Patents by Inventor Dorel Ionut Iordache

Dorel Ionut Iordache 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).

  • Patent number: 11913807
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
  • Publication number: 20230126631
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan
  • Patent number: 11392124
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method of calibrating a vehicle's plurality of detection systems. To calibrate a first detection system, orientation data is collected using the first detection device when the vehicle faces a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. To calibrate a second detection system, data is collected using the second detection device while the vehicle moves in a repeatable pattern near a first object. To calibrate a third detection system, light reflected off a second object is detected using the third detection system as the vehicle is moved towards the second object. To calibrate a fourth detection system, data collected using the second detection system and the fourth detection system is compared. To calibrate a fifth detection system, radar signals reflected off a third object is received using the fifth detection system while the vehicle moves relative to the third object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Colin Braley, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Ralph Hamilton Shepard, Caner Onal, Pierre-Yves Droz
  • Publication number: 20220163349
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
  • Patent number: 11287284
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
  • Publication number: 20210333361
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device includes a fiber laser configured to emit light within a wavelength range, a scanning portion configured to direct the emitted light in a reciprocating manner about a first axis, and a plurality of detectors configured to sense light within the wavelength range. The device additionally includes a controller configured to receive target information, which may be indicative of an object, a position, a location, or an angle range. In response to receiving the target information, the controller may cause the rotational mount to rotate so as to adjust a pointing direction of the LIDAR. The controller is further configured to cause the LIDAR to scan a field-of-view (FOV) of the environment. The controller may determine a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the environment based on data from scanning the FOV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zach Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, William McCann, Daniel Gruver, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 11054505
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device includes a fiber laser configured to emit light within a wavelength range, a scanning portion configured to direct the emitted light in a reciprocating manner about a first axis, and a plurality of detectors configured to sense light within the wavelength range. The device additionally includes a controller configured to receive target information, which may be indicative of an object, a position, a location, or an angle range. In response to receiving the target information, the controller may cause the rotational mount to rotate so as to adjust a pointing direction of the LIDAR. The controller is further configured to cause the LIDAR to scan a field-of-view (FOV) of the environment. The controller may determine a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the environment based on data from scanning the FOV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zach Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, William McCann, Daniel Gruver, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 10976437
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Zachary Morriss, Samuel Lenius, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Daniel Gruver, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Drew Ulrich, William Mccann, Rahim Pardhan, Bernard Fidric, Anthony Levandowski, Peter Avram
  • Patent number: 10724865
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
  • Publication number: 20180149732
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device includes a fiber laser configured to emit light within a wavelength range, a scanning portion configured to direct the emitted light in a reciprocating manner about a first axis, and a plurality of detectors configured to sense light within the wavelength range. The device additionally includes a controller configured to receive target information, which may be indicative of an object, a position, a location, or an angle range. In response to receiving the target information, the controller may cause the rotational mount to rotate so as to adjust a pointing direction of the LIDAR. The controller is further configured to cause the LIDAR to scan a field-of-view (FOV) of the environment. The controller may determine a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the environment based on data from scanning the FOV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zach Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, William McCann, Daniel Gruver, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 9880263
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. The LIDAR device includes a fiber laser configured to emit light within a wavelength range, a scanning portion configured to direct the emitted light in a reciprocating manner about a first axis, and a plurality of detectors configured to sense light within the wavelength range. The device additionally includes a controller configured to receive target information, which may be indicative of an object, a position, a location, or an angle range. In response to receiving the target information, the controller may cause the rotational mount to rotate so as to adjust a pointing direction of the LIDAR. The controller is further configured to cause the LIDAR to scan a field-of-view (FOV) of the environment. The controller may determine a three-dimensional (3D) representation of the environment based on data from scanning the FOV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zach Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, William McCann, Daniel Gruver, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Publication number: 20180017680
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Zachary Morriss, Samuel Lenius, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Daniel Gruver, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Drew Ulrich, William Mccann, Rahim Pardhan, Bernard Fidric, Anthony Levandowski, Peter Avram
  • Patent number: 9864063
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 9778364
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Publication number: 20170219713
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 9719801
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for calibrating sensors using road map data are provided. An autonomous vehicle may use various vehicle sensors to assist in navigation. Within examples, the autonomous vehicle may calibrate vehicle sensors through performing a comparison or analysis between information about the environment received by sensors with similar information provided by map data (e.g., a road map). The autonomous vehicle may compare object locations as provided by the sensors and as shown by map data. Based on the comparison, the autonomous vehicle may adjust various sensors to accurately reflect the information as provided by the road map. In some instances, the autonomous vehicle may adjust the position, height, orientation, direction-of-focus, scaling, or other parameters of a sensor based on the information provided by a road map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
  • Publication number: 20170176597
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: 9625582
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Publication number: 20160282468
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius
  • Patent number: RE48961
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes one or more wheels positioned at a bottom side of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a first light detection and ranging device (LIDAR) positioned at a top side of the vehicle opposite to the bottom side. The first LIDAR is configured to scan an environment around the vehicle based on rotation of the first LIDAR about an axis. The first LIDAR has a first resolution. The vehicle also includes a second LIDAR configured to scan a field-of-view of the environment that extends away from the vehicle along a viewing direction of the second LIDAR. The second LIDAR has a second resolution. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to operate the vehicle based on the scans of the environment by the first LIDAR and the second LIDAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Gruver, Pierre-Yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Anthony Levandowski, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Zachary Morriss, Luke Wachter, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Samuel William Lenius, Peter Avram