Waymo patents self-driving car path prediction using sensor data
This filing describes a method where a machine learning model predicts the future paths of both the autonomous vehicle and nearby objects. By comparing these predicted paths, the system identifies potential collisions and adjusts the car's operation to avoid them.
In the filing’s own words
Methods and systems for predicting a trajectory an autonomous vehicle (AV) are disclosed. A method includes generating, using a machine learning model (MLM) and one or more embeddings characterizing an environment around an AV, a first polyline representing a predicted future trajectory of the AV and a second polyline representing a predicted future trajectory of an object in the environment around the AV, determining, based on the first polyline and the second polyline, a potential collision between the AV and the object, and causing a planning system of the AV to adjust an operation of the AV to avoid the potential collision with the object.
What exactly they claim (claim 1)
1. A method, comprising: generating, using a machine learning model (MLM) and one or more embeddings characterizing an environment around an autonomous vehicle (AV), a first polyline representing a predicted future trajectory of the AV and a second polyline representing a predicted future trajectory of an object in the environment around the AV; determining, based on the first polyline and the second polyline, a potential collision between the AV and the object; and causing a planning system of the AV to adjust an operation of the AV to avoid the potential collision with the object.
Facts
- Company
- Google (Waymo LLC)
- Official title
- TRAJECTORY PREDICTION FROM MULTI-SENSOR FUSION
- Publication number
- US20260264723A1
- Application number
- 19664922
- Filed
- Apr 30, 2026
- Published
- Sep 10, 2026
- Inventors
- 5
- Claims
- 20
Classified under
B60W 60/0027 Operations & transportB60W 50/0097 Operations & transportB60W 2420/403 Operations & transportB60W 2420/408 Operations & transportB60W 2554/404 Operations & transportB60W 2556/35 Operations & transportMore from Google in Cars & transport
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- Waymo patents AI that predicts driving scenes from sensor data Oct 1, 2026
- Waymo patents method for self-driving cars to predict when they can see hidden hazards Sep 8, 2026
Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.