The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 12, 2021
Filed:
Oct. 24, 2016
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (US);
Scott Vincent Myers, Dearborn, MI (US);
Mark Crawford, Dearborn, MI (US);
Harpreetsingh Banvait, Dearborn, MI (US);
Alexandru Mihai Gurghian, Dearborn, MI (US);
Nikhil Nagraj Rao, Dearborn, MI (US);
Alexandro Walsh, Dearborn, MI (US);
Lisa Scaria, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to inspect autonomous vehicles. An autonomous vehicle carries a UAV (or 'drone') in a protected area, for example, in a glove compartment, trunk, etc. Between rides, the UAV can be deployed to inspect the autonomous vehicle. Images from the UAV can be sent to other components for image analysis. When an inspection is completed, the UAV can return to the protected area. The UAV can inspect both the interior and exterior of an autonomous vehicle. When an inspection is passed, the autonomous vehicle can begin a new ride. When an inspection is failed, the autonomous vehicle can report for repairs or summon a tow vehicle.