US 2,012,083,960 · Filed 2011-10-03
Google's Crystal Ball for Self-Driving Cars: Predicting What Other Vehicles Will Do
Google patented a system that helps self-driving cars predict what other vehicles and pedestrians will do next—not by reading minds, but by analyzing their current movement and position. It's like the difference between just seeing a car ahead and actually guessing whether it's about to turn left, brake, or speed up.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a computer system that observes detected objects (other cars, pedestrians, cyclists) on the road, analyzes their current behavior and trajectory, and predicts their future movements and actions. What's protected here is the specific combination of detection, motion analysis, and behavioral forecasting—a method that autonomous vehicles use to anticipate what nearby road users will do in the next few seconds.
Why it matters
For self-driving cars, prediction is survival. A car that only reacts to what it sees right now is dangerous; a car that can forecast a pedestrian stepping into the road or a vehicle changing lanes has time to brake or swerve. Google's patent covers foundational technology for making autonomous vehicles safer by giving them foresight—a critical competitive advantage in a field where split-second decisions determine safety outcomes.
Real-world use
When a self-driving car approaches an intersection and detects a cyclist ahead slowing down, this system predicts whether the cyclist will stop, turn, or continue—so the car can adjust its speed and path accordingly before anything happens.
Original USPTO abstract
Aspects of the invention relate generally to autonomous vehicles. Specifically, the features described may be used alone or in combination in order to improve the safety, use, driver experience, and performance of these vehicles.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 2,012,083,960
- Filing date
- 2011-10-03
- Grant date
- Application — not yet granted
- Assignee
- Google Inc.
- Inventor(s)
- ZHU JIAJUN, FERGUSON DAVID I., DOLGOV DMITRI A.
- CPC class
- B60T7/22
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