Patents by Inventor Simon Verghese
Simon Verghese 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: 20240151834Abstract: In one example, a LIDAR device includes a light sources that emits light and a transmit lens that directs the emitted light to illuminate a region of an environment with a field-of-view defined by the transmit lens. The LIDAR device also includes a receive lens that focuses at least a portion of incoming light propagating from the illuminated region of the environment along a predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an array of light detectors positioned along the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an offset light detector positioned outside the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes a controller that determines whether collected sensor data from the array of light detectors includes data associated with another light source different than the light source of the device based on output from the offset light detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2024Publication date: May 9, 2024Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese
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Patent number: 11973154Abstract: Example embodiments relate to controlling detection time in photodetectors. An example embodiment includes a device. The device includes a substrate. The device also includes a photodetector coupled to the substrate. The photodetector is arranged to detect light emitted from a light source that irradiates a top surface of the device. A depth of the substrate is at most 100 times a diffusion length of a minority carrier within the substrate so as to mitigate dark current arising from minority carriers photoexcited in the substrate based on the light emitted from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2023Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Caner Onal, Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz
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Publication number: 20240080414Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese, Brendan Hermalyn
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Patent number: 11922829Abstract: This technology relates to a display mounted messaging system. The display mounted messaging system may include a light emitting diode (LED) display attached to a housing of a sensor. The housing of the sensor may rotate. The display mounted messaging system may also include an LED controller which is configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one LED in the LED display, to provide a message in the direction of an intended recipient.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Ralph Hamilton Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese
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Patent number: 11906671Abstract: In one example, a LIDAR device includes a light sources that emits light and a transmit lens that directs the emitted light to illuminate a region of an environment with a field-of-view defined by the transmit lens. The LIDAR device also includes a receive lens that focuses at least a portion of incoming light propagating from the illuminated region of the environment along a predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an array of light detectors positioned along the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes an offset light detector positioned outside the predefined optical path. The LIDAR device also includes a controller that determines whether collected sensor data from the array of light detectors includes data associated with another light source different than the light source of the device based on output from the offset light detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2019Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese
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Patent number: 11838689Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2022Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese, Brendan Hermalyn
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Publication number: 20230262202Abstract: An example method includes receiving, from one or more sensors associated with an autonomous vehicle, sensor data associated with a target object in an environment of the vehicle during a first environmental condition, where at least one sensor of the sensor(s) is configurable to be associated with one of a plurality of operating field of view volumes. The method also includes based on the sensor data, determining at least one parameter associated with the target object. The method also includes determining a degradation in the parameter(s) between the sensor data and past sensor data, where the past sensor data is associated with the target object in the environment during a second environmental condition different from the first and, based on the degradation, adjusting the operating field of view volume of the at least one sensor to a different one of the operating field of view volumes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Simon Verghese, Alexander McCauley
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Publication number: 20230194681Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that provide both an image of a scene and depth information for the scene. An example system includes at least one time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and an imaging sensor. The ToF sensor and the imaging sensor are configured to receive light from a scene. The system also includes at least one light source and a controller that carries out operations. The operations include causing the at least one light source to illuminate at least a portion of the scene with illumination light according to an illumination schedule. The operations also include causing the at least one ToF sensor to provide information indicative of a depth map of the scene based on the illumination light. The operations additionally include causing the imaging sensor to provide information indicative of an image of the scene based on the illumination light.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Caner Onal, David Schleuning, Brendan Hermalyn, Simon Verghese, Alex McCauley, Brandyn White, Ury Zhilinsky
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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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Patent number: 11671564Abstract: An example method includes receiving, from one or more sensors associated with an autonomous vehicle, sensor data associated with a target object in an environment of the vehicle during a first environmental condition, where at least one sensor of the sensor(s) is configurable to be associated with one of a plurality of operating field of view volumes. The method also includes based on the sensor data, determining at least one parameter associated with the target object. The method also includes determining a degradation in the parameter(s) between the sensor data and past sensor data, where the past sensor data is associated with the target object in the environment during a second environmental condition different from the first and, based on the degradation, adjusting the operating field of view volume of the at least one sensor to a different one of the operating field of view volumes.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Simon Verghese, Alexander McCauley
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Publication number: 20230170429Abstract: Example embodiments relate to controlling detection time in photodetectors. An example embodiment includes a device. The device includes a substrate. The device also includes a photodetector coupled to the substrate. The photodetector is arranged to detect light emitted from a light source that irradiates a top surface of the device. A depth of the substrate is at most 100 times a diffusion length of a minority carrier within the substrate so as to mitigate dark current arising from minority carriers photoexcited in the substrate based on the light emitted from the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2023Publication date: June 1, 2023Inventors: Caner Onal, Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz
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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: 11609313Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that provide both an image of a scene and depth information for the scene. An example system includes at least one time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and an imaging sensor. The ToF sensor and the imaging sensor are configured to receive light from a scene. The system also includes at least one light source and a controller that carries out operations. The operations include causing the at least one light source to illuminate at least a portion of the scene with illumination light according to an illumination schedule. The operations also include causing the at least one ToF sensor to provide information indicative of a depth map of the scene based on the illumination light. The operations additionally include causing the imaging sensor to provide information indicative of an image of the scene based on the illumination light.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Caner Onal, David Schleuning, Brendan Hermalyn, Simon Verghese, Alex McCauley, Brandyn White, Ury Zhilinsky
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Patent number: 11594650Abstract: Example embodiments relate to controlling detection time in photodetectors. An example embodiment includes a device. The device includes a substrate. The device also includes a photodetector coupled to the substrate. The photodetector is arranged to detect light emitted from a light source that irradiates a top surface of the device. A depth of the substrate is at most 100 times a diffusion length of a minority carrier within the substrate so as to mitigate dark current arising from minority carriers photoexcited in the substrate based on the light emitted from the light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Caner Onal, Simon Verghese, Pierre-Yves Droz
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Publication number: 20230032410Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese, Brendan Hermalyn
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Patent number: 11470284Abstract: Example implementations are provided for an arrangement of co-aligned rotating sensors. One example device includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) transmitter that emits light pulses toward a scene according to a pointing direction of the device. The device also includes a LIDAR receiver that detects reflections of the emitted light pulses reflecting from the scene. The device also includes an image sensor that captures an image of the scene based on at least external light originating from one or more external light sources. The device also includes a platform that supports the LIDAR transmitter, the LIDAR receiver, and the image sensor in a particular relative arrangement. The device also includes an actuator that rotates the platform about an axis to adjust the pointing direction of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese, Brendan Hermalyn
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Publication number: 20220276384Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that provide information about a scene based on a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and a structured light pattern. In an example embodiment, a sensor system could include at least one ToF sensor configured to receive light from a scene. The sensor system could also include at least one light source configured to emit a structured light pattern and a controller that carries out operations. The operations include causing the at least one light source to illuminate at least a portion of the scene with the structured light pattern and causing the at least one ToF sensor to provide information indicative of a depth map of the scene based on the structured light pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2022Publication date: September 1, 2022Inventors: Caner Onal, David Schleuning, Brendan Hermalyn, Simon Verghese, Alexander McCauley, Brandyn White, Ury Zhilinsky
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Patent number: 11353588Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that provide information about a scene based on a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor and a structured light pattern. In an example embodiment, a sensor system could include at least one ToF sensor configured to receive light from a scene. The sensor system could also include at least one light source configured to emit a structured light pattern and a controller that carries out operations. The operations include causing the at least one light source to illuminate at least a portion of the scene with the structured light pattern and causing the at least one ToF sensor to provide information indicative of a depth map of the scene based on the structured light pattern.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2018Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Caner Onal, David Schleuning, Brendan Hermalyn, Simon Verghese, Alex Mccauley, Brandyn White, Ury Zhilinsky
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Publication number: 20220144092Abstract: A control architecture for electric vehicle wireless power transmission systems that may be segmented so that certain essential and/or standardized control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, are permanent to the system and so that other non-essential and/or augmentable control circuits, programs, algorithms, and the like, may be reconfigurable and/or customizable by a user of the system. The control architecture may be distributed to various components of the wireless power system so that a combination of local or low-level controls operating at relatively high-speed can protect critical functionality of the system while higher-level and relatively lower speed control loops can be used to control other local and system-wide functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Simon Verghese, Morris P. Kesler, Katherine L. Hall, Herbert Toby Lou, Ron Fiorello
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Publication number: 20220130291Abstract: This technology relates to a display mounted messaging system. The display mounted messaging system may include a light emitting diode (LED) display attached to a housing of a sensor. The housing of the sensor may rotate. The display mounted messaging system may also include an LED controller which is configured to selectively activate and deactivate at least one LED in the LED display, to provide a message in the direction of an intended recipient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2021Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Ralph Hamilton Shepard, Pierre-Yves Droz, Simon Verghese