Syntex (u.s.a.) Inc.

Waymo LLC

Other

Michael Marx

Pierre-yves Droz

Pierre-Yves Droz

Denis John Kertesz

Keith Adrian Walker

Augusto Tazzoli

Tsung-tee Li

Caner Onal

Klaus K Weinhardt

Josef H Reisdorff

Blaise Gassend

John H Fried

Timothy Campbell

Ethan Stark

Larry Smith

Filip Perich

Yuchi Wang

Jingyuan Linda Zhang

Kanika Sachdev

Lewis J Throop

Example embodiments relate to differential methods for determining environment estimation, lidar impairment detection, and filtering. An example embodiment includes dividing a plurality of lidar device channels into a first group and a second group and interleaving the channels. The embodiment includes applying a threshold to the first group. The embodiment further includes emitting light pulses from a lidar device into an environment surrounding the lidar device, and detecting return light pulses. The return light pulses in the first group of channels are sampled from the signals that exceed the threshold. The embodiment may further include determining a differential in a statistical distribution between the return light pulses in the first group and the return light pulses in the second group. Based on the differential, the method can include detecting an atmospheric scattering medium in the environment surrounding the lidar device.

Differential methods for environment estimation, lidar impairment detection, and filtering

An example circuit includes a plurality of light emitters connected in parallel between a first node and a second node. The circuit also includes a plurality of capacitors, with each capacitor corresponding to one of the light emitters, and a plurality of discharge-control switches, with each discharge-control switches corresponding to one of the capacitors. The circuit further includes a pulse-control switch connected to the plurality of light emitters. During a first period, the pulse-control switch restricts current flow, and each of the plurality of capacitors is charged via the first node. During a second period, one or more of the plurality of discharge-control switches allows current flow that discharges one or more corresponding capacitors. During a third period, the pulse-control switch allows current flow that discharges one or more undischarged capacitors of the plurality of capacitors through one or more corresponding light emitters.

Systems and methods for selecting light emitters for emitting light

One example device comprises a plurality of emitters including at least a first emitter and a second emitter. The first emitter emits light that illuminates a first portion of a field-of-view (FOV) of the device. The second emitter emits light that illuminates a second portion of the FOV. The device also comprises a controller that obtains a scan of the FOV. The controller causes each emitter of the plurality of emitters to emit a respective light pulse during an emission time period associated with the scan. The controller causes the first emitter to emit a first-emitter light pulse at a first-emitter time offset from a start time of the emission time period. The controller causes the second emitter to emit a second-emitter light pulse at a second-emitter time offset from the start time of the emission time period.

Methods and systems for dithering active sensor pulse emissions

A scent dispenser includes an elongated main body having an outer wall and a fan body slidably engaged with the elongated main body. The fan body has a first retracted position and a first extended position relative to the elongated main body. A fan is disposed within the fan body. A power source is disposed within the fan body and is coupled to the fan. A scent body is slidably engaged with the elongated main body. The scent body has a second retracted position and a second extended position relative to the elongated main body. A scent holder is disposed in the scent body.

Scent dispenser

A light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device includes a light emitter configured to emit light pulses into a field of view and a detector configured to detect light in the field of view. The light emitter emits a first light pulse. The detector detects, during a first measurement period, at least one reflected light pulse that is indicative of reflection by a retroreflector based on a shape of a reflected light pulse, a magnitude of a reflected light pulse, and/or a time separation between two reflected light pulses. In response to detecting the at least one reflected light pulse indicative of reflection by a retroreflector, the light emitter is deactivated for one or more subsequent measurement periods. Additionally, the LIDAR device may inform one or more other LIDAR devices by transmitting to a computing device information indicative of the retroreflector being within the field of view of the light emitter.

Retroreflector detection and avoidance in a LIDAR device

One example method involves a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device focusing light from a target region in a scene for receipt by a detector. The method also involves emitting a primary light pulse. The method also involves directing, via one or more optical elements, the primary light pulse toward the target region. The primary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a primary light intensity of the primary light pulse. The method also involves emitting a secondary light pulse. At least a portion of the secondary light pulse illuminates the target region according to a secondary light intensity of the secondary light pulse. The secondary light intensity is less than the primary light intensity.

Methods and systems for mapping retroreflectors

A clamp assembly for securing a workpiece to a cutting machine having a plurality of slats is set forth. The slats have a depth and a space between the plurality of slats have a width. A base has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. An elongated extension has a first end coupled to the base and a second end having a flange wider than the width. A clamping mechanism is coupled to the base. The clamping mechanism has a compliant stopper movable from a clamping position and an open position.

Clamping assembly for cutting machine

A method is provided that includes a vehicle receiving data from an external computing device indicative of at least one other vehicle in an environment of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a sensor configured to detect the environment of the vehicle. The at least one other vehicle may include at least one sensor. The method also includes determining a likelihood of interference between the at least one sensor of the at least one other vehicle and the sensor of the vehicle. The method also includes initiating an adjustment of the sensor to reduce the likelihood of interference between the sensor of the vehicle and the at least one sensor of the at least one other vehicle responsive to the determination.

Methods and systems for reducing vehicle sensor interference

A deck anchor assembly for anchoring a frame loading member to a frame deck according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a deck leverage anchor and a coupler. The deck leverage anchor is configured to engage the frame deck, the deck leverage anchor including a locking mechanism configured to lock the deck leverage anchor relative to the frame deck. The coupler is configured to couple the frame loading member to the deck leverage anchor and is independently movable relative to the locking mechanism.

Growing community of inventors

Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Michael Marx