Patents Examined by Yuqing Xiao
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Patent number: 11808887Abstract: One example method involves a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device focusing light from a target region in a scene for receipt by a detector. The method also involves emitting a primary light pulse. The method also involves directing, via one or more optical elements, the primary light pulse toward the target region. The primary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a primary light intensity of the primary light pulse. The method also involves emitting a secondary light pulse. At least a portion of the secondary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a secondary light intensity of the secondary light pulse. The secondary light intensity is less than the primary light intensity.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Caner Onal, Michael Marx, Blaise Gassend
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Patent number: 11808889Abstract: The present invention relates to a light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) device for obtaining information on a distance from an object using laser light.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: SOS LAB Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji Seong Jeong, Jun Hwan Jang, Dong Kyu Kim, Sung Hi Hwang
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Patent number: 11808851Abstract: A system including one or more waveguides to receive a first returned reflection having a first lag angle and generate a first waveguide signal, receive a second returned reflection having a second lag angle different from the first lag angle, and generate a second waveguide signal. The system includes one or more photodetectors to generate a first output signal within a first frequency range, and generate, based on the second waveguide signal and a second LO signal, a second output signal within a second frequency range. The system includes an optical frequency shifter (OFS) to shift a frequency of the second LO signal to cause the second output signal to shift from within the second frequency range to within the first frequency range to generate a shifted signal. The system includes a processor to receive the shifted signal to produce one or more points in a point set.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Aeva, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Roxworthy, Pradeep Srinivasan, Ashwin Samarao
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Patent number: 11802944Abstract: Provided is a lidar device for a vehicle including an optical transmitter configured to transmit an outgoing optical signal, an optical receiver configured to receive a plurality of return optical signals incident in different directions, at least one temperature sensor configured to identify a temperature of the lidar device, and a processor operatively coupled with the optical transmitter, the optical receiver, and the at least one temperature sensor. The processor is configured to control the optical transmitter to transmit the outgoing optical signal configured to detect an object, receive an object optical signal, reflected by the object, through the optical receiver, identify a temperature of the lidar device through the temperature sensor in response to the identifying of intensity of the object optical signal being less than reference intensity, and adjust a bandpass of an optical filter of the optical receiver based on the temperature of the lidar device.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventors: Won Gyum Kim, Sung Eun Jo, Young Shin Kim, Kyung Rin Kim
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Patent number: 11802970Abstract: This document describes techniques and systems to alternate power-level scanning for ToF lidar systems. The described lidar system transmits an initial signal having a first power level of an alternating pattern of power levels. The initial signal is associated with an initial pixel of consecutive pixels. The lidar system then transmits a subsequent signal, which is associated with a subsequent pixel of the consecutive pixels, having a second power level. The transmission of the initial signal and the subsequent signal with the alternating pattern of power levels limits a total power level emitted by the lidar system during a time interval to comply with safety regulations. The alternating pattern of power levels also permits the lidar system to switch between a long-detection range and a short-detection range for consecutive pixels.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Geng Fu, Denis Rainko, Ali Haddadpour, Roman Dietz
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Patent number: 11802965Abstract: Techniques for Doppler correction of chirped optical range detection include obtaining a first set of ranges based on corresponding frequency differences between a return optical signal and a first chirped transmitted optical signal with an up chirp that increases frequency with time. A second set of ranges is obtained based on corresponding frequency differences between a return optical signal and a second chirped transmitted optical signal with a down chirp. A matrix of values for a cost function is determined, one value for each pair of ranges that includes one in the first set and one in the second set. A matched pair of one range in the first set and a corresponding one range in the second set is determined based on the matrix. A Doppler effect on range is determined based on combining the matched pair of ranges. A device is operated based on the Doppler effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Randy R. Reibel, James Curry, Trenton Berg
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Patent number: 11802951Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device that includes a display, a communication module, at least one microphone, at least one speaker, a processor operatively coupled to the display, the communication module, the microphone, and the speaker, and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory may store instructions, when executed, causing the processor to transmit, through the speaker, a first audio sound including first information, receive, through the microphone, a second audio sound including second information responding to the first information from a first external electronic device, transmit, through the speaker, a third audio sound including third information for acquiring a distance to the first external electronic device after receiving the second audio sound, and receive, through the microphone, a fourth audio sound including fourth information responding to the third information from the first external electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Inventors: Walyong Cho, Kyungmin Park
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Patent number: 11796312Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to a system including a reference device, a measurement device and a processor. The measurement device provides a three-dimensional (3-D) point map corresponding to first positions of a plurality of selected points on a torso of a user. The processor determines a shape of the torso based on the 3-D point map. The measurement device is sequentially placed on the plurality of selected points, and the 3-D point map represents the first positions of the plurality of selected points relative to a second position associated with a location in 3-D space of the reference device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Wegene H. Tadele, Albert Wang, Motohide Hatanaka, Nicholas R. Trincia, William K. Smith
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Patent number: 11796827Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system includes a laser emitter transmitting a first signal of a first wavelength. The Lidar system includes a filter receiving the first signal. The Lidar system includes a first dichroic filter switch filtering the first signal received by the variable waveplate or other filter. The Lidar system includes a receiver sensor receiving the filtered first signal. The Lidar system includes the laser emitter transmitting a second signal of a second wavelength. The Lidar system includes the variable waveplate or other filter receiving the second signal. The Lidar system includes the first dichroic filter switch filtering the second signal. The Lidar system includes the receiver sensor receiving the filtered second signal. A processor determines a distance of a target based on the received filtered first and second signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Kevin L. Whiteaker
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Patent number: 11796641Abstract: An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus (10) includes a switch (16), a first detector (19), and a second detector (20). The switch (16) includes an action surface (as) with a plurality of pixels (px) disposed thereon. The switch (16) is configured to switch each pixel (px) between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the pixels (px) cause electromagnetic waves incident on the action surface (as) to travel in a first direction (d1). In the second state, the pixels (px) cause the electromagnetic waves incident on the action surface (as) to travel in a second direction (d2). The first detector (19) detects the electromagnetic waves that travel in the first direction (d1). The second detector (20) detects the electromagnetic waves that travel in the second direction (d2).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Hiroki Okada, Eri Uchida, Hiroyuki Minagawa, Yoshiteru Takayama, Mitsuo Ono, Atsushi Hasebe, Katsutoshi Kawai, Yukitoshi Kanayama
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Patent number: 11796638Abstract: In one example, an apparatus being part of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) module is provided. The apparatus comprises a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and a substrate. The MEMS comprising an array of micro-mirror assemblies, each micro-mirror assembly comprises: a first flexible support structure and a second flexible support structure connected to the substrate; a micro-mirror comprising a first connection structure and a second connection structure, the first connection structure being connected to the first flexible support structure at a first connection point, the second connection structure being connected to the second flexible support structure at a second connection point, the first and second connection points being aligned with a rotation axis around which the micro-mirror rotates, the first flexible support structure and the second flexible support structure being configured to allow the first and second connection points to move when the micro-mirror rotates.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Youmin Wang, Yufeng Wang, Qin Zhou, Gary Li, Sergio Fabian Almeida Loya
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Patent number: 11796680Abstract: Lidar detection device based on a lens and an integrated beam transceiver, comprising a laser, a coupling fiber, a substrate, an input waveguide, a connection waveguide, a 1×N optical switch, a switch electrical interface, N switch output waveguides, N transceiving units, an off-chip processor and a lens, wherein N is a positive integer above 2. The invention can realize three-dimensional detection of a target, and the invention has the characteristics of two-dimensional beam steering independent of wavelength switching, low control complexity, low electric power consumption, receiving and emitting monolithic integration and high receiving efficiency, and being compatible with two laser ranging functions of ToF and FMCW.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityInventors: Kan Wu, Chao Li, Xianyi Cao, Jianping Chen
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Patent number: 11789154Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to high speed remote imaging systems, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. Example embodiments describe systems that are configured to mitigate a walk-off effect that may limit a speed of operation of the imaging system. The walk-off effect may be characterized by a failure to steer returning signals to a designated input facet of the imaging system due to continuous rotation of mirrors associated with the steering mechanisms. The walk-off effect may be mitigating by configuring more than one input waveguide to receiving returning signals associated with an output signal. The input waveguides may be spaced apart and configured to sequentially receive the input signals. In some embodiments, walk-off mitigation may extend a range of operation of the imaging systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: SiLC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Prakash Koonath, Shuren Hu, Mehdi Asghari, Bradley Jonathan Luff, Behnam Behroozpour
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Patent number: 11789132Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems that use avalanche photo diodes for detecting returns of laser pulses. The bias voltage applied to the avalanche photo diode is adjusted to ensure that it operates at desired operating capacity.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.Inventors: Yufeng Li, Yimin Li, Rui Zhang, Junwei Bao, Jim Li
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Patent number: 11787331Abstract: Example vehicle includes a first headlight and a second headlight. The second headlight includes a laser configured to produce first light and an illumination source configured to produce second light. The second headlight also includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) optically coupled to the illumination source and a controller coupled to the SLM. The controller is configured to control the SLM to direct a reflection of the first light during a first operating mode and control the SLM to direct the second light during a second operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventor: John Peter Fenske
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Patent number: 11789127Abstract: A laser scanner has multiple measuring beams for optical surveying of an environment. The laser scanner is configured to provide scanning with at least two different multi-beam scan patterns. Each multi-beam scan pattern is individually activatable by a computing unit of the laser scanner.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2022Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBHInventors: Charles Leopold Elisabeth Dumoulin, Jürg Hinderling
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Patent number: 11782136Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems to focus on one or more regions of interests within a field of view.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.Inventors: Rui Zhang, Yimin Li, Junwei Bao, Jason Ferns
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Patent number: 11782155Abstract: A distance measurement device includes a light emitting unit; a light receiving unit; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance to an object; and a controller that controls the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit to determine whether or not there is interference from another distance measurement device, from a distance calculation result from the distance calculation unit. The controller includes a light emission and exposure period-setting unit that sets a light emission and exposure period of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, a distance variation measurement unit that measures a variation of distance values repeatedly obtained in a predetermined duration by the distance calculation unit, and an interference determination unit that compares a distance variation value to a threshold value which is determined in advance, to determine whether or not there is interference.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: HITACHI-LG DATA STORAGE, INC.Inventor: Takeshi Imai
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Patent number: 11774614Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for generating images and location data of a subsurface object using existing infrastructure as a source. Many infrastructure objects (e.g., pipes, cables, conduits, wells, foundation structures) are constructed of rigid materials and have a known shape and location. Additionally these infrastructure objects can have exposed portions that are above or near the surface and readily accessible. A signal generator can be affixed to the exposed portion of the infrastructure object, which induces acoustic energy, or vibrations in the object. The object with affixed signal generator can then be used as a source in performing a subsurface imaging of subsurface objects, which are not exposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: X Development LLCInventors: Allen Richard Zhao, Kenton Lee Prindle, Kevin Forsythe Smith, Artem Goncharuk
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Patent number: 11768294Abstract: An apparatus of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system for at least partial integration with a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an optical core assembly including an oscillating reflective element, an optical polygon element, and transmitting and collection optics. The apparatus includes a first exterior surface at least partially bounded by at least a first portion of a vehicle roof or at least a portion of a vehicle windshield. A surface profile of the first exterior surface aligns with a surface profile associated with at least one of the first portion of the vehicle roof or the portion of the vehicle windshield. A combination of the first exterior surface and the one or more additional exterior surfaces form a housing enclosing the optical core assembly including the oscillating reflective element, the optical polygon element, and the transmitting and collection optics.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.Inventors: Yufeng Li, Ning-Yi Wang, Haosen Wang, Peng Wan, Yimin Li, Junwei Bao, Gil Salman