G01S17/02

Asynchronous LADAR and imaging array
09810777 · 2017-11-07 · ·

An imaging device comprises of a pixelated array of semiconductor detector elements, in which each detecting element is electrically connected to an integrated circuit, the integrated circuit of each of the pixels comprising a passive signal path and a transient signal path. The passive path provides consecutive frame or scene imaging and the transient path detects the transient electromagnetic events such as laser pulses. The transient path is electrically connected to a timing circuit, the timing circuit for determining the time-of-flight of return pulses emitted from the electromagnetic source detected by the transient signal paths. Wherein the passive path and transient path operate simultaneously enabling simultaneous passive and LADAR imaging.

Apparatus and method for identifying target object
09809227 · 2017-11-07 · ·

In an apparatus, a storage stores therein first identification data prepared for each of target objects including a specified target object and second identification data prepared for each of the target objects. The first identification data for each of the target objects is determined based on a first feature pattern of a corresponding one of the target objects. The second identification data for each of the target objects is determined based on a second feature pattern indicative of a surrounding environment around a corresponding one of the target objects. An identifier obtains a degree of similarity of the feature of the candidate data with respect to the specified target object according to the first identification data and the second identification data prepared for the specified target object. The identifier identifies, according to the obtained degree of similarity, whether the specified target object is in the environmental data.

OBJECT DETECTION APPARATUS
20170315207 · 2017-11-02 ·

In an object detection apparatus, a first region definition unit defines a first object region including a first detection point representing a relative position of a first object detected by a millimeter-wave radar with respect to a reference point in an XY-plane. An X-axis direction of the XY-plane is a vehicle widthwise direction, and a Y-axis direction of the XY-plane is a vehicle lengthwise direction. A second region definition unit defines a second object region including a second detection point representing a relative position of a second object detected based on a captured image with respect to the reference point. A region size modification unit modifies the size of the first region in the presence of axial misalignment of the radar. A determination unit determines that the first and second objects are the same if there is an overlap of the first and second object regions in the XY-plane.

A Method of Operating a Vehicle and a Vehicle Operating System

A vehicle operating system (10) for controlling operation of a vehicle (12) in an area (26) in which a safe working area (SWA) (30) is demarcated includes a periphery generator module (22) for generating a periphery of a zone of interest about the vehicle (12) and to output zone data. A scanning arrangement (36) is mountable to the vehicle (12) for scanning a region about the vehicle (12), including the zone of interest, for obstacles, the scanning arrangement (36) outputting obstacle data. A processing module (20) is responsive to the zone data, the obstacle data and SWA data relating to the SWA (30) to determine if a detected obstacle is within both the SWA (30) and the zone of interest. The processing module (20) causes action to be taken regarding further traversal of the area (26) by the vehicle (12) depending on whether or not both conditions are satisfied.

CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING SENSOR BLOCKAGE FOR A MACHINE

A control system for a machine including a perception system comprising at least one sensor disposed on the machine and generating data signals pertaining to the machine and an environment associated with the machine and a controller communicably coupled to the perception system for receiving the data signals from the at least one sensor and determining from the data signals terrain features associated with the work site and presence of one or more objects on the work site or the machine, determining geometry of the at least one sensor, location of the at least one sensor on the machine, generating a field of view for the at least one sensor, estimating cast shadow for at least one object of the one or more objects based on the geometry and location of the at least one sensor and comparing the field of view with the cast shadow to determine sensor blockage.

3D imaging apparatus

A 3D imaging apparatus includes: a first image capturing camera generating a base image to be used for obtaining a first range image showing a three-dimensional character of an object; a second image capturing camera generating a reference image to be used for obtaining the first range image; a stereo matching unit searching for corresponding pixels between the base image and the reference image, and generating a first range image by calculating a disparity between the corresponding pixels; and a light source emitting to the object infrared light whose intensity is modulated. The first image capturing camera further generates a second range image by receiving a reflected light in synchronization with the modulated intensity. The reflected light is the infrared light reflected off the object. The second range image includes range information on a range between a point of reflection off the object and the first imaging unit.

Interior display systems and methods

System and method for using an interior display device in a vehicle. The interior display device includes a projection device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a plurality of vehicle parameters and determine an expected location within an interior of the vehicle based on the plurality of vehicle parameters. The expected location corresponds to an interior area of the vehicle where a driver would be expected to look. The controller is further configured to select an image (515, 520) based on the plurality of vehicles parameters and operate the projection device to project the image at the expected location within the interior of the vehicle.

Interior display systems and methods

System and method for using an interior display device in a vehicle. The interior display device includes a projection device and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a plurality of vehicle parameters and determine an expected location within an interior of the vehicle based on the plurality of vehicle parameters. The expected location corresponds to an interior area of the vehicle where a driver would be expected to look. The controller is further configured to select an image (515, 520) based on the plurality of vehicles parameters and operate the projection device to project the image at the expected location within the interior of the vehicle.

Wide field-of-view depth imaging

A machine-vision system includes a modulated light source, an imaging pixel array, and a lens system. The modulated light source is configured to project light onto a subject. The imaging pixel array is configured to receive the light reflected from a locus of the subject and indicate distance to the locus. The lens system is configured to receive the light reflected from the subject and refract such light onto the imaging pixel array. The focal length of the lens system decreases with increasing angle of observation relative to a shared optical axis of the lens system and the imaging pixel array.

Use of detected objects for image processing
09804597 · 2017-10-31 · ·

Methods and systems for the use of detected objects for image processing are described. A computing device autonomously controlling a vehicle may receive images of the environment surrounding the vehicle from an image-capture device coupled to the vehicle. In order to process the images, the computing device may receive information indicating characteristics of objects in the images from one or more sources coupled to the vehicle. Examples of sources may include RADAR, LIDAR, a map, sensors, a global positioning system (GPS), or other cameras. The computing device may use the information indicating characteristics of the objects to process received images, including determining the approximate locations of objects within the images. Further, while processing the image, the computing device may use information from sources to determine portions of the image to focus upon that may allow the computing device to determine a control strategy based on portions of the image.