Kansas Patent of the Month – January 2022
AgJunction, LLC has focused on improving the functionality of vehicle control systems. These systems can be used to automatically or semi-automatically move a vehicle along a desired path. The company has developed a system that allows the system to better account for the area’s terrain and to predict the optimal path to traverse the area.
The system generates a 3D terrain map through the use of cameras and sensors. These sensors identify features in the field of view. They work in conjunction with the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and inertial measurement units (IMU). Data from the GNSS is combined with turn rates and accelerations from IMU to determine the heading and position of the vehicle, then use this to better steer the vehicle.
As part of the 3D map, the system generates ground surface topography and potential objects in the vehicle’s path. The system then evaluates the likelihood of passing these objects and marks them as:
- Red for impassible
- Green for passible
- Yellow for “human operator must authorize the plotting of a path over or through the object”
The system allows for more realistic and reliable automated vehicle control when in non-typical road conditions.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
