Patents by Inventor Jeremy Dittmer
Jeremy Dittmer 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).
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Patent number: 11917281Abstract: Example embodiments relate to multiple operating modes to expand dynamic range. An example embodiment includes a camera system. The camera system may include a first image sensor having a first dynamic range corresponding to a first range of luminance levels in a scene. The system may also include a second image sensor having a second dynamic range corresponding to a second range of luminance levels in the scene. The camera system may further include a processor coupled to the first image sensor and the second image sensor. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to identify objects of a first type in a first image of the scene captured by the first image sensor and identify objects of a second object type in a second image of the scene captured by the second image sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer, Brendan Hermalyn, Benjamin Ingram
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Publication number: 20240061425Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Peter Avram, Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi
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Patent number: 11887378Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi, Peter Avram
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Patent number: 11880200Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: WAYMO LLCInventors: Peter Avram, Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi
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Publication number: 20230393244Abstract: The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly having a ring-type structure is provided that gives the perception system an overall 360° field of view around the vehicle. Image sensors are arranged in camera modules around the assembly to provide a seamless panoramic field of view. One subsystem has multiple pairs of image sensors positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis and top and base plates, which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Kimberly Geneva Toth, Brendan Hermalyn, Shane Mcguire, Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Patent number: 11807276Abstract: A method includes determining a target specification map that is associated with a task and that indicates, for each respective region of a plurality of regions around a vehicle equipped with a sensor, a target value of a parameter of the sensor. The method also includes determining a capability specification map that indicates, for each respective region, an attained value of the parameter that the sensor is configured to provide. The method additionally includes comparing the capability specification map to the target specification map to determine, for each respective region, a disparity between the target value and the attained value. The method further includes, based on the comparing, identifying one or more of: a first subset of the plurality of regions where the target value exceeds the attained value or a second subset of the plurality of regions where the attained value meets or exceeds the target value.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Ruffin Evans, Vaibhav Nangia, Benjamin Ingram, Erik Chubb, Yonatan Winetraub
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Patent number: 11762063Abstract: The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly having a ling-type structure is provided that gives the perception system an overall 360° field of view around the vehicle. Image sensors are arranged in camera modules around the assembly to provide a seamless panoramic field of view. One subsystem has multiple pairs of image sensors positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis and top and base plates, which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Kimberly Geneva Toth, Brendan Hermalyn, Shane Mcguire, Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Publication number: 20230186643Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi, Peter Avram
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Patent number: 11657536Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a target, a method, and a system for calibrating a camera. One example embodiment includes a target. The target includes a first pattern of fiducial markers. The target also includes a second pattern of fiducial markers. The first pattern of fiducial markers is a scaled version of the second pattern of fiducial markers, such that a calibration image captured of the target simulates multiple images of a single pattern captured at multiple calibration perspectives.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Volker Grabe, Jeremy Dittmer, Zachary Morriss
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Publication number: 20230152107Abstract: Example implementations may relate to sun-aware vehicle routing. In particular, a computing system of a vehicle may determine an expected position of the sun relative to a geographic area. Based on the expected position, the computing system may make a determination that travel of the vehicle through certain location(s) within the geographic area is expected to result in the sun being proximate to an object within a field of view of the vehicle's image capture device. Responsively, the computing system may generate a route for the vehicle in the geographic area based at least on the route avoiding travel of the vehicle through these certain location(s), and may then operate the vehicle to travel in accordance with the generated route. Ultimately, this may help reduce or prevent situations where quality of image(s) degrades due to sunlight, which may allow for use of these image(s) as basis for operating the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Patent number: 11653108Abstract: Examples described may related to an imaging sensor used by a vehicle, including a light sensor. The light sensor comprises a plurality of cells aligned in a plurality of horizontal rows and a plurality of vertical columns. The apparatus further includes an optical system configured to provide the light sensor with a field of view of an external environment of the apparatus. Additionally, the system includes a processing unit configured to: divide the plurality of horizontal rows of the light sensor into one or more enabled rows and one or more disabled rows; obtain image data from the light sensor by sampling one or more cells in the one or more enabled rows; and store the received image data in a memory.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer
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Publication number: 20230125032Abstract: The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly having a ling-type structure is provided that gives the perception system an overall 360° field of view around the vehicle. Image sensors are arranged in camera modules around the assembly to provide a seamless panoramic field of view. One subsystem has multiple pairs of image sensors positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis and top and base plates, which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Kimberly Geneva Toth, Brendan Hermalyn, Shane Mcguire, Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Publication number: 20230107799Abstract: A method includes determining a target specification map that is associated with a task and that indicates, for each respective region of a plurality of regions around a vehicle equipped with a sensor, a target value of a parameter of the sensor. The method also includes determining a capability specification map that indicates, for each respective region, an attained value of the parameter that the sensor is configured to provide. The method additionally includes comparing the capability specification map to the target specification map to determine, for each respective region, a disparity between the target value and the attained value. The method further includes, based on the comparing, identifying one or more of: a first subset of the plurality of regions where the target value exceeds the attained value or a second subset of the plurality of regions where the attained value meets or exceeds the target value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Ruffin Evans, Vaibhav Nangia, Benjamin Ingram, Erik Chubb, Yonatan Winetraub
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Publication number: 20230089733Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventors: Peter Avram, Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi
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Patent number: 11561282Abstract: The technology relates to autonomous vehicles that use a perception system to detect objects and features in the vehicle's surroundings. A camera assembly having a ring-type structure is provided that gives the perception system an overall 360° field of view around the vehicle. Image sensors are arranged in camera modules around the assembly to provide a seamless panoramic field of view. One subsystem has multiple pairs of image sensors positioned to provide the overall 360° field of view, while another subsystem provides a set of image sensors generally facing toward the front of the vehicle to provide enhanced object identification. The camera assembly may be arranged in a housing located on top of the vehicle. The housing may include other sensors such as LIDAR and radar. The assembly includes a chassis and top and base plates, which may provide EMI protection from other sensors disposed in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Kimberly Geneva Toth, Brendan Hermalyn, Shane Mcguire, Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Patent number: 11561108Abstract: Example implementations may relate to sun-aware vehicle routing. In particular, a computing system of a vehicle may determine an expected position of the sun relative to a geographic area. Based on the expected position, the computing system may make a determination that travel of the vehicle through certain location(s) within the geographic area is expected to result in the sun being proximate to an object within a field of view of the vehicle's image capture device. Responsively, the computing system may generate a route for the vehicle in the geographic area based at least on the route avoiding travel of the vehicle through these certain location(s), and may then operate the vehicle to travel in accordance with the generated route. Ultimately, this may help reduce or prevent situations where quality of image(s) degrades due to sunlight, which may allow for use of these image(s) as basis for operating the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Andreas Wendel
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Patent number: 11557127Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi, Peter Avram
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Patent number: 11529973Abstract: A method includes determining a target specification map that is associated with a task and that indicates, for each respective region of a plurality of regions around a vehicle equipped with a sensor, a target value of a parameter of the sensor. The method also includes determining a capability specification map that indicates, for each respective region, an attained value of the parameter that the sensor is configured to provide. The method additionally includes comparing the capability specification map to the target specification map to determine, for each respective region, a disparity between the target value and the attained value. The method further includes, based on the comparing, identifying one or more of: a first subset of the plurality of regions where the target value exceeds the attained value or a second subset of the plurality of regions where the attained value meets or exceeds the target value.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Jeremy Dittmer, Ruffin Evans, Vaibhav Nangia, Benjamin Ingram, Erik Chubb, Yonatan Winetraub
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Patent number: 11493922Abstract: The technology relates to an exterior sensor system for a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous driving mode. The technology includes a close-in sensing (CIS) camera system to address blind spots around the vehicle. The CIS system is used to detect objects within a few meters of the vehicle. Based on object classification, the system is able to make real-time driving decisions. Classification is enhanced by employing cameras in conjunction with lidar sensors. The specific arrangement of multiple sensors in a single sensor housing is also important to object detection and classification. Thus, the positioning of the sensors and support components are selected to avoid occlusion and to otherwise prevent interference between the various sensor housing elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Peter Avram, Kimberly Toth, Jeremy Dittmer, Giulia Guidi
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Publication number: 20220150423Abstract: Examples described may related to an imaging sensor used by a vehicle, including a light sensor. The light sensor comprises a plurality of cells aligned in a plurality of horizontal rows and a plurality of vertical columns. The apparatus further includes an optical system configured to provide the light sensor with a field of view of an external environment of the apparatus. Additionally, the system includes a processing unit configured to: divide the plurality of horizontal rows of the light sensor into one or more enabled rows and one or more disabled rows; obtain image data from the light sensor by sampling one or more cells in the one or more enabled rows; and store the received image data in a memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Andreas Wendel, Jeremy Dittmer