Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient, wherein vehicle heading, and vehicle distance traversed are determined using the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, said method comprising the steps of: providing a correction value corresponding to a measured relationship between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient, wherein vehicle heading, and vehicle distance traversed are determined using the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, said method comprising the steps of: providing a correction value corresponding to a measured relationship between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said measured relationship between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed before the correction value is provided.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said measured relationship is continuously bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined continuous vehicle distance traversed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said measured relationship between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count corresponds to a ratio between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said measured relationship between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count corresponds to a ratio between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a step of determining an accuracy of the relationship measured between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count, by a process autonomous to the step of providing a correction value corresponding to the measured relationship, and for adjusting an intensity of said correction value dependent on the determined accuracy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said step of determining the accuracy of the measured relationship of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count comprises a step of measuring a vehicle heading.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method in accordance with claim 7 wherein said step of measuring a vehicle heading further comprises a step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value in accordance with the measured vehicle heading.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein said step of measuring a vehicle heading comprises measuring a vehicle heading from a compass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method in accordance with claim 9 wherein said step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value includes decreasing the intensity of the correction value responsive to the measured vehicle heading.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said step of determining an accuracy of the measured relationship comprises a step of determining a level of sanity of the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and adjusting the intensity of the correction value in accordance with the determined level of sanity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value includes increasing the intensity of the correction value responsive to a low level of said determined sanity.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
252 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, said method comprising the steps of: determining vehicle heading and vehicle distance traversed using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; providing a correction value corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined another vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
252 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, said method comprising the steps of: determining vehicle heading and vehicle distance traversed using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; providing a correction value corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined another vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 13 wherein said measured ratio is continuously bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined continuous vehicle distance traversed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a step of determining correctness of said measured relationship of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count by a process autonomous to the step of providing a correction value and providing an intensity of said correction value dependent on the determined correctness.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method in accordance with claim 15 wherein said step of determining correctness of said measured relationship of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count by a process autonomous to the step of providing a correction value comprises a step of measuring a vehicle heading.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method in accordance with claim 16 wherein said step of measuring a vehicle heading, autonomous to the differential odometer process further comprises a step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value in accordance with the measured vehicle heading.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein said step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value includes decreasing the intensity of the correction value responsive to the measured vehicle heading.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method in accordance with claim 18 wherein said step of measuring a vehicle heading comprises measuring a vehicle heading from a compass.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method in accordance with claim 19 wherein said step of determining correctness of the measured relationship comprises a step of determining a level of sanity of the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and adjusting the intensity of the correction value in accordance with the determined level of sanity.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 20 wherein said step of adjusting the intensity of the correction value includes increasing the intensity of the correction value responsive to a low level of said determined sanity.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
364 words
A method for calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the right wheel is located a known track distance opposite the left wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said sensors for providing electrical pulses as the associated wheel rotates, said sensors for determining, vehicle heading and vehicle distance traversed, said method comprising the steps of: counting the electrical pulses provided by each wheel and periodically providing a left wheel pulse count corresponding to a totalized number of electrical pulses provided by the left wheel sensor within a period, and periodically providing a right wheel pulse count corresponding to a totalized number of electrical pulses provided by the right wheel sensor within said period; determining said vehicle heading by dividing a difference of a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient by the track distance; determining said vehicle distance traversed by dividing a sum of the product of the left wheel pulse count and the left distance per pulse coefficient and the right wheel pulse count and the right distance per pulse coefficient by two; filtering the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and providing a correction ratio corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient for the left wheel corresponding to the provided correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient for the right wheel corresponding to the provided correction ratio; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction ratio.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
364 words
A method for calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the right wheel is located a known track distance opposite the left wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said sensors for providing electrical pulses as the associated wheel rotates, said sensors for determining, vehicle heading and vehicle distance traversed, said method comprising the steps of: counting the electrical pulses provided by each wheel and periodically providing a left wheel pulse count corresponding to a totalized number of electrical pulses provided by the left wheel sensor within a period, and periodically providing a right wheel pulse count corresponding to a totalized number of electrical pulses provided by the right wheel sensor within said period; determining said vehicle heading by dividing a difference of a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient by the track distance; determining said vehicle distance traversed by dividing a sum of the product of the left wheel pulse count and the left distance per pulse coefficient and the right wheel pulse count and the right distance per pulse coefficient by two; filtering the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and providing a correction ratio corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient for the left wheel corresponding to the provided correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient for the right wheel corresponding to the provided correction ratio; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction ratio.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 22 wherein said measured ratio is continuously bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined continuous vehicle distance traversed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method in accordance with claim 23 further comprising a step of determining an accuracy of the measured ratio between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count, by a process autonomous to the step of providing a correction ratio corresponding to the measured relationship, and for adjusting an intensity of said correction ratio dependent on the determined accuracy.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method in accordance with claim 24 wherein said step of determining the intensity of the correction ratio includes increasing the intensity of the correction ratio responsive to the vehicle heading measured in said step of measuring a heading using a to be provided compass, and the vehicle heading.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
364 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said method comprising the steps of: providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein a left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient; providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein a right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; determining vehicle heading by dividing a difference of the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed by the track distance; determining a vehicle distance traversed by dividing the sum of the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed by two; filtering the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and providing a correction ratio corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined continuous vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is continuously bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining an autonomous vehicle heading using a to be provided compass; determining an intensity of the correction ratio responsive to a measured relationship between the determined vehicle heading and the autonomously determined vehicle heading, and providing a revised correction ratio corresponding to the provided ratio and the determined intensity; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided revised correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided revised correction ratio; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided revised correction ratio.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
364 words
A method for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said method comprising the steps of: providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein a left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient; providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein a right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; determining vehicle heading by dividing a difference of the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed by the track distance; determining a vehicle distance traversed by dividing the sum of the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed by two; filtering the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count and providing a correction ratio corresponding to a measured ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined continuous vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured ratio is continuously bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; determining an autonomous vehicle heading using a to be provided compass; determining an intensity of the correction ratio responsive to a measured relationship between the determined vehicle heading and the autonomously determined vehicle heading, and providing a revised correction ratio corresponding to the provided ratio and the determined intensity; determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided revised correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided revised correction ratio; and substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided revised correction ratio.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
275 words
An apparatus for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein a left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein a right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient, wherein vehicle heading is determined using the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, and wherein vehicle distance traversed is determined by the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, said apparatus comprising: means for providing a correction value corresponding to a measured relationship between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count; means for determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and means for substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
275 words
An apparatus for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, wherein a left wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, wherein a right wheel distance traversed is determined by a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient, wherein vehicle heading is determined using the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, and wherein vehicle distance traversed is determined by the left wheel distance traversed and the right wheel distance traversed, said apparatus comprising: means for providing a correction value corresponding to a measured relationship between the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count; means for determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction value; and means for substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction value.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 27 wherein said measured relationship between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count corresponds to a ratio between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus in accordance claim 28 further comprising means for determining correctness of said measured relationship of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count independent of the differential odometer and providing an intensity of said correction value.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
50 words
An apparatus in accordance claim 29 wherein said means for determining correctness of said measured relationship of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count comprises means for measuring a vehicle heading and adjusting the intensity of the correction value in accordance with the measured vehicle heading.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
291 words
An apparatus for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, said apparatus comprising: means for determining vehicle heading using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; means for determining a vehicle distance traversed using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and the right distance per pulse coefficient; means for providing a correction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured correction ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; means for determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction ratio; and means for substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction ratio.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
291 words
An apparatus for continuously calibrating a differential odometer of a vehicle, said vehicle having a left wheel and a right wheel, wherein the left wheel is located a known track distance opposite the right wheel, said differential odometer including a left wheel sensor coupled to the left wheel, and a right wheel sensor coupled to the right wheel, said left wheel sensor providing a left wheel pulse count as the left wheel rotates, and said right wheel sensor providing a right wheel pulse count as the right wheel rotates, said apparatus comprising: means for determining vehicle heading using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and a right distance per pulse coefficient; means for determining a vehicle distance traversed using a product of the left wheel pulse count and a left distance per pulse coefficient and a product of the right wheel pulse count and the right distance per pulse coefficient; means for providing a correction ratio corresponding to the ratio of the right wheel pulse count to the left wheel pulse count, when a predetermined vehicle distance has been traversed while said measured correction ratio is bounded within a predetermined range for a predetermined vehicle distance traversed; means for determining a new left distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction ratio, and a new right distance per pulse coefficient, corresponding to the provided correction ratio; and means for substituting the left distance per pulse coefficient with the new left distance per pulse coefficient, and the right distance per pulse coefficient with the new right distance per pulse coefficient, thereby causing calibration of said differential odometer, consistent with the provided correction ratio.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 31 wherein said correction ratio between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count corresponds to a ratio between the right wheel pulse count and the left wheel pulse count.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 32 further comprising means for determining correctness of said correction ratio of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count independent of the differential odometer and providing an intensity of said correction ratio.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 33 wherein said means for determining correctness of said correction ratio of the left wheel pulse count and the right wheel pulse count comprises means for measuring said vehicle heading.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 34 further comprising means for adjusting the intensity of the correction ratio in accordance with the measured vehicle heading.