US 11,892,858 B2
Systems and methods for operating a vehicle in a degraded visual environment
Jeffery Saunders, Quincy, MA (US)
Assigned to Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, Manassas, VA (US)
Filed by Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation, Manassas, VA (US)
Filed on Aug. 5, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/394,772.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/091,218, filed on Oct. 13, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0113742 A1, Apr. 14, 2022
Int. Cl. G05D 1/10 (2006.01); B64D 45/04 (2006.01); B64D 47/08 (2006.01); G01S 7/497 (2006.01)
CPC G05D 1/101 (2013.01) [B64D 45/04 (2013.01); B64D 47/08 (2013.01); G01S 7/497 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for controlling a vehicle in a degraded visual environment, comprising:
identifying a degraded visual environment along a planned route of the vehicle;
changing, in response to identifying the degraded visual environment, the planned route to include a first segment along which to search for a location with an improved navigation environment;
causing the vehicle to follow the first segment until:
(i) identifying the improved navigation environment, or
(ii) reaching an end of the first segment without identifying the improved navigation environment;
changing the planned route to include a second segment that is determined based on whether the improved navigation environment has been identified; and
causing the vehicle to follow the second segment.