Patent Technical Overview

US Patent 12,001,207: Camera-Based Navigation Safety Technology

• Patent Number: US 12,001,207 — View Full Patent on Google Patents →
• Issue Date: June 4, 2024
• Assignee: Individual (self-owned)
• Patent Family: Application US16/987,612 (granted as US12,001,207, expires March 5, 2041); priority to NL2023628; related patents include EP3786756B1 (Europe) and continuation US20240176345A1
• Technology Classification: G05D1/0088 (Autonomous decision-making), B60W60/001 (Autonomous road vehicle planning), G01C21/34 (Route guidance)

Patent Abstract

The patent describes a system for controlling autonomous vehicles or air vessels (drones) that uses camera images, navigation modules, and machine learning to safely navigate predefined routes. The system receives destination inputs, generates navigation instructions, captures live camera images, and compares them to stored reference images. A key innovation is the safety-determining module that generates a "safety value" indicating whether navigation instructions can be safely executed. If safety thresholds are not met, the system can request human operator intervention. The system accumulates and stores training data for future reference.

For complete legal text and detailed claims, refer to official USPTO records.

Key Technical Claims

Primary Innovation Areas

1. Camera-Based Safety Architecture

• Computer vision methods for real-time hazard detection as described in the patent claims
• Camera-based environmental perception techniques
• Confidence-based safety thresholds with human operator handoff when uncertainties arise

2. Navigation Decision Logic

• Route-based navigation with safety value assessment before instruction execution
• Real-time path adjustment based on visual scene analysis
• Integration with machine learning models for predictive safety assessments

3. Autonomous System Integration

• Designed for integration with autonomous vehicle control systems
• Camera-primary approach with optional acceleration sensor integration

Industry Applications and Use Cases

The patent covers autonomous land vehicles and air vessels. The following specific applications are potential use cases inferred from the patent's technical scope and are not explicitly stated in the patent.

Autonomous Vehicles

Potential Applications:

• Consumer Vehicles: Safety systems for autonomous driving
• Commercial Fleets: Robotaxi and delivery vehicle applications
• Urban Navigation: City driving scenarios with complex visual environments
• Highway Systems: Navigation with camera-based hazard detection

Drone and UAV Systems

Potential Commercial Applications:

• Delivery Drones: Navigation in populated areas
• Inspection Drones: Industrial facility navigation with obstacle avoidance
• Agricultural UAVs: Autonomous crop monitoring with terrain safety
• Emergency Response: Search and rescue operations in challenging environments

AI Navigation Platforms

Technology Integration Potential:

• Edge Computing: Real-time processing for autonomous systems
• Neural Networks: Training data accumulation for navigation AI models
• Sensor Fusion: Integration of camera data with other sensors
• Machine Learning: Camera-based image processing and safety assessment

Competitive Landscape and Patent Value

The following market analysis and strategic considerations are inferred from the patent's technical scope and are not statements contained in the patent itself.

Market Positioning

The patent provides protection in a rapidly evolving field where major technology companies are developing autonomous navigation systems. With the industry's increasing focus on camera-based approaches, this patent may offer IP protection for:

• Startups developing next-generation AV technology
• Established automakers transitioning to autonomous capabilities
• Technology companies entering the mobility market
• Drone manufacturers expanding into commercial applications

Strategic IP Advantages

These potential advantages are business considerations and are not claims made in the patent.

Freedom to Operate

Licensing this patent may provide companies with rights to use the patented technology in their camera-based navigation systems.

Defensive Portfolio Building

The patent may serve as defensive IP, potentially protecting against litigation from competitors while enabling cross-licensing opportunities with industry leaders.

Technology Validation

Association with patented technology may demonstrate innovation credibility to investors, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Licensing Opportunities

This patent is available for licensing in the United States and United Kingdom. US Patent 12,001,207 covers camera-based navigation and safety assessment systems for autonomous land vehicles and air vessels.

Licensing Options Available:

• Exclusive licensing for specific market segments
• Non-exclusive licensing for broad market access
• Field-of-use licensing for targeted applications
• Geographic licensing for USA and/or UK markets

Contact us to discuss how US Patent 12,001,207 can strengthen your IP portfolio and support your autonomous system development.