Prior art

As of April 26, 2026, to search the USPTO database for patent 12221104, one would typically use the Patent Public Search tool. The USPTO provides resources for searching patents, including Patent Public Search which allows searching its database of patents and patent application publications.

Here is an analysis of the most relevant prior art for US patent 12221104, based on the citations listed in the patent document itself:

Cited Prior Art for US12221104B1:

1. US5436833A

   • Full Citation: US5436833A, Eaton Corporation, "Shift-to-neutral reminder prompt system/method"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 1993-09-07, Publication Date: 1995-07-25
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method that prompts a driver to shift to neutral if certain conditions are met, primarily for safety reasons. It focuses on reminding the driver about a necessary gear change rather than automatically suggesting a drive direction based on steering patterns.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent might potentially anticipate elements related to a vehicle system prompting a driver for a gear change, but likely not the core inventive step of automatically offering a change in drive direction based on steering input and then awaiting a non-directional approval, as claimed in claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1. The key difference lies in the initiation of the suggestion (steering pattern vs. safety reminder) and the nature of the driver's response (non-directional approval vs. shifting to neutral).

2. US20110080305A1

   • Full Citation: US20110080305A1, Ford Global Technologies, Llc, "Vehicle Park Assist System and Method for Parking a Vehicle Using Such System"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2009-10-07, Publication Date: 2011-04-07
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a park assist system that helps in parking a vehicle. Such systems often involve automated steering and sometimes automated gear selection as part of a pre-programmed parking maneuver.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent may be relevant to claims 1 and 11, particularly regarding a "drive system" or "controller" that can "selectably drive the vehicle in a forward direction and a rear direction" and assist with maneuvers. However, the distinct feature of US12221104B1 is offering a drive direction change in response to a pattern of steering angle movements, without operator indication of a direction, and then awaiting a generic approval. Many park assist systems direct the driver to shift gears rather than automatically offering a shift based on driver's steering input patterns during a maneuver.

3. US20130110342A1

   • Full Citation: US20130110342A1, Volkswagen Ag, "Method for pulling a vehicle into or out of a parking space and corresponding assistance system and vehicle"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2010-05-12, Publication Date: 2013-05-02
   • Brief Description: This patent describes methods and systems for assisting a vehicle in pulling into or out of a parking space. This includes assistance during complex parking maneuvers.
   • Potential Anticipation: Similar to US20110080305A1, this patent might anticipate elements of a vehicle assisting with parking maneuvers, which involves changing drive directions. However, the specific inventive element of US12221104B1—where the system offers a drive direction change based on driver steering patterns and then awaits a non-directional approval—would need careful comparison. Claims 1 and 11, which focus on this interaction, would be the most relevant for comparison.

4. US20130144492A1

   • Full Citation: US20130144492A1, Teruhisa Takano, "Parking mode selection apparatus and method"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2010-06-09, Publication Date: 2013-06-06
   • Brief Description: This patent describes an apparatus and method for selecting a parking mode, likely involving different types of automated or assisted parking maneuvers.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent relates to parking assistance, which inherently involves changing drive directions. The novelty of US12221104B1 lies in how the offer for a drive direction change is triggered (steering input patterns) and the nature of the driver's approval (non-directional). Claims 1 and 11 would be the most relevant for a detailed comparison regarding these specific features.

5. US20130184979A1

   • Full Citation: US20130184979A1, International Business Machines Corporation, "Method and System for Detection of Motor Vehicle Movement to Avoid Collisions"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2012-01-18, Publication Date: 2013-07-18
   • Brief Description: This patent focuses on systems and methods to detect motor vehicle movement to prevent collisions, which may involve automatically braking or altering vehicle movement.
   • Potential Anticipation: While this patent deals with vehicle movement and safety, its primary focus is collision avoidance rather than intelligent gear selection based on steering patterns during parking maneuvers. It is less likely to directly anticipate the core claims 1 and 11, which are centered on the offering and approval of a drive direction change. However, elements relating to sensor input and vehicle control could be broadly relevant to the overall system.

6. US9085321B2

   • Full Citation: US9085321B2, Mando Corporation, "Unparking control system and unparking control method using the same"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2013-01-17, Publication Date: 2015-07-21
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for controlling unparking maneuvers. Such systems would involve changing direction from reverse to drive or vice-versa to exit a parking spot.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant as it explicitly addresses "unparking control." Claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1 specifically discuss the "unparking" context. The critical distinction would be whether US9085321B2 discloses or implicitly suggests offering a drive direction change based on a pattern of steering angle movements, without operator indication of a direction and then accepting a non-directional approval. If it requires explicit driver input for gear changes during unparking, then it might not anticipate the core novelty.

7. US9219887B2

   • Full Citation: US9219887B2, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, "Drive assist device"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2010-09-21, Publication Date: 2015-12-22
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a drive assist device, which can encompass various functionalities to aid a driver.
   • Potential Anticipation: This is a broad category. To determine potential anticipation of claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1, a detailed review of US9219887B2 would be necessary to see if it specifically discloses the offering of a drive direction change based on steering patterns and subsequent non-directional approval in the context of a parking or unparking maneuver.

8. US20160075329A1

   • Full Citation: US20160075329A1, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, "Parking assist system and path determination method"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2014-09-12, Publication Date: 2016-03-17
   • Brief Description: This patent describes a parking assist system that determines a path for parking. This implies control over steering and potentially drive direction during the parking process.
   • Potential Anticipation: Given its focus on parking assist and path determination, this patent is relevant to the general field of US12221104B1. For claims 1 and 11, the key aspect to evaluate is whether this system automatically offers a gear change based on observed steering patterns and accepts a non-directional approval from the driver during the maneuver.

9. US9381922B2

   • Full Citation: US9381922B2, Ford Global Technologies, Llc, "Detection of parking maneuver in a motor vehicle"
   • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2014-01-16, Publication Date: 2016-07-05
   • Brief Description: This patent describes methods for detecting when a vehicle is engaged in a parking maneuver. This detection could be a prerequisite for activating parking assistance features.
   • Potential Anticipation: This patent's focus on detecting a parking maneuver is foundational to systems like US12221104B1. While it doesn't directly describe the offering of a gear change, the ability to recognize a parking maneuver (which US12221104B1 leverages to offer shifts) is a relevant precursor. The claims of US12221104B1, particularly 1 and 11, would need to be compared to see if the detection method itself leads to the specific gear selection control.

10. US20200207334A1

    • Full Citation: US20200207334A1, Hyundai Motor Company, "System, method, infrastructure, and vehicle for automated valet parking"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2018-12-27, Publication Date: 2020-07-02
    • Brief Description: This patent describes an automated valet parking system, which implies a high degree of autonomous control over vehicle movement, including gear selection.
    • Potential Anticipation: Automated valet parking systems inherently involve automatic drive direction changes. However, US12221104B1's claims 1 and 11 describe a system that offers a change based on driver steering input and requires a non-directional approval, rather than a fully autonomous system. The level of driver interaction and the trigger for the gear change are key differentiating factors.

11. US20200404192A1

    • Full Citation: US20200404192A1, Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd., "Vehicle-mounted device"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2018-03-09, Publication Date: 2020-12-24
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle-mounted device, which is a broad category. More specific details would be needed to assess its relevance to gear selection control.
    • Potential Anticipation: Without a more specific description of the "vehicle-mounted device" and its functionalities related to gear selection, it is difficult to assess its direct relevance to claims 1 and 11. A detailed examination of the patent's content would be required.

12. US11001301B2

    • Full Citation: US11001301B2, Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh, "Method for moving a motor vehicle out of a parking space with at least semi-autonomous manoeuvring of the motor vehicle up to an end position, driver assistance system and motor vehicle"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2016-01-21, Publication Date: 2021-05-11
    • Brief Description: This patent details a method and system for semi-autonomous unparking, where the vehicle assists the driver in maneuvering out of a parking space.
    • Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant due to its focus on "moving a motor vehicle out of a parking space with at least semi-autonomous maneuvering." Claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1 specifically target the unparking scenario. The question of anticipation would depend on whether this patent discloses the specific interaction of offering a drive direction change based on driver's steering patterns and then requiring a non-directional approval from the driver. If the semi-autonomous maneuvering handles gear changes entirely or requires explicit directional input, it may not anticipate.

13. US20210269019A1

    • Full Citation: US20210269019A1, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, "Parking Assistance System for Automated Pulling-Out of a Longitudinal Parking Space With a Reversing Move as the Last Pulling-Out Move"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2018-06-19, Publication Date: 2021-09-02
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a parking assistance system for automatically pulling out of a longitudinal parking space, specifically focusing on scenarios where a reversing move is the last action.
    • Potential Anticipation: This patent is very relevant to unparking, particularly from parallel parking, which US12221104B1 also addresses. The core of the analysis for claims 1 and 11 would be to determine if this system offers a drive direction change based on steering patterns and requires non-directional approval, or if it operates with a different control paradigm for gear changes during automated pulling-out.

14. US20210300349A1

    • Full Citation: US20210300349A1, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., "Vehicle movement assist system"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2020-03-31, Publication Date: 2021-09-30
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle movement assist system, which is a general category that could include various forms of driver assistance.
    • Potential Anticipation: As a general "vehicle movement assist system," the specific details of its gear selection control and driver interaction would need to be thoroughly examined to assess potential anticipation of claims 1 and 11. The unique combination of steering pattern recognition for offering and non-directional approval is the key distinguishing feature.

15. US11623636B2

    • Full Citation: US11623636B2, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., "Display device for vehicle and parking assist system"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2019-12-13, Publication Date: 2023-04-11
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a display device for a vehicle and a parking assist system, likely involving visual feedback to the driver during parking maneuvers.
    • Potential Anticipation: While it concerns parking assist and a display device, the focus of US12221104B1's claims 1 and 11 is on the automatic offering of a direction change based on steering patterns and non-directional driver approval, rather than just display feedback. The extent to which this parking assist system integrates automatic gear shifting based on steering and requires a non-directional approval would determine its anticipatory effect.

16. US20240051558A1

    • Full Citation: US20240051558A1, Tesla, Inc., "Automated adjustment of vehicle direction based on environment analysis"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2022-08-12, Publication Date: 2024-02-15
    • Brief Description: This patent describes automated adjustment of vehicle direction based on environmental analysis, which would be highly relevant to parking and unparking scenarios.
    • Potential Anticipation: This patent is highly relevant due to its focus on automated vehicle direction adjustment based on environment analysis, which could certainly encompass gear changes during parking. The description of US12221104B1 mentions "Elon Musk explains Auto Shift feature in Model S" (from a non-patent citation), suggesting a connection to Tesla's work. The key for claims 1 and 11 is whether Tesla's system offers a direction change based on steering patterns and relies on a non-directional approval from the driver, or if it operates in a more fully autonomous or differently controlled manner. This patent and the non-patent citation would be crucial for comparison.

17. US11932230B1

    • Full Citation: US11932230B1, Bulletproof Property Management, Llc, "Vehicle gear selection control"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2023-06-05, Publication Date: 2024-03-19
    • Brief Description: This patent is a direct antecedent to US12221104B1, explicitly stated as a continuation-in-part of US18/205,823, which issued as US11932230. It covers "Vehicle gear selection control."
    • Potential Anticipation: As a direct parent patent (US12221104B1 is a continuation-in-part of US18/205,823, which became US11932230B1), it would contain very similar, if not identical, subject matter. It is highly likely to anticipate the claims of US12221104B1 unless there are specific differentiating features or new combinations claimed in US12221104B1 that were not present or fully enabled in US11932230B1. It is common for continuation or CIP applications to refine or expand on claims, so the exact scope of novelty in 12221104B1 relative to 11932230B1 would depend on the specific claim wording differences.

18. US12049217B2

    • Full Citation: US12049217B2, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, "Parking support device"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2021-08-31, Publication Date: 2024-07-30
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a parking support device, indicating its function is to assist with parking maneuvers.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to other parking assist systems, the relevance to claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1 depends on whether it describes offering a gear change based on steering patterns and requiring a non-directional approval.

19. US12084047B2

    • Full Citation: US12084047B2, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, "Vehicle driving assist system"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2021-10-22, Publication Date: 2024-09-10
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle driving assist system, another broad category that may include various assistance functions.
    • Potential Anticipation: Similar to other general driving assist systems, a detailed review is needed to determine if it discloses the specific "offer-and-approve" mechanism for gear selection based on steering patterns as defined in claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1.

20. US12151677B2

    • Full Citation: US12151677B2, Sony Group Corporation, "Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, program, and vehicle"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Priority Date: 2018-12-20, Publication Date: 2024-11-26
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle control device and method, as well as a program and vehicle implementing it. This could cover a wide range of vehicle control functions.
    • Potential Anticipation: Given the broad nature of a "vehicle control device," a detailed analysis of US12151677B2 is necessary to ascertain if it teaches or suggests the specific combination of features found in claims 1 and 11 of US12221104B1, particularly the offering of a drive direction change based on steering input patterns and subsequent non-directional driver approval.