Patents by Inventor Ionut Iordache
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: 11913807Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
-
Publication number: 20230126631Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Inventors: Pierre-yves Droz, Gaetan Pennecot, Drew Eugene Ulrich, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Rahim Pardhan
-
Patent number: 11392124Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Colin Braley, Dorel Ionut Iordache, Ralph Hamilton Shepard, Caner Onal, Pierre-Yves Droz
-
Publication number: 20220163349Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: May 26, 2022Inventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
-
Publication number: 20220155456Abstract: The present disclosure relates to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) devices and related methods of their use. An example LIDAR device includes a transmitter configured to transmit one or more light pulses into an environment of the LIDAR device via a transmit optical path. The LIDAR device also includes a detector configured to detect a first portion of the one or more transmitted light pulses and a second portion of the one or more transmitted light pulses, such that the detector receives at a first time the first portion of the one or more transmitted light pulses via an internal optical path within the LIDAR device and receives at a second time the second portion of the one or more transmitted light pulses via reflection by one or more objects in the environment of the LIDAR device. The second time occurs after the first time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Inventors: Stephen Osborn, Blaise Gassend, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Ionut Iordache
-
Patent number: 11287284Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
-
Publication number: 20210333361Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: 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: 11054505Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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: 10976437Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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: 10852731Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: WAYMO LLCInventors: Colin Braley, Craig Lewin Robinson, Ionut Iordache
-
Patent number: 10724865Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Dave Ferguson, Dorel Ionut Iordache
-
Patent number: 10120079Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Zachary Morriss, Samuel Lenius, Ionut Iordache, Daniel Gruver, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Drew Ulrich, William McCann, Rahim Pardhan, Bernard Fidric, Anthony Levandowski, Peter Avram
-
Publication number: 20180149732Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: 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: 9880263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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: 20180017680Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: 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
-
Publication number: 20180011196Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Gaetan Pennecot, Zachary Morriss, Samuel Lenius, Ionut Iordache, Daniel Gruver, Pierre-Yves Droz, Luke Wachter, Drew Ulrich, William Mccann, Rahim Pardhan, Bernard Fidric, Anthony Levandowski, Peter Avram
-
Patent number: 9864063Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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: 9778364Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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: 20170219713Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: 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: RE48961Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: 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