescue missions robots, and automated milking machines are all examples of high-mobility autonomous systems. These systems can be used for repetitive, heavy tasks. These robotic vehicles may not be suitable for daily use but can be used to assist surgeons in high-precision procedures.

Patenting Autonomous Vehicular Technology

The following options are available to an owner of an autonomous car that has been involved in an accident or another insurance-related incident in most states:

1. Accept liability for any injuries or property damage that their vehicle may cause.
2. You should locate the other driver and sue him for damages.
3. For any loss caused by another driver’s negligence, the insured should pay compensation.

However, it is not clear what the law says about autonomous vehicles causing vehicular accidents.

As autonomous vehicles increase in number and more crashes occur, it is possible that drivers will have more disputes over who is responsible for paying the damages. This may need to be addressed by a court.

Powerpatent

Companies in a variety of industries have the opportunity to benefit from smart vehicles including cars and planes. Powerpatent’s integrated team assists clients in addressing IP issues associated with hardware/software and communications technologies across all technical, legal, and industry disciplines.

Powerpatent has the expertise and resources necessary to tackle the challenges of smart vehicles and take advantage of the many opportunities that the technology offers. Our lawyers, patent agents, technical specialists, and technical specialists are experts in a variety of fields related to computer vision, sensors, and autonomous vehicles. These include materials science, engineering, computer science and software, nanotechnology, robotics, and material science.

Safety, mobility, convenience, and convenience are the most promising future prospects for autonomous vehicles. Autonomous driving systems are designed to be vigilant and obey speed limits and anticipate what other road users might do before making safe driving choices. Autonomous driving technology could allow blind to drive themselves and not rely on others for transportation. It could help elderly people remain connected to their communities and be active after they are unable to drive safely. Autonomous driving technology can improve safety and speed up the delivery of goods with last-mile delivery changing how goods get shipped.

Our IP professionals are able to offer counsel and assist clients in a wide range of electronic sectors. They draw on years of experience, thought leadership, advanced educational training, and decades of practical business and engineering knowledge to develop the necessary skills to help clients achieve business goals in a variety of electronics sectors, including:

• Digital and analog circuits
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• Applications and e-commerce via the Internet
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• Mobile communication and computing
• Materials engineering, nanotechnologies and quantum-effect devices
• Communications and networking
• Optoelectronics & photonics
• Near-field and RF communications
• Semiconductor structures, processes, devices, lithography, and manufacturing equipment
• Software
• 3-D printing

Powerpatent has the expertise and resources necessary to tackle the challenges of smart vehicles and take advantage of the many opportunities that the technology offers. Our lawyers, patent agents, technical specialists, and technical specialists are experts in a variety of fields related to vehicular engineering. These include materials science, engineering, computer science and software, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, and material science. To maximize your IP potential in additive manufacturing, get involved with our autonomous vehicles group.