With At Least 2-dimensional Sensitivity Patents (Class 356/141.5)
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Patent number: 12201250Abstract: A robot (100) working area map construction method and apparatus, a robot (100), and a medium, wherein the robot (100) working area map construction method comprises scanning in real time an obstacle in a driving path and recording position parameters of the obstacle (S102); obtaining in real time image information of the obstacle in the driving path (S104); according to the position parameters and the image information, determining working area-based reference information of the obstacle (S106); and dividing the working area into a plurality of sub-areas on the basis of the reference information (S108). By means of radar scanning and image capture by a camera for double insurance, the robot (100) working area map construction method significantly improves recognition accuracy for room doors and avoids room division confusion caused by the incorrect recognition of doors.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: BEIJING ROBOROCK INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Erqi Wu, Yansheng Niu, Shuai Liu
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Patent number: 12196889Abstract: Methods and systems for combining return signals from multiple channels of a LIDAR measurement system are described herein. In one aspect, the outputs of multiple receive channels are electrically coupled before input to a single channel of an analog to digital converter. In another aspect, a DC offset voltage is provided at the output of each transimpedance amplifier of each receive channel to improve measured signal quality. In another aspect, a bias voltage supplied to each photodetector of each receive channel is adjusted based on measured temperature to save power and improve measurement consistency. In another aspect, a bias voltage supplied to each illumination source of each transmit channel is adjusted based on measured temperature. In another aspect, a multiplexer is employed to multiplex multiple sets of output signals of corresponding sets of receive channels before analog to digital conversion.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: Velodyne Lidar USA, Inc.Inventors: David S. Hall, Rajanatha Shettigara, Nathan Slattengren, Aaron Chen, Anand Gopalan
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Patent number: 12152879Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a layout marking system for tracing reference regions and a method thereof. The layout marking system includes a support frame, a layout marking module, a position controller, and a control circuitry. The position controller extracts an offset value based on applying a vision processing algorithm and determines a current position of a localization and positioning device in the construction layout based on the offset value. The layout system includes a control circuitry configured to receive a control signal from the position controller for operating an actuator based on the offset value. The control signal includes an operating distance and an operating direction. The control circuitry further dynamically operates the actuator based on the sensory data, the operating distance, and the operating direction, thereby operating the layout marking module to trace the reference region while the layout marking system navigates to the reference region.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2024Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Inventors: Rigoberto Renteria, Heber Renteria
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Patent number: 12152880Abstract: A surveying system comprises a target and a measuring instrument. The target has retro-reflection characteristics, the measuring instrument comprises a point measuring unit for irradiating a distance measuring light, for receiving a reflected light and for measuring three-dimensional coordinates of the target based on a light receiving result, a scanner unit for rotatably irradiating a laser beam and for acquiring the point cloud data and an arithmetic control module, wherein the point measuring unit measures the target held in the vicinity of an object, the arithmetic control module calculates a region of a three-dimensional space including the object based on a target measurement result of the point measuring unit, the scanner unit scans a predetermined range including the object and acquires the point cloud data, and the arithmetic control module selects the point cloud data only included in the region of the point cloud data.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2022Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Nishita
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Patent number: 12140704Abstract: Optical systems and methods for collecting distance information are disclosed. An example optical system includes a first transmitting optic, a plurality of illumination sources, a pixel array comprising at least a first column of pixels and a second column of pixels, each pixel in the first column of pixels being offset from an adjacent pixel in the first column of pixels by a first pixel pitch, the second column of pixels being horizontally offset from the first column of pixels by the first pixel pitch, the second column of pixels being vertically offset from the first column of pixels by a first vertical pitch; and a set of input channels interposed between the first transmitting optic and the pixel array.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: Ouster, Inc.Inventors: Angus Pacala, Mark Frichtl, Marvin Shu, Eric Younge
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Patent number: 12096109Abstract: A system for automatically acquiring focus of remote flying objects (RFOs) includes an interface and processor. The interface is configured to receive a radar data and a lens temperature data. The processor is configured to determine a focal setting for a lens system based at least in part on the radar data and the lens temperature data; and provide the focal setting for the lens system.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2023Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: Anduril Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian Marcin Camacho, Calvin Michael Hareng, Corey Martin Hass, Forrest Nelson Iandola, Gokul Ganesh Subramanian, Nadav Ben-Haim, Adnan Esmail, Kevin Michael Christensen
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Patent number: 12013239Abstract: An external controller specifies the direction of a surveying instrument with respect to a laser marking instrument to calculate a first relative angle as an angle relative to the surveying instrument, calculates a second relative angle as an angle relative to a target line based on design information, and calculates a differential angle between the first relative angle and the second relative angle, thereby rotating a marking laser emitter by the differential angle to project marking laser light onto the target line.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Topcon CorporationInventors: Nobuyuki Nishita, Toshio Yamada
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Patent number: 11994389Abstract: A device and method for projecting visible level laser lines onto a work surface and measuring distances along the level laser lines. The device includes a self-leveling laser housing that allows the lasers to level when activated. The device also includes separate distance measuring lasers and a handheld display used to measure distances from the center of the device.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: SURE HANG, LLCInventor: Jayson Hill
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Patent number: 11982765Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide systems and methods that can facilitate increased detector sensitivity and reliability in a scanning laser device. Specifically, the systems and methods utilize detectors with multiple sensors that are configured to receive reflections of laser light pulses from objects within a scan field. These multiple sensors are configured to receive these reflections through the same optical assembly used to scan the laser light pulses out to the scan field. Furthermore, the multiple sensors are configured to at least partially cancel the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly itself. The cancellation of the effects of back reflections from within the optical assembly can improve the sensitivity of the detector, particularly for the detection of low energy reflections of laser pulses from within the scan field.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Microvision, Inc.Inventors: James Dean, Christopher Cannon, Alga Lloyd Nothern, III, Joel Sandgathe
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Patent number: 11953598Abstract: A laser tracking device includes an adjustment device, a telescope, and a drive device. The adjustment device modifies the emission direction of first light wave. The telescope emits the first light wave in the emission direction modified by the adjustment device. The drive device rotates the telescope based on a predicted path of a moving body. The adjustment device provides more precision in modifying the emission direction of the first light wave than in the drive device rotating the telescope. Further, the adjustment device modifies the emission direction to offset the modification of the emission direction caused by the rotation of the telescope from a time when a tracking start condition is satisfied until the moving body is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Ochiai, Koichi Hamamoto, Yoshinori Kamiya
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Patent number: 11906983Abstract: A method of tracking a movement of a target by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the method includes receiving, from a mobile terminal collocating with the target, absolute location coordinate data of the target, acquiring, by a camera of the UAV, image data of the target, determining, based on the absolute location coordinate data and the image data of the target, 3D location coordinate data of the target with respect to the UAV, and controlling, based on the 3D location coordinate data of the target with respect to the UAV, at least one of a direction or a speed of the movement of the UAV, to maintain a constant relative 3D position of the UAV with respect to the target.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Peiliang Li, Cong Zhao, Xuyang Feng, Jie Qian, Qifeng Wu
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Patent number: 11894620Abstract: A system includes a cellular transceiver to communicate with a predetermined target; one or more antennas coupled to the 5G or 6G transceiver each electrically or mechanically steerable to the predetermined target; a processor to control a directionality of the one or more antennas in communication with the predetermined target; and an edge processing module coupled to the processor and the one or more antennas to provide low-latency computation for the predetermined target.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Inventors: Bao Tran, Ha Tran
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Patent number: 11860305Abstract: Described herein is a LIDAR device that may include a transmitter, first and second receivers, and a rotating platform. The transmitter may be configured to emit light having a vertical beam width. The first receiver may be configured to detect light at a first resolution while scanning the environment with a first FOV and the second receiver may be configured to detect light at a second resolution while scanning the environment with a second FOV. In this arrangement, the first resolution may be higher than the second resolution, the first FOV may be at least partially different from the second FOV, and the vertical beam width may encompass at least a vertical extent of the first and second FOVs. Further, the rotating platform may be configured to rotate about an axis such that the transmitter and first and second receivers each move based on the rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Pierre-Yves Droz, Caner Onal, William McCann, Bernard Fidric, Vadim Gutnik, Laila Mattos, Rahim Pardhan
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Patent number: 11860310Abstract: The invention relates to an emitter device (8) for an optical detection apparatus (3) of a motor vehicle (1), which is configured in order to scan a surrounding region (4) of the motor vehicle (1) by means of a light beam (10), and which comprises a light source (13) for emitting the light beam (10) and a guiding unit (15), the guiding unit (15) being configured in order to guide the light beam (10) emitted onto the guiding unit (15) by the light source (13) at different scanning angles (?). The light source (13) for emitting the light beam (10) comprises at least two separately driveable emitter elements (13a, 13b), which are configured in order to emit the light beam (10) onto the guiding unit (15) at angles of incidence (?1, ?2) corresponding to predetermined setpoint values (??3, ??2, ??1, ?0, +?1, +?2, +?3) of the scanning angle (?) in order to generate a predetermined setpoint field of view (16) of the emitter device (8).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: VALEO SCHALTER UND SENSOREN GMBHInventors: Lin Lin, Peter Horvath, Thomas Schuler
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Patent number: 11835709Abstract: A beam steering architecture for an optical sensor is based upon a pair of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Mirror Arrays (MMAs) and a fold mirror. The MEMS MMAs scan both primary and secondary FOR providing considerable flexibility to scan a scene to provide not only active imaging (to supplement passive imaging) but also simultaneously allowing for other optical functions such as establishing a communications link, providing an optical transmit beam for another detection platform or determining a range to target. A special class of MEMS MMAs that provides a “piston” capability in which the individual mirrors may translate enables a suite of optical functions to “shape” the optical transmit beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Gerald P. Uyeno, Benn H. Gleason, Sean D. Keller, Mark K. Lange, Eric Rogala, Vanessa Reyna, Craig O. Shott, Jon E. Leigh, Garret A. Odom
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Patent number: 11815587Abstract: A method for targeting an object of point-to-point transmission. The method comprises obtaining an image comprising image data and selecting an area of the image wherein the area comprises image data representing the object to be targeted. The method further comprises steering a transmission beam of an antenna array in a direction corresponding to the selected area in response to the selection and transmitting a signal using the steered transmission beam of the antenna array. Corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (publ)Inventors: Magnus Astrom, Bengt Lindoff
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Patent number: 11765493Abstract: A protective headgear including an on-ear headset attachable to an inside portion of the protective headgear; a magnetization exhibited that reduces a gap between the compressible foam material of the protective headgear and the on-ear headset; and a method of adjusting the force of the magnetization by a switch adapted to the outer casing of the protective head gear, wherein the switch adjusts the distance between the protective headgear magnet and the on-ear headset magnet.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: BITWAVE PTE LTD.Inventors: Siew Kok Hui, Ng Jiefeng Bryan
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Patent number: 11704869Abstract: Determining GPS coordinates of some image point(s) positions in at least two images using a processor configured by program instructions. Receiving position information of some of the positions where an image capture device captured an image. Determining geometry by triangulating various registration objects in the images. Determining GPS coordinates of the image point(s) positions in at least one of the images. Saving GPS coordinates to memory. This system and method may be used to determine GPS coordinates of objects in an image.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Inventors: Leonid I. Rudin, Ping Yu
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Patent number: 11686934Abstract: A system and method of providing remote control of a scanner is provided. The system includes a laser scanner device rotatable around a first axis and that includes a mirror rotatable around a second axis. The system also includes a mobile computing device operably coupled for communication to the laser scanner. The mobile computing device includes a sensor to detect movement of the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device also includes one or more processors and computer instructions to perform a method that includes connecting to the laser scanner to transmit signals therebetween; detecting a motion of the mobile computing device; and causing the laser scanner to modify at least one of the first angle of rotation of the laser scanner about the first axis and the second angle of rotation of the mirror about the second axis in response to detecting motion of the mobile computing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Inventor: Daniel Flohr
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Patent number: 11681030Abstract: Example embodiments relate to range calibration of light detectors. An example method includes emitting a first light signal toward a first region of a calibration target having a first reflectivity and detecting a reflection of the first light signal. The detected reflection of the first light signal has a first intensity. The example method further includes emitting a second light signal toward a second region of the calibration target having a second reflectivity and detecting a reflection of the second light signal from the second region of the calibration target. The detected reflection of the second light signal has a second intensity. Still further, the example method includes determining a first apparent range based on the detected reflection of the first light signal, determining a second apparent range based on the detected reflection of the second light signal, and generating walk-error calibration data for the detector.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Luke Wachter, Pierre-Yves Droz
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Patent number: 11680790Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for estimating a location on an object in a three-dimensional scene. Multiple radiation patterns are produced by spatially modulating each of multiple first radiations with a distinct combination of one or more modulating structures, each first radiation having at least one of a distinct radiation path, a distinct source, a distinct source spectrum, or a distinct source polarization with respect to the other first radiations. The location on the object is illuminated with a portion of each of two or more of the radiation patterns, the location producing multiple object radiations, each object radiation produced in response to one of the multiple radiation patterns. Multiple measured values are produced by detecting the object radiations from the location on the object due to each pattern separately using one or more detector elements. The location on the object is estimated based on the multiple measured values.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Cognex CorporationInventors: Benjamin Braker, Eric Moore, Daniel Feldkhun
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Patent number: 11677147Abstract: A system includes a cellular transceiver to communicate with a predetermined target; one or more antennas coupled to the 5G or 6G transceiver each electrically or mechanically steerable to the predetermined target; a processor to control a directionality of the one or more antennas in communication with the predetermined target; and an edge processing module coupled to the processor and the one or more antennas to provide low-latency computation for the predetermined target.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Inventors: Bao Tran, Ha Tran
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Patent number: 11656344Abstract: A position measurement system is configured to measure its position in one or more degrees of freedom with respect to a beam of light while addressing errors caused by atmospheric distortions. Atmospheric distortions can be measured using a wavefront sensor. Data from such a sensor can be used in combination with a beam position sensing device, such that wavefront data can determine if beam position device data should be discarded or can be used to correct the beam position device mathematically. Alternately, the wavefront sensor data can be used to control an adaptive optic that has the ability to receive a distorted beam and then transmit an undistorted beam to the beam position sensing device, eliminating the need to mathematically correct the data from the beam position sensing device. Finally, the wavefront sensor itself can be used to both measure wavefront distortions as well as determine beam position.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: TVS HOLDINGS, LLCInventor: John M. Hoffer, Jr.
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Patent number: 11656125Abstract: A portable optical spectroscopy device is disclosed for analyzing gas samples and/or for measurement of species concentration, number density, or column density. The device includes a measuring chamber with the gas sample to be analyzed, a light source with at least one laser diode for emitting a laser beam along a light path running through the measuring chamber at least in certain regions, means for modulating the wavelength of the light beam emitted by the light source, and an optical detector device having a first optical detector and at least one second optical detector. At least a part of the light emitted by the laser diode is detected after the light has passed through the measuring chamber m-times, and at least a part of the light emitted by the laser diode is detected with the at least one second optical detector after the light has passed through the measuring chamber n-times, where n>m applies.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Q.E.D. ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS LIMITEDInventors: Fabrice Marcel Serge Bounaix, Antonio Cortina, Gabriele Finardi
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Patent number: 11625047Abstract: A method for determining at least one action of a robot, including capturing, with an image sensor disposed on the robot, images of objects within an environment of the robot as the robot moves within the environment; identifying, with a processor of the robot, at least one object based on the captured images; marking, with the processor, a location of the at least one object in a map of the environment; and actuating, with the processor, the robot to execute at least one action based on the at least one object identified.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: AI IncorporatedInventor: Ali Ebrahimi Afrouzi
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Patent number: 11619723Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that relate to a time-of-flight camera that performs phase unwrapping in an efficient manner. In one example, a time-of-flight camera includes a light emitter, a sensor array, and a controller. The controller is configured to select a frequency mode from a plurality of frequency modes, each frequency mode including two or more different frequencies, and at least two different frequency modes of the plurality of frequency modes having a common frequency shared between the at least two frequency modes, control the light emitter to illuminate a scene with modulated light of the two or more different frequencies of the frequency mode selected, control the sensor array to receive the modulated light reflected from objects within the scene, and process the modulated light received to determine unwrapped phases for the frequency mode selected based on the two or more different frequencies of the frequency mode selected.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Zhanping Xu, Andrew Dean Payne, John Peter Godbaz, Travis J. Perry
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Patent number: 11616574Abstract: Optical ground terminals (OGT) allowing high optical rate communications for line of sight and non-line of sight operating conditions are disclosed. The described devices include a multifaceted structure where optical telescopes, phase array antennas, and arrays of optical detectors are disposed. Methods to calculate angle-of-arrival based the contributions from optical detectors are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventor: Jose E. Velazco
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Patent number: 11606492Abstract: A system for automatically acquiring focus of remote flying objects (RFOs) includes an interface and processor. The interface is configured to receive a radar data and a lens temperature data. The processor is configured to determine a focal setting for a lens system based at least in part on the radar data and the lens temperature data; and provide the focal setting for the lens system.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Anduril Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian Marcin Camacho, Calvin Michael Hareng, Corey Martin Hass, Forrest Nelson Iandola, Gokul Ganesh Subramanian, Nadav Ben-Haim, Adnan Esmail, Kevin Michael Christensen
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Patent number: 11592291Abstract: Detection of a target by a surveying device is automated to achieve simple work. A surveying method uses a surveying device for detecting and identifying a target device having an entire circumference reflection prism and a code display that is arranged in a vertical direction. The surveying device has a laser scanner configured to perform laser scanning along a vertical plane while horizontally rotating. The surveying method includes performing laser scanning by emitting laser scanning light along the vertical plane while making the surveying device horizontally rotate, and detecting the code display on the basis of the laser scanning light that is reflected back.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATIONInventor: You Sasaki
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Patent number: 11561276Abstract: A bi-static optical system utilizing a separate transmit and receive optical train that are identically steerable in azimuth-over-elevation fashion while accommodating an autoboresight technique and function. Further provided may be a common elevation assembly with two opposite-facing elevation fold mirrors on either side that are controlled by the same motor assembly allowing for common elevation control without overlapping or combining the apertures.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Owen, III, Jeffrey L. Jew, Ian B. Murray
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Patent number: 11493750Abstract: An acquisition and tracking sensor includes a quad detector with a narrow field of view (NFOV) and a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) mirror with a wide field of view (WFOV). The quad detector is placed behind the MEMS mirror to produce a WFOV to allow the quad detector to scan a larger area for the incoming laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: THE AEROSPACE CORPORATIONInventors: Shinhak Lee, Ryan Michael Miller, Kevin Li Chow, Tuong-vi Thi Tran, Farheen Rizvi
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Patent number: 11474213Abstract: A lidar system that includes a laser source can be controlled to fire laser pulse shots from the laser source at a variable rate of firing those laser pulse shots. The fired laser pulse shots can include scheduled laser pulse shots that are targeted at range points in the field of view. The fired laser pulse shots can also include marker shots that bleed energy out of the laser source in order to avoid reaching a threshold for available energy in the laser source and/or regulate energy amounts for the targeted laser pulse shots. A laser energy model that models how much energy is available from the laser source for laser pulse shots over time can be used to model future available energies for the laser source and determine whether any marker shots should be fired.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: AEYE, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Feru, Luis Dussan, Joel Benscoter, Alex Liang, Igor Polishchuk, Allan Steinhardt
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Patent number: 11460548Abstract: A surveying device body includes a distance measuring section to measure a distance to the measurement target, an optical axis deflector that deflects distance measuring light with respect to a reference optical axis, a measurement direction imaging section that obtains an observation image, and an attitude detector that detects an incline of the surveying device body. A computation controller displays a portion of the observation image on the display unit, computes a direction angle of the distance measuring optical axis on the basis of a detection result of the attitude detector and a deflection angle of the distance measuring optical axis with respect to the reference optical axis, and measures the measurement target on the basis of the direction angle and a distance measurement result of the distance measuring section using a reference point as a reference.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: TOPCON CORPORATIONInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
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Patent number: 11415677Abstract: To compensate for the uneven distribution of data points around the periphery of a vehicle in a lidar system, a light source transmits light pulses at a variable pulse rate according to the orientation of the light pulses with respect to the lidar system. A controller may communicate with a scanner in the lidar system that provides the orientations of the light pulses to the controller. The controller may then provide a control signal to the light source adjusting the pulse rate based on the orientations of the light pulses. For example, the pulse rate may be slower near the front of the lidar system and faster near the periphery. In another example, the pulse rate may be faster near the front of the lidar system and slower near the periphery.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Luminar, LLCInventors: Matthew D. Weed, Scott R. Campbell, Lane A. Martin, Jason M. Eichenholz, Austin K. Russell
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Patent number: 11415675Abstract: In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a light source configured to emit pulses of light and a scanner configured to scan at least a portion of the emitted pulses of light across a field of regard. The field of regard contains all or part of a target located a distance from the lidar system that is less than or equal to a maximum range of the lidar system, and one or more of the emitted pulses of light are scattered by the target. The lidar system also includes a receiver configured to detect at least a portion of the pulses of light scattered by the target. The lidar system further includes a processor configured to determine the distance from the lidar system to the target based at least in part on a round-trip time of flight for an emitted pulse of light.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Luminar, LLCInventors: Austin K. Russell, Matthew D. Weed, Liam J. McGregor, Jason M. Eichenholz
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Patent number: 11282268Abstract: Introduced here are computer programs and associated computer-implemented techniques for generating top-down models of interior spaces based on analysis of digital images of those interior spaces. These computer programs may permit individuals to utilize conventional computing devices to record imagery of interior spaces for the purpose of depth mapping (also referred to as “height mapping”). The end result—namely, the top-down models—may be similar to the digital elevation models that are commonly generated to represent elevation.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2021Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Flyreel, Inc.Inventor: Victor Palmer
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Patent number: 11015928Abstract: A technology for ultra-wide circular scanning imaging by an optical satellite is provided. Calculating an angle ?1 between the outermost field of view of an area array camera (2) and an earth-pointed axis (q) of a satellite (1) according to the width W required for ground imaging coverage in a direction perpendicular to the flight direction (b) of the satellite (1) and according to the height h of the orbit of the satellite (1); installing the area array camera (2) on a side surface of the satellite (1) according to the angle ?1; calculating the maximum rotation angle ?max allowed by the satellite (1) according to the minimum exposure time T of a detector of the satellite (1) and the worst ground pixel resolution r of the satellite (1); selecting a rotation speed ? of the satellite (1) that is less than ?max, and setting the rotation speed ? to be the rotation speed relative to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Xibin Cao, Feng Wang, Huayi Li
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Patent number: 10924729Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for calibration applied to the field of image processing. The method includes: acquiring a common two-dimensional image and an infrared image of a calibration object, wherein the calibration object carries a first pattern; calculating coordinates of the first pattern in the common two-dimensional image, acquiring coordinates of the first pattern in a global coordinate system, and calculating intrinsic parameters of a first camera device capturing the common two-dimensional image; and calculating coordinates of the first pattern in the infrared image, acquiring the coordinates of the first pattern in the global coordinate system, and calculating intrinsic parameters of a second camera device capturing the infrared image. The method for calibration is capable of enhancing calibration efficiency by a simple calibration method when calibrating a depth camera device.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: ArcSoft Corporation LimitedInventors: Li Yu, Menghan Liu, Wang Miao
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Patent number: 10823823Abstract: A surveying instrument comprises a distance measuring unit which includes a light emitting element, a distance measuring light projecting unit, a light receiving unit and a photodetector for producing a light receiving signal, and which performs a distance measurement of an object to be measured based on the light receiving signal, an optical axis deflecting unit for deflecting the distance measuring optical axis, a projecting direction detecting unit for detecting a deflection angle of the distance measuring optical axis and an arithmetic control component, wherein the optical axis deflecting unit comprises a pair of optical prisms capable of rotating and motors which individually and independently rotate the optical prisms, and wherein the arithmetic control component is configured to control the optical axis deflecting unit, to perform a two-dimensional scanning of the distance measuring light, to perform a distance measurement of when the light receiving signal is detected, to measure a horizontal angle aType: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: TOPCON CorporationInventors: Fumio Ohtomo, Kaoru Kumagai
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Patent number: 10731966Abstract: An optical system for measuring position and acceleration of the sliding bow of a pantograph, and the contact force between the sliding bow and the catenary suspension line, comprising: at least a camera installed on the ceiling of a railway vehicle and configured so that a region containing at least a portion of said sliding bow is framed; at least a laser focused on a laser sheet arranged on a substantially vertical plane and directed towards said pantograph, said laser sheet intersecting said region framed by said camera, at least a target installed integrally to said sliding bow. The system is characterized in that, in order to increase the intensity of light reflected towards the camera, said target is cylindrical, realized in material reflecting to the frequency of the light emitted by said laser and positioned with its axis parallel to the sliding bow axis, in a position where it is lighted by said laser and framed by said camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: MERMEC S.p.A.Inventor: Antuofermo Pasquale
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Patent number: 10311238Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including dividing a sensitive geographic region into three or more work regions; selecting geo-referenced aerial images for each particular work region such that at least a portion of the particular work region is depicted; transmitting, without information indicative of the geographic location depicted, a first of the images for a first of the work regions to an operator user device; receiving, from the device, at least one image coordinate selected within the first image by the operator, wherein the image coordinate is a relative coordinate based on a unique pixel location within the image raster content of the first image; and transmitting, without information indicative of the geographic location depicted, a second of the images for a second of the work regions to the operator user device, wherein the first and second work regions are not geographically contiguous.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2018Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Frank Giuffrida
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Patent number: 10277007Abstract: A laser diode firing circuit for a light detection and ranging device is disclosed. The firing circuit includes a laser diode coupled in series to a transistor, such that current through the laser diode is controlled by the transistor. The laser diode is configured to emit a pulse of light in response to current flowing through the laser diode. The firing circuit includes a capacitor that is configured to charge via a charging path that includes an inductor and to discharge via a discharge path that includes the laser diode. The transistor controlling current through the laser diode can be a Gallium nitride field effect transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Samuel William Lenius, Pierre-yves Droz
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Patent number: 10267899Abstract: To compensate for the uneven distribution of data points around the periphery of a vehicle in a lidar system, a light source transmits light pulses at a variable pulse rate according to the orientation of the light pulses with respect to the lidar system. A controller may communicate with a scanner in the lidar system that provides the orientations of the light pulses to the controller. The controller may then provide a control signal to the light source adjusting the pulse rate based on the orientations of the light pulses. For example, the pulse rate may be slower near the front of the lidar system and faster near the periphery. In another example, the pulse rate may be faster near the front of the lidar system and slower near the periphery.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Luminar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew D. Weed, Scott R. Campbell, Lane A. Martin, Jason M. Eichenholz, Austin K. Russell
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Patent number: 9882433Abstract: A rotatable LIDAR device including contactless electrical couplings is disclosed. An example rotatable LIDAR device includes a vehicle electrical coupling including (i) a first conductive ring, (ii) a second conductive ring, and (iii) a first coil. The example rotatable LIDAR device further includes a LIDAR electrical coupling including (i) a third conductive ring, (ii) a fourth conductive ring, and (iii) a second coil. The example rotatable LIDAR device still further includes a rotatable LIDAR electrically coupled to the LIDAR electrical coupling. The first conductive ring and the third conductive ring form a first capacitor configured to transmit communications to the rotatable LIDAR, the second conductive ring and the fourth conductive ring form a second capacitor configured to transmit communications from the rotatable LIDAR, and the first coil and the second coil form a transformer configured to provide power to the rotatable LIDAR.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Samuel William Lenius, Pierre-yves Droz
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Patent number: 9808691Abstract: A laser distance comparator incorporates a case housing a laser controller for producing a laser beam. The case has a handle and a button for engagement of a positioning device over a reference ball. A switch control is present on the case for activating the laser controller and a central processing unit (CPU) receives an input from the switch control, providing outputs to the laser controller to obtain a distance measurement to at least one competition ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Inventor: Gustavo A. Dascanio
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Patent number: 9752863Abstract: A device having a scan function comprising an electro-optical distance measuring element having a laser axis as the target axis, a motorized optical deflection unit, which deflects the target axis by a deflection angle, and an angle measuring element for determining at least one angular position of the deflection unit. First measurement of angle coordinates of a reticle in a first angular position of the deflection unit as the first position, and second measurement of angle coordinates of the reticle in a second angular position of the deflection unit as the second position. The first and second measurements of the reticle are carried out on the basis of images taken with a camera, the optical axis of which is deflected by the deflection unit, and calibration parameters are determined on the basis of the angular positions and the angular coordinates in the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: HEXAGON TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBHInventors: Juerg Hinderling, Bianca Gordon, Bernd Walser
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Patent number: 9578311Abstract: A method for operating a time of flight (TOF) depth camera is provided. The method includes, using an image processing module, interpolating an updated timing delay calibration for each of a plurality of pixel sensors based at least on an updated set of modulation frequency and duty cycle calibration combinations received by the image processing module, the plurality of pixel sensors coupled to a timing clock, and receiving light generated by a light source and reflected in a 3-dimensional environment, the updated set of modulation frequency and duty cycle calibration combinations replacing the corresponding factory-preloaded timing delay calibrations. The method further includes applying the updated timing delay calibrations to pixel data corresponding to each of the plurality of the pixel sensors to generate a depth map of the 3-dimensional environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Michael Anthony Hall, Mirko Schmidt, Travis Perry
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Patent number: 8907261Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward systems and methods for detecting a laser beam incident at a sensor. Embodiments of the invention may also determine the incident angle, the wavelength of the light, the power, and/or the pulse rate of the incident laser beam. This information can be used to conduct real time countermeasures and/or may be communicated to a control station. Some embodiments may also include a device that includes a photo detector and a m mask ask. The mask may include a plurality of line and/or circular apertures. Some of the apertures may be located on the mask to activate pixels in the top and/or bottom of the photo detector when illuminated from a zero angle (zenith). Embodiments of the invention also include methods that perform a number of related functions.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Inventor: Steve Wishstar
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Patent number: 8699036Abstract: A device for optically scanning and measuring and environment, with a laser scanner, having a base and a measuring head which is rotatable relative to the base, with a light emitter, which emits an emission light beam, a light receiver which receives a reception light beam which is reflected by an object in the environment of the laser scanner or scattered otherwise, and a control and evaluation unit which, for a multitude of measuring points, determines at least the distance to the object, has a manually movable trolley, on which the laser scanner is mounted by means of its base and which can be taken from a resting state to a moving state, wherein the trolley has a path measuring device for measuring its path.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andreas Ditte, Martin Ossig
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Patent number: 8625086Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining coordinates of a target in relation to a surveying instrument wherein a first image is captured using a camera in a first camera position and orientation, a target is selected by identifying an object point in the first image, and first image coordinates of the object point in the first image are measured. The surveying instrument is then rotated around the rotation center so that the camera is moved from the first camera position and orientation to a second camera position and orientation, while retaining the rotation center of the surveying instrument in a fixed position. A second image is captured using the camera in the second camera position and orientation, the object point identified in the first image is identified in the second image, and second image coordinates of the object point in the second image are measured.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Trimble ABInventors: Michael Vogel, Set Svanholm, Christian Grässer