Patents by Inventor Chengwu An

Chengwu An has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Electrical drive unit
    Patent number: 10576837
    Abstract: An electric drive unit is provided having an electric motor-generator coupled with a torque converter. Vehicles and machines employing the same, as well as methods of using the same, are also disclosed. The motor-generator may be configured to selectively drive a rotatable shaft with a motor output torque and generate electrical power from rotation of the rotatable shaft. The electric drive unit may further include a torque converter having an input and an output separated by a fluid coupling. The fluid coupling may be configured to selectively multiply torque received at the input such that a drive unit output torque at the output is selectively increased in at least a predetermined rotational speed range of the electric motor-generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Chengwu Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Lei Hao, Norman K. Bucknor, Michael A. Potter, Farzad Samie
  • Distance detection based on chromatic aberration
    Patent number: 10573024
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods of determining a distance between an object depicted in an image and an imaging device that captured that image. In particular, the disclosure discusses that an image may be separated into multiple derivative images, each of which is associated with a different wavelength of light. In some embodiments, an image may be separated into images associated with wavelengths of primary colors (e.g., red, green, and blue). Once separate images have been created, a sharpness value may be determined for each image. A distance between the object and the imaging device may then be calculated based on sharpness values associated with each of the separate images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Scott Michael Wilcox
  • Flare detection and avoidance in stereo vision systems
    Patent number: 10538326
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to monitoring exposure levels for individual cameras of a stereo camera system to reduce unwanted lens flaring which may disrupt stereo vision capabilities of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV may identify lens flaring by monitoring histogram data received from the cameras and then mitigate the lens flaring by performing aerial maneuvers with respect to the light source and/or moving camera componentry such as deploying a lens hood. The UAV may also identify lens flaring patterns that on a camera's sensor and determine a location of a peripheral light source based on these patterns. The UAV may then deploy a visor between the location of the peripheral light source and the cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Barry James O'Brien, Joshua John Watson
  • ELECTRICAL DRIVE UNIT
    Publication number: 20200016986
    Abstract: An electric drive unit is provided having an electric motor-generator coupled with a torque converter. Vehicles and machines employing the same, as well as methods of using the same, are also disclosed. The motor-generator may be configured to selectively drive a rotatable shaft with a motor output torque and generate electrical power from rotation of the rotatable shaft. The electric drive unit may further include a torque converter having an input and an output separated by a fluid coupling. The fluid coupling may be configured to selectively multiply torque received at the input such that a drive unit output torque at the output is selectively increased in at least a predetermined rotational speed range of the electric motor-generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Chengwu Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Lei Hao, Norman K. Bucknor, Michael A. Potter, Farzad Samie
  • Image-based weather condition detection
    Patent number: 10497129
    Abstract: Images captured by a camera system of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can be used to determine a weather condition in an environment of the UAV. The camera system of the UAV can capture one or more images, and a characteristic of at least one image of the one or more images can be determined from image data associated with the at least one image. A weather condition of the environment of the UAV can be determined based at least in part on the characteristic of the at least one image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Barry James O'Brien, Joshua John Watson
  • Location marker with retroreflectors
    Patent number: 10482775
    Abstract: A location marker that may be used to provide information to a vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The location marker may include a plurality of retroreflectors that may form a pattern readable by a vehicle or other device. The pattern may be read to extract an identifier of a location, such as an address or an identifier of a person. A global positioning system (GPS) device may transmit a general location of the location marker to the vehicle, while the location marker may provide a unique visual location identifier to a device within visual range of the location marker. In some embodiments, the location marker may also include lights that may be individually sequenced on and off at different times to create a time domain signal sequence that is readable by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Boyd, Chengwu Cui, Sarah Graber, Barry James O'Brien, Joshua John Watson, Scott Michael Wilcox
  • Continuously-variable transmission
    Patent number: 10473195
    Abstract: A continuously-variable transmission (CVT) assembly is employed for transmitting a torque from an external power-source. The CVT includes a variable-diameter input pulley and a variable-diameter output pulley, each having a respective range of adjustment. The CVT also includes a continuous torque-transmitting element extending between the variable-diameter input pulley and the variable-diameter output pulley, and thereby operatively connecting the input pulley to the output pulley. The CVT additionally includes a first elastic element having a first zero stiffness over the range of adjustment of the variable-diameter input pulley and configured to apply a first constant spring clamping force via the input pulley to the continuous torque-transmitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Farzad Samie, Jian Yao, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Method of controlling clamping of wedge-actuated CVT and powertrain with wedge-actuated CVT
    Patent number: 10473213
    Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes monitoring powertrain operating conditions, and calculating, via an electronic controller, a commanded clamping force based on the powertrain operating conditions, wherein the commanded clamping force includes a commanded clamping force of an input pulley and a commanded clamping force of an output pulley on the endless rotatable device. The method also includes activating, via the electronic controller, at least one of the input actuator and the output actuator such that an axial component of the input wedge force and the axial force of the input actuator together provide the commanded clamping force of the input pulley, and an axial component of the output wedge force and the axial force of the output actuator together provide the commanded clamping force of the output pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ying Huang, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Chengwu Duan
  • Continuously variable transmission with wedge actuation mechanism
    Patent number: 10473200
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises a shaft rotatable about an axis, and variator assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The variator assembly includes a pulley supported on the shaft and having a ramp surface, and an endless rotatable device frictionally engaged with the pulley. The ramp surface inclines in an axial direction along the axis toward the endless rotatable device. The CVT further comprises an actuator mechanism that includes a wedge component that has a wedge surface interfacing with the ramp surface, and a rotary piston operatively connected to the wedge component. The rotary piston defines a first fluid chamber pressurizable to apply a rotational force that provides relative motion between the ramp surface and the wedge surface resulting in a wedge force on the ramp surface and a clamping force of the endless rotatable device on the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Ying Huang, Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie
  • POWER SUPPLY MONITORING SYSTEM USING STRAIN GAUGES
    Publication number: 20190331740
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods for monitoring of a state of charge or a state of health of a battery are described. For example, the battery monitoring system may include strain gauges to measure dimensions or changes in dimension of cells of the battery, and may determine states of charge of the cells based on dimensional changes over time, e.g., based on data from strain gauges. The dimensional changes may also be corrected for dimensional changes due to thermal strain. In addition, states of health of individual cells of the battery may be determined by comparing the dimensional changes of each of the cells over time. Further, the data from strain gauges may be received at various frequencies, e.g., based on an expected operational duration of the battery and/or based on a current state of charge or state of health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Benjamin Martin Schweitzer
  • Cycle lock system and method
    Patent number: 10458490
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for locking a cycle. A clutch system of the cycle includes a forward lock system configured to alternatively prevent or allow operation of the cycle in a forward direction. A shaft extends through the clutch system. An actuator is configured to move the forward lock system along the shaft between a lock position and a free position. A controller is configured to shift the actuator, via a signal from a processor, between the lock position and the free position. The cycle is configured to be locked against forward operation by the clutch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen Gao, Chengwu Duan, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Methods and systems for controlling use of shared machines
    Patent number: 10438422
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a shared machine. The shared machine includes a mechanism that allows for an operational function of the shared machine to be controlled via a control system. A server system can process location information that indicates a location of the shared machine to determine whether the location corresponds to a non-permitted area. When the location corresponds to a non-permitted area, a command is generated to automatically place the mechanism in a first state so that the operational function of the shared machine is prevented from being enabled while the shared machine remains in the non-permitted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen Gao, Chengwu Duan, Yusheng Zou
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING USE OF SHARED MACHINES
    Publication number: 20190304204
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a shared machine. The shared machine includes a mechanism that allows for an operational function of the shared machine to be controlled via a control system. A server system can process location information that indicates a location of the shared machine to determine whether the location corresponds to a non-permitted area. When the location corresponds to a non-permitted area, a command is generated to automatically place the mechanism in a first state so that the operational function of the shared machine is prevented from being enabled while the shared machine remains in the non-permitted area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Zhen Gao, Chengwu Duan, Yusheng Zou
  • Continuously variable transmission
    Patent number: 10428914
    Abstract: The CVT includes a first pulley and a second pulley. Each of the first and second pulleys includes a first sheave, a second sheave, and a pulley axle operatively coupled between the first sheave and the second sheave. The first sheave can move relative to the second sheave along the pulley axle. Each of the first and second sheaves includes a sheave body and a plurality of sheave teeth protruding from the sheave body. The CVT further includes an endless rotatable device operatively coupled between the first and second pulleys. The endless rotatable device includes a plurality of pins interconnecting at least two of the links. The endless rotatable device further includes a plurality of device teeth each coupled to the pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Ying Huang
  • ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MAXIMIZING POWER UTILIZATION FROM ALTERATIVE ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCES
    Publication number: 20190273393
    Abstract: An energy management device of an energy management system includes a first input terminal connecting with a first backup electrical power source; a second input terminal connecting with a second normally on electrical power source; an output terminal connecting with an electrical panel of a facility; a switching device for providing a path between the output terminal and one of the first input terminal and the second input terminal; a current transformer measuring a current flow across the path; and a power management unit configured to control the switching device to switch the path to the first input terminal when a power value calculated based upon at least one of the measured current flow and a measured voltage on the path is greater than a predetermined power rating associated with the second normally on electrical power source, the predetermined power rating greater than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventor: Chengwu Chen
  • Power supply monitoring system using optical estimation
    Patent number: 10393821
    Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods for optical monitoring of a state of charge or a state of health of a battery are described. For example, the battery monitoring system may include an imaging device that captures images of cells of the battery and determines states of charge of the cells based on observed dimensional changes over time, e.g., relative to reference markers. The observed dimensional changes may also be corrected for dimensional changes due to thermal strain. In addition, states of health of individual cells of the battery may be determined by comparing the dimensional changes of each of the cells over time. Further, the images may be captured at various frequencies, e.g., based on an expected operational duration of the battery and/or based on a current state of charge or state of health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chengwu Cui, Benjamin Martin Schweitzer
  • Obstacle awareness based guidance to clear landing space
    Patent number: 10388172
    Abstract: Techniques for providing an object awareness guidance to clear a landing space may be provided. For example, during delivery an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may capture an image of a potential landing zone and identify one or more objects in the image that may impede or obstruct delivery of the item in the potential landing zone. The UAV may be configured to generate and provide instructions to a user device to move or remove the identified one or more objects from the potential landing zone thereby creating a safe and unobstructed landing zone to deliver the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Boyd, Chengwu Cui, Sarah Graber, Barry James O'Brien, Joshua John Watson, Scott Michael Wilcox
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTING OPERATION OF A ROAD VEHICLE WITH AN AERIAL DRONE
    Publication number: 20190227555
    Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting operation of a road vehicle with an aerial drone are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for assisting operation of a road vehicle with an aerial drone includes flying the aerial drone on a route ahead of the road vehicle and sensing an object at a location on the route ahead of the road vehicle with the aerial drone. Further, the method includes communicating data associated with the object and/or the location to the road vehicle. Also, the method includes utilizing the data to operate the road vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David Sun, Peggy Wang, Jian Yao, Chengwu Duan, Jiang L. Du
  • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION WITH WEDGE ACTUATION MECHANISM
    Publication number: 20190170231
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprises a shaft rotatable about an axis, and variator assembly, and an actuator mechanism. The variator assembly includes a pulley supported on the shaft and having a ramp surface, and an endless rotatable device frictionally engaged with the pulley. The ramp surface inclines in an axial direction along the axis toward the endless rotatable device. The CVT further comprises an actuator mechanism that includes a wedge component that has a wedge surface interfacing with the ramp surface, and a rotary piston operatively connected to the wedge component. The rotary piston defines a first fluid chamber pressurizable to apply a rotational force that provides relative motion between the ramp surface and the wedge surface resulting in a wedge force on the ramp surface and a clamping force of the endless rotatable device on the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chengwu Duan, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Ying Huang, Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie
  • METHOD OF CONTROLLING CLAMPING OF WEDGE-ACTUATED CVT AND POWERTRAIN WITH WEDGE-ACTUATED CVT
    Publication number: 20190170249
    Abstract: A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes monitoring powertrain operating conditions, and calculating, via an electronic controller, a commanded clamping force based on the powertrain operating conditions, wherein the commanded clamping force includes a commanded clamping force of an input pulley and a commanded clamping force of an output pulley on the endless rotatable device. The method also includes activating, via the electronic controller, at least one of the input actuator and the output actuator such that an axial component of the input wedge force and the axial force of the input actuator together provide the commanded clamping force of the input pulley, and an axial component of the output wedge force and the axial force of the output actuator together provide the commanded clamping force of the output pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ying Huang, Chunhao J. Lee, Jian Yao, Chengwu Duan