Patents Assigned to Propulsion Systems
  • Publication number: 20250028022
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating target ranges, angles of arrival, and speed using optimization procedures. Target ranges are estimated by performing an optimization procedure to obtain a denoised signal, performing a correlation of a transmitted waveform and the denoised signal, and using a result of the correlation to determine an estimate of a distance between the sensor and at least one target. Target angles of arrival are estimated by determining ranges at which targets are located, and, for each range, constructing an array signal from samples of received echo signals, and using the array signal, performing another optimization procedure to estimate a respective angle of arrival for each target of the at least one target. Doppler shifts may also be estimated using another optimization procedure. Certain of the optimization procedures use atomic norm techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Publication number: 20240393438
    Abstract: A hybrid LiDAR system may include a long-range LiDAR subsystem characterized by a first range and a first azimuth angular coverage, and a short-range LiDAR subsystem characterized by a second range and a second azimuth angular coverage, wherein the first range is greater than the second range, and the second azimuth angular coverage is greater than the first azimuth angular coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Patent number: 12130361
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) LiDAR systems in which the fields of view of multiple illuminators (e.g., lasers) overlap and/or fields of view of multiple detectors (e.g., photodiodes) overlap. Some embodiments provide for illuminators that transmit substantially white pulse sequences that are substantially uncorrelated with each other so that they can be distinguished from one another when detected by a single detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Hassibi, Behrooz Rezvani
  • Publication number: 20240273663
    Abstract: A boat ramp occupancy indicator system having a server entity with database, a first input for receiving current weather and tidal information, a second input for receiving traffic information, and a plurality of smart phones having an end-user application operating therein. The system communicating with each one of the end-user applications operating on a smart phone. When a smart phone, operating the end-user application, is located at or near a selected boat ramp, the system sends a push notification to such user inquiring if the user is located at the boat ramp. The system determining, regardless of whether or not the user responds to the sent push notification, how busy the selected boat ramp is. The system, based upon how busy the selected boat ramp is determined to be, sending out informative notifications to other users who have designated the select boat ramp as a favorite boat ramp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Applicants: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC
    Inventors: Lars HOFFMANN, Daniel BIEFELD
  • Patent number: 12032091
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating target ranges, angles of arrival, and speed using optimization procedures. Target ranges are estimated by performing an optimization procedure to obtain a denoised signal, performing a correlation of a transmitted waveform and the denoised signal, and using a result of the correlation to determine an estimate of a distance between the sensor and at least one target. Target angles of arrival are estimated by determining ranges at which targets are located, and, for each range, constructing an array signal from samples of received echo signals, and using the array signal, performing another optimization procedure to estimate a respective angle of arrival for each target of the at least one target. Doppler shifts may also be estimated using another optimization procedure. Certain of the optimization procedures use atomic norm techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Hassibi, Behrooz Rezvani
  • Publication number: 20240219527
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems. In some embodiments, a LiDAR system comprises a plurality of N illuminators, each of the plurality of N illuminators configured to illuminate a respective one of a plurality of N illuminator fields-of-view (FOVs); a detector comprising at least one focusing component and at least one detector array, wherein the detector is configured to observe a detector FOV that overlaps at least a first illuminator FOV of the plurality of N illuminator FOVs; and at least one processor configured to cause a first illuminator of the plurality of N illuminators to emit an optical pulse to illuminate the first illuminator FOV, obtain a signal representing at least one reflected optical pulse detected by the detector, and determine a position of at least one target using the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI, Daryoosh REJALY, Daniel M. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20240219557
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems and methods of using them. In some embodiments, a LiDAR system comprises an array of optical components and at least one processor coupled to it. The array comprises n1 illuminators configured to illuminate a point in space, and n2 detectors configured to observe the point in space, wherein n1×n2>2 and the illuminators and n2 detectors are situated in a non-collinear arrangement. The at least one processor is configured to determine a first time-of-flight set corresponding to a first location of the LiDAR system at a first time; determine a second time-of-flight set corresponding to a second location of the LiDAR system at a second time; and solve an optimization problem to estimate a position of the target, wherein the optimization problem minimizes a cost function that takes into account the first time-of-flight set and the second time-of-flight set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI, Oguzhan TEKE, Ehsan ABBASI
  • Publication number: 20240159875
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques relating to a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system that includes a first optical array including a first active area, a second optical array including a second active area, wherein the first active area and the second active area are separated by a distance, and at least one optical component configured to laterally-shift a virtual image corresponding to at least one of the first optical array or the second optical array, thereby reducing a gap in a field of view (FOV) of the LiDAR system. The at least one optical component may be reflective, refractive, diffractive, or a combination of reflective, refractive, and/or diffractive. The at least one optical component may include one or more prisms and/or one or more mirrors. The optical arrays can be emitter arrays (e.g., lasers) or detector arrays (e.g., photodiodes). The techniques described herein can be used to combine more than two optical arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. BROWN
  • Patent number: 11967100
    Abstract: A navigational system and method for guiding a boat onto a trailer, which comprises at least one marker mounted on the trailer; a camera located on the boat to assist the system with determining a longitudinal axis of the boat, and generating images of at least a front area of the boat and the at least one marker; an image processing unit for 1) receiving and processing the images to determine the at least one marker, 2) estimating the longitudinal axis of the trailer, 3) generating a desired boat trajectory for aligning the longitudinal axis of the boat with the longitudinal axis of the trailer; and 4) periodically generating guidance output commands to the user to assist the user with following the desired boat trajectory and facilitate loading of the boat on the trailer; and an image display for sequentially displaying the generated images of the camera to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Traub, Gabriela Jager, Lars Hoffmann, Andrew Orvieto
  • Publication number: 20240125906
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical systems (e.g., LiDAR systems) and methods with improved eye safety. In some embodiments, a system includes a first light emitter configured to illuminate a first field of view (FOV) using light emitted at a first wavelength and a second light emitter configured to illuminate a second FOV using light emitted at a second wavelength. The second FOV is wider than the first FOV, and the first FOV extends to a further distance from the system than the second FOV. The system also includes a sensor configured to detect reflections off of targets within the second FOV, and at least one processor configured to execute one or more machine executable instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryoosh REJALY, Oguzhan TEKE, Daniel M. BROWN, Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Publication number: 20230382509
    Abstract: A gearcase for a marine propulsion system has an input shaft rotatable about a central axis of rotation and an output shaft coaxially arranged with the input shaft. A clutch assembly is operable between a first clutch position and a second clutch position, wherein, when the clutch assembly is in the first clutch position, the input shaft is coupled to the output shaft for rotating the output shaft in a first rotational direction. When the clutch assembly is in the second clutch position a gear assembly operably connects the input shaft to the output shaft for rotating the output shaft in an opposite second rotational direction. The gearcase can be part of a marine propulsion system, such as an outboard motor for a mud boat. A method of transferring power in a gearcase and a marine propulsion system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicants: ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC, ZF Padova S.r.l., Gator Tail LLC
    Inventors: Keith Stanley, Drew Orvieto, David Friedenberg, Andrea Pellegrinetti, Mattia Caracristi, Michele Zottele, Kyle Broussard, Blaine Broussard
  • Publication number: 20230333206
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating target ranges, angles of arrival, and speed using optimization procedures. Target ranges are estimated by performing an optimization procedure to obtain a denoised signal, performing a correlation of a transmitted waveform and the denoised signal, and using a result of the correlation to determine an estimate of a distance between the sensor and at least one target. Target angles of arrival are estimated by determining ranges at which targets are located, and, for each range, constructing an array signal from samples of received echo signals, and using the array signal, performing another optimization procedure to estimate a respective angle of arrival for each target of the at least one target. Doppler shifts may also be estimated using another optimization procedure. Certain of the optimization procedures use atomic norm techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Patent number: 11787325
    Abstract: A navigational system for guiding a boat onto a trailer comprising at least a portion of a tow vehicle which forms a natural marker for the navigation system. A camera is located on the boat to assist the navigational system with aligning a longitudinal axis of the boat with a longitudinal axis of the trailer. A central vertical (mid) axis of the camera is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the boat. An image processing unit receives and processes images from the camera. The image processing unit, based upon a determination of a position of the central vertical (mid) axis of the camera relative to a target area of the detected natural marker, generating guidance commands to assist a user with alignment of the longitudinal axis of the boat with the longitudinal axis of the trailer and thereby facilitate proper loading of the boat onto the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, ZF Marine Propulsion Systems Miramar, LLC
    Inventors: Stefan Traub, Gabriela Jager, Lars Hoffmann, Andrew Orvieto
  • Publication number: 20230168359
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods that may be used for autonomous driving and/or in autonomous vehicles. Some embodiments use an integrated wide-aperture multi-band radar subsystem and leverage the unique propagation properties of multiple bands and/or multiple sensor technologies to significantly improve detection and understanding of the scenery and, in particular, to see around corners to identify non-line-of-sight targets. In some embodiments, at least one processor of the system is capable of jointly processing return (reflected) signals in multiple bands to provide high accuracy in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather). The disclosed radar subsystem can be used alone or in conjunction with another sensing technology, such as, for example, LiDAR and/or cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Behrooz REZVANI, Babak HASSIBI, Fredrik BRÄNNSTRÖM, Oguzhan TEKE
  • Patent number: 11592521
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating target ranges, angles of arrival, and speed using optimization procedures. Target ranges are estimated by performing an optimization procedure to obtain a denoised signal, performing a correlation of a transmitted waveform and the denoised signal, and using a result of the correlation to determine an estimate of a distance between the sensor and at least one target. Target angles of arrival are estimated by determining ranges at which targets are located, and, for each range, constructing an array signal from samples of received echo signals, and using the array signal, performing another optimization procedure to estimate a respective angle of arrival for each target of the at least one target. Doppler shifts may also be estimated using another optimization procedure. Certain of the optimization procedures use atomic norm techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Hassibi, Behrooz Rezvani
  • Publication number: 20210325537
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) LiDAR systems in which the fields of view of multiple illuminators (e.g., lasers) overlap and/or fields of view of multiple detectors (e.g., photodiodes) overlap. Some embodiments provide for illuminators that transmit substantially white pulse sequences that are substantially uncorrelated with each other so that they can be distinguished from one another when detected by a single detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Patent number: 11047982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) LiDAR systems in which the fields of view of multiple illuminators (e.g., lasers) overlap and/or fields of view of multiple detectors (e.g., photodiodes) overlap. Some embodiments provide for illuminators that transmit pulse sequences that are substantially white and substantially uncorrelated so that they can be distinguished from one another when detected by a single detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Hassibi, Behrooz Rezvani
  • Publication number: 20210041562
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) LiDAR systems in which the fields of view of multiple illuminators (e.g., lasers) overlap and/or fields of view of multiple detectors (e.g., photodiodes) overlap. Some embodiments provide for illuminators that transmit pulse sequences that have substantially white autocorrelation and are substantially uncorrelated so that they can be distinguished from one another when detected by a single detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak HASSIBI, Behrooz REZVANI
  • Patent number: 10866304
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for estimating target ranges, angles of arrival, and speed using optimization procedures. Target ranges are estimated by performing an optimization procedure to obtain a denoised signal, performing a correlation of a transmitted waveform and the denoised signal, and using a result of the correlation to determine an estimate of a distance between the sensor and at least one target. Target angles of arrival are estimated by determining ranges at which targets are located, and, for each range, constructing an array signal from samples of received echo signals, and using the array signal, performing another optimization procedure to estimate a respective angle of arrival for each target of the at least one target. Doppler shifts may also be estimated using another optimization procedure. Certain of the optimization procedures use atomic norm techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Neural Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Hassibi, Behrooz Rezvani
  • Patent number: 10598119
    Abstract: A control system for an aero compression combustion drive assembly, the aero compression combustion drive assembly having an engine member, a transmission member and a propeller member, the control system including a sensor for sensing a pressure parameter in each of a plurality of compression chambers of the engine member, the sensor for providing the sensed pressure parameter to a control system device, the control system device having a plurality of control programs for effecting selected engine control and the control system device acting on the sensed pressure parameter to effect a control strategy in the engine member A control method is further included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Engineered Propulsion Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Weinzierl, Michael J. Fuchs, Alexander Seybold-Epting