It was disclosed earlier this week that Apple has recruited Desi Ujkashevic, a former Ford executive, to join the Apple Car project’s efforts.
Since then, speculation has centered on whether or not the ‘Apple Car‘ would become a reality.
The initiative, also known as ‘Project Titan,‘ is attempting to develop Apple’s first self-driving electric car. It intends to debut as early as 2025, however, sources suggest that this is a tad optimistic.
Apple Car might become a reality.
According to Patently Apple, Apple issued a new patent today on the Apple Car. The invention is for self-driving cars, especially an enhanced “Guidance System” that can fine-tune the car’s ultimate destinations.
According to the patent, a “self-driving” or “autonomous” car is “capable of perceiving [its] surroundings and navigating to destinations with little or no continuous input from passengers.”
However, driver input may be useful to the self-driving vehicle’s motion control component.
Patently Apple claims that the Guidance System will be simple to use in locations where precise mapping data may be lacking.
The invention covers many ways for steering the vehicle utilizing intent signals. It may employ several computer devices to identify the vehicle’s location, such as a mall or office building.
A route towards the destination may be identified, and the vicinity of the destination may be reached. At this point, finer-grained guidance regarding the actual stopping point of the vehicle may be needed. The method may further comprise detecting, using one or more sensors, one or more signals generated by an individual authorized or permitted to provide guidance with respect to movements of the vehicle.
