Patents by Inventor Lawrence Andrew Mianzo

Lawrence Andrew Mianzo 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).

  • Publication number: 20220180131
    Abstract: An intelligent three dimensional scanner system mountable on a movable machine, including three dimensional scanner, a camera, and control circuitry. The control circuitry is configured to receive three dimensional point data from the three dimensional scanner, receive two dimensional image data from the camera, input the two dimensional image data to a machine learning model, which identifies objects in the two dimensional image data, fuse the three dimensional point data with the identified objects in the two dimensional image data in order to identify the objects in the three dimensional point data, and control a scan pattern to direct scanning resolution of the three dimensional scanner based on the identified objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Tod Andrew Oblak, Shastri Ram, Jeff T. Stringer, Sri Sekharan, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Mark Edward Hartman
  • Patent number: 11173785
    Abstract: A vision system for assisting an operator of a machine is provided. An image capturing device, mounted on the machine, is configured to capture an image of an environment of the machine. The vision system includes a controller configured to apply an object detection process to detect an object in the image. The controller determines a bounding box comprising one or more pixels associated with the object. The controller determines a height and a range associated with the object based on the bounding box. The controller extracts the one or more pixels within the bounding box. The controller is further configured to generate a three-dimensional (3D) view comprising the object based on the image captured by the image capturing device. The controller reinserts the one or more pixels as a vertical pop-up element with respect to a ground plane in the 3D view. A display is provided to display the 3D view to the operator of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Michael Hoffelder
  • Patent number: 10332272
    Abstract: A method for testing a perception system is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a processor, one or more objects in a composite image, the composite image including a first image and at least a portion of a second image. A first set of objects are detected in the first image. Further, the method includes comparing, by the processor, a second set of objects of the one or more objects detected in the portion of the second image with a set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image. Furthermore, the method includes validating, the performance of the processor in the detection of the first set of objects in the first image by ensuring the second set of objects detected in the at least a portion of a second image matches the set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Joseph Forcash, Tod Andrew Oblak, Jeffrey T. Stringer, Mark Hartman, Jeffrey J. Carter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190168609
    Abstract: A vision system for assisting an operator of a machine is provided. An image capturing device, mounted on the machine, is configured to capture an image of an environment of the machine. The vision system includes a controller configured to apply an object detection process to detect an object in the image. The controller determines a bounding box comprising one or more pixels associated with the object. The controller determines a height and a range associated with the object based on the bounding box. The controller extracts the one or more pixels within the bounding box. The controller is further configured to generate a three-dimensional (3D) view comprising the object based on the image captured by the image capturing device. The controller reinserts the one or more pixels as a vertical pop-up element with respect to a ground plane in the 3D view. A display is provided to display the 3D view to the operator of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Michael Hoffelder
  • Publication number: 20190102902
    Abstract: A method for detecting an object in an environment of a machine is provided. The method includes determining a first height of the object by applying sliding window detection process on an image. The method determines a score indicating a probability that the object detected in the image matches a predefined set of characteristics. The method further includes determining a minimum and a maximum vertical pixel associated with the object. The method includes determining a second height of the object based on a range of the object, the minimum vertical pixel, the maximum vertical pixel, intrinsic and extrinsic calibration parameters of the image capturing device. The method includes comparing the first height with the second height and accordingly, modifying the score regarding the detection of the object in the image based on whether a difference between the first height and the second height meets a predetermined criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Michael Hoffelder, Jeffrey Thomas Stringer
  • Publication number: 20190043213
    Abstract: A method for testing a perception system is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a processor, one or more objects in a composite image, the composite image including a first image and at least a portion of a second image. A first set of objects are detected in the first image. Further, the method includes comparing, by the processor, a second set of objects of the one or more objects detected in the portion of the second image with a set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image. Furthermore, the method includes validating, the performance of the processor in the detection of the first set of objects in the first image by ensuring the second set of objects detected in the at least a portion of a second image matches the set of previously detected objects in the portion of the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Joseph Forcash, Tod Andrew Oblak, Jeffrey T. Stringer, Mark Hartman, Jeffrey J. Carter, JR.
  • Patent number: 10163033
    Abstract: A method of classifying a work machine within a worksite is provided. The method may include receiving one or more captured images of the work machine from one or more image capture devices, identifying at least two classifiers within the captured images of the work machine, determining spatial relationships between the classifiers within the captured images, determining a classification and a pose of the work machine based on the spatial relationships, and displaying analytics based on the classification and the pose of the work machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Bradley Scott Kriel
  • Patent number: 10132060
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an implement of a work machine is provided. The system may include one or more image sensors mounted on the work machine configured to capture one or more images of a field of view associated with the implement, and an implement controller in electrical communication with the image sensors. The implement controller may be configured to receive the images from the image sensors, identify one or more interactive targets within the images, select one of the interactive targets based on proximity, and align the implement to the selected interactive target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180245316
    Abstract: A system for monitoring an implement of a work machine is provided. The system may include one or more image sensors mounted on the work machine configured to capture one or more images of a field of view associated with the implement, and an implement controller in electrical communication with the image sensors. The implement controller may be configured to receive the images from the image sensors, identify one or more interactive targets within the images, select one of the interactive targets based on proximity, and align the implement to the selected interactive target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180187398
    Abstract: A work tool recognition system for a work tool coupled to a machine is provided. The system includes an image capturing assembly configured to capture an image feed of the work tool. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing assembly. The controller receives the image feed of the work tool from the image capturing assembly. The controller extracts a plurality of features of the work tool from the image feed. The controller classifies the extracted image and determine a confidence value. The controller estimates a size of the work tool. The controller estimates a position and an orientation of the work tool. The controller determines verification features of the work tool and compares the image feed of the work tool with a predetermined dataset based on the classification. The controller identifies a type of the work tool based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Patent number: 10011976
    Abstract: A work tool recognition system for a work tool coupled to a machine is provided. The system includes an image capturing assembly configured to capture an image feed of the work tool. A controller is communicably coupled to the image capturing assembly. The controller receives the image feed of the work tool from the image capturing assembly. The controller extracts a plurality of features of the work tool from the image feed. The controller classifies the extracted image and determine a confidence value. The controller estimates a size of the work tool. The controller estimates a position and an orientation of the work tool. The controller determines verification features of the work tool and compares the image feed of the work tool with a predetermined dataset based on the classification. The controller identifies a type of the work tool based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Forcash, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Paul Edmund Rybski
  • Publication number: 20180165502
    Abstract: A method of classifying a work machine within a worksite is provided. The method may include receiving one or more captured images of the work machine from one or more image capture devices, identifying at least two classifiers within the captured images of the work machine, determining spatial relationships between the classifiers within the captured images, determining a classification and a pose of the work machine based on the spatial relationships, and displaying analytics based on the classification and the pose of the work machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Bradley Scott Kriel
  • Patent number: 6817592
    Abstract: The electromagnetic valve actuator of the preferred embodiments include a valve head that moves between an open position, a middle position, and a closed position; a plunger coupled to the valve head; and a housing defining a cavity that surrounds the plunger and contains a fluid. The cavity cooperates with the plunger and the fluid to provide increasing resistance as the valve head moves from the middle position to the closed position. Because of the increased resistance, the valve head softly seats against a valve seat, which minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Brett Collins, Ibrahim Haskara, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Publication number: 20040144082
    Abstract: A controller for controlling oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from a combustion engine based on estimating a parameter for the engine. The controller capable of adjusting cylinder temperature based on the estimated parameter for controlling NOx emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Ibrahim Haskara
  • Patent number: 6701903
    Abstract: A method for determining valve timing events to optimize operating parameters of an engine having a variable valve timing system over an entire operating range of the engine. The method includes setting combinations of intake valve opening and closing timing events and exhaust valve opening and closing timing events for a given engine speed. For each combination, a fuel conversion efficiency measure and an emissions measure of the engine at the given engine speed is obtained. Combinations which optimize a weighted cost function of the fuel conversion efficiency measure and the emission measure for a range of engine output torque settings at the given engine speed are then selected. This is repeated for each given engine speed across a range of engine speeds. A feed-forward map based on the selected combinations for the entire operating range of the engine is then assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Denton Collins, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo
  • Publication number: 20040035402
    Abstract: A method for determining valve timing events to optimize operating parameters of an engine having a variable valve timing system over an entire operating range of the engine. The method includes setting combinations of intake valve opening and closing timing events and exhaust valve opening and closing timing events for a given engine speed. For each combination, a fuel conversion efficiency measure and an emissions measure of the engine at the given engine speed is obtained. Combinations which optimize a weighted cost function of the fuel conversion efficiency measure and the emission measure for a range of engine output torque settings at the given engine speed are then selected. This is repeated for each given engine speed across a range of engine speeds. A feed-forward map based on the selected combinations for the entire operating range of the engine is then assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Denton Collins, Lawrence Andrew Mianzo
  • Publication number: 20030107017
    Abstract: The electromagnetic valve actuator of the preferred embodiments include a valve head that moves between an open position, a middle position, and a closed position; a plunger coupled to the valve head; and a housing defining a cavity that surrounds the plunger and contains a fluid. The cavity cooperates with the plunger and the fluid to provide increasing resistance as the valve head moves from the middle position to the closed position. Because of the increased resistance, the valve head softly seats against a valve seat, which minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness within the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence Andrew Mianzo, Brett Collins, Ibrahim Haskara, Vladimir V. Kokotovic