Patents by Inventor Tiancheng Lou

Tiancheng Lou 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).

  • Publication number: 20200262416
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for implementing a preemptive control for an autonomous vehicle to improve ride quality. Data from one or more sensors onboard the autonomous vehicle can be acquired. A surface imperfection of a road can be identified from the data. A next action for the autonomous vehicle can be determined based on the surface imperfection. A signal can be outputted that causes the autonomous vehicle to act in accordance with the next action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Nengxiu Deng, Jie Hou
  • Patent number: 10740914
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured to generate enhanced three-dimensional information. Three-dimensional information of a scene may be obtained. The three-dimensional information may define a three-dimensional point cloud model of the scene. The three-dimensional information may be determined based on distances of the scene from a location. Image information may be obtained. The image information may define one or more images of an object. The object may be identified based on the image information. A three-dimensional point cloud model of the object may be obtained. Enhanced three-dimensional information of the scene may be generated by inserting the three-dimensional point cloud model of the object into the three-dimensional point cloud model of the scene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Xiao, Yiming Liu, Sinan Xiao, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Jie Hou, Zhuo Zhang, Hao Song
  • Patent number: 10726687
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting one or more movable objects; determining a target movable object from the one or more detected objects; determining a manner of generating a directed alert notification selectively toward the target movable object; and causing a directed alert notification of the determined manner to be generated toward the target movable object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Song, Zhuo Zhang, Sinan Xiao, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Jie Hou, Tianyi Li, Yiming Liu
  • Publication number: 20200233422
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting a wireless push signal transmitted from a signal transmitter accompanied by an off-vehicle passer and received by a signal receiver of the autonomous-driving vehicle, the wireless push signal including information about a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer, determining a position and a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer at least based on the wireless push signal, and controlling a locomotive mechanism of the autonomous-driving vehicle based on the determined position and motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Hao Song, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Yiming Liu, Sinan Xiao
  • Patent number: 10717384
    Abstract: Systems and methods directed to projecting a current trajectory path of the autonomous vehicle on a surface of road is disclosed. In some embodiments, an autonomous vehicle with a light projector is disclosed, where the light projector is on a top surface of an autonomous vehicle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the autonomous vehicle may include an electronic control unit for controlling an operation of the light projector, where the electronic control unit detects whether the autonomous vehicle is turned on. In further embodiments, the electronic control unit receives data of an environmental condition surrounding the autonomous vehicle and receives an upcoming trajectory path of the autonomous vehicle. The electronic control unit may also project a light from the light projector onto a surface of a road indicating the upcoming trajectory path of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang Yu, Zichao Qi, Hao Song, Sinan Xiao, Bo Xiao, Jie Hou, Tianyi Li, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Yiming Liu
  • Publication number: 20200223399
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The wiper system can be configured to receive a camera operating information from one or more cameras. The one or more cameras can be determined to be in an exposure mode based on the camera operating information. A first speed of one or more wipers can be adjusted such that the one or more wipers are not in field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are in the exposure mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 10712744
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting a wireless push signal transmitted from a signal transmitter accompanied by an off-vehicle passer and received by a signal receiver of the autonomous-driving vehicle, the wireless push signal including information about a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer, determining a position and a motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer at least based on the wireless push signal, and controlling a locomotive mechanism of the autonomous-driving vehicle based on the determined position and motion capability level of the off-vehicle passer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Hao Song, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Yiming Liu, Sinan Xiao
  • Patent number: 10715705
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media may be configured to characterize optical characteristics of optical elements. An optical element mount may be configured to carry an optical element. A calibration display may be configured to display a calibration object. The calibration object may include a known visual pattern. Multiple images of the calibration object may be obtained. The multiple images may be acquired using the optical element carried by the optical element mount. The multiple images may include different perspectives of the calibration object. Optical characteristics of the optical element may be characterized based on the known visual pattern and the different perspectives of the calibration object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Kai Chen, Yiming Liu, Sinan Xiao, Tianyi Li, Yin Zhong, Hao Song
  • Publication number: 20200209862
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting one or more movable traffic objects; determining one or more target movable traffic objects from the one or more detected movable traffic objects; determining a type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and an traffic object that has a right of way (ROW) in a situation involving the autonomous-driving vehicle. The system further performs: determining a manner of generating a vehicle behavior notification to the target movable traffic object based on the type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and the ROW; and causing a vehicle behavior notification of the determined manner to be generated to the one or more target movable traffic objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Zixuan Zhou, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 10698408
    Abstract: A set of sensor information may include first sensor information generated based on a first sensor of a first vehicle and second sensor information generated based on a second sensor of a second vehicle. Individual sensor information may characterize positions of objects in an environment of individual sensors. Relevant sensor information for a vehicle may be determined based on the set of sensor information and a position of the vehicle. The relevant sensor information may characterize positions of objects in a maneuver environment of the vehicle. A desired navigation of the vehicle in the maneuver environment of the vehicle may be determined based on the relevant sensor information. An instruction may be provided to the vehicle based on the desired navigation of the vehicle. The instruction may characterize one or more maneuvers to be performed by the vehicle to execute the desired navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Jianan Wang, Nengxiu Deng, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Kai Chen, Hao Song
  • Patent number: 10688985
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media are provided for implementing a preemptive control for an autonomous vehicle to improve ride quality. Data from one or more sensors onboard the autonomous vehicle can be acquired. A surface imperfection of a road can be identified from the data. A next action for the autonomous vehicle can be determined based on the surface imperfection. A signal can be outputted that causes the autonomous vehicle to act in accordance with the next action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng, Nengxiu Deng, Jie Hou
  • Publication number: 20200158750
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media may be configured to calibrate sensor measurements based on detection of brake light. Acceleration information of a first vehicle may be obtained. The acceleration information may define an acceleration probability distribution of the first vehicle. Image information may be obtained. The image information may define an image of the first vehicle. Whether a brake light of the first vehicle is on or off may be determined based on the image of the first vehicle. Based on a determination that the brake light of the first vehicle is on, a calibrated acceleration probability distribution of the first vehicle may be generated based on the acceleration probability distribution of the first vehicle and a braking-calibration curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Zixuan Zhou, Sinan Xiao, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200142413
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: determining a region of interest (RoI) for processing images for an autonomous driving operation; determining an illumination condition for illuminating the determined RoI based on the determined RoI; and illuminating the determined RoI according to the determined illumination condition as the autonomous-driving vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Bowen Zheng, Xiang Yu, Sinan Xiao, Hao Song, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200142187
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for controlling camera exposure to augment a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The computer implemented method can detect a presence of a wiper in one or more images captured by one or more cameras. An exposure time of the one or more cameras can be adjusted. Wiper speed can be adjusted such that wipers move in and out of one or more field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are capturing images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 10640091
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The wiper system can be configured to receive a camera operating information from one or more cameras. The one or more cameras can be determined to be in an exposure mode based on the camera operating information. A first speed of one or more wipers can be adjusted such that the one or more wipers are not in field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are in the exposure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200130648
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for operating a wiper system of a sensor enclosure. The wiper system can be configured to receive a camera operating information from one or more cameras. The one or more cameras can be determined to be in an exposure mode based on the camera operating information. A first speed of one or more wipers can be adjusted such that the one or more wipers are not in field of views of the one or more cameras while the one or more cameras are in the exposure mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 10627819
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting one or more movable traffic objects; determining one or more target movable traffic objects from the one or more detected movable traffic objects; determining a type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and an traffic object that has a right of way (ROW) in a situation involving the autonomous-driving vehicle. The system further performs: determining a manner of generating a vehicle behavior notification to the target movable traffic object based on the type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and the ROW; and causing a vehicle behavior notification of the determined manner to be generated to the one or more target movable traffic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Pony AI Inc.
    Inventors: Zixuan Zhou, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200114877
    Abstract: A sensor enclosure comprising a domed cover and a base. The base can be encased by the domed cover. The base comprises an inner frame, an outer frame, one or more wipers, and a powertrain. The inner frame can provide surfaces for one or more sensors. The outer frame, disposed underneath the inner frame, the outer frame includes a slewing ring. The slewing ring comprises an inner ring to which the domed cover is attached and an outer ring attached to the outer frame. The one or more wipers extends vertically from the outer frame, each wiper having a first end attached to the outer frame and a second end attached to a support ring, and each wiper making a contact with the dome cover. The powertrain, disposed within the outer frame, configured to rotate the ring and the dome cover attached to the inner ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200117193
    Abstract: A system included and a computer-implemented method performed in an autonomous-driving vehicle are described. The system performs: detecting one or more movable traffic objects; determining one or more target movable traffic objects from the one or more detected movable traffic objects; determining a type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and an traffic object that has a right of way (ROW) in a situation involving the autonomous-driving vehicle. The system further performs: determining a manner of generating a vehicle behavior notification to the target movable traffic object based on the type of the one or more target movable traffic objects and the ROW; and causing a vehicle behavior notification of the determined manner to be generated to the one or more target movable traffic objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Zixuan Zhou, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng
  • Publication number: 20200088480
    Abstract: A cover defining an outer contour of a sensor enclosure with at least three identifiable portions stacked along a vertical axis. A first portion having a circular domed shape. A second portion, disposed underneath the first portion and coupled to a base of the first portion, having a truncated cone shape. The second portion includes one or more protruding grooves arranged diagonally about the vertical axis and imprinted on an outer surface of the second portion. The one or more protruding grooves channel a portion of an inlet airflow drawn into a cavity of the cover into a circular airflow. A third portion, disposed underneath the second portion and coupled to a base of the second portion, having a truncated cone shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Zhongnan Hu, Zuoteng Chen, Nengxiu Deng, Cheng Jin, Kai Chen, Yubo Zhang, Xiang Yu, Tiancheng Lou, Jun Peng