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

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

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

Autonomous vehicles

• Consumer vehicles: safety systems for autonomous driving
• Commercial fleets: robotaxi and delivery vehicle applications
• Urban navigation: city driving with complex visual environments
• Highway systems: navigation with camera-based hazard detection

Drones and UAVs

• 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 in challenging environments

AI navigation platforms

• 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

The following analysis is inferred from the patent's technical scope, not statements in the patent itself.

Market positioning

The patent covers territory in a field where major technology companies are building autonomous navigation systems. As the industry moves toward camera-based approaches, the patent may offer IP protection for:

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

Strategic uses

These are business considerations, not claims made in the patent.

Freedom to operate — Licensing provides rights to use the patented technology in camera-based navigation systems.

Defensive IP — The patent can protect against competitor litigation and enable cross-licensing opportunities.

Credibility — Patented technology can signal innovation to investors, customers, and regulators.

Licensing

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

Options include exclusive, non-exclusive, field-of-use, and geographic licensing. See our licensing page for details, or contact us to start a conversation.