Patents by Inventor Michelle Milvich
Michelle Milvich 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: 11953677Abstract: An apparatus include a motor, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane. The second scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: AURORA OPERATIONS INC.Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20240094388Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Applicant: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. CROUCH, Edward ANGUS, Michelle MILVICH
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Patent number: 11852724Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLC.Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Patent number: 11714173Abstract: A method is presented for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system on an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. The method further includes receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. The method further includes receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. The method further includes determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. The method further includes defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20230161038Abstract: Doppler correction of phase-encoded LIDAR includes a code indicating a sequence of phases for a phase-encoded signal, and determining a first Fourier transform of the signal. A laser optical signal is used as a reference and modulated based on the code to produce a transmitted phase-encoded optical signal. A returned optical signal is received in response. The returned optical signal is mixed with the reference. The mixed optical signals are detected to produce an electrical signal. A cross spectrum is determined between in-phase and quadrature components of the electrical signal. A Doppler shift is based on a peak in the cross spectrum. A device is operated based on the Doppler shift. Sometimes a second Fourier transform of the electrical signal and the Doppler frequency shift produce a corrected Fourier transform and then a cross correlation. A range is determined based on a peak in the cross correlation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2023Publication date: May 25, 2023Applicant: Blackmore Sensors & Analytics, LLCInventors: Stephen C. CROUCH, Randy R. REIBEL, James CURRY, Michelle MILVICH, Krishna RUPAVATHARAM
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Publication number: 20230119595Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Applicant: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. CROUCH, Edward ANGUS, Michelle MILVICH
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Patent number: 11585925Abstract: Doppler correction of phase-encoded LIDAR includes a code indicating a sequence of phases for a phase-encoded signal, and determining a first Fourier transform of the signal. A laser optical signal is used as a reference and modulated based on the code to produce a transmitted phase-encoded optical signal. A returned optical signal is received in response. The returned optical signal is mixed with the reference. The mixed optical signals are detected to produce an electrical signal. A cross spectrum is determined between in-phase and quadrature components of the electrical signal. A Doppler shift is based on a peak in the cross spectrum. A device is operated based on the Doppler shift. Sometimes a second Fourier transform of the electrical signal and the Doppler frequency shift produce a corrected Fourier transform and then a cross correlation. A range is determined based on a peak in the cross correlation.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Randy R. Reibel, James Curry, Michelle Milvich, Krishna Rupavatharam
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Patent number: 11561304Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20220128703Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a LIDAR system that includes a waveguide array, a collimator configured to receive a plurality of beams from the waveguide array and output a plurality of collimated beams, and a scanner configured to adjust a direction of the plurality of collimated beams. The vehicle also includes one or more processors configured to determine a range to an object based on a return signal received from reflection or scattering of the plurality of collimated beams by the object and to control operation of at least one of a steering system or the braking system based on the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2022Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Patent number: 11249194Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a LIDAR system that includes a waveguide array, a collimator configured to receive a plurality of beams from the waveguide array and output a plurality of collimated beams, and a scanner configured to adjust a direction of the plurality of collimated beams. The vehicle also includes one or more processors configured to determine a range to an object based on a return signal received from reflection or scattering of the plurality of collimated beams by the object and to control operation of at least one of a steering system or the braking system based on the range.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Patent number: 11181641Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a LIDAR system with a waveguide array arranged in a first plane. The waveguide array is configured to generate a plurality of beams where each beam is transmitted from a respective waveguide in the array. The apparatus also includes a collimator configured to shape the plurality of beams into a fan of collimated beams having an angular spread in the first plane. Additionally, the apparatus includes a polygon scanner configured to adjust a direction of the fan in a second plane that is different than the first plane. A method is also provided employing the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: Blackmore Sensors & Analytics, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20210255290Abstract: A method is presented for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system on an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. The method further includes receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. The method further includes receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. The method further includes determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. The method further includes defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20210208278Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Blackmore Sensors & Analytics, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20210165102Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a LIDAR system that includes a waveguide array, a collimator configured to receive a plurality of beams from the waveguide array and output a plurality of collimated beams, and a scanner configured to adjust a direction of the plurality of collimated beams. The vehicle also includes one or more processors configured to determine a range to an object based on a return signal received from reflection or scattering of the plurality of collimated beams by the object and to control operation of at least one of a steering system or the braking system based on the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Applicant: BLACKMORE SENSORS AND ANALYTICS LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward ANGUS, Michelle Milvich
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Patent number: 10921452Abstract: Techniques for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system including a bistatic transceiver include receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. Techniques further include receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. Techniques further include receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. Techniques further include determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. Techniques further include defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20210025987Abstract: An apparatus include a motor, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane. The second scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: January 28, 2021Applicant: BALCKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLCInventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph ANGUS, Michelle MILVICH
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Patent number: 10866312Abstract: A method is presented for optimizing a scan pattern of a LIDAR system on an autonomous vehicle. The method includes receiving first SNR values based on values of a range of the target, where the first SNR values are for a respective scan rate. The method further includes receiving second SNR values based on values of the range of the target, where the second SNR values are for a respective integration time. The method further includes receiving a maximum design range of the target at each angle in the angle range. The method further includes determining, for each angle in the angle range, a maximum scan rate and a minimum integration time. The method further includes defining a scan pattern of the LIDAR system based on the maximum scan rate and the minimum integration time at each angle and operating the LIDAR system according to the scan pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLC.Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Patent number: 10838045Abstract: An apparatus include a motor, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane. The second scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLC.Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich
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Publication number: 20200326427Abstract: An apparatus include a motor, a first scanner, and a second scanner. The first scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the first scanner at a first angular velocity about a rotation axis to deflect a first beam incident in a third plane on the first scanner into a first plane different from the third plane. The second scanner is coupled to the motor, and the motor is configured to rotate the second scanner at a second angular velocity different from the first angular velocity about the rotation axis to deflect a second beam incident in the third plane on the second scanner into a second plane different from the third plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Stephen C. CROUCH, Edward Joseph ANGUS, Michelle MILVICH
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Publication number: 20200166647Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a LIDAR system with a waveguide array arranged in a first plane. The waveguide array is configured to generate a plurality of beams where each beam is transmitted from a respective waveguide in the array. The apparatus also includes a collimator configured to shape the plurality of beams into a fan of collimated beams having an angular spread in the first plane. Additionally, the apparatus includes a polygon scanner configured to adjust a direction of the fan in a second plane that is different than the first plane. A method is also provided employing the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Inventors: Stephen C. Crouch, Edward Joseph Angus, Michelle Milvich