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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Publication number: 20160341818Abstract: A mobile ladar platform having a ladar sensor, a positioning system, and a digital processor adapted to perform analysis of a scene in a field of view. The ladar sensor includes a ladar transmitter, a zero range reference circuit, a two-dimensional array of light sensitive detectors positioned at a focal plane of a light collecting and focusing system, and a readout integrated circuit with a plurality of unit cell electrical circuits. The ladar sensor also includes a detector bias circuit and a communications port.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2016Publication date: November 24, 2016Applicant: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, INC.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160313445Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for personal electronic appliances. The present invention 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 personal electronic devices. 3-D focal plane arrays are used in a variety of physical configurations to provide useful new capabilities to a variety of personal electronic appliances.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: October 27, 2016Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Howard Bailey, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Laurent Heughebaert, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9465112Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Patent number: 9453914Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, high performance LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for terrain mapping. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D topographical, water surface, floating object, bathymetric, biological gas cloud, poison gas cloud, or smoke stack emission mapping data. The 3-D focal planes are used in a variety of physical configurations which provide advantages over prior art terrain mapping LADAR sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: CONTINENTAL ADVANCED LIDAR SOLUTIONS US, INC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland, Joseph Spagnolia, Bart Goldstein
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Publication number: 20160266242Abstract: A beam steering capability is proposed for a ladar sensor operating with limited laser transmit power, as may be typical of an airborne or automotive application. The ladar system also makes use of optical gain elements in the receiver which act to increase the signal to noise ratio at the receiver when the laser transmit power available is restricted by power, size, and/or cost limitations. In one embodiment, the calibration of each pixel in the ladar sensor is provided for by an electrical amplifier array with a number of pixel amplifiers. Each pixel amplifier may be individually calibrated to a mating detector element so as to eliminate the variations in dark current and gain between all pixels in the detector array. A number of new detector array designs are described which may lower cost and improve performance, and new low cost and high performance packaging for the detector array, amplifier array, and readout integrated circuit is introduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2015Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner
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Patent number: 9420264Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention 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: January 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Continental Advanced Lidar Solutions US, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160195616Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention 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: January 29, 2016Publication date: July 7, 2016Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160103224Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Applicant: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Patent number: 9277204Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, inexpensive LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for modular manufacture and rapid field configurability and provisioning. The present invention 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: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Laurent Heughebaert, Joseph Spagnolia, Brad Short, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20160003946Abstract: A multi-ladar sensor system is proposed for operating in dense environments where many ladar sensors are transmitting and receiving burst mode light in the same space, as may be typical of an automotive application. The system makes use of several techniques to reduce mutual interference between independently operating ladar sensors. In one embodiment, the individual ladar sensors are each assigned a wavelength of operation, and an optical receive filter for blocking the light transmitted at other wavelengths, an example of wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Each ladar sensor, or platform, may also be assigned a pulse width selected from a list, and may use a pulse width discriminator circuit to separate pulses of interest from the clutter of other transmitters. Higher level coding, involving pulse sequences and code sequence correlation, may be implemented in a system of code division multiplexing, CDM.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Howard Bailey, Roger Stettner, Nitin Kataria
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Patent number: 9229109Abstract: A three dimensional imaging camera comprises a system controller, pulsed laser transmitter, receiving optics, an infrared focal plane array light detector, and an image processor. The described invention is capable of developing a complete 3-D scene from a single point of view. The 3-D imaging camera utilizes a pulsed laser transmitter capable of illuminating an entire scene with a single high power flash of light. The 3-D imaging camera employs a system controller to trigger a pulse of high intensity light from the pulsed laser transmitter, and counts the time from the start of the transmitter light pulse. The light reflected from the illuminated scene impinges on a receiving optics and is detected by a focal plane array optical detector. An image processor applies image enhancing algorithms to improve the image quality and develop object data for subjects in the field of view of the flash ladar imaging camera.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland
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Publication number: 20150346344Abstract: 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: February 11, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Robert W. Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joseph Spagnolia, Roger Stettner
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Publication number: 20150331113Abstract: A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps 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 headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, 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: July 30, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Publication number: 20150301180Abstract: A lightweight, low volume, high performance LADAR sensor incorporating 3-D focal plane arrays is adapted specifically for terrain mapping. The present invention generates, at high speed, 3-D topographical, water surface, floating object, bathymetric, biological gas cloud, poison gas cloud, or smoke stack emission mapping data. The 3-D focal planes are used in a variety of physical configurations which provide advantages over prior art terrain mapping LADAR sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: ADVANCED SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS INC.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Howard Bailey, Brad Short, Laurent Heughebaert, Patrick Gilliland, Joseph Spagnolia, Bart Goldstein
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Publication number: 20150293532Abstract: 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 16, 2015Publication date: October 15, 2015Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heughebaert, Barton M. Goldstein
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Publication number: 20150258990Abstract: A vehicle and ladar sensor assembly system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to identify potential collisions with the vehicle. A low cost assembly is developed which can be easily mounted within a body panel cutout of a vehicle, and which connects to the vehicle electrical and computer systems through the vehicle wiring harness. The vehicle has a digital processor which interprets 3D data received from the ladar sensor assembly, and which is in control of the vehicle subsystems for steering, braking, acceleration, and suspension. The digital processor onboard the vehicle makes use of the 3D data and the vehicle control subsystems to avoid collisions and steer a best path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 9110169Abstract: A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps 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 headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, 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: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 9086486Abstract: 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: February 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Roger Stettner, Laurent Heughebaert, Barton M. Goldstein
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Patent number: 9069080Abstract: A vehicle and ladar sensor assembly system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to identify potential collisions with the vehicle. A low cost assembly is developed which can be easily mounted within a body panel cutout of a vehicle, and which connects to the vehicle electrical and computer systems through the vehicle wiring harness. The vehicle has a digital processor which interprets 3D data received from the ladar sensor assembly, and which is in control of the vehicle subsystems for steering, braking, acceleration, and suspension. The digital processor onboard the vehicle makes use of the 3D data and the vehicle control subsystems to avoid collisions and steer a best path.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Andrew Duerner
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Patent number: 8976340Abstract: 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: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Gilliland, Bob Koseluk, Steve Penniman, Brad Short, Joe Spagnolia, Roger Stettner