Patents Examined by Yuqing Xiao
  • Patent number: 11802965
    Abstract: Techniques for Doppler correction of chirped optical range detection include obtaining a first set of ranges based on corresponding frequency differences between a return optical signal and a first chirped transmitted optical signal with an up chirp that increases frequency with time. A second set of ranges is obtained based on corresponding frequency differences between a return optical signal and a second chirped transmitted optical signal with a down chirp. A matrix of values for a cost function is determined, one value for each pair of ranges that includes one in the first set and one in the second set. A matched pair of one range in the first set and a corresponding one range in the second set is determined based on the matrix. A Doppler effect on range is determined based on combining the matched pair of ranges. A device is operated based on the Doppler effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Randy R. Reibel, James Curry, Trenton Berg
  • Patent number: 11802951
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device that includes a display, a communication module, at least one microphone, at least one speaker, a processor operatively coupled to the display, the communication module, the microphone, and the speaker, and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The memory may store instructions, when executed, causing the processor to transmit, through the speaker, a first audio sound including first information, receive, through the microphone, a second audio sound including second information responding to the first information from a first external electronic device, transmit, through the speaker, a third audio sound including third information for acquiring a distance to the first external electronic device after receiving the second audio sound, and receive, through the microphone, a fourth audio sound including fourth information responding to the third information from the first external electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventors: Walyong Cho, Kyungmin Park
  • Patent number: 11796312
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to a system including a reference device, a measurement device and a processor. The measurement device provides a three-dimensional (3-D) point map corresponding to first positions of a plurality of selected points on a torso of a user. The processor determines a shape of the torso based on the 3-D point map. The measurement device is sequentially placed on the plurality of selected points, and the 3-D point map represents the first positions of the plurality of selected points relative to a second position associated with a location in 3-D space of the reference device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Wegene H. Tadele, Albert Wang, Motohide Hatanaka, Nicholas R. Trincia, William K. Smith
  • Patent number: 11796827
    Abstract: A Lidar system is provided. The Lidar system includes a laser emitter transmitting a first signal of a first wavelength. The Lidar system includes a filter receiving the first signal. The Lidar system includes a first dichroic filter switch filtering the first signal received by the variable waveplate or other filter. The Lidar system includes a receiver sensor receiving the filtered first signal. The Lidar system includes the laser emitter transmitting a second signal of a second wavelength. The Lidar system includes the variable waveplate or other filter receiving the second signal. The Lidar system includes the first dichroic filter switch filtering the second signal. The Lidar system includes the receiver sensor receiving the filtered second signal. A processor determines a distance of a target based on the received filtered first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Earhart, Kevin L. Whiteaker
  • Patent number: 11796641
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus (10) includes a switch (16), a first detector (19), and a second detector (20). The switch (16) includes an action surface (as) with a plurality of pixels (px) disposed thereon. The switch (16) is configured to switch each pixel (px) between the first state and the second state. In the first state, the pixels (px) cause electromagnetic waves incident on the action surface (as) to travel in a first direction (d1). In the second state, the pixels (px) cause the electromagnetic waves incident on the action surface (as) to travel in a second direction (d2). The first detector (19) detects the electromagnetic waves that travel in the first direction (d1). The second detector (20) detects the electromagnetic waves that travel in the second direction (d2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Okada, Eri Uchida, Hiroyuki Minagawa, Yoshiteru Takayama, Mitsuo Ono, Atsushi Hasebe, Katsutoshi Kawai, Yukitoshi Kanayama
  • Patent number: 11796638
    Abstract: In one example, an apparatus being part of a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) module is provided. The apparatus comprises a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and a substrate. The MEMS comprising an array of micro-mirror assemblies, each micro-mirror assembly comprises: a first flexible support structure and a second flexible support structure connected to the substrate; a micro-mirror comprising a first connection structure and a second connection structure, the first connection structure being connected to the first flexible support structure at a first connection point, the second connection structure being connected to the second flexible support structure at a second connection point, the first and second connection points being aligned with a rotation axis around which the micro-mirror rotates, the first flexible support structure and the second flexible support structure being configured to allow the first and second connection points to move when the micro-mirror rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Beijing Voyager Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youmin Wang, Yufeng Wang, Qin Zhou, Gary Li, Sergio Fabian Almeida Loya
  • Patent number: 11796680
    Abstract: Lidar detection device based on a lens and an integrated beam transceiver, comprising a laser, a coupling fiber, a substrate, an input waveguide, a connection waveguide, a 1×N optical switch, a switch electrical interface, N switch output waveguides, N transceiving units, an off-chip processor and a lens, wherein N is a positive integer above 2. The invention can realize three-dimensional detection of a target, and the invention has the characteristics of two-dimensional beam steering independent of wavelength switching, low control complexity, low electric power consumption, receiving and emitting monolithic integration and high receiving efficiency, and being compatible with two laser ranging functions of ToF and FMCW.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Kan Wu, Chao Li, Xianyi Cao, Jianping Chen
  • Patent number: 11789154
    Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to high speed remote imaging systems, such as Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems. Example embodiments describe systems that are configured to mitigate a walk-off effect that may limit a speed of operation of the imaging system. The walk-off effect may be characterized by a failure to steer returning signals to a designated input facet of the imaging system due to continuous rotation of mirrors associated with the steering mechanisms. The walk-off effect may be mitigating by configuring more than one input waveguide to receiving returning signals associated with an output signal. The input waveguides may be spaced apart and configured to sequentially receive the input signals. In some embodiments, walk-off mitigation may extend a range of operation of the imaging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: SiLC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Prakash Koonath, Shuren Hu, Mehdi Asghari, Bradley Jonathan Luff, Behnam Behroozpour
  • Patent number: 11789132
    Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems that use avalanche photo diodes for detecting returns of laser pulses. The bias voltage applied to the avalanche photo diode is adjusted to ensure that it operates at desired operating capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.
    Inventors: Yufeng Li, Yimin Li, Rui Zhang, Junwei Bao, Jim Li
  • Patent number: 11787331
    Abstract: Example vehicle includes a first headlight and a second headlight. The second headlight includes a laser configured to produce first light and an illumination source configured to produce second light. The second headlight also includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) optically coupled to the illumination source and a controller coupled to the SLM. The controller is configured to control the SLM to direct a reflection of the first light during a first operating mode and control the SLM to direct the second light during a second operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Peter Fenske
  • Patent number: 11789127
    Abstract: A laser scanner has multiple measuring beams for optical surveying of an environment. The laser scanner is configured to provide scanning with at least two different multi-beam scan patterns. Each multi-beam scan pattern is individually activatable by a computing unit of the laser scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Charles Leopold Elisabeth Dumoulin, Jürg Hinderling
  • Patent number: 11782136
    Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems to focus on one or more regions of interests within a field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.
    Inventors: Rui Zhang, Yimin Li, Junwei Bao, Jason Ferns
  • Patent number: 11782155
    Abstract: A distance measurement device includes a light emitting unit; a light receiving unit; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance to an object; and a controller that controls the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit to determine whether or not there is interference from another distance measurement device, from a distance calculation result from the distance calculation unit. The controller includes a light emission and exposure period-setting unit that sets a light emission and exposure period of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, a distance variation measurement unit that measures a variation of distance values repeatedly obtained in a predetermined duration by the distance calculation unit, and an interference determination unit that compares a distance variation value to a threshold value which is determined in advance, to determine whether or not there is interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI-LG DATA STORAGE, INC.
    Inventor: Takeshi Imai
  • Patent number: 11774614
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a system and method for generating images and location data of a subsurface object using existing infrastructure as a source. Many infrastructure objects (e.g., pipes, cables, conduits, wells, foundation structures) are constructed of rigid materials and have a known shape and location. Additionally these infrastructure objects can have exposed portions that are above or near the surface and readily accessible. A signal generator can be affixed to the exposed portion of the infrastructure object, which induces acoustic energy, or vibrations in the object. The object with affixed signal generator can then be used as a source in performing a subsurface imaging of subsurface objects, which are not exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Allen Richard Zhao, Kenton Lee Prindle, Kevin Forsythe Smith, Artem Goncharuk
  • Patent number: 11768294
    Abstract: An apparatus of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system for at least partial integration with a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an optical core assembly including an oscillating reflective element, an optical polygon element, and transmitting and collection optics. The apparatus includes a first exterior surface at least partially bounded by at least a first portion of a vehicle roof or at least a portion of a vehicle windshield. A surface profile of the first exterior surface aligns with a surface profile associated with at least one of the first portion of the vehicle roof or the portion of the vehicle windshield. A combination of the first exterior surface and the one or more additional exterior surfaces form a housing enclosing the optical core assembly including the oscillating reflective element, the optical polygon element, and the transmitting and collection optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Innovusion, Inc.
    Inventors: Yufeng Li, Ning-Yi Wang, Haosen Wang, Peng Wan, Yimin Li, Junwei Bao, Gil Salman
  • Patent number: 11762092
    Abstract: A method of acquiring distance information of an object by using a LiDAR apparatus includes: irradiating a first laser light of a first type toward surroundings of the LiDAR apparatus for a first time period; receiving a first reflected laser light of the first laser light reflected from a first object located around the LiDAR apparatus, by using an optical sensor of the LiDAR apparatus; irradiating a second laser light of a second type, which is different from the first type, toward the surroundings of the LiDAR apparatus for a second time period following the first time period; receiving a second reflected laser light of the second laser light reflected from a second object located around the LiDAR apparatus, by using the optical sensor; and acquiring an image frame including distance information representing a distance between the LiDAR apparatus and the first object and distance information representing a distance between the LiDAR apparatus and the second object, based on the first reflected laser light
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minsu Hwangbo, Myungsik Kim
  • Patent number: 11762151
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a technology in flash LiDAR applicable to a wide incidence-angle range. [Solution] An optical radar device (100) includes a light emitting unit (110) that diffusively radiates a laser beam, an arrayed light receiving unit (120) that receives the laser beam emitted from the light emitting unit (110) and reflected off an object whose range is to be determined (10), the arrayed light receiving unit (120) including light receiving elements arrayed two-dimensionally, and a telecentric lens (140) disposed between the object whose range is to be determined and the light receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Takahashi, Peter John Roberts
  • Patent number: 11754683
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to imaging LiDARs with separate transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) optical antennas fed by different optical waveguides. This pair of optical antennas can be activated at the same time through a dual-channel optical switch network, with the Tx antenna connected to a laser source and the Rx antenna connected to a receiver. The Tx and Rx antennas can be positioned adjacent to each other, so they point to approximately the same far-field angle. No optical alignment between the Tx and Rx is necessary. This LiDAR configuration, referred to herein as pseudo-monostatic LiDAR, eliminates spurious reflections and increases the dynamic range of the LiDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: nEYE Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tae Joon Seok, Ming Chiang A. Wu
  • Patent number: 11754709
    Abstract: An object detection device includes a signal generator configured to generate a drive signal including an identification signal for identifying ultrasonic waves, a transmitter configured to transmit an ultrasonic wave as a probe wave in response to the drive signal, a receiver configured to receive the ultrasonic wave to generate a reception signal, and a determiner configured to analyze frequencies of the reception signal to determine whether the received wave is a reflected wave of the probe wave, thereby detecting an object. The drive signal includes a ramp-up signal generated to be followed by the identification signal and is used to ramp up an amplitude of the probe wave. A frequency of the ramp-up signal is set to include a frequency at which a transmission/reception efficiency is higher than a transmission/reception efficiency at each of a maximum frequency of the identification signal and a minimum frequency of the identification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu Koyama, Mitsuyasu Matsuura, Satoru Noro, Hideki Otsuka, Tetsuya Aoyama
  • Patent number: 11747471
    Abstract: A monitoring device performs a method of detecting a need for maintenance of an exercise machine comprising a time-of-flight, ToF, sensor. The method comprises obtaining a measurement signal from the ToF sensor at a predefined operating condition of the exercise machine. Based on the measurement signal, the method determines a measured distance between the ToF sensor and a reflective element in the exercise machine. The measured distance has been found to be responsive to accumulation of deposits on the ToF sensor and is thus evaluated by the method to detect a need for cleaning. The method thereby enables preventive maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Anders Linge, Jens Rydberg, Henrik Bengtsson