Patents Assigned to Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.
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Publication number: 20160313445Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: October 27, 2016Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160103224Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Patent number: 9277204Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9261357Abstract: A dimensioning system that determines the dimensions and volume of an object by using a three-dimensional camera that measures the distance to every reflective point in its field of view with a single pulse of light. The distance is computed by the time of flight of the pulse to each camera pixel. The accuracy of the measurement is augmented by capture of the laser pulse shape in each camera pixel. The camera can be used on an assembly line to develop quality control data for manufactured objects or on a moving or stationary system that weighs as well as dimensions the objects. The device can also ascertain the minimum size of a box required to enclose an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS INC.Inventor: Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9229109Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Publication number: 20150301180Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, high performance LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for terrain mapping. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D topographical, water surface, floating object, bathymetric, biological gas cloud, poison gas cloud, or smoke stack emission mapping data. The 3-D focal planes are used in a variety of physical configurations which provide advantages over prior art terrain mapping LADAR sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS INC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland, Joseph Spagnolia, Bart Goldstein
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Patent number: 9110169Abstract: A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Publication number: 20150202939Abstract: A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: July 23, 2015Applicant: ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, INC.Inventor: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.
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Patent number: 9087387Abstract: The present invention tracks or locates small moving objects, or generates a 3-D frame of data by using 3-D focal plane arrays with low laser energy and few mechanically moving parts. The invention may be used to determine the direction of a laser designating a target, for target tracking, used as a 3-D movie/video camera or used to provide data for autonomous navigation.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard W. Bailey
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Patent number: 9086486Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heughebaert, Barton M. Goldstein
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Patent number: 9069080Abstract: A vehicle and ladar sensor assembly system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to identify potential collisions with the vehicle. A low cost assembly is developed which can be easily mounted within a body panel cutout of a vehicle, and which connects to the vehicle electrical and computer systems through the vehicle wiring harness. The vehicle has a digital processor which interprets 3D data received from the ladar sensor assembly, and which is in control of the vehicle subsystems for steering, braking, acceleration, and suspension. The digital processor onboard the vehicle makes use of the 3D data and the vehicle control subsystems to avoid collisions and steer a best path.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 8976340Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Bob Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joe Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20140340487Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 8878978Abstract: The present invention determines the dimensions and volume of an object by using a novel 3-D camera that measures the distance to every reflective point in its field of view with a single pulse of light. The distance is computed by the time of flight of the pulse to each camera pixel. The accuracy of the measurement is augmented by capture of the laser pulse shape in each camera pixel. The camera can be used on an assembly line to develop quality control data for manufactured objects or on a moving or stationary system that weighs as well as dimensions the objects. The device can also ascertain the minimum size of a box required to enclose an object.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts Inc.Inventor: Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20140293265Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS, INC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Patent number: 8804101Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Spagnolia, Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 8797512Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Publication number: 20140160460Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heughebaert, Barton M. Goldstein
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Patent number: 8743176Abstract: A hybrid three dimensional imaging camera comprises a 2-D video camera utilizing a focal plane array visible light detector and a 3-D flash laser radar utilizing an infrared focal plane array detector. The device is capable of capturing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. A production system combining multiple hybrid 3-D cameras around a subject provides 3-D solid models of an object or scene in the common field of view.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Brad Short, Patrick Gilliland, Tom Laux, Laurent Heughebaert
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Patent number: 8692980Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heughebaert, Bart Goldstein