Vehicle Forward Blind Spot Object Detection System Using AI
Summary
The USPTO published patent application US20260097779A1 for an AI-based vehicle blind spot detection system that distinguishes between animate and inanimate objects. The system applies different closeness thresholds depending on object type and provides driver alerts when the vehicle's projected path intersects with detected objects within threshold distances. Inventor Andrew D. Johnson filed the application on October 9, 2024.
What changed
The USPTO published patent application US20260097779A1 disclosing an AI-based method for detecting and alerting drivers to objects in or near vehicle blind spots. The system uses AI to classify detected objects as animate (living) or inanimate, then applies different closeness thresholds accordingly—animate objects trigger smaller safe distances than inanimate objects. When the vehicle's projected travel path brings it within the applicable threshold distance of a detected object, an in-vehicle alert notifies the driver.
For parties developing vehicle safety systems, autonomous driving technology, or driver assistance features, this patent represents prior art that could affect freedom-to-operate analyses. Automotive manufacturers and AI developers in the vehicle safety space should consider monitoring this application's progression to grant and conduct infringement assessments if pursuing similar detection methodologies.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates if claiming similar AI detection technology
- Conduct prior art search to assess freedom to operate
- Review patent claims if developing competing blind spot detection systems
Archived snapshot
Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
VEHICLE FORWARD BLIND SPOT OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM
Application US20260097779A1 Kind: A1 Apr 09, 2026
Inventors
Andrew D. Johnson
Abstract
A method of detecting and providing notification of objects in or near a vehicle blind spot includes determining that an object is present in a predetermined area outside a vehicle, determining that the object is animate or that the object is inanimate, setting a closeness threshold based on whether the object is determined to be animate or inanimate, wherein the closeness threshold is different when the object is determined to be animate than when the object is determined to be inanimate, determining a projected path of travel for the vehicle, and comparing the projected path of travel with the closeness threshold. When the projected path of travel has at least a portion that is within a distance equal to or less than the closeness threshold from the object, a notification of alert is provided within the vehicle to make the driver aware of the presence of the object.
CPC Classifications
B60W 50/14 G06N 20/00 B60W 2520/105 B60W 2554/402 B60W 2554/4041 B60W 2554/4044 B60W 2554/80
Filing Date
2024-10-09
Application No.
18910533
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