Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Method and system for enhancing the functionality of a vehicle
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Application No.: US15409136Application Date: 2017-01-18
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Publication No.: US10747234B1Publication Date: 2020-08-18
- Inventor: Blake Konrardy , Scott T. Christensen , Gregory Hayward , Scott Farris
- Applicant: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
- Applicant Address: US IL Bloomington
- Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- Current Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- Current Assignee Address: US IL Bloomington
- Main IPC: G05D1/02
- IPC: G05D1/02 ; B60P3/12 ; G08G1/16

Abstract:
Methods and systems for enhancing the functionality of a semi-autonomous vehicle are described herein. The semi-autonomous vehicle may receive a communication from a fully autonomous vehicle within a threshold distance of the semi-autonomous vehicle. If the vehicles are travelling on the same route or the same portion of a route, the semi-autonomous vehicle may navigate to a location behind the fully autonomous vehicle. Then the semi-autonomous vehicle may operate autonomously by replicating one or more functions performed by the fully autonomous vehicle. The functions and/or maneuvers performed by the fully autonomous vehicle may be detected via sensors in the semi-autonomous vehicle and/or may be identified by communicating with the fully autonomous vehicle to receive indications of upcoming maneuvers. In this manner, the semi-autonomous vehicle may act as a fully autonomous vehicle.
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