Patents by Inventor Christian Thiel

Christian Thiel 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).

  • Publication number: 20240329231
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of generating an environment reference model for positioning comprising: receiving multiple data sets representing a scanned environment including information about a type of sensor used and data for determining an absolute position of objects or feature points represented by the data sets; extracting one or more objects or feature points from each data set; determining a position of each object or feature point in a reference coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional vector representation of the scanned environment aligned with the reference coordinate system including representation of the objects or feature points at corresponding locations, creating links between the objects or feature points in the three dimensional vector model with an identified type of sensor by which they can be detected in the environment; and storing the three-dimensional vector model representation and the links in a retrievable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, Bingtao Gao
  • Patent number: 12061252
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of generating an environment reference model for positioning comprising: receiving multiple data sets representing a scanned environment including information about a type of sensor used and data for determining an absolute position of objects or feature points represented by the data sets; extracting one or more objects or feature points from each data set; determining a position of each object or feature point in a reference coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional vector representation of the scanned environment aligned with the reference coordinate system including representation of the objects or feature points at corresponding locations, creating links between the objects or feature points in the three dimensional vector model with an identified type of sensor by which they can be detected in the environment; and storing the three-dimensional vector model representation and the links in a retrievable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, Bingtao Gao
  • Publication number: 20230138487
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of generating an environment reference model for positioning comprising: receiving multiple data sets representing a scanned environment including information about a type of sensor used and data for determining an absolute position of objects or feature points represented by the data sets; extracting one or more objects or feature points from each data set; determining a position of each object or feature point in a reference coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional vector representation of the scanned environment aligned with the reference coordinate system including representation of the objects or feature points at corresponding locations, creating links between the objects or feature points in the three dimensional vector model with an identified type of sensor by which they can be detected in the environment; and storing the three-dimensional vector model representation and the links in a retrievable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, Bingtao Gao
  • Publication number: 20220398825
    Abstract: A method of complementing a map of a scene with 3D reference points including four steps. In a first step, data is collected and recorded based on samples of at least one of an optical sensor, a GNSS, and an IMU. A second step includes initial pose generation by processing of the collected sensor data to provide a track of vehicle poses. A pose is based on a specific data set, on at least one data set re-coded before that dataset and on at least one data set recorded after that data set. A third step includes SLAM processing of the initial poses and collected optical sensor data to generate keyframes with feature points. In a fourth step 3D reference points are generated by fusion and optimization of the feature points by using future and past feature points together with a feature point at a point of processing. This second and fourth steps provides significantly better results than SLAM or VIO methods known from prior art, as the second and the fourth steps are based on recorded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Bingtao Gao, Tongheng Chen, Dehao Liu, James Herbst, Bo Hu, Han Zhang, Cheng Luo, Christian Thiel
  • Patent number: 11513211
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of generating an environment reference model for positioning comprising: receiving multiple data sets representing a scanned environment including information about a type of sensor used and data for determining an absolute position of objects or feature points represented by the data sets; extracting one or more objects or feature points from each data set; determining a position of each object or feature point in a reference coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional vector representation of the scanned environment aligned with the reference coordinate system including representation of the objects or feature points at corresponding locations; creating links between the objects or feature points in the three-dimensional vector model with an identified type of sensor by which they can be detected in the environment; and storing the three-dimensional vector model representation and the links in a retrievable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, Bingtao Gao
  • Publication number: 20210304518
    Abstract: Method and system for generating an environment model for positioning include the generation of a 3D model of a scanned environment from a mobile entity, the 3D model being construed as a point cloud. A segmentation of the point cloud of the 3D model in a plurality of segmented portions of the point cloud is performed, and 3D objects are modelled directly from the point cloud by analyzing each of the segmented portions of the point cloud. The generated 3D model of the scanned environment is matched with an existing 3D model of the environment. A database representing of an improved 3D model of the environment is generated by aligning the existing 3D model of the environment and the generated 3D model of the scanned environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Bingtao Gao, Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard
  • Patent number: 11085774
    Abstract: A method and a system for generating and updating a digital road description database containing object-based information about at least one of a road object, a road furniture object and a geographic object is disclosed. A vehicle is collecting ambient data like images along multiple sections of its path, generating third data sets comprising at least location information and detailed object-based information. The third data sets are forwarded to a server database. The database identifies common groups of object reference points in multiple vehicle path sections and generates alignment functions for matching and/or aligning the at least one group of object reference points in at least two of the vehicle path sections relating to the same part of the road. The same alignment function is applied to all other third data sets of the same vehicle path section. The database updates the fourth data sets in the database based on processing the third data sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, James Herbst, Ralf Johannes Lenninger, Frank Foersterling
  • Patent number: 10970317
    Abstract: A method and a system of a two-step object data processing by a vehicle and a database for generating and updating a digital road description database containing object-based information about road objects is disclosed. First, the server database comprises fourth data sets and generates and forwards first data sets to the vehicle, which are related to the area of interest of the vehicle. The vehicle is collecting a plurality of ambient data sets at least along a specific section of its path. It is performing the first step of object data processing by evaluating a selection of the plurality of ambient data sets and generating at least one second data set comprising at least location information and detailed object-based information. It further generates third data sets containing differences between the object-based information of the second data sets and the object-based information of the first data sets and forwards the third data sets to the server database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, James Herbst, Ralf Johannes Lenninger, Frank Foersterling
  • Publication number: 20210088648
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of generating an environment reference model for positioning comprising: receiving multiple data sets representing a scanned environment including information about a type of sensor used and data for determining an absolute position of objects or feature points represented by the data sets; extracting one or more objects or feature points from each data set; determining a position of each object or feature point in a reference coordinate system; generating a three-dimensional vector representation of the scanned environment aligned with the reference coordinate system including representation of the objects or feature points at corresponding locations; creating links between the objects or feature points in the three-dimensional vector model with an identified type of sensor by which they can be detected in the environment; and storing the three-dimensional vector model representation and the links in a retrievable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Thiel, Paul Barnard, Bingtao Gao
  • Publication number: 20180246907
    Abstract: A method and a system of a two-step object data processing by a vehicle and a database for generating and updating a digital road description database containing object-based information about road objects is disclosed. First, the server database comprises fourth data sets and generates and forwards first data sets to the vehicle, which are related to the area of interest of the vehicle. The vehicle is collecting a plurality of ambient data sets at least along a specific section of its path. It is performing the first step of object data processing by evaluating a selection of the plurality of ambient data sets and generating at least one second data set comprising at least location information and detailed object-based information. It further generates third data sets containing differences between the object-based information of the second data sets and the object-based information of the first data sets and forwards the third data sets to the server database.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Christian THIEL, Paul BARNARD, James HERBST, Ralf Johannes LENNINGER, Frank FOERSTERLING
  • Publication number: 20180239032
    Abstract: A method and a system for precision vehicle positioning based on a digital road description database containing fourth data sets with object-based information about at least one of a road object, a road furniture object and a geographic object is disclosed. First data sets based on the fourth data sets are forwarded to a vehicle. The vehicle is collecting ambient data like images along its path, generating second data sets comprising at least location information and detailed object-based information. During driving and after generating second data sets, the vehicle tries to identify in the second data sets the same driving-relevant objects and/or object reference points and/or groups of driving-relevant objects and/or object reference points as are contained in the first data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Christian THIEL, Paul BARNARD, James HERBST, Ralf Johannes LENNINGER, Frank FOERSTERLING
  • Publication number: 20180231387
    Abstract: A method and a system for generating and updating a digital road description database containing object-based information about at least one of a road object, a road furniture object and a geographic object is disclosed. A vehicle is collecting ambient data like images along multiple sections of its path, generating third data sets comprising at least location information and detailed object-based information. The third data sets are forwarded to a server database. The database identifies common groups of object reference points in multiple vehicle path sections and generates alignment functions for matching and/or aligning the at least one group of object reference points in at least two of the vehicle path sections relating to the same part of the road. The same alignment function is applied to all other third data sets of the same vehicle path section. The database updates the fourth data sets in the database based on processing the third data sets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Christian THIEL, Paul BARNARD, James HERBST, Ralf Johannes LENNINGER, Frank FOERSTERLING
  • Patent number: 8972609
    Abstract: A network interface for the secure transmission of data comprises a functionally encapsulated unit that encompasses the elements required to ensure a minimum functionality of the network interface, with access from the outside of said encapsulated unit being possible only via specific shared services. Reliable transmission between nodes of a communication network is ensured by encapsulating a network interface of at least one of the nodes, and by ensuring a minimal functionality of the network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Reiner Klos, Patrick Heck, Christian Thiel
  • Patent number: 8909172
    Abstract: A digital network for communication between a plurality of subscribers by means of streaming data comprises at least one subscriber that is a transmitter, and at least one subscriber that is a receiver. At least one transmitter is adapted to be activated, and then to feed streaming data in the form of broadcasts or multicasts into the network. Furthermore, at least one receiver is adapted to be activated, and then to select from the network streaming data that are compatible with its data formats, and to read the selected streaming data from the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Rainer Klos, Christian Thiel, Claudius Becker
  • Patent number: 8767755
    Abstract: A network router connects network nodes within a ring network for transferring frames of data within the network. The network router has a plurality of network ports which provide a physical interface to the network nodes. The network router further has a routing processor which is connected to the network ports. The routing processor is configured for receiving frames and transmitting frames at the same time. It reads a specific payload section from a received frame and places the data read from the specific payload section within another specific payload section of a frame to be transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Thiel
  • Publication number: 20120307834
    Abstract: A network router connects network nodes within a ring network for transferring frames of data within the network. It has a plurality of network ports which pro-vide a physical interface to the network nodes. The network router further has a routing processor which is connected to the network ports. The routing processor is configured for receiving frames and transmitting frames at the same time. It reads a specific payload section from a frame to be received and places with payload section within another specific payload section of a frame to be transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SMSC EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Christian Thiel
  • Patent number: 7668182
    Abstract: A network for data transmission comprises a plurality of sub-networks for transmitting data in data frames. The sub-networks have different transmission rates and are connected to each other via at least one gateway. The transmission of the data frames is effected with a defined timing relationship between the sub-networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Patrick Heck, Christian Thiel
  • Patent number: 7502588
    Abstract: A dissemination system for satellite broadcasting comprises a satellite receiving antenna for receiving satellite signals, receivers for demodulating the signals received by the antenna, and a line system for relaying the signals to a plurality of subscribers, in which the receivers are assigned to the satellite receiving antenna in close spatial proximity, and only demodulated or decoded signals are relayed to the subscribers by means of the line system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Rainer Klos, Patrick Heck, Christian Thiel
  • Publication number: 20070255855
    Abstract: A communication system, network, interface, and port architecture are provided for transporting different types of data across a network. The network can be arranged by connecting the ports in a daisy-chain fashion to achieve a ring architecture or topology. The network forwards data according to a specific network protocol, and nodes among the network can use a recovered clock from the bitstream to drive the transmitter and create a synchronous network even thought the network can receive Ethernet packets which are typically targeted for an asynchronous network. Non-compliant data, such as Ethernet data, can be sent as packets within a frame structure. The frame is synchronized to Ethernet coding violations used to signal the beginning of each frame, and each packet can be immediately followed by a packet coding violation. The frame and packet coding violations are represented as a sequence of 4B/5B codes that are not valid codes and, therefore, not present as Ethernet encoded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Knapp, Rainer Mueller, Horace Ho, Patrick Heck, Rainer Klos, Christian Thiel
  • Publication number: 20060045135
    Abstract: A network for data transmission comprises a plurality of sub-networks for transmitting data in data frames. The sub-networks have different transmission rates and are connected to each other via at least one gateway. The transmission of the data frames is effected with a defined timing relationship between the sub-networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Patrick Heck, Christian Thiel