Abstract: Vehicle headlamps are typically used to illuminate scenes for better vision. The same headlamps can be used as part of an active camera at discrete times during the camera's imaging periods. In embodiments, a lighting control module utilizes an electronic control module to control on/off states of the headlamps during a set of non-imaging periods of the camera system and a camera control configured to control multiple on/off states of the set of headlamps during a set of imaging periods of the camera system. Embodiments of lighting control modules can be used in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Control Systems for commercial and passenger vehicles.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a 3D+ imaging system include imaging systems with on-chip neighbor-in-time analog sub-pixel processing and single-pixel motion determination. In embodiments, range gating imaging techniques are used to generate a composite image depth map of a scene based on analog sub-pixel processing are implemented. In embodiments, high-intensity rate of change of neighboring pixels techniques are used to generate a composite image two-axis motion map of a scene at a pixel level. In embodiments, an analog pixel circuit is disclosed for use with an array of photodetectors for a sub-frame composite imaging system. In embodiments, an extended-dynamic-range imaging technique is used in imaging to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity.

Abstract: LiDAR (light detection and ranging) systems use one or more emitters and a detector array to cover a given field of view where the emitters each emit a single pulse or a multi-pulse packet of light that is sampled by the detector array. On each emitter cycle the detector array will sample the incoming signal intensity at the pre-determined sampling frequency that generates two or more samples per emitted light packet to allow for volumetric analysis of the retroreflected signal portion of each emitted light packet as reflected by one or more objects in the field of view and then received by each detector.

Abstract: An in-pixel embedded analog image processing system performs analog image computation within an image pixel. In embodiments, each in-pixel processing element includes a photodetector, photodetector control circuitry, analog circuitry configured to process both neighbor-in-space and neighbor-in-time functions for analog data representing an electrical current from the photodetector control circuitry, and a set of north-east-west-south (NEWS) registers, each register interconnected between a unique pair of neighboring in-pixel processing elements to transfer analog data between the pair of neighboring in-pixel processing elements. In embodiments, the in-pixel embedded analog image processing device takes advantage of high parallelism because each pixel has its own processor, and takes advantage of locality of data because all data is located within a pixel or within a neighboring pixel.

Abstract: Retroreflective materials and articles are enabled that increase the retroreflectivity of reflective materials or articles for roadway, automotive, and safety purposes by incorporating retroreflective elements that exhibit near-ideal Total Internal Reflection (TIR).

Abstract: Geiger mode avalanche photo diodes are solid state photodetectors that are able to detect single photons. Such Geiger mode avalanche photo diodes are also referred to as single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). An array of SPADs can be used as a single detector element in an active sensing system, but camera/sensor systems based on SPAD arrays have at least two shortcomings due to ambient light. First, solar background light can hamper the ability to accurately determine depth. Second, ambient light impacts the reflectivity precision because of challenges differentiating between reflected light and ambient light. Embodiments enable active sensors that remove the ambient signal from a sensor's optical input. Other embodiments produce sensor intensity values that have higher precision than typical SPAD array devices. Further embodiments produce sensor depth values that have higher precision than typical SPAD array devices.

Abstract: Geiger mode avalanche photo diodes are solid state photodetectors that are able to detect single photons. Such Geiger mode avalanche photo diodes are also referred to as single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). An array of SPADs can be used as a single detector element in an active sensing system, but camera/sensor systems based on SPAD arrays have at least two shortcomings due to ambient light. First, solar background light can hamper the ability to accurately determine depth. Second, ambient light impacts the reflectivity precision because of challenges differentiating between reflected light and ambient light. Embodiments enable active sensors that remove the ambient signal from a sensor's optical input. Other embodiments produce sensor intensity values that have higher precision than typical SPAD array devices. Further embodiments produce sensor depth values that have higher precision than typical SPAD array devices.

Abstract: Retroreflective materials and articles are enabled that increase the retroreflectivity of reflective materials or articles for roadway, automotive, and safety purposes by incorporating retroreflective elements that exhibit near-ideal Total Internal Reflection (TIR).

Abstract: Various embodiments of a 3D+imaging system include a focal plane array with in-pixel analog storage elements. In embodiments, an analog pixel circuit is disclosed for use with an array of photodetectors for a sub-frame composite imaging system. In embodiments, a composite imaging system is capable of determining per-pixel depth, white point and black point for a sensor and/or a scene that is stationary or in motion. Examples of applications for the 3D+imaging system include advanced imaging for vehicles, as well as for industrial and smart phone imaging. an extended dynamic range imaging technique is used in imaging to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity.

Abstract: A two-layer retroreflective article construction is enabled that produces higher wide-entrance-angle performance for signs and pavement markings. A single-layer overlay is enabled for existing signs and pavement markers that improve their entrance angle performance. Materials used in the construction of an article or an overlay are transparent to radiation in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers and utilize TIR (total internal reflection). Minimum performance specifications are proposed that extend sign sheeting retroreflectivity specifications to entrance angles of 60 degrees. An innovative traffic sign design is enabled that increases the positioning performance of safety systems and automated navigation systems.

Abstract: Exterior lighting on vehicles and buildings is typically used to illuminate scenes for better vision. The same exterior lighting can be used as part of an active sensor at discrete times during the sensor's active imaging cycles. In embodiments, an intelligent control module enables emitter output in accordance with the imaging system during active imaging cycles and enables emitter output in accordance with the non-imaging lighting control unit during non-imaging cycles. Embodiments of intelligent control modules can be used in security applications, in Automatic Driving Alert Systems and Autonomous Control Systems for commercial and passenger vehicles, and in low-altitude aircraft applications.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring three-dimensional LiDAR information of a scene are disclosed. According to one aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting N pulses in a sequence with each successive pulse having a relative time shift to the sampling reference, thus producing a reconstructed sampled signal with an effective sampling rate of N times the sampling reference. According to another aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting two or more frequencies, the differences of each pair of differing frequencies being designated as ?f, and sampling the return information with the use of a sampling reference. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled information to determine the reference times at which the ?f signals occur and the signal intensity of the ?f signals at each time.

Abstract: Lighting-invariant imaging produces consistent output for all weather conditions and all lighting conditions within a scene. Reflectivity values of objects are produced in real-time, non-real-time, or cloud processing based on radiance values of pixels and objects. Image vectors describing segmented objects are produced, and spatial attributes are added to produce scene vectors for objects. The lighting-invariant system performs object recognition for one or more images of a scene and can be used for both object identification and object motion determination based on vector representations of objects in the scene.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides for reflective materials, articles and methods incorporating a mesh arrangement of multiple, discrete retroreflective canted cube corner reflectors each having generally flat incident surfaces and high transparency, with a geometry and a refractive index ratio sufficiently high enough to produce a high degree of total internal reflection (TIR) that results in anisotropic retroreflectivity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for acquiring three-dimensional LiDAR information of a scene are disclosed. According to one aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting N pulses in a sequence with each successive pulse having a relative time shift to the sampling reference, thus producing a reconstructed sampled signal with an effective sampling rate of N times the sampling reference. According to another aspect, acquiring three-dimensional information includes emitting two or more frequencies, the differences of each pair of differing frequencies being designated as ?f, and sampling the return information with the use of a sampling reference. Frequency analysis is performed on the sampled information to determine the reference times at which the ?f signals occur and the signal intensity of the ?f signals at each time.

Abstract: A two-layer retroreflective article construction is enabled that produces higher wide-entrance-angle performance for signs and pavement markings. A single-layer overlay is enabled for existing signs and pavement markers that improve their entrance angle performance. Materials used in the construction of an article or an overlay are transparent to radiation in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers and utilize TIR (total internal reflection). Minimum performance specifications are proposed that extend sign sheeting retroreflectivity specifications to entrance angles of 60 degrees. An innovative traffic sign design is enabled that increases the positioning performance of safety systems and automated navigation systems.

Abstract: An in-pixel embedded analog image processing system performs analog image computation within an image pixel. In embodiments, each in-pixel processing element includes a photodetector, photodetector control circuitry, analog circuitry configured to process both neighbor-in-space and neighbor-in-time functions for analog data representing an electrical current from the photodetector control circuitry, and a set of north-east-west-south (NEWS) registers, each register interconnected between a unique pair of neighboring in-pixel processing elements to transfer analog data between the pair of neighboring in-pixel processing elements. In embodiments, the in-pixel embedded analog image processing device takes advantage of high parallelism because each pixel has its own processor, and takes advantage of locality of data because all data is located within a pixel or within a neighboring pixel.

Abstract: An active-pulsed four-dimensional camera system that utilizes a precisely-controlled light source produces spatial information and human-viewed or computer-analyzed images. The acquisition of four-dimensional optical information is performed at a sufficient rate to provide accurate image and spatial information for in-motion applications where the camera is in motion and/or objects being imaged, detected and classified are in motion. Embodiments allow for the reduction or removal of image-blocking conditions like fog, snow, rain, sleet, and dust from the processed images. Embodiments provide for operation in daytime or nighttime conditions and can be utilized for day or night full-motion video capture with features like shadow removal. Multi-angle image analysis is taught as a method for classifying and identifying objects and surface features based on their optical reflective characteristics.

Abstract: A two-layer retroreflective article construction is enabled that produces higher wide-entrance-angle performance for signs and pavement markings. A single-layer overlay is enabled for existing signs and pavement markers that improve their entrance angle performance. Materials used in the construction of an article or an overlay are transparent to radiation in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers and utilize TIR (total internal reflection). Minimum performance specifications are proposed that extend sign sheeting retroreflectivity specifications to entrance angles of 60 degrees. An innovative traffic sign design is enabled that increases the positioning performance of safety systems and automated navigation systems.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a 3D+ imaging system include imaging systems with on-chip neighbor-in-time analog sub-pixel processing and single-pixel motion determination. In embodiments, range gating imaging techniques are used to generate a composite image depth map of a scene based on analog sub-pixel processing are implemented. In embodiments, high-intensity rate of change of neighboring pixels techniques are used to generate a composite image two-axis motion map of a scene at a pixel level. In embodiments, an analog pixel circuit is disclosed for use with an array of photodetectors for a sub-frame composite imaging system. In embodiments, an extended-dynamic-range imaging technique is used in imaging to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity.