Patents Examined by Matthew David
  • Patent number: 11598852
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging receiver includes a carrier frame, a lens assembly, a first set of screws, and a light sensor assembly mounted on the carrier frame. The lens assembly includes a lens holder mounted on the carrier frame by a first set of elastic connectors attached to the carrier frame and the lens holder, and a lens installed on the lens holder. The light sensor assembly is configured to both rotate and linearly move with respect to the carrier frame, and includes a board mount and a sensor board installed on the board mount. The first set of screws are in contact with the lens holder, and are adjustable to change a distance and/or an orientation of the lens holder with respect to the carrier frame such that the lens may form an image on a predetermined area on the sensor board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Anan Pan, Henghui Jiang
  • Patent number: 11595632
    Abstract: Example embodiments described herein relate to a camera configuration system to perform operations that include: capturing an image at a sensor device, the image comprising a set of image features; accessing a calibration template in response to the capturing the image at the sensor device; generating a presentation of the image, the presentation of the image including a display of the calibration template overlaid upon the image; and causing display of the presentation of the image at a client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Samsara Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Evaline Shin-Tin Tsai, Ishaan Kansal, Kieran K. Gupta
  • Patent number: 11582385
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transportable recording apparatus for recording data for a localized panoramic image of a street for detachable mounting in and/or on a vehicle. The transportable recording apparatus has a computing unit, a buffer accumulator, a switch-mode power supply, a camera for recording a continuous film and a fastening device for the camera. Moreover, a device for satellite-based position and time determination as well as an electric power supply device for the electric power supply of the components are provided. The camera, the fastening device and the device for satellite-based position and time determination are designed separately and spatially apart from the computing unit. The transportable recording apparatus can be dismantled into individual parts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with the transportable recording apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Parkling GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Fretter, Detlev Huelsebusch
  • Patent number: 11579400
    Abstract: A vehicular camera for a vehicular vision system includes a PCB having an imager disposed thereat, a lens barrel accommodating a lens, and a lens barrel support structure that protrudes from the PCB and at least partially circumscribes the imager. The lens barrel has an outer surface that extends between the ends of the lens barrel. The outer surface of the lens barrel is adhesively bonded to an inner surface of the lens barrel support structure via adhesive. The outer surface of the lens barrel radially opposes the inner surface of the lens barrel support structure where the adhesive is disposed. With the adhesive in its uncured state and contacting the opposed surfaces, the imager is optically aligned with the lens accommodated at the lens barrel. With the imager optically aligned with the lens, the adhesive is cured to adhesively attach the lens barrel at the lens barrel support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Martin J. Reckker, Steven V. Byrne, Rene Dreiocker, Jonathan D. Conger, Jose Luis Zamudio Cabral, Jazmin Hortensia Gallardo Gabaldon, Robert A. Devota, Matthew C. Sesti
  • Patent number: 11575808
    Abstract: A camera is usable to observe a switched position of a switch contact of a switchgear apparatus. In an embodiment, the camera includes a light source to illuminate the switch contact, an image sensor, and a lens to focus light beams emanating from the switch contact onto the image sensor. In an embodiment, the camera additionally includes an elastic light protection cap to seal off a beam path, from the lens to the image sensor, from the light source in a lightproof manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Hild, Stefan Kern
  • Patent number: 11570422
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a sensor unit disposed on a load-bearing device of an industrial truck includes the steps of: determining a first position of the sensor unit relative to an object located remotely from the industrial truck, displacing the sensor relative to the object in a first direction by a first distance, determining a second position of the sensor unit relative to the object, determining the spatial position or arrangement of the sensor unit relative to the load-bearing device based on the first and second positions, the direction of movement, and the distance between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bistry Hannes
  • Patent number: 11554755
    Abstract: A method for controlling a sensor assembly cleaning apparatus includes receiving sensor data from various vehicle sensors, determining a level of obscurement of the transparent surface, and determining whether the level of obscurement exceeds a threshold level. If the transparent surface is obscured beyond the threshold level, a control signal may be sent to the apparatus to initiate the ejection of pressurized air onto the transparent surface. Optionally, the method may further evaluate other parameters such as the vehicle velocity in relation to a threshold vehicle velocity prior to sending the control signal to ensure that the cleaning operation using pressurized air would not be superfluous in light of the vehicle velocity. In addition, a method for selectively activating the sensor assembly cleaning apparatus includes determining an activation schedule for the apparatus based on an arrangement of transparent surfaces and controlling the apparatus to operate based on the activation schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventor: Anatolii Vitanov
  • Patent number: 11542680
    Abstract: An electric hydraulic excavator (1) includes an automotive lower traveling structure (2) and an upper revolving structure (3) mounted on the lower traveling structure (2) to be capable of revolving thereto. The upper revolving structure (3) includes a revolving frame (5) as a base, a counterweight (13) disposed on a rear side of the revolving frame (5), and an electric power source (9) that is positioned on a front side of the counterweight (13) to be mounted on the revolving frame (5) and is power-fed from an external electric current source. The counterweight (13) is provided with a cable insertion hole (16) as disposed therein. A power feeding cable (12) is inserted in the cable insertion hole (16) for connection between the external electric current source and the electric power source (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Tierra Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Kihara, Kiwamu Takahashi, Takeshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 11539435
    Abstract: Techniques and examples pertaining to single channel line-of-sight (LOS) communication are described. The transmitting end of the LOS communication involves direct modulation of a light emitted from a light emitter. The receiving end of the LOS communication involves receiving a video stream of the light emitter emitting the light, wherein the video stream comprises a plurality of video frames that are continuous in time. The receiving end of the LOS communication also involves converting the video stream to a binary string comprising a plurality of binary bits. Each of the binary bits corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of video frames, and the binary string contains a repeated binary pattern representing a message being conveyed. The receiving end of the LOS communication also involves extracting the binary pattern from the binary string and then decoding the binary pattern to obtain the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aditya Singh, Weifeng Xiong, James Carthew
  • Patent number: 11523057
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for operation of image capture devices. For example, systems may include an image sensor configured to capture images; a mechanical stabilization system, including gimbals and motors, that is integrated with the image sensor and configured to control an orientation of the image sensor; and a processing apparatus configured to: detect an occurrence of a triggering event; and, responsive to the occurrence of the triggering event, send commands to motor controllers of the mechanical stabilization system to electronically control the gimbals and motors to assume a fold-flat position, maintain the fold-flat position for a time period, and, after the time period expires, power off the gimbals and motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean Flanigan
  • Patent number: 11516444
    Abstract: A switchgear includes a modular optical monitoring system for examining switchgear switching positions and at least one isolating switch accommodated in an encapsulated housing. The encapsulated housing is disposed in an installation housing. The encapsulated housing has a first transparent window in one region and a fiber-optic system leads from an outer side of the installation housing to the first transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Kay Czeromin
  • Patent number: 11516440
    Abstract: A method for modal analysis of bridge structures based on surveillance videos is provided. A plurality of continuous cameras are utilized for realizing high-precision surveillance for the structure of the bridge. Firstly, a plurality of regions are selected in the viewing angle of each of the cameras, and a conversion relation between images of the regions and actual displacements is calculated; next, displacements on the images shot by the cameras are converted into actual displacements of targets, so as to obtain displacements of the targets relative to the cameras; displacements of the adjacent cameras are sequentially passed according to a difference value from the ground of an abutment, so as to obtain displacements of all camera bodies; and finally, the displacements of all the targets relative to the ground of the abutment are calculated, and the structural mode of the bridge is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xiaowei Ye, Zhexun Li, Tao Jin
  • Patent number: 11509800
    Abstract: A thermoelectric element is provided between an on-board camera and a windshield. The on-board camera incorporates a temperature sensor, heat is caused to be transferred from the on-board camera to the windshield when a temperature of the on-board camera is equal to or greater than a threshold, and when the temperature of the on-board camera is lower than the threshold, a space formed by the on-board camera and the windshield is warmed by heat generated by the thermoelectric element itself, whereby condensation on the windshield is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Katayama, Nariaki Takehara, Noritaka Kokido
  • Patent number: 11506874
    Abstract: Optical imaging systems configured to image object space in multiple fields-of-view (FOVs)—front and lateral FOVs—and form corresponding images that are co-oriented and co-directional regardless of mutual repositioning of the object and imaging systems. Images formed with such optical systems in which FFOV— and LFOV-image portions are co-directional. Co-directionality of formed images is achieved due to direct imaging with a system utilizing a specific involute reflective surface or as a result of radial spatial redistribution of irradiance of an initial image(s), formed with a system devoid of an involute reflective surface, while maintaining aspect ratios of dimensions of corresponding pixels of initial and transformed images. Methodology of transformation of images utilizing radial redistribution of image irradiance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: OMNISCIENT IMAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Bhaskar Banerjee, Brian Scaramella, Richard Pfisterer, Scott Ellis
  • Patent number: 11470340
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for video encoding/decoding. In some examples, an apparatus for video decoding includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry decodes prediction information for a current block in a current picture. The processing circuitry determines whether an area of the current block is smaller than or equal to a threshold. The processing circuitry constructs a motion vector predictor list including a number of motion vector predictors. The number of motion vector predictors is based on whether the area of the current block is determined to be smaller than or equal to the threshold. The processing circuitry reconstructs the current block based on the motion vector predictor list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Tencent America LLC
    Inventors: Xiaozhong Xu, Xiang Li, Shan Liu
  • Patent number: 11464149
    Abstract: A component mounting includes an external monitoring camera that images an outside work area that is an area outside of the component mounting machine at which an operator performs work with respect to the component mounting machine. The outside work area of the component mounting machine includes at least an area where a feeder is set, and a monitoring target is at least a state during and after completion of setting the feeder on the component mounting machine and during and after completion of setting component supply tape on the feeder. By looking at a recorded image or a real time image displayed on a display device by using the external monitoring camera to capture an outside work area of the component mounting machine, it is possible to check the state of the monitoring target on which an operator performed work in the outside work area of the component mounter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FUJI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kawai, Fumitaka Maeda
  • Patent number: 11463680
    Abstract: Generating a three-dimensional (3D) map of an environment includes receiving, via a 3D-scanner that is mounted on a moveable platform, a 3D-scan of the environment while the moveable platform moves through the environment. The method further includes receiving via a two-dimensional (2D) scanner that is mounted on the moveable platform, a portion of a 2D-map of the environment, and receiving first coordinates of the scan position in the 2D-map. The method further includes associating the scan position with the portion of the 2D-map as a virtual landmark. In response to the movable platform being brought back at the virtual landmark, a displacement vector for the 2D-map is determined based on a difference between the first coordinates and a second coordinates that are determined for the scan position. A revised scan position is calculated based on the displacement vector, and the revised scan position is used to register the 3D-scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Oliver Zweigle, Aleksej Frank, Ahmad Ramadneh, Mufassar Waheed
  • Patent number: 11423662
    Abstract: A device for removing or killing weeds, comprising a first image capturing apparatus for capturing a first ground image, a data processing unit connected thereto and an agricultural machine controlled by the data processing unit, which is designed for the targeted removal or killing of weeds, wherein the data processing apparatus is configured to receive the first ground image from the first image capturing apparatus, to receive manually determined position data from at least one connected terminal, which indicate the position of weeds and/or crops and/or ground structures, e.g. rows of plants, which have been detected in the first ground image by one or more users, and, on the basis of the position data, to control the agricultural machine in such a way that it removes or kills the weeds in a targeted manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: AVENTUM GMBH, ANDREAS SCHNEEMAYER
    Inventors: Albert Neumann, Andreas Schneemayer
  • Patent number: 11418701
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of a method of auto-setting a video content analysis module configured to analyse representation of predetermined targets in images of a scene captured by a video-camera, the method comprising: obtaining a quality indicator of images captured by the video-camera, the quality indicator being determined as a function of the video content analysis module; obtaining characteristics of representations of the predetermined targets in images of the scene captured by the video-camera; and for each setting of a set of settings of the video content analysis module, estimating a performance indicator of the video content analysis module according to the considered setting, the performance indicator being determined as a function of at least the obtained quality indicator and the obtained characteristics; based on the estimated performance indicators, selecting a setting for the video content analysis module; and setting the video content analysis module according to the selected setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Johann Citerin, Gérald Kergourlay, Falk Tannhauser, Pierre Visa
  • Patent number: 11412121
    Abstract: [SUMMARY] [OBJECT] To provide a vehicle-mounted camera capable of achieving both of miniaturization and high functionality. [MEANS FOR SOLVING] The vehicle-mounted camera includes an optical unit, a frame, a cover member, a holder, and a pair of screw members. The frame includes a front wall portion having a flat plate shape and extending along a plane orthogonal to an axis, and a pair of first through-hole portions provided to the front wall portion. The cover member includes a pair of second through-hole portions adjacent to the pair of first through-hole portions in a forward direction of the axis. The holder includes a holding portion that holds the optical unit, a pair of columnar portions that protrude in the forward direction and are inserted into the pair of first through-hole portions and the pair of second through-hole portions from a rearward direction of the axis, and a pair of screw hole portions formed toward the rearward direction from distal end portions of the pair of columnar portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiro Tokito