Google’s Driverless Car Patent: A Glimpse into the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Summary

Google's recent patent for driverless cars marks a significant step towards a future where autonomous vehicles are commonplace. This article delves into the specifics of the patent, the technology behind Google's driverless cars, and the broader implications for road safety and the automotive industry. With over 220,000 miles of autonomous driving already under their belt, Google's advancements could revolutionize how we think about transportation.

The Patent: A Milestone in Autonomous Driving

On December 15, 2011, the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Google a patent for driverless cars, under patent number 8078349. This patent outlines a hybrid model that can switch between human-driven and autonomous modes. This innovation is a significant leap towards making driverless cars a common sight on our roads.

Key Features of the Patent

• Hybrid Model: The car can switch between human-driven and autonomous modes.
• Advanced Sensors: The vehicle uses a combination of sensors, including a rapidly rotating laser rangefinder, radar sensors, and cameras, to navigate and identify obstacles.
• Data Integration: The car collects and processes data in real-time, sending it to a central data center for further analysis.

Google's Journey in Autonomous Driving

Before securing the patent, Google had already modified seven driverless cars, which collectively traveled over 220,000 miles without human intervention. These vehicles included modified Toyota Prius models and an Audi TT. Remarkably, the only accident reported was a rear-end collision caused by another vehicle.

Technological Components

• Laser Rangefinder: Mounted on the roof, this device performs over 60 scans per second to create a 3D map of the surroundings.
• Radar Sensors: Positioned around the car, these sensors detect obstacles and measure distances.
• GPS and Positioning: A GPS system, installed in the left rear wheel, ensures the car follows the set route.
• Cameras: Located near the rearview mirror, these cameras can "see" traffic lights, pedestrians, and other moving obstacles.

The Competitive Landscape

Google is not alone in the race to develop autonomous vehicles. Companies like BMW, General Motors, and Volvo have also introduced similar systems. For instance, BMW's ConnectedDrive Connect (CDC) system uses GPS, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to navigate and detect obstacles.

Global Efforts

• BMW: Their CDC system is already being tested in five cars.
• China: On July 14, 2011, the National Defense University of Science and Technology successfully tested a driverless car, the Red Flag HQ3, over a 286-kilometer journey from Changsha to Wuhan.

Google's Competitive Edge

Google has two significant advantages in this field:

1. Data Collection: Google's Street View service has captured and stored images of road conditions worldwide, providing a rich dataset for their autonomous vehicles.
2. Financial Resources: In 2009, Google invested $2.8 billion in research and development, accounting for 12% of their revenue. This substantial investment gives them a competitive edge over other companies.

The Future of Road Safety

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to drastically reduce road accidents. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.35 million people die each year due to road traffic accidents. Google's technology aims to cut this number significantly. If successful, the impact on global road safety could be revolutionary.

Interesting Stats

• Accident Reduction: Google's autonomous cars have already driven over 220,000 miles with only one minor accident, which was not their fault.
• Investment: Google's $2.8 billion investment in R&D in 2009 highlights their commitment to this technology.

Conclusion

Google's driverless car patent is a significant step towards a future where autonomous vehicles are the norm. With advanced technology, substantial financial backing, and a wealth of data, Google is well-positioned to lead this revolution. As other companies join the race, the future of transportation looks promising, with the potential to make our roads safer and our journeys more efficient.

For more information on the advancements in autonomous vehicles, you can visit Google's official blog and BMW's ConnectedDrive.

Sources:

1. United States Patent and Trademark Office
2. World Health Organization
3. Google Official Blog
4. BMW ConnectedDrive