Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Spagnolia
Joseph A. Spagnolia 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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Publication number: 20230213617Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 11604255Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 11579266Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20210293964Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10955532Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20210080585Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: March 18, 2021Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W. Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20200333437Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10732283Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W Koseluck, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10732264Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10557926Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20200025895Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2019Publication date: January 23, 2020Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20190170859Abstract: A dual mode ladar system includes a laser transmitter having a wavelength of operation and a modulator connected thereto to impose a modulation thereon. The modulator is configured to impose amplitude modulation and/or frequency modulation. Diffusing optics illuminate a field of view and an array of light sensitive detectors each produce an electrical response signal from a reflected portion of the laser light output.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2019Publication date: June 6, 2019Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 10241196Abstract: A ladar sensor assembly includes a semiconductor laser and a diffusing optic for illuminating a field of view utilizing modulated laser light from the semiconductor laser. A lens is configured to receive the modulated laser light reflected off at least one object. An array of light sensitive detectors are configured to receive the modulated laser light received by the lens. The assembly further includes at least one piezoelectric actuator operatively connected to the lens for dynamically positioning a focal plane of the received modulated laser light on the array of light sensitive detectors.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20180275248Abstract: A ladar sensor assembly includes a semiconductor laser and a diffusing optic for illuminating a field of view utilizing modulated laser light from the semiconductor laser. A lens is configured to receive the modulated laser light reflected off at least one object. An array of light sensitive detectors are configured to receive the modulated laser light received by the lens. The assembly further includes at least one piezoelectric actuator operatively connected to the lens for dynamically positioning a focal plane of the received modulated laser light on the array of light sensitive detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20180100925Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W. Koseluck, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9915726Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9880281Abstract: A system for landing or docking a mobile platform is enabled by a flash LADAR sensor having an adaptive controller with Automatic Gain Control (AGC). Range gating in the LADAR sensor penetrates through diffuse reflectors. The LADAR sensor adapted for landing/approach comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, transmit optics, receive optics, a focal plane array of detectors, a readout integrated circuit, camera support electronics and image processor, an image analysis and bias calculation processor, and a detector array bias control circuit. The system is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W. Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20180024232Abstract: A lightweight, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The sensor generates, at high speed, 3-D image maps and object data at short to medium ranges. The techniques and structures described may be used to extend the range of long range systems as well, though the focus is on compact, short to medium range ladar sensors suitable for use in multi-sensor television production systems and 3-D graphics capture and moviemaking. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9797995Abstract: A mobile ladar platform having a ladar sensor, a positioning system, and a digital processor adapted to perform analysis of a scene in a field of view. The ladar sensor includes a ladar transmitter, a zero range reference circuit, a two-dimensional array of light sensitive detectors positioned at a focal plane of a light collecting and focusing system, and a readout integrated circuit with a plurality of unit cell electrical circuits. The ladar sensor also includes a detector bias circuit and a communications port.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160341818Abstract: A mobile ladar platform having a ladar sensor, a positioning system, and a digital processor adapted to perform analysis of a scene in a field of view. The ladar sensor includes a ladar transmitter, a zero range reference circuit, a two-dimensional array of light sensitive detectors positioned at a focal plane of a light collecting and focusing system, and a readout integrated circuit with a plurality of unit cell electrical circuits. The ladar sensor also includes a detector bias circuit and a communications port.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, INC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner