Patents Assigned to Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.
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Publication number: 20230256985Abstract: A method for avoiding a vehicle undercarriage collision includes identifying an object within a field of view of a vehicle with at least one sensor. a size of the object is determined by comparing the size of the object to a predetermined height of the undercarriage of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Joseph Burtch, Nizar Ahamed, Peter Lamprecht
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Publication number: 20230211734Abstract: A blind spot warning method is disclosed for a tow vehicle. The method includes determining whether a trailer is connected to the tow vehicle. Based on the determination whether the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle, the determines whether a blind spot zone corresponds to the tow vehicle or to the tow vehicle and the trailer. At least one instruction is sent to a user interface of the tow vehicle for displaying an image for viewing by a driver of the tow vehicle. The displayed image indicates the determination whether the blind spot zone corresponds to the tow vehicle or to the tow vehicle and the trailer, and indicates a presence or absence of at least one other vehicle disposed in the blind spot zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Andrew Boyd Robinson, Max Vancil, Oleg Ostrovskiy
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Publication number: 20220371514Abstract: A method for providing a panoramic view (152) of an environment behind a trailer (106) of a vehicle-trailer system (100). The method includes receiving a first image (133, 133b) from a rear trailer camera (132, 132b), a second image (133, 133c) from a right-side trailer camera (132, 132c), and a third image (133, 133d) from a left-side trailer camera (132, 132d). The method includes determining a panoramic view (152) based on the first image (133, 133b), the second image (133, 133c), and the third image (133, 133d). Additionally, the method includes determining a trailer angle (?) based on sensor system data (131) received from a sensor system (130). The method includes determining a viewing area (154) within the panoramic view (152) based on the trailer angle (?) and sending instructions (156) to a display (122) to display the viewing area (154).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventor: Aranza Hinojosa Castro
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Publication number: 20220358677Abstract: A method for calibrating extrinsic parameters (182) of a trailer camera (132d, 132e, 132f) supported by a trailer (106) attached to a tow vehicle (102). The method includes determining a three-dimensional feature map (162) from one or more vehicle images (133) received from a camera (132a, 132b, 132c) supported by the tow vehicle and identifying reference points (163) within the three-dimensional feature map. The method includes detecting the reference points within one or more trailer images received from the trailer camera after the vehicle and the trailer moved a predefined distance in the forward direction. The method also includes determining a trailer camera location (172) of the trailer camera (132d, 132e, 132f) relative to the three-dimensional feature map (162) and determining a trailer reference point (184) based on the trailer camera location. The method also includes determining extrinsic parameters (182) of the trailer camera relative to the trailer reference point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2020Publication date: November 10, 2022Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: James Hockridge Critchley, Xin Yu, Eduardo Jose Ramirez Llanos
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Publication number: 20220332307Abstract: A method for minimizing disturbance due to wind forces of a trailer being towed by a vehicle. The method also includes receiving, at a data processing hardware data from a sensor system for the tow vehicle. The method also includes determining, at the data processing hardware, a passing object profile. The method also includes predicting, at the data processing hardware, a wind force profile based upon the sensor data the passing object profile. The method also includes determining, at the data processing hardware, at least one preventative action for the vehicle to minimize the effect of disturbance on the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2020Publication date: October 20, 2022Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Jeremy J McClain, Marcus David Christensen, Dominik Froehlich
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Publication number: 20220314884Abstract: A method of providing a visualization (152) of one or more areas obscured by a trailer (200) attached to a vehicle (100) is provided. The method includes receiving first image data (133, 133a) from a first camera (132) positioned on a front portion of the vehicle (100) when the vehicle and the trailer are moving in a forward direction or a rear portion of the trailer when the vehicle and the trailer are moving in a rearward direction. The method also includes storing the received first image data. The method includes receiving speed data (135) of the vehicle from a speed sensor (134). The method also includes determining a visualization (152) of an area (Area 2) underneath the trailer (200) based on the stored first image data (133, 133a) and the speed data (135), and sending instructions to a display (122) to display the visualization of the area underneath the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2020Publication date: October 6, 2022Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Ravikanth Uppara, Aranza Hinojosa Castro
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Publication number: 20220035006Abstract: In one embodiment, a ladar system includes a laser transmitter with at least one semiconductor laser having a pulsed laser light output. A laser drive circuit is connected to said at least one semiconductor laser and adapted to electrically drive said at least one semiconductor laser in a predetermined sequence. A laser beam steering mechanism is adapted to scan the pulsed laser light output sequentially through the field of view. A two-dimensional array of light sensitive detectors receive reflected light and an integrated circuit calculates a direct time of flight distance measurement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick B Gilliland, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 11175384Abstract: In one embodiment, a ladar system includes a laser transmitter with at least one semiconductor laser having a pulsed laser light output. A laser drive circuit is connected to said at least one semiconductor laser and adapted to electrically drive said at least one semiconductor laser in a predetermined sequence. A laser beam steering mechanism is adapted to scan the pulsed laser light output sequentially through the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick B Gilliland, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20210293964Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor 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: March 22, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20210276545Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2021Publication date: September 9, 2021Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick B. Gilliland, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 11027726Abstract: 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: July 2, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick B Gilliland, Andrew Duerner
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Publication number: 20210080585Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W. Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20210003713Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors 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 ladar sensors to 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: September 14, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 10873711Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system includes a ladar sensor with a first field of view adapted to produce a three-dimensional image. The system also includes a visible light camera with a second field of view overlapping the first field of view and adapted to produce a two-dimensional image output. At least one digital processor is connected to the ladar sensor and the visible light camera and adapted to merge the three-dimensional image output with the two-dimensional image output into a three-dimensional point cloud output.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Brad Short, Patrick Gilliland, Thomas Laux, Laurent Heughebaert
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Publication number: 20200333437Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10802149Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors 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 ladar sensors to 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: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 10732283Abstract: 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: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W Koseluck, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10732264Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10557926Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor 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: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20200025895Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor 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: April 10, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner