Patents by Inventor David Frederick Safstrom

David Frederick Safstrom 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).

  • 3D lidar sensing unit with oscillating axis of rotation for autonomous driving
    Patent number: 11460578
    Abstract: A method and system for sensing objects disposed about a vehicle includes LIDAR sensors in a LIDAR sensing unit mounted above the vehicle. The system includes outputting a plurality of laser beams from lasers while rotating the LIDAR sensing unit and simultaneously oscillating or changing an axis of rotation for the LIDAR sensing unit. The LIDAR sensors receive a reflection of the laser beams and convert optical signals to electrical signals. An electronic processor is configured to determine a presence or absence of objects from the electrical signals and provide a warning indication or control movement of the vehicle in response to detection of objects. The oscillating of the LIDAR sensing unit causes the laser beams to change an angle with respect to horizontal during rotation. The change in oscillation or offset angle for an axis of rotation is accounted for by the electronic processor to map the presence of objects. An autonomous vehicle is controlled based on the sensed objects or a warning is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: David Frederick Safstrom
  • 3D LIDAR SENSING UNIT WITH OSCILLATING AXIS OF ROTATION FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING
    Publication number: 20200209397
    Abstract: A method and system for sensing objects disposed about a vehicle includes LIDAR sensors in a LIDAR sensing unit mounted above the vehicle. The system includes outputting a plurality of laser beams from lasers while rotating the LIDAR sensing unit and simultaneously oscillating or changing an axis of rotation for the LIDAR sensing unit. The LIDAR sensors receive a reflection of the laser beams and convert optical signals to electrical signals. An electronic processor is configured to determine a presence or absence of objects from the electrical signals and provide a warning indication or control movement of the vehicle in response to detection of objects. The oscillating of the LIDAR sensing unit causes the laser beams to change an angle with respect to horizontal during rotation. The change in oscillation or offset angle for an axis of rotation is accounted for by the electronic processor to map the presence of objects. An autonomous vehicle is controlled based on the sensed objects or a warning is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventor: David Frederick Safstrom