Patents by Inventor Christopher N. St. John

Christopher N. St. John 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: 20230353722
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a cleaning system for a sensor such as a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using the sensor, wherein the sensor is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the sensor. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the sensor. The device may apply a cleaning system to the lens. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean image quality score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean image quality score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the cleaning system based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Dustin Ryan Yautz, Morgan M. Wagner, Eric K. Thong, Christopher N. St. John
  • Patent number: 11758121
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using a camera, wherein the camera is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the camera. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the camera. The device may apply a camera cleaning system to the lens of the camera. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the camera cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean SSIM score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean SSIM score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the camera cleaning system based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Ryan Yautz, Morgan M. Wagner, Eric K. Thong, Christopher N. St. John
  • Patent number: 11734857
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. For example, a system includes a camera that is configured to capture an image of a content object. A processor is programmed to: receive a signal indicative of the image of the content object during an electromagnetic event; generate an image quality score of the image; and generate a validation status of the camera based on a comparison of the image quality score to a validation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. St. John, Morgan M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 11729371
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for improved camera color calibration. An example method may involve capturing a first wavelength emitted by a first type of traffic light. The example method may also involve determining, based on the first wavelength, a first color value associated with the wavelength emitted by the first type of traffic light. The example method may also involve capturing, by a first camera, a first image, video, or real-time feed of a first portion of a test target, the first portion of the test target including a first light color that is based on the first color value. The example method may also involve determining, based on the first image, video, or real-time feed of the first portion of a test target, a second color value output by the camera. The example method may also involve determining, based on a comparison between the first color value and the second color value, that a difference exists between the first color value and the second color value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. St. John, Koji L. Gardiner, Ravi Babu Basavaraj, Bowei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20230179853
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhanced pointing angle validation. A device may generate a collimated beam using a light source emitting a light beam through a fiducial target in an optical instrument. The device may capture an image fiducial target using a camera, wherein the camera is mounted on a mounting datum that is orthogonal to the collimated beam. The device may determine a pointing angle associated with camera based on the captured image of the fiducial target. The device may compare a location of the fiducial target in the image to an optical center of the camera. The device may determine a validation status of camera based on the location of the fiducial target in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. D'ALO, Christopher N. ST. JOHN
  • Patent number: 11582375
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhanced pointing angle validation. A device may generate a collimated beam using a light source emitting a light beam through a fiducial target in an optical instrument. The device may capture an image fiducial target using a camera, wherein the camera is mounted on a mounting datum that is orthogonal to the collimated beam. The device may determine a pointing angle associated with camera based on the captured image of the fiducial target. The device may compare a location of the fiducial target in the image to an optical center of the camera. The device may determine a validation status of camera based on the location of the fiducial target in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ARGO AI, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. D'Alo, Christopher N. St. John
  • Publication number: 20230007234
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using a camera, wherein the camera is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the camera. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the camera. The device may apply a camera cleaning system to the lens of the camera. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the camera cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean SSIM score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean SSIM score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the camera cleaning system based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Ryan YAUTZ, Morgan M. WAGNER, Eric K. THONG, Christopher N. ST. JOHN
  • Publication number: 20220277486
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. For example, a system includes a camera that is configured to capture an image of a content object. A processor is programmed to: receive a signal indicative of the image of the content object during an electromagnetic event; generate an image quality score of the image; and generate a validation status of the camera based on a comparison of the image quality score to a validation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. ST. JOHN, Morgan M. WAGNER
  • Patent number: 11368672
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using a camera, wherein the camera is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the camera. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the camera. The device may apply a camera cleaning system to the lens of the camera. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the camera cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean SSIM score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean SSIM score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the camera cleaning system based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ARGO AI, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Ryan Yautz, Morgan M. Wagner, Eric K. Thong, Christopher N. St. John
  • Patent number: 11341682
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may determine a content object placed in a line of sight of a camera device, wherein the content object provides informational and visual content. The device may capture one or more images of the content object. The device may cause an electromagnetic event using an electromagnetic interference device, causing an electromagnetic event to affect an image quality of at least one of the one or more images captured by the camera device. The device may assign a structural similarity index (SSIM) score to the at least one image of the one or more images, wherein the SSIM score indicates a camera validation status of the camera device. The device may assign an SSIM score between on one image taken without the presence of interference and one image taken in the presences of the interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ARGO AI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. St. John, Morgan M. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20220130185
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for sensor health and regression testing. A sensor testing system may include a first plurality of sensor testing targets positioned on a first side of a vehicle at a first distance from the vehicle, a second plurality of sensor testing targets positioned on a second side of the vehicle at the first distance, and a first sensor testing target positioned at a second distance from the vehicle, the second distance further from the vehicle than the first distance. The first and second pluralities of sensor testing targets both may include three or more sensor testing targets for testing cameras and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors of the vehicle. The first sensor testing target may be used to test at least one of camera or LIDAR data. The sensor testing system may identify degradation of sensor performance, triggering further analysis and/or repairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Morelli, Laurens M. Schouten-Evers, Alan William Yip, Duc H. Vu, Koji L. Gardiner, Christopher N. St. John, Eric K. Thong, Morgan W. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20220116584
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for improved camera color calibration. An example method may involve capturing a first wavelength emitted by a first type of traffic light. The example method may also involve determining, based on the first wavelength, a first color value associated with the wavelength emitted by the first type of traffic light. The example method may also involve capturing, by a first camera, a first image, video, or real-time feed of a first portion of a test target, the first portion of the test target including a first light color that is based on the first color value. The example method may also involve determining, based on the first image, video, or real-time feed of the first portion of a test target, a second color value output by the camera. The example method may also involve determining, based on a comparison between the first color value and the second color value, that a difference exists between the first color value and the second color value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. St. John, Koji L. Gardiner, Ravi Babu Basavaraj, Bowei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220103730
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for enhanced pointing angle validation. A device may generate a collimated beam using a light source emitting a light beam through a fiducial target in an optical instrument. The device may capture an image fiducial target using a camera, wherein the camera is mounted on a mounting datum that is orthogonal to the collimated beam. The device may determine a pointing angle associated with camera based on the captured image of the fiducial target. The device may compare a location of the fiducial target in the image to an optical center of the camera. The device may determine a validation status of camera based on the location of the fiducial target in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. D'Alo, Christopher N. St. John
  • Publication number: 20220086423
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may capture a first image of a target using a camera, wherein the camera is in a clean state, and wherein the target is in a line of sight of the camera. The device may apply an obstruction to a portion of a lens of the camera. The device may apply a camera cleaning system to the lens of the camera. The device may capture a post-clean image after applying the camera cleaning system. The device may determine a post-clean SSIM score based on comparing the post clean image to the first image. The device may compare the post-clean SSIM score to a validation threshold. The device may determine a validation state of the camera cleaning system based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Ryan Yautz, Morgan M. Wagner, Eric K. Thong, Christopher N. St. John
  • Publication number: 20220051438
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for testing and validation of a camera. A device may determine a content object placed in a line of sight of a camera device, wherein the content object provides informational and visual content. The device may capture one or more images of the content object. The device may cause an electromagnetic event using an electromagnetic interference device, causing an electromagnetic event to affect an image quality of at least one of the one or more images captured by the camera device. The device may assign a structural similarity index (SSIM) score to the at least one image of the one or more images, wherein the SSIM score indicates a camera validation status of the camera device. The device may assign an SSIM score between on one image taken without the presence of interference and one image taken in the presences of the interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Applicant: Argo AI, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher N. St. John, Morgan M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6856694
    Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods that pertain to interactions between a vehicle and an occupant within the vehicle. More specifically, various systems and methods for enhancing the decisions of automated vehicle applications (collectively “decision enhancement system”) are disclosed. In a safety restraint embodiment, a sensor is used to capture various sensor readings. Sensor readings are typically in the form of images. Occupant information, such as location attributes, motion attributes, and occupant category attributes can be obtained from the sensor readings. If the system concludes that the deployment of a safety restraint is potentially justified, an at-risk-zone detector can be used to determine whether or not the occupant will be too close to the deploying safety restraint at the time of deployment for the safety restraint to be safely deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Mark L. Dell' Eva, Christopher N. St. John, Galen E. Ressler
  • Publication number: 20040151344
    Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods that pertain to interactions between a vehicle and an occupant within the vehicle. More specifically, various systems and methods for enhancing the decisions of automated vehicle applications (collectively “decision enhancement system”) are disclosed. In a safety restraint embodiment, a sensor is used to capture various sensor readings. Sensor readings are typically in the form of images. Occupant information, such as location attributes, motion attributes, and occupant category attributes can be obtained from the sensor readings. If the system concludes that the deployment of a safety restraint is potentially justified, an at-risk-zone detector can be used to determine whether or not the occupant will be too close to the deploying safety restraint at the time of deployment for the safety restraint to be safely deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Mark L. Dell'Eva, Christopher N. St. John, Galen E. Ressler
  • Patent number: 6757762
    Abstract: A processor bus bridge includes a buffer space disposed between a first bus and a second bus. The first bus is operated in a first mode by a first processor and the second bus is operated in a second mode by a second processor. The first bus has an electrical structure which is different from the electrical structure of the second bus. The first mode may also differ from the second mode. The processor bus bridge has a protocol logic module disposed between the first processor and the second processor for controlling data transfer across the buffer space in the first and second modes. Thus, the bus bridge enables communications between dissimilar processor buses while increasing performance and reducing CPU overhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Paul McCarthy, Christopher N. St. John
  • Patent number: 6744469
    Abstract: A method and system provide for real-time compensation of an imaging system for variations in illumination intensity. An illumination system provides reflected illumination, and a charge coupled device system directly detects the reflected illumination from the illumination system. The CCD system then converts the reflected illumination into illumination data and a host processor converts the illumination data into adjusted control data and final image data. The adjusted control data is based on an illumination profile and a reference illumination intensity. The reference illumination intensity is measured before each document with a compensation reference, and is compared to the illumination profile to adjust control parameters in a real-time mode. Directly measuring the illumination intensity with the CCD system allows for a reduction in parts, manufacturing steps, and errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gudenburr, William L. Kozlowski, Christopher N. St. John, John D. Vala
  • Patent number: 6513070
    Abstract: A method and configuration for interprocessor communication provides reduced latency and complexity, as well as the ability to simultaneously transfer different types of data. A multi-channel interface is disposed between a slave processor and a master processor, wherein the multi-channel interface has a low-latency channel for transferring low-latency information and a high-throughput channel for transferring high-throughput information. The master processor interrupts the slave processor when the master processor has control information to transfer to the slave processor. Interrupt driven notification and the multi-channel interface provide reliable, high-speed communication between dissimilar processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Kozlowski, David A. LaPorte, Weston J. Morris, Christopher N. St. John