公开(公告)号：US09407362B2

公开(公告)日：2016-08-02

申请号：US14223826

申请日：2014-03-24

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Eric Teller ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver

IPC: H04B10/00 ,  H04B10/11 ,  H04B10/112 ,  H04W84/00 ,  H04B7/185 ,  H04B10/2575

CPC classification number: H04B10/11 ,  H04B7/18504 ,  H04B10/1129 ,  H04B10/2575 ,  H04W84/005

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may involve hierarchical balloon networks that include both optical and radio frequency links between balloons. An exemplary network system may include: (a) a plurality of super-node balloons, where each super-node balloon comprises a free-space optical communication system for data communications with one or more other super-node balloons and (b) a plurality of sub-node balloons, where each of the sub-node balloons comprises a radio-frequency communication system that is operable for data communications. Further, at least one super-node balloon may further include an RF communication system that is operable to transmit data to at least one sub-node balloon, where the RF communication system of the at least one sub-node balloon is further operable to receive the data transmitted by the at least one super-node balloon and to transmit the received data to at least one ground-based station.

Abstract translation: 示例性实施例可以涉及分级气球网络，其包括气球之间的光学和射频链路两者。 示例性网络系统可以包括：（a）多个超级节点气球，其中每个超级节点气球包括用于与一个或多个其他超级节点气球进行数据通信的自由空间光通信系统，以及（b）多个 的子节点气球，其中每个子节点气球包括可操作用于数据通信的射频通信系统。 此外，至少一个超级节点气球可以进一步包括RF通信系统，其可操作以将数据发送到至少一个子节点气球，其中所述至少一个子节点气球的RF通信系统进一步可操作以接收 所述数据由所述至少一个超级节点气球发送并且将所接收的数据发送到至少一个基于地面的站。

公开(公告)号：US09327734B2

公开(公告)日：2016-05-03

申请号：US14308409

申请日：2014-06-18

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Peter Lombrozo ,  Eric Teller ,  Bradley Templeton

IPC: B60W40/00 ,  B60W30/00 ,  B60W30/12 ,  B60W30/16

CPC classification number: G05D1/0088 ,  B60W30/09 ,  B60W30/12 ,  B60W30/16 ,  B60W40/00 ,  B60W2050/0089 ,  B60W2550/10 ,  G01C21/26 ,  G01C21/30 ,  G01S13/88 ,  G01S15/88 ,  G01S17/88 ,  G06K9/00825

Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode can obtain sensor data from one or more sensors observing one or more aspects of an environment of the vehicle. At least one aspect of the environment of the vehicle that is not observed by the one or more sensors could be inferred based on the sensor data. The vehicle could be controlled in the autonomous mode based on the at least one inferred aspect of the environment of the vehicle.

Abstract translation: 被配置为以自主模式操作的车辆可以从观察车辆环境的一个或多个方面的一个或多个传感器获得传感器数据。 可以基于传感器数据来推断车辆的环境的至少一个方面，其不被一个或多个传感器观察到。 基于车辆的环境的至少一个推断方面，可以在自主模式下控制车辆。

公开(公告)号：US20160082953A1

公开(公告)日：2016-03-24

申请号：US14864346

申请日：2015-09-24

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Eric Teller ,  Peter Lombrozo

IPC: B60W30/08 ,  G05D1/00

CPC classification number: B60W30/08 ,  B60W30/00 ,  B60W2420/10 ,  B60W2420/42 ,  B60W2420/50 ,  B60W2420/52 ,  B60W2420/62 ,  B60W2520/125 ,  B60W2520/14 ,  B60W2520/16 ,  B60W2520/18 ,  B60W2540/12 ,  B60W2540/14 ,  B60W2550/10 ,  B60W2550/20 ,  B60W2550/402 ,  B60W2900/00 ,  G05D1/0088 ,  G05D2201/0213

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle configured for active sensing may also be configured to weigh expected information gains from active-sensing actions against risk costs associated with the active-sensing actions. An example method involves: (a) receiving information from one or more sensors of an autonomous vehicle, (b) determining a risk-cost framework that indicates risk costs across a range of degrees to which an active-sensing action can be performed, wherein the active-sensing action comprises an action that is performable by the autonomous vehicle to potentially improve the information upon which at least one of the control processes for the autonomous vehicle is based, (c) determining an information-improvement expectation framework across the range of degrees to which the active-sensing action can be performed, and (d) applying the risk-cost framework and the information-improvement expectation framework to determine a degree to which the active-sensing action should be performed.

Abstract translation: 配置用于主动感测的自主车辆还可以被配置为从主动感测动作对与主动感测动作相关的风险成本来衡量预期信息增益。 示例性方法包括：（a）从自动车辆的一个或多个传感器接收信息，（b）确定风险成本框架，其指示可以执行主动感测动作的程度的风险成本，其中 主动感测动作包括由自主车辆执行以可能改进自主车辆的至少一个控制过程所基于的信息的动作，（c）在整个范围内确定信息改进期望框架 可以执行主动感测动作的程度，以及（d）应用风险成本框架和信息改进期望框架来确定应该执行主动感测动作的程度。

公开(公告)号：US09282431B2

公开(公告)日：2016-03-08

申请号：US14444100

申请日：2014-07-28

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Eric Teller ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver

IPC: G06F15/173 ,  H04W4/00 ,  H04W4/02 ,  H04W4/04 ,  H04W40/20 ,  H04W84/22 ,  H04L29/08

CPC classification number: H04W64/003 ,  H04B7/18504 ,  H04B7/18506 ,  H04L67/12 ,  H04L67/18 ,  H04L67/2852 ,  H04L67/288 ,  H04L67/306 ,  H04W4/021 ,  H04W4/025 ,  H04W4/04 ,  H04W28/021 ,  H04W40/20 ,  H04W84/22

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein that may help to provide location-aware caching and/or location-specific service profiles in a balloon network. An exemplary method may be carried out by a balloon that is at a location associated with the first geographic area in a balloon network that includes a plurality of defined geographic areas, and may involve: (a) determining that a location-aware cache of a balloon should be updated with user-data associated with the first geographic area; and (b) in response to determining that the location-aware cache should be updated: (i) sending a location-aware cache-update request; (ii) receiving, as a response to the location-aware cache-update request, user-data that corresponds to the first geographic area; and (iii) storing the user-data that corresponds to the first geographic area in a location-aware cache of the balloon.

Abstract translation: 本文公开的方法和系统可以帮助在气球网络中提供位置感知缓存和/或位置特定服务简档。 可以通过气球来执行示例性方法，所述气球位于与包括多个确定的地理区域的气球网络中的与所述第一地理区域相关联的位置处，并且可以包括：（a）确定位置感知高速缓存 应使用与第一地理区域相关联的用户数据更新气球; 以及（b）响应于确定所述位置感知缓存应当被更新：（i）发送位置感知高速缓存更新请求; （ii）作为对所述位置感知缓存更新请求的响应，接收对应于所述第一地理区域的用户数据; 和（iii）将对应于第一地理区域的用户数据存储在气球的位置感知高速缓存中。

公开(公告)号：US09281554B1

公开(公告)日：2016-03-08

申请号：US13863485

申请日：2013-04-16

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Cyrus Behroozi ,  Eric Teller ,  Richard W. DeVaul

IPC: H01Q1/28

CPC classification number: H01Q3/08 ,  H01Q1/082 ,  H01Q1/28 ,  H01Q3/06 ,  H01Q15/14

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for passively steering an antenna disposed on a balloon in a balloon network. An example balloon involves: (a) an antenna and (b) a pressure-sensitive mechanism in mechanical communication with the antenna such that a change in the balloon's altitude causes at least an element of the antenna to rotate upward or downward, a separation distance between two or more radiating elements to increase or decrease, or a separation distance between the two or more radiating elements and a reflector to increase or decrease.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于被动地操纵设置在球囊网络中的球囊上的天线的方法和装置。 示例性气球包括：（a）天线和（b）与天线机械通信的压敏机构，使得气球高度的变化导致天线的至少一个元件向上或向下旋转，间隔距离 在两个或更多个辐射元件之间增加或减少，或者两个或更多个辐射元件和反射器之间的间隔距离增加或减小。

公开(公告)号：US09233746B2

公开(公告)日：2016-01-12

申请号：US14286070

申请日：2014-05-23

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Eric Teller ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver

IPC: B64B1/58 ,  B64B1/62 ,  B64B1/60 ,  G05D1/04

CPC classification number: B64B1/62 ,  B64B1/60 ,  G05D1/042

Abstract: A balloon having an envelope, a gas contained within the envelope, a payload connected to the envelope, wherein the envelope has a first portion that has a first absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope, and a second portion that has a second absorptive or reflective property with respect to allowing solar energy to be transferred to the gas within the envelope where the second absorptive or reflective property is different than the first absorptive or reflective property, wherein the second portion is provided with a darkly colored surface that allows more solar energy to be transferred through the envelope to the gas within the envelope than the first portion, and wherein the envelope is rotatable to allow a preferred ratio of the first and second portions of the envelope to be positioned facing the sun.

Abstract translation: 一种具有封套的气囊，包含在外壳内的气体，连接到外壳的有效载荷，其中该封套具有第一部分，该第一部分具有第一吸收性或反射性，以使太阳能转移到外壳内的气体 以及具有第二吸收或反射性质的第二部分，其相对于允许太阳能转移到第二吸收或反射性质不同于第一吸收或反射性质的封套内的气体，其中第二部分是 具有暗色表面，其允许更多的太阳能通过信封传送到封套内比第一部分的气体，并且其中信封可旋转以允许信封的第一和第二部分的优选比率为 定位面向太阳。

公开(公告)号：US20150353195A1

公开(公告)日：2015-12-10

申请号：US14705879

申请日：2015-05-06

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Eric Peeters ,  Eric Teller ,  William Graham Patrick

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  G05D1/10

CPC classification number: B64C39/024 ,  B64C19/00 ,  B64C29/00 ,  B64C2201/024 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/128 ,  B64C2201/14 ,  B64D1/08 ,  G05D1/102 ,  G05D1/104 ,  G06Q10/083 ,  G08G5/0069

Abstract: Embodiments described herein may help to provide support via a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). An illustrative medical-support system may include multiple UAVs, which are configured to provide support for a number of different situations. Further, the medical-support system may be configured to: (a) identify a remote situation, (b) determine a target location corresponding to the situation, (c) select a UAV from the fleet of UAVs, where the selection of the UAV is based on a determination that the selected UAV is configured for the identified situation, and (d) cause the selected UAV to travel to the target location to provide support.

Abstract translation: 本文描述的实施例可以帮助经由无人机（UAV）的车队提供支持。 说明性的医疗支持系统可以包括多个UAV，其被配置为为许多不同的情况提供支持。 此外，医疗支持系统可以被配置为：（a）识别远程情况，（b）确定与该情况相对应的目标位置，（c）从无人机队列中选择UAV，其中UAV的选择 基于确定所选择的UAV被配置用于所识别的情况，以及（d）使所选择的UAV行进到目标位置以提供支持。

公开(公告)号：US20150304026A1

公开(公告)日：2015-10-22

申请号：US14223826

申请日：2014-03-24

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Eric Teller ,  Clifford L. Biffle ,  Josh Weaver

IPC: H04B10/11 ,  H04B10/2575

CPC classification number: H04B10/11 ,  H04B7/18504 ,  H04B10/1129 ,  H04B10/2575 ,  H04W84/005

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments may involve hierarchical balloon networks that include both optical and radio frequency links between balloons. An exemplary network system may include: (a) a plurality of super-node balloons, where each super-node balloon comprises a free-space optical communication system for data communications with one or more other super-node balloons and (b) a plurality of sub-node balloons, where each of the sub-node balloons comprises a radio-frequency communication system that is operable for data communications. Further, at least one super-node balloon may further include an RF communication system that is operable to transmit data to at least one sub-node balloon, where the RF communication system of the at least one sub-node balloon is further operable to receive the data transmitted by the at least one super-node balloon and to transmit the received data to at least one ground-based station.

Abstract translation: 示例性实施例可以涉及分级气球网络，其包括气球之间的光学和射频链路两者。 示例性网络系统可以包括：（a）多个超级节点气球，其中每个超级节点气球包括用于与一个或多个其他超级节点气球进行数据通信的自由空间光通信系统，以及（b）多个 的子节点气球，其中每个子节点气球包括可操作用于数据通信的射频通信系统。 此外，至少一个超级节点气球可以进一步包括RF通信系统，其可操作以将数据发送到至少一个子节点气球，其中所述至少一个子节点气球的RF通信系统进一步可操作以接收 所述数据由所述至少一个超级节点气球发送并且将所接收的数据发送到至少一个基于地面的站。

公开(公告)号：US09096301B1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-04

申请号：US13731979

申请日：2012-12-31

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Clifford Biffle ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul ,  Joshua Weaver ,  Anton Valdemar Staaf ,  Eric Teller ,  Michael Cassidy

IPC: B64B1/40

CPC classification number: B64B1/42

Abstract: A balloon is provided having a balloon envelope, a payload positioned beneath the balloon envelope, and a drag plate positioned beneath the balloon envelope and attached to the payload, and a control system configured to initiate a process to cause the balloon envelope to no longer provide lift to the payload, wherein the drag plate serves to slow the descent of the payload to the earth.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种气囊，其具有气球外壳，位于气囊外壳下方的有效载荷，以及位于气囊外壳下方并连接到有效载荷上的拖板，以及控制系统，其被配置为启动使气囊外壳不再提供的过程 提升到有效载荷，其中拖板用于减缓有效载荷下降到地球。

公开(公告)号：US09093754B2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-28

申请号：US13892161

申请日：2013-05-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Cyrus Behroozi ,  Eric Teller ,  Richard Wayne DeVaul

IPC: H01Q1/28 ,  H01Q19/13 ,  H01Q1/12

CPC classification number: H01Q1/28 ,  G01C5/005 ,  H01Q1/1264 ,  H01Q3/16 ,  H01Q19/13 ,  H01Q25/002 ,  H04B7/18504

Abstract: An antenna includes a radiator and a reflector and has a radiation pattern that is based at least in part on a separation distance between the radiator and the reflector. The antenna includes a linkage configured to adjust the separation distance based at least in part on the altitude of the antenna. The resulting radiation pattern can be dynamically adjusted based on altitude of the antenna such that, while the antenna is aloft and the antenna is ground-facing, variations in geographic boundaries and intensity of the radiation received at ground level are at least partially compensated for by the dynamic adjustments to the radiation pattern.

Abstract translation: 天线包括散热器和反射器，并且具有至少部分地基于散热器和反射器之间的间隔距离的辐射图。 天线包括被配置为至少部分地基于天线的高度来调整分离距离的联动装置。 可以基于天线的高度来动态地调整所得到的辐射图，使得当天线是高空的并且天线是面向地面时，在地平面处接收的辐射的地理边界和强度的变化至少部分地由 对辐射图的动态调整。