WAYMO Assigned Patent for Lidar-Based Trailer Tracking Technology

Strategic Insights -

WAYMO LLC, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has been assigned a patent for its innovative Lidar-based trailer tracking technology. This cutting-edge technology is designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of autonomous vehicles by accurately tracking the pose of trailers, including their orientation relative to the tractor unit. By analyzing sensor data from onboard sensors, such as Lidar sensors, the technology can detect the real-time pose of the trailer and provide vital information to on-board perception and planning systems. This technology has significant implications for the future of autonomous transportation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The patent (No. US 12352862 B2) was developed by four inventors: Mingcheng Chen, Christian Lauterbach, Benjamin Pitzer, and Peter Morton.
  • The technology is designed for autonomous vehicles with articulating sections, such as tractor-trailers.
  • The patent describes approaches for tracking the pose of the trailer, including its orientation relative to the tractor unit.
  • Sensor data is analyzed from one or more onboard sensors to identify and track the pose.
  • The pose information is usable by on-board perception and/or planning systems when driving the vehicle in an autonomous mode.
  • The technology uses Lidar point cloud data to determine the trailer's orientation and pose.
  • The orientation of the trailer is estimated based on the point cloud data, and the pose is determined according to the orientation and other information about the trailer.
  • The patent also includes aspects for determining which side of the trailer the sensor data is coming from.
  • A camera may be used to detect trailer marking information to supplement the analysis.

Statistics:

  • The patent was initially filed on August 25, 2021 (Source: Patent filing date).
  • The patent number is US 12352862 B2.
  • The technology is designed for use in autonomous vehicles with articulating sections.
  • The on-board Lidar sensors can detect the real-time pose of the trailer.
  • The pose information is usable by on-board perception and/or planning systems in autonomous mode.

Sources:

  • WAYMO LLC (Patent Holder)
  • US Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Issuer)
  • Patent Number: US 12352862 B2
  • Filing Date: August 25, 2021