General Motors has patented a technology for improving wheelchair accessibility in autonomous vehicles. The system involves identifying visual markers on the vehicle, deploying a ramp, tracking wheelchair ingress, and engaging a restraint system. This innovation aims to enhance the loading and unloading process for wheelchair passengers. GlobalData’s report on General Motors gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on General Motors, Reformer integrated fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. General Motors's grant share as of May 2024 was 68%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Wheelchair accessibility features in autonomous vehicles
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11998494B2) discloses a computer-implemented method for facilitating wheelchair ingress into autonomous vehicles (AVs). The method involves identifying reference features on the AV's surface, deploying a ramp with visual markers, determining the wheelchair's position based on these markers, engaging a wheelchair restraint system, and tracking the wheelchair's ingress using the reference features. The system also includes provisions for multiple reference features, interior cabin surfaces, responsive engagement of the restraint system, and tracking using sensors within the AV.
Furthermore, the patent encompasses a system with storage and processing capabilities to execute the method, a non-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions for the same, and additional claims related to the plurality of reference features, engagement mechanisms, ridesharing application integration, and sensor-based tracking. This innovative approach aims to enhance accessibility for wheelchair users in AVs by streamlining the ingress process through automated ramp deployment, precise wheelchair positioning, and secure restraint systems. The incorporation of visual markers and reference features ensures efficient tracking and monitoring of the wheelchair's movement, contributing to a seamless and safe experience for passengers with mobility challenges.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
