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:
Mar. 03, 2009
Filed:
Oct. 22, 2004
David S. Barrett, Needham, MA (US);
James Allard, Newton, MA (US);
Misha Filippov, Arlington, MA (US);
Robert Todd Pack, Nashua, NH (US);
Selma Svendsen, Melrose, MA (US);
David S. Barrett, Needham, MA (US);
James Allard, Newton, MA (US);
Misha Filippov, Arlington, MA (US);
Robert Todd Pack, Nashua, NH (US);
Selma Svendsen, Melrose, MA (US);
iRobot Corporation, Burlington, MA (US);
Abstract
System and method for processing a safety signal in an autonomous vehicle. Safety signals are typically generated in response to the detection of unsafe conditions or are sent by the vehicle operator. In either case, the safety signals are conveyed using redundant communication paths. The paths include a computer network and a current loop. The safety signals are processed, thereby causing actuators (e.g., linkages) to manipulate input devices (e.g., articulation controls and drive controls, such as a throttle, brake, tie rods, steering gear, throttle lever, accelerator, or transmission shifter). The manipulation ensures the vehicle responds appropriately to the safety signals, for example, by shutting down the vehicle.