Patents Issued in December 24, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200400786
    Abstract: A limited reflection type sensor which irradiates exit light from a light emitting unit toward an object sensing region through an exit light lens and receives, at a light receiving unit, reflected light from an object existing in the object sensing region through a reflected light lens, may include a casing including a latching portion formed on a side surface and a first opening facing the object sensing region, the casing accommodating the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit; and a lens part including a light incident/exit part formed integrally with the exit light lens and the reflected light lens, and a side surface covering part in which an end of the light incident/exit part is extended along the side surface, in which the lens part covers the first opening with the light incident/exit part and the side surface covering part is latched by the latching portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya KAKIMOTO, Jun NAKAJIMA, Asuka TADA
  • Publication number: 20200400787
    Abstract: The laser distance measuring device includes: a laser light emission unit for emitting laser light; a scanning mechanism for scanning the laser light by changing an output angle thereof; a light receiving unit for receiving reflected light of the laser light from an object, to thereby output a light reception signal; a light-detector control circuit for causing the light receiving unit to output the reception signal after setting a light receiving sensitivity for the reflected light at the time when the output angle is small, higher than a light receiving sensitivity for the reflected light at the time when the output angle is large; and a distance calculation unit for calculating, based on the reception signal, a distance to the object. This enhances the distance measuring capability in both cases of measuring a short distance and a long distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shohei TSUKAMOTO, Hiroshi SAKANOUE, Masaharu IMAKI
  • Publication number: 20200400788
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system is provided. The LIDAR system comprises at least two lasers configured to emit aligned beams of light and a mirror configured to deflect the beams of light emitted by the lasers. The mirror is supported to be pivotable with respect to an axis of the mirror so as to allow the beams of light to scan a field of view of the LIDAR system. The LIDAR system further comprises a driver configured to drive the mirror into oscillations and a controller. The controller is configured to control at least one laser so as to selectively change a size of the field of view and/or to control the driver so as to selectively change the size of the field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hendrikus VAN LIEROP, Norbert DRUML, Alberto GARCIA IZQUIERDO, Wojciech KUDLA
  • Publication number: 20200400789
    Abstract: A scanning assembly for a detection system for a vehicle includes a base, a first and second flexible sheet, and a scanning fixture with a mirror. The scanning fixture is connected to the base via the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet. Oscillation of the scanning assembly around a first central axis of the scanning fixture causes each flexible sheet to flex along a length of a plane of said sheet. Oscillation of the scanning assembly around a second central axis of the scanning fixture causes each flexible sheet to flex in torsion along the length of the plane of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Bernard DeMersseman, Robert Sletten, Aaron Cahill, Patrick Holmes
  • Publication number: 20200400790
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a light receiver configured to receive a reception light including a reflected pulse generated by a reflection of an emitted pulse on an object, an analog-to-digital converter configured to generate digital signals regarding the reception light, a memory configured to store the digital signals, a memory controller configured to control a write rate to write the digital signals to the memory in accordance with an elapsed time from emission timing of the emitted pulse; and processor circuitry configured to measure a distance to the object based on a difference between the emission timing of the emitted pulse and reception timing of the reflected pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC DEVICES & STORAGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kentaro YOSHIOKA, Hiroshi KUBOTA
  • Publication number: 20200400791
    Abstract: A light detection device includes a light projector, a light receiver, a detector, and a controller. The light projector projects light to a predetermined range. The light receiver has a light receiving region in which light is received. The detector detects light by comparing a light reception result by the light receiver with a predetermined threshold. The controller controls the threshold. The controller shifts in turn a range where light is projected from the light projector. The controller, causes the detector to detect light per a portion of the light receiving region, the portion corresponding to a range with light being projected from the light projector, and sets the threshold based on a light reception result by the light receiver in a different portion of the light receiving region from the portion corresponding to the range with light being projected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Naoki FUJIWARA, Yuki MATSUI, Kazuo YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200400792
    Abstract: A combining network for an array of SPAD devices includes: synchronous sampling circuits, wherein each synchronous sampling circuit is coupled to an output of a corresponding SPAD device and is configured to generate a pulse or an edge each time an event is detected; and a summation circuit coupled to an output of each of the synchronous sampling circuits and configured to count a number of pulses or edges to generate a binary output value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics (Research & Development) Limited
    Inventors: Sarrah Moiz PATANWALA, Bruce RAE, Neale DUTTON
  • Publication number: 20200400793
    Abstract: A time-of-flight ranging device suitable for indirect time-of-flight ranging is provided. The time-of-flight ranging device includes a light emitting module, a first sensing pixel, a second sensing pixel, a differential readout circuit, and a processing circuit. The light emitting module emits a light pulse to a sensing target, so that the sensing target reflects a reflected light pulse. The first sensing pixel generates a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal. The second sensing pixel generates a third sensing signal and a fourth sensing signal. The differential readout circuit generates first digital data according to the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal and generates second digital data according to the second sensing signal and the fourth sensing signal. The processing circuit calculates a distance between the time-of-flight ranging device and the sensing target according to the first digital data and the second digital data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Guangzhou Tyrafos Semiconductor Technologies Co., LTD
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Yin, Jia-Shyang Wang
  • Publication number: 20200400794
    Abstract: A time-resolving sensor includes a single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a logic circuit and differential time-to-charge converter (DTCC) circuit. The SPAD is responsive to a shutter signal to generate an output signal based on detecting an incident photon. The logic circuit generates first and second enable signals. The DTCC includes a capacitor device, first and second switching devices, and an output circuit. The first switching device is responsive to the first enable signal to transfer a charge on the capacitor device to the first floating diffusion. The second switching device is responsive to the second enable signal to transfer a remaining charge on the capacitor device to the second floating diffusion. The output circuit outputs a first voltage that is based on the first charge on the first floating diffusion and a second voltage that is based on the second charge on the second floating diffusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Yibing Michelle WANG
  • Publication number: 20200400795
    Abstract: Laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes applying edge enhancement to edges within an exposure frame of the plurality of exposure frames. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400796
    Abstract: A time of flight device and a time of flight method are provided. The time of flight device includes a first time-to-digital converter, a second time-to-digital converter, a driving circuit, a sensing light source, a sensing pixel and a processing circuit. The driving circuit provides a pulse signal and a reference pulse signal simultaneously. The first time-to-digital converter determines first depth data based on the reference pulse signal. The sensing light source emits a light pulse to a sensing object based on the pulse signal. The sensing pixel receives a reflected light pulse reflected by the sensing object and outputs a reflected pulse signal to the second time-to-digital converter so that the second time-to-digital converter determines second depth data based on the reflected pulse signal. The processing circuit subtracts the first depth data from the second depth data to obtain real depth data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Guangzhou Tyrafos Semiconductor Technologies Co., LTD
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Yin, Jia-Shyang Wang
  • Publication number: 20200400797
    Abstract: A photo-detecting apparatus includes a first photodetector, a second photodetector, a first modulation signal generating circuit and a second modulation signal generating circuit. The first is configured to generate at least a first detecting signal according a first modulation signal. The second photodetector is configured to generate a second detecting signal according a second modulation signal. The first modulation signal generating circuit is coupled to the first photodetector and operated between a first voltage and a second voltage, and is configured to generate the first modulation signal. The second modulation signal generating circuit is coupled to the second photodetector and operated between the second voltage and a third voltage. The second modulation signal generating circuit is configured to generate a second modulation signal. The value of the second voltage is between the first voltage and the third voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Che-Fu Liang
  • Publication number: 20200400798
    Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus is provided that includes an optical source to emit a first optical beam having a first frequency and a second optical beam having a second frequency and a dispersive element to deflect the first optical beam having the first frequency at a first angle and the second optical beam having the second frequency at a second angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Mina Rezk, Omer P. Kocaoglu, Oguzhan Avci, Neal N. Oza, Keith Gagne, Behsan Behzadi
  • Publication number: 20200400799
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes various sensors. The system can include, among others, LIDAR, RADAR, SONAR, cameras, microphones, GPS, and infrared systems for monitoring and detecting environmental conditions. In some implementations, one or more of these sensors may become miscalibrated. Using data collected by the sensors, the system can detect a miscalibrated sensor and generate an indication that one or more sensors have become miscalibrated. For example, data captured by a sensor can be processed to determine an average height represented by the sensor data and compared to an average height of data captured by other sensors. Based on a difference in heights, an indication can be generated identifying a miscalibrated sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: David Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20200400800
    Abstract: A Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT) device is provided. The PMUT includes a substrate and an edge support structure connected to the substrate. A membrane is connected to the edge support structure such that a cavity is defined between the membrane and the substrate, where the membrane is configured to allow movement at ultrasonic frequencies. The membrane includes a piezoelectric layer and first and second electrodes coupled to opposing sides of the piezoelectric layer. An interior support structure is disposed within the cavity and connected to the substrate and the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: InvenSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Eldwin NG, Julius Ming-Lin TSAI, Nikhil APTE
  • Publication number: 20200400801
    Abstract: A method of tracking a known object is presented, wherein a sonar image of an object which is distorted by an artifact associated with sonar imaging is compared with an image generated from a model of the object, and at least one of the two images is modified to reduce differences between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Coda Octopus Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Martyn Sloss
  • Publication number: 20200400802
    Abstract: A method for reconstructing a signal from a subset of the full signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a plurality of randomly sampled multichannel radio-frequency or in-phase and quadrature signals acquired from a physical environment including a transmitter, a propagation medium and a receiver; modelling the full signal as a matrix comprising a plurality of vector signals, wherein the full signal is expressed as a matrix product of a first matrix and a second matrix; updating the second matrix based on an objective function to produce an updated second matrix; determining a convergence parameter in dependence upon the evaluated objective function; and modifying the updated second matrix in dependence upon the convergence parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Miaomiao ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20200400803
    Abstract: Various sensors, sensor controllers, and sensor control methods are provided with model-based sideband balancing. In one illustrative embodiment, a controller for a piezoelectric transducer includes a transmitter, a receiver, and a processing circuit coupled to the transmitter and receiver. The processing circuit performs calibration and echo detection, the calibration including: sensing the piezoelectric transducer's phase response as a function of frequency; deriving equivalent circuit parameters for the piezoelectric transducer from the phase response; and determining a sideband imbalance based on one or more of the equivalent circuit parameters. Once the sideband imbalance is identified, the processing circuit may perform echo-detection processing that accounts for the sideband imbalance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tomas SUCHY, Jiri KANTOR, Marek HUSTAVA
  • Publication number: 20200400804
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for aerostat deployable from sonobuoy launch container. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a capsule configured to launch from an aircraft and float in seawater with one or more sonobuoys. The capsule includes a receiver configured to receive sonobuoy data from the one or more sonobuoys, a transmitter configured to transmit the sonobuoy data to the aircraft, a cable configured to power the transmitter via a battery, and a reaction chamber including a reactant and configured to generate a gas from the seawater mixing with the reactant. The capsule also includes an aerostat tethered to the capsule via the cable and configured to inflate with the gas produced by the reaction chamber, and to ascend above the capsule with the transmitter to increase a distance for transmitting the sonobuoy data to the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: James Joseph Bonang, Steven Lee Gall, Michael Jeffrey Greenfield, Randall L. Mosten, Matthew Joseph Ragozzino
  • Publication number: 20200400805
    Abstract: A subsurface imaging technique using distributed sensors is introduced. Instead of monostatic transceivers employed in conventional ground penetrating radars, the proposed technique utilizes bi-static transceivers to sample the reflected signals from the ground at different positions and create a large two-dimensional aperture for high resolution subsurface imaging. The coherent processing of the samples in the proposed imaging method eliminates the need for large antenna arrays for obtaining high lateral resolution images. In addition, it eliminates the need for sampling on a grid which is a time-consuming task in imaging using ground penetration radar. Imaging results show that the method can provide high-resolution images of the buried targets using only samples of the reflected signals on a circle with the center at the transmitter location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Kamal SARABANDI, Behzad YEKTAKHAH, Abdulrahman ALJURBUA
  • Publication number: 20200400806
    Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of measuring a distance to an object using a wireless communication signal and an electronic device therefor the same are provided. The method includes transmitting a wireless communication signal to an external object by controlling a wireless communication module, receiving a signal returned based on the transmitted wireless communication signal being reflected from the external object by controlling the wireless communication module, acquiring a first distance to the external object based on a transmission time point of the transmitted signal and a reception time point of the received signal, acquiring a second distance to the external object based on phases of the transmitted signal and the received signal by controlling the phase matching module, and estimating a distance to the external object based on the first distance and the second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Junsu CHOI, Chiho KIM
  • Publication number: 20200400807
    Abstract: In the field of microelectronics, this concerns a method that can be used to determine the position of objects with improved resolution. The subject of the present invention is to specify a method that is used to determine the position of the objects with high accuracy. The method is achieved according to the invention wherein objects in a medium either a signal modulated with a code is sent from the component to the object, converted there into a signal modulated with another code and sent to a component, or a non-code-modulated signal is transmitted from the component to the object, converted there into a signal modulated with a code and sent to a component, or an object generates a signal modulated with a code and sends it to a component, and the noise component of the signal is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Daniil Karnaushenko, Oliver Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20200400808
    Abstract: A method of sensing a target in a target detection system having processing circuitry and a multiplexer coupled to the processing circuitry and to a plurality NT of transmit antennas forming a sparse transmit uniform linear array (ULA), the multiplexer being configured to generate multiplexed and phase modulated transmit signals (T1 . . . TNT) based on signals from a local oscillator. The processing circuitry receives signals via a plurality NR of receive antennas forming a dense receive ULA. The method includes transmitting the transmit signals via the transmit antennas as a general radiation pattern corresponding to a block circulant probing signal matrix, and receiving via the receive antennas receive signals resulting from backscattering of the transmit signals transmitted towards K targets. The method further includes processing the received reflection signals to determine the presence, range and/or angular position of a target within a field of view of the transmit antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Christian HAMMES, Bhavani Shankar MYSORE RAMA RAO, Björn OTTERSTEN, Udo SCHRÖDER
  • Publication number: 20200400809
    Abstract: A radar circuit for use with a host system such as a vehicle includes a radio frequency (RF) signal generator configured to generate a predetermined RF waveform, an RF antenna connected to the RF signal generator, and an ECU which executes a method. As part of such a method, a signal generator transmits the RF waveform toward different radar target types, and receives return signatures reflected therefrom. The ECU receives the return signatures from the antenna, processes the return signatures via parallel constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) subdetectors each with defined cells under test to detect the target types as a set of detection events, merges the detection events into a merged set, and executes a control action aboard the host system responsive to the merged set. Each subdetector detects a corresponding one or more of the radar target types via corresponding detection parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Oren Longman, Gaston Solodky, Shahar Villeval, Igal Bilik
  • Publication number: 20200400810
    Abstract: A method of increasing a resolution of radar data is provided. The method of training a radar resolution increase model comprises generating a high-resolution training ground truth and a low-resolution training input from original raw radar data based on information corresponding to at least one of dimensions defining the original raw radar data, and training the resolution increase model based on the high-resolution training ground truth and the low-resolution training input. A radar data processing device generates high-resolution output data from low-resolution input data based on a trained resolution increase model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyunwoong CHO, Byung Kwan KIM, Jong-Sok KIM, Sungdo CHOI
  • Publication number: 20200400811
    Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement a smart-device-based radar system capable of detecting user gestures in the presence of saturation. In particular, a radar system 104 employs machine learning to compensate for distortions resulting from saturation. This enables gesture recognition to be performed while the radar system 104's receiver 304 is saturated. As such, the radar system 104 can forgo integrating an automatic gain control circuit to prevent the receiver 304 from becoming saturated. Furthermore, the radar system 104 can operate with higher gains to increasing sensitivity without adding additional antennas. By using machine learning, the radar system 104's dynamic range increases, which enables the radar system 104 to detect a variety of different types of gestures having small or large radar cross sections, and performed at various distances from the radar system 104.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Changzhan Gu, Jaime Lien, Nicholas Edward Gillian, Jian Wang
  • Publication number: 20200400812
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a first sensor and a second sensor, at least one of which is a camera. A computer system coupled to the first and second sensors includes a memory and stored object types and associations between objects. The computer system is configured to infer a group association between a first and second object by retrieving an input from at least one of the sensors, inferring an interaction at a monitored location, infer possession of the second object by the first object, and terminate the inferred group association based on a subsequent inference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Lucomm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lucian Cristache
  • Publication number: 20200400813
    Abstract: A radar image processing device performs determination of a pixel including a ghost image and changes the value of the pixel which is determined to include the ghost image on a radar image the focus of which has been changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Noboru OISHI, Kazuhiko YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200400814
    Abstract: A method of determination of the alignment angles of two or more road vehicle (1) borne radar sensors (4) for a road vehicle radar auto-alignment controller (3) starting from initially available rough estimates of alignment angles. From at least two radar sensors (4) are obtained signals related to range, azimuth and range rate to detections. The detections are screened (5) to determine detections from stationary targets. From the determined detections from stationary targets is derived a linearized signal processing model involving alignment angles, longitudinal and lateral velocity and yaw-rate of the road vehicle (1). A filter algorithm is applied to estimate the alignment angles. Based on the estimated alignment angles are produced signals suitable for causing a road vehicle (1) radar auto-alignment controller (3) to perform radar offset compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Zenuity AB
    Inventors: Tony GUSTAFSSON, Joakim SÖRSTEDT
  • Publication number: 20200400815
    Abstract: A radar system for detecting the environment of a motor vehicle includes an antenna assembly comprising plastic and including one or more individual antennas for transmitting and/or receiving radar signals. A circuit board includes at least one area that is permeable by radar waves. At least one high-frequency component is coupled to one side of the circuit board and includes at least one radiating element for direct emission or receipt of radar waves in the direction of the circuit board in the least one area that is permeable by radar waves. The antenna assembly is disposed on the other side of the circuit board opposite the at least one high-frequency component. The antenna assembly includes a coupling/decoupling point disposed in the at least one area of the circuit board permeable by radar waves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Wintermantel
  • Publication number: 20200400816
    Abstract: An object detection device includes: a transmission unit transmitting a first transmission wave; a reception unit receiving a first reception wave reflected by an object; a signal processing unit sampling a first processing target signal according to the first reception wave and acquiring a difference signal based on a difference between the first processing target signal for at least one sample at a certain detection timing, and the first processing target signal for a plurality of samples in at least one of first and second periods; a threshold setting unit setting a threshold as a comparison target with the value of the difference signal, based on variation in the values of the first processing target signal for the plurality of samples; and a detection unit detecting information about the object at the detection timing based on a comparison result between the value of the difference signal and the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ippei SUGAE
  • Publication number: 20200400817
    Abstract: A stable towable submersible device includes a rigid body that is towed at a positive pitch angle relative to the device's direction of motion. An acoustic projector housing extends vertically from the rigid body. When the rigid body rolls about its roll axis, which is tilted at the positive pitch angle, the acoustic projector rolls about the roll axis changing the acoustic projector's angle of attack relative to the direction of motion and generates a restoring force causing the acoustic projector to rotate back to a generally vertical orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Janis NAMS, Dan CUNNINGHAM, Paul YEATMAN, Bruce A. ARMSTRONG
  • Publication number: 20200400818
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and storage media associated with surface traversing by robotic apparatuses with an obstacle detection system are described herein. In some instances, the obstacle detection system is mounted on the body of the apparatus, and includes one or more light sources, to illuminate the surface to be traversed; a camera, to capture one or more images of the illuminated surface; and a processing device coupled with the camera and the light source, to process the captured one or more images, to detect, or cause to be detected, an obstacle disposed on the illuminated surface, based at least in part on a result of the processing of the images. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventor: Nizan Horesh
  • Publication number: 20200400819
    Abstract: Time of flight device and method are provided. A light-emitting module emits a first light pulse to a sensing target, and a sensing unit receives and integrates a first reflected light pulse of the sensing target. A processing circuit reads an image parameter of the sensing target through a readout circuit. The light-emitting module emits a second light pulse to the sensing target, and the sensing unit receives a second reflected light pulse of the sensing target. The processing circuit obtains a distance parameter between the sensing target and the time of flight device according to a time when the readout circuit reads the second reflected light pulse of the sensing unit. The processing circuit obtains a reflectivity of the sensing target according to the image parameter and a look-up table, and obtains a corrected distance parameter of the sensing target by correcting the distance parameter according to the reflectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Guangzhou Tyrafos Semiconductor Technologies Co., LTD
    Inventors: Ping-Hung Yin, Jia-Shyang Wang
  • Publication number: 20200400820
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein include a distance detection system comprising an emitter unit configured to emit electromagnetic measurement pulses for distance measurements; and a receiver unit configured to capture the electromagnetic measurement pulses, characterized in that at least one of a shape, a temporal distance, and a number of the emitted measurement pulses are varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: OSRAM Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH
    Inventor: Andre NAUEN
  • Publication number: 20200400821
    Abstract: A system and method for vehicle odometry using coherent range Doppler optical sensors. The system and method includes operating a Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system to collect raw point cloud data that indicates for a point a plurality of dimensions, wherein a dimension of the plurality of dimensions includes an inclination angle, an azimuthal angle, a range, or a relative speed between the point and the LIDAR system; determining a corrected velocity vector for the Doppler LIDAR system based on the raw point cloud data; and producing revised point cloud data that is corrected for the velocity of the Doppler LIDAR system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: BLACKMORE SENSORS & ANALYTICS, LLC
    Inventors: Devlin Baker, James Curry
  • Publication number: 20200400822
    Abstract: A laser radar device performs control to make a focus distance of transmission light equal to a measurement distance by switching a plurality of laser light sources that emit beams of oscillation light having wavelengths different from each other to switch emission directions of the transmission light while maintaining the focus position of optical antennas, and changing the wavelength of the beams of oscillation light according to the measurement distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki ANDO, Jiro SUZUKI, Eisuke HARAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20200400823
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for laser mapping and color imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400824
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for laser mapping and color imaging with increased dynamic range are disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation, wherein the pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels each configurable as a short exposure pixel or a long exposure pixel. The system includes a controller comprising a processor in electrical communication with the image sensor and the emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400825
    Abstract: Laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400826
    Abstract: Hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging with reduced fixed pattern noise is disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor. The method includes reducing fixed pattern noise in an exposure frame by subtracting a reference frame from the exposure frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of: electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm, an excitation wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that causes a reagent to fluoresce, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400827
    Abstract: A laser detecting device able to detect and map all the contours a target object can configure and apply at least two scanning point groups on the target object. Each scanning point group includes at least two scanning points. The laser detecting device includes four light sources at different angles of incidence in relation to a diffracting element. A beam receiving element receives all the light reflected by the target object, and a central controller records emitting and receiving times of the light emitted and received. The detection beams sequentially scan the at least two scanning point groups as the central controller switches on in turn one of the four light sources as the others are powered off. Processing of data from the beam receiving element enables a three-dimensional image of the target object to be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: MING-YANG PAN, CHI-WEN HUANG, CHIA-CHU LIN
  • Publication number: 20200400828
    Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400829
    Abstract: Pulsed hyperspectral imaging in a light deficient environment is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional pads comprising an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 513 nm to about 545 nm, from about 565 nm to about 585 nm, or from about 900 nm to about 1000 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400830
    Abstract: Minimizing image sensor input/output pads in a pulsed laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes a plurality of bidirectional pads comprising an output state for issuing data and an input state for receiving data. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400831
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter is a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400832
    Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400833
    Abstract: Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400834
    Abstract: Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
  • Publication number: 20200400835
    Abstract: Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, and/or a laser mapping pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Ethicon LLC
    Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern