Patents by Inventor Carolyn Johnston

Carolyn Johnston 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).

  • Patent number: 11551366
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of a correction of an estimate of an elevation of a digital elevation model (DEM) of the bare earth under forest canopy. The disclosed embodiments facilitate generation of a more accurate DEM in areas of canopy coverage (where the input X-band DSM cannot see the ground) to estimate both the canopy height and the associated DEM. In some embodiments, the result of computationally correcting an estimate of an original DEM is a modified DEM. The method of correcting an estimate of an original DEM utilizes a pair of P-band radar images, an original DEM overlapping the same scene as the P-band radar images, at least one common, uniquely-identifiable point in the P-band radar images, and a definition of a geographical area surrounding the common, uniquely identifiable point over which the elevation correction is applicable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Intermap Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Natalie Findlay, Carolyn Johnston
  • Publication number: 20220284605
    Abstract: Systems and methods of automating the generation of a correction of an estimate of an elevation of a digital elevation model (DEM) of the bare earth under forest canopy. The disclosed embodiments facilitate generation of a more accurate DEM in areas of canopy coverage (where the input X-band DSM cannot see the ground) to estimate both the canopy height and the associated DEM. In some embodiments, the result of computationally correcting an estimate of an original DEM is a modified DEM. The method of correcting an estimate of an original DEM utilizes a pair of P-band radar images, an original DEM overlapping the same scene as the P-band radar images, at least one common, uniquely-identifiable point in the P-band radar images, and a definition of a geographical area surrounding the common, uniquely identifiable point over which the elevation correction is applicable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Griffiths, Natalie Findlay, Carolyn Johnston
  • Patent number: 11402220
    Abstract: An apparatus onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle is configured to receive a maplet request identifying a request region; determine that the apparatus has entered the request region; process and fuse sensor data captured by two or more sensors of the sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream comprising a plurality of observations corresponding to a portion of a road network; generate a maplet based on the multi-sensor data stream and the maplet request, wherein generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model to encode road data, from the multi-sensor data stream, corresponding to at least one environment element of the road network; and provide the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to (a) validate or (b) update map data of a digital map representing the road network based at least in part on the maplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Patent number: 11287266
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a pole-like object within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a pole-like object observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the pole-like object. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Patent number: 11287267
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a construction marker within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a construction marker observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the construction marker. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Patent number: 11280622
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a traffic signal within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a traffic signal observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the traffic signal. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Patent number: 11255680
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a road marking within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a road marking observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the road marking. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292323
    Abstract: An apparatus onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle is configured to receive a maplet request identifying a request region; determine that the apparatus has entered the request region; process and fuse sensor data captured by two or more sensors of the sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream comprising a plurality of observations corresponding to a portion of a road network; generate a maplet based on the multi-sensor data stream and the maplet request, wherein generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model to encode road data, from the multi-sensor data stream, corresponding to at least one environment element of the road network; and provide the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to (a) validate or (b) update map data of a digital map representing the road network based at least in part on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292327
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a road marking within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a road marking observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the road marking. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292324
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a segment of a road network. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a roadside barrier within the multi-sensor data stream; generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request; and provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a roadside barrier observation class to encode road data corresponding to an observation corresponding to a roadside barrier. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map of the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292330
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a lane marking within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a lane marking observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the lane marking. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292331
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a construction marker within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a construction marker observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the construction marker. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292325
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a traffic signal within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a traffic signal observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the traffic signal. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292329
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a driving surface edge within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a driving surface edge observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the driving surface edge. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292328
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a pole-like object within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a pole-like object observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the pole-like object. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Publication number: 20200292326
    Abstract: An apparatus is onboard a vehicle and in communication with sensors onboard the vehicle. The apparatus receives a maplet request identifying a request region; and, responsive to determining that the vehicle is within the request region, processes sensor data captured by sensors to generate a multi-sensor data stream corresponding to a road network segment. The apparatus identifies an observation corresponding to a sign face within the multi-sensor data stream; and generates a maplet based on the observation and the maplet request. Generating the maplet comprises using a predetermined data model and a predetermined data format corresponding to a sign face observation class to encode road data corresponding to the observation corresponding to the sign face. The apparatus provides the maplet such that a network apparatus receives the maplet. The network apparatus is configured to validate/update map data of a digital map representing the road network based on the maplet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Dietmar Rabel, Robert Ledner, Carolyn Johnston, Jan Van Sickle, Timm Kayser, Eric Dieckman
  • Patent number: 10684132
    Abstract: A new drive includes a plurality of instances of location data that are received. The location data was captured by a probe apparatus onboard a vehicle as the vehicle traversed a lane network. The plurality of instances of location data are map matched using a lane level map matcher. The matched nodes (e.g., nodes of the LNG model representing the lane network to which an instance of location data was map matched) are identified and updated based on the new drive. Unmatched instances of location data (e.g., instances of location data that cannot be satisfactorily matched to a node of the LNG model) may be used to generate new nodes of the LNG model. A portion of the LNG model may be updated based on an update to a linked localization layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventor: Carolyn Johnston
  • Publication number: 20190285421
    Abstract: A new drive includes a plurality of instances of location data that are received. The location data was captured by a probe apparatus onboard a vehicle as the vehicle traversed a lane network. The plurality of instances of location data are map matched using a lane level map matcher. The matched nodes (e.g., nodes of the LNG model representing the lane network to which an instance of location data was map matched) are identified and updated based on the new drive. Unmatched instances of location data (e.g., instances of location data that cannot be satisfactorily matched to a node of the LNG model) may be used to generate new nodes of the LNG model. A portion of the LNG model may be updated based on an update to a linked localization layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventor: Carolyn Johnston
  • Patent number: 8352496
    Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for matching entity names. A matching analysis is performed between a first entity name (e.g., business entity name) and a second entity name. The matching analysis comprises comparing a first entity category descriptor that has been amended into the first entity name with a second entity category descriptor that has been amended into the second entity name. If a match is identified in the category descriptors, the first and second entity names may comprise the same entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Carolyn Johnston
  • Patent number: 8346060
    Abstract: A system for creating customized audiovisual content is provided. The system includes a location cue system for providing a plurality of synchronized location cues to direct a plurality of movement sequences for an actor. A speech cue system for providing a plurality of synchronized speech cues to direct a plurality of spoken sequences for the actor. A sequence controller for receiving location cue data and speech cue data and controlling the location cue system and the speech cue system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: ScreenFX Studios, LP
    Inventors: Carolyn Johnston, Michael Mooney