Patents by Inventor Patrick Gilliland
Patrick Gilliland 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: 11702022Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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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: 20230004160Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heuhebaert, Barton M Goldstein
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Publication number: 20220348158Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2022Publication date: November 3, 2022Applicant: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 11467597Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heuhebaert, Barton M Goldstein
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Patent number: 11400877Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Continental Autonomous Mobility US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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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: 20210003713Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 10873711Abstract: A three-dimensional imaging system includes a ladar sensor with a first field of view adapted to produce a three-dimensional image. The system also includes a visible light camera with a second field of view overlapping the first field of view and adapted to produce a two-dimensional image output. At least one digital processor is connected to the ladar sensor and the visible light camera and adapted to merge the three-dimensional image output with the two-dimensional image output into a three-dimensional point cloud output.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Brad Short, Patrick Gilliland, Thomas Laux, Laurent Heughebaert
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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: 10802149Abstract: A collision mitigation system makes use of ladar sensors to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of ladar sensors to identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLCInventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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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: 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: 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: 20190324461Abstract: A vehicular collision avoidance system comprising a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, a number of independent ladar sensor units, a cabling infrastructure, internal memory, a scene processor, and a data communications port is presented herein. The described invention is capable of developing a 3-D scene, and object data for targets within the scene, from multiple ladar sensor units coupled to centralized LADAR-based Collision Avoidance System (CAS). Key LADAR elements are embedded within standard headlamp and taillight assemblies. Articulating LADAR sensors cover terrain coming into view around a curve, at the crest of a hill, or at the bottom of a dip. A central laser transmitter may be split into multiple optical outputs and guided through fibers to illuminate portions of the 360° field of view surrounding the vehicle. These fibers may also serve as amplifiers to increase the optical intensity provided by a single master laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: October 24, 2019Applicant: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, LLC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heuhebaert, Bart M. Goldstein