Patents by Inventor Neil HUTCHISON

Neil HUTCHISON 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).

  • Patent number: 10302749
    Abstract: One example method involves obtaining a plurality of images using a camera located at a given position relative to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. A first image of the plurality may be obtained while a first aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. A second image of the plurality may be obtained while a second aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. The method also involves determining one or more alignment offsets between a transmitter of the LIDAR device and a receiver of the LIDAR device based on the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, Luke Wachter, Alexander McCauley
  • Publication number: 20190072649
    Abstract: One example system includes a light source that emits light. The system also includes a waveguide that guides the emitted light from a first side of the waveguide toward a second side of the waveguide opposite the first side. The waveguide has a third side extending between the first side and the second side. The system also includes a mirror that reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide. At least a portion of the reflected light propagates out of the waveguide toward a scene. The system also includes a light detector, and a lens that focuses light from the scene toward the waveguide and the light detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, Ralph Hamilton Shepard, Nathaniel Golshan
  • Publication number: 20190041498
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to limitation of noise on light detectors using an aperture. One example implementation includes a system. The system includes a lens disposed relative to a scene. The lens focuses light from the scene. The system also includes an opaque material that defines an aperture. The system also includes a waveguide having a first side that receives light focused by the lens and transmitted through the aperture. The waveguide guides the received light toward a second side of the waveguide opposite to the first side. The waveguide has a third side extending between the first side and the second side. The system also includes a mirror that reflects the guided light toward the third side of the waveguide. The system also includes an array of light detectors that detects the reflected light propagating out of the third side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, Ralph Hamilton Shepard
  • Publication number: 20180372853
    Abstract: One example method involves obtaining a plurality of images using a camera located at a given position relative to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. A first image of the plurality may be obtained while a first aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. A second image of the plurality may be obtained while a second aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. The method also involves determining one or more alignment offsets between a transmitter of the LIDAR device and a receiver of the LIDAR device based on the plurality of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, Luke Wachter, Alexander McCauley
  • Patent number: 10094916
    Abstract: One example method involves obtaining a plurality of images using a camera located at a given position relative to a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device. A first image of the plurality may be obtained while a first aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. A second image of the plurality may be obtained while a second aperture is interposed between the camera and the LIDAR device. The method also involves determining one or more alignment offsets between a transmitter of the LIDAR device and a receiver of the LIDAR device based on the plurality of images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, David Neil Hutchison, Luke Wachter, Alexander McCauley
  • Patent number: 9069004
    Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing optomechanical sensors in various configurations by using two optically coupled optical resonators or cavities that can be move or deform relative to each other. The optical coupling between first and second optical cavities to produce an optical resonance that varies with a spacing between the first and second optical cavities and provide the basis for the optomechanical sensing. Compact and integrated optomechanical sensors can be constructed to provide sensitive measurements for a range of applications, including motion sensing and other sensing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Sunil A. Bhave, David Neil Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20140283601
    Abstract: Methods, structures, devices and systems are disclosed for implementing optomechanical sensors in various configurations by using two optically coupled optical resonators or cavities that can be move or deform relative to each other. The optical coupling between first and second optical cavities to produce an optical resonance that varies with a spacing between the first and second optical cavities and provide the basis for the optomechanical sensing. Compact and integrated optomechanical sensors can be constructed to provide sensitive measurements for a range of applications, including motion sensing and other sensing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sunil A. Bhave, David Neil Hutchison