Patents by Inventor Benjamin Ingram
Benjamin Ingram has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20220005348Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to emergency vehicles. This may include using a plurality of microphones to detect a siren noise corresponding to an emergency vehicle and to estimate a bearing of the emergency vehicle. This estimated bearing is compared to map information to identify a portion of roadway on which the emergency vehicle is traveling. In addition, information identifying a set of objects in the vehicle's environment as well as characteristics of those objects is received from a perception system is used to determine whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. How to respond to the emergency vehicle is determined based on the estimated bearing and identified road segments and the determination of whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. This determined response is then used to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: David Harrison Silver, Angus Leigh, Benjamin Ingram, Jennifer Taylor, Vaibhav Nangia
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Patent number: 11196916Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer, Brendan Hermalyn, Benjamin Ingram
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Patent number: 11164454Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to emergency vehicles. This may include using a plurality of microphones to detect a siren noise corresponding to an emergency vehicle and to estimate a bearing of the emergency vehicle. This estimated bearing is compared to map information to identify a portion of roadway on which the emergency vehicle is traveling. In addition, information identifying a set of objects in the vehicle's environment as well as characteristics of those objects is received from a perception system is used to determine whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. How to respond to the emergency vehicle is determined based on the estimated bearing and identified road segments and the determination of whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. This determined response is then used to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: WAYMO LLCInventors: David Harrison Silver, Angus Leigh, Benjamin Ingram, Jennifer Taylor, Vaibhav Nangia
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Publication number: 20210203864Abstract: One example system comprises a LIDAR sensor that rotates about an axis to scan an environment of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises one or more cameras that detect external light originating from one or more external light sources. The one or more cameras together provide a plurality of rows of sensing elements. The rows of sensing elements are aligned with the axis of rotation of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises a controller that operates the one or more cameras to obtain a sequence of image pixel rows. A first image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a first row of sensing elements during a first exposure time period. A second image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a second row of sensing elements during a second exposure time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Andreas Wendel, Mark Alexander Shand
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Publication number: 20210088647Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate active sensor systems. An example method includes receiving information indicative of an operating context of a vehicle, wherein at least one Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor or at least one radar sensor are coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes selecting, from a plurality of sensor power configurations, a desired sensor power configuration based on the operating context of the vehicle. The method further includes causing at least one of: the at least one LIDAR sensor to emit light pulses according to the desired sensor power configuration or the at least one radar sensor to emit radar energy according to the desired sensor power configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Benjamin Ingram, Edward McCloskey, Timothy Campbell, Pierre-Yves Droz
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Publication number: 20210072362Abstract: An example system includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that scans a field-of-view defined by a pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes an actuator that adjusts the pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes a communication interface that receives timing information from an external system. The system also includes a controller that causes the actuator to adjust the pointing direction of the LIDAR device based on at least the received timing information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2020Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Luke Wachter
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Patent number: 10939057Abstract: One example system comprises a LIDAR sensor that rotates about an axis to scan an environment of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises one or more cameras that detect external light originating from one or more external light sources. The one or more cameras together provide a plurality of rows of sensing elements. The rows of sensing elements are aligned with the axis of rotation of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises a controller that operates the one or more cameras to obtain a sequence of image pixel rows. A first image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a first row of sensing elements during a first exposure time period. A second image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a second row of sensing elements during a second exposure time period.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Andreas Wendel, Mark Alexander Shand
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Publication number: 20210012521Abstract: The technology relates to camera systems for vehicles having an autonomous driving mode. An example system includes a first camera mounted on a vehicle in order to capture images of the vehicle's environment. The first camera has a first exposure time and being without an ND filter. The system also includes a second camera mounted on the vehicle in order to capture images of the vehicle's environment and having an ND filter. The system also includes one or more processors configured to capture images using the first camera and the first exposure time, capture images using the second camera and the second exposure time, use the images captured using the second camera to identify illuminated objects, use the images captured using the first camera to identify the locations of objects, and use the identified illuminated objects and identified locations of objects to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Andreas Wendel, Benjamin Ingram
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Patent number: 10884115Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate active sensor systems. An example method includes receiving information indicative of an operating context of a vehicle, wherein at least one Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor or at least one radar sensor are coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes selecting, from a plurality of sensor power configurations, a desired sensor power configuration based on the operating context of the vehicle. The method further includes causing at least one of: the at least one LIDAR sensor to emit light pulses according to the desired sensor power configuration or the at least one radar sensor to emit radar energy according to the desired sensor power configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Benjamin Ingram, Edward McCloskey, Timothy Campbell, Pierre-Yves Droz
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Publication number: 20200404197Abstract: One example system comprises a LIDAR sensor that rotates about an axis to scan an environment of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises one or more cameras that detect external light originating from one or more external light sources. The one or more cameras together provide a plurality of rows of sensing elements. The rows of sensing elements are aligned with the axis of rotation of the LIDAR sensor. The system also comprises a controller that operates the one or more cameras to obtain a sequence of image pixel rows. A first image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a first row of sensing elements during a first exposure time period. A second image pixel row in the sequence is indicative of external light detected by a second row of sensing elements during a second exposure time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Andreas Wendel, Mark Alexander Shand
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Patent number: 10866313Abstract: An example system includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that scans a field-of-view defined by a pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes an actuator that adjusts the pointing direction of the LIDAR device. The system also includes a communication interface that receives timing information from an external system. The system also includes a controller that causes the actuator to adjust the pointing direction of the LIDAR device based on at least the received timing information.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Blaise Gassend, Benjamin Ingram, Luke Wachter
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Publication number: 20200351434Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer, Brendan Hermalyn, Benjamin Ingram
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Patent number: 10788571Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example transmit block includes at least one substrate with a plurality of angled facets. The plurality of angled facets provides a corresponding plurality of elevation angles. A set of angle differences between adjacent elevation angles includes at least two different angle difference values. A plurality of light-emitter devices is configured to emit light into an environment along the plurality of elevation angles toward respective target locations so as to provide a desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle. The present disclosure also relates to adjusting shot power and a shot schedule based on the desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2020Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Benjamin Ingram, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Scott McCloskey, Blaise Gassend, Gaetan Pennecot
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Patent number: 10776938Abstract: The technology relates to camera systems for vehicles having an autonomous driving mode. An example system includes a first camera mounted on a vehicle in order to capture images of the vehicle's environment. The first camera has a first exposure time and being without an ND filter. The system also includes a second camera mounted on the vehicle in order to capture images of the vehicle's environment and having an ND filter. The system also includes one or more processors configured to capture images using the first camera and the first exposure time, capture images using the second camera and the second exposure time, use the images captured using the second camera to identify illuminated objects, use the images captured using the first camera to identify the locations of objects, and use the identified illuminated objects and identified locations of objects to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Benjamin Ingram
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Patent number: 10757320Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer, Brendan Hermalyn, Benjamin Ingram
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Publication number: 20200234579Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to emergency vehicles. This may include using a plurality of microphones to detect a siren noise corresponding to an emergency vehicle and to estimate a bearing of the emergency vehicle. This estimated bearing is compared to map information to identify a portion of roadway on which the emergency vehicle is traveling. In addition, information identifying a set of objects in the vehicle's environment as well as characteristics of those objects is received from a perception system is used to determine whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. How to respond to the emergency vehicle is determined based on the estimated bearing and identified road segments and the determination of whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. This determined response is then used to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: David Harrison Silver, Angus Leigh, Benjamin Ingram, Jennifer Taylor, Vaibhav Nangia
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Publication number: 20200225327Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example transmit block includes at least one substrate with a plurality of angled facets. The plurality of angled facets provides a corresponding plurality of elevation angles. A set of angle differences between adjacent elevation angles includes at least two different angle difference values. A plurality of light-emitter devices is configured to emit light into an environment along the plurality of elevation angles toward respective target locations so as to provide a desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle. The present disclosure also relates to adjusting shot power and a shot schedule based on the desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2020Publication date: July 16, 2020Inventors: Benjamin Ingram, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Scott McCloskey, Blaise Gassend, Gaetan Pennecot
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Publication number: 20200217934Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that facilitate light detection and ranging operations. An example transmit block includes at least one substrate with a plurality of angled facets. The plurality of angled facets provides a corresponding plurality of elevation angles. A set of angle differences between adjacent elevation angles includes at least two different angle difference values. A plurality of light-emitter devices is configured to emit light into an environment along the plurality of elevation angles toward respective target locations so as to provide a desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle. The present disclosure also relates to adjusting shot power and a shot schedule based on the desired resolution and/or a respective elevation angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Benjamin Ingram, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Scott McCloskey, Blaise Gassend, Gaetan Pennecot
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Patent number: 10650677Abstract: The technology relates to detecting and responding to emergency vehicles. This may include using a plurality of microphones to detect a siren noise corresponding to an emergency vehicle and to estimate a bearing of the emergency vehicle. This estimated bearing is compared to map information to identify a portion of roadway on which the emergency vehicle is traveling. In addition, information identifying a set of objects in the vehicle's environment as well as characteristics of those objects is received from a perception system is used to determine whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. How to respond to the emergency vehicle is determined based on the estimated bearing and identified road segments and the determination of whether one of the set of objects corresponds to the emergency vehicle. This determined response is then used to control the vehicle in an autonomous driving mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: David Harrison Silver, Angus Leigh, Benjamin Ingram, Jennifer Taylor, Vaibhav Nangia
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Publication number: 20200142073Abstract: One example system includes a first light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that scans a first field-of-view defined by a first range of pointing directions associated with the first LIDAR device. The system also includes a second LIDAR device that scans a second FOV defined by a second range of pointing directions associated with the second LIDAR device. The second FOV at least partially overlaps the first FOV. The system also includes a first controller that adjusts a first pointing direction of the first LIDAR device. The system also includes a second controller that adjusts a second pointing direction of the second LIDAR device synchronously with the adjustment of the first pointing direction of the first LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Blaise Gassend, Nicholas Armstrong-Crews, Andreas Wendel, Benjamin Ingram, Clayton Kunz