Patents by Inventor Mark Shand
Mark Shand 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: 12399262Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2023Date of Patent: August 26, 2025Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 11837841Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20230184908Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2023Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20230155340Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2022Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 11614523Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 11522330Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20220244362Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Patent number: 11333748Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Publication number: 20210055393Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200381884Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10845470Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10797460Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventor: Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200274311Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a scanning laser system configured to emit laser light and an interlock circuit communicatively coupled to the scanning laser system. The interlock circuit may carry out certain operations. The operations include, as the scanning laser system emits laser light into one or more regions of an environment around the scanning laser system, determining a respective predicted dosage amount for each region based on the emitted laser light. The operations further include detecting an interlock condition. The interlock condition includes a predicted dosage amount for at least one region being greater than a threshold dose. In response to detecting the interlock condition, the operations include controlling the scanning laser system to reduce a subsequent dosage amount in the at least one region.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: August 27, 2020Inventor: Mark Shand
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Patent number: 10674099Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20200088859Abstract: Example embodiments relate to arrays of light detectors with a corresponding array of optical elements. An example embodiment includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system. The LIDAR system includes an array of light detectors. The LIDAR system also includes a shared imaging optic. Further, the LIDAR system includes an array of optical elements positioned between the shared imaging optic and the array of light detectors. Each light detector in the array of light detectors is configured to detect a respective light signal from a respective region of a scene. Each respective light signal is transmitted via the shared imaging optic and modified by a respective optical element in the array of optical elements based on at least one aspect of the scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Ralph H. Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, David Schleuning, Mark Shand, Luke Wachter
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Publication number: 20180255252Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 9979906Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20180136321Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for protecting a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device against external light that is originated at a light source other than a light source of the LIDAR device and that is being emitted towards the LIDAR device. In particular, the LIDAR device may be equipped with a mitigation system that includes an interference filter, an absorptive filter, an adaptive filter, and/or a spatial filter. Additionally or alternatively, the LIDAR device may be operated to carry out reactive and/or proactive mitigation operations. For example, the LIDAR device may be operated to vary over time characteristics with which light is being emitted and to only detect light having characteristics that match the characteristics with which light is being emitted. In another example, the LIDAR device may be operated to activate a shutter to block the external light from being detected by the LIDAR device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz, Mark Shand
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Publication number: 20180041721Abstract: An optical system and method may relate to capturing extended dynamic range images. In an example embodiment, the optical system may include a lens element configured to receive incident light and a beam splitter optically coupled to the lens element. The beam splitter is configured to separate the incident light into at least a first portion having a first photon flux and a second portion having a second photon flux. The first photon flux is at least an order of magnitude greater than the second photon flux. A controller may be configured to cause a first image sensor to capture a first image of the first portion of the incident light according to first exposure parameters and cause a second image sensor to capture a second image of the second portion of the incident light according to second exposure parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Roman Lewkow, Mark Shand
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Patent number: 9300941Abstract: An input stereoscopic video signal has a first frame sequence (SL) in a left-eye channel and a second frame sequence (SR) in a right-eye channel, the second frame sequence (SR) having a zero or non-zero time offset ?1 with respect to the first frame sequence (SL). It is converted into an output stereoscopic video signal having a third frame sequence (S?L) in the left-eye channel and a fourth frame sequence (S?R) in the right-eye channel. The fourth frame sequence (S?R) has a zero or non-zero time offset ?2 with respect to the third left-eye frame sequence (S?L). The two time offsets ?1, ?2 may be different ?2??1), in which case the conversion comprises a time interpolation of the frames of at least one of the first and second frame sequences with interpolation parameters selected to apply a relative time shift of ?2??1 to the right-eye channel with respect to the left-eye channel.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: ZORAN (FRANCE) S.A.Inventors: Mark Shand, Guillaume Etorre