Patents by Inventor Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
Michael J. Higgins-Luthman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20200236306Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera with an imaging sensor. A first spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a first set of photosensing pixels, a second spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a second set of photosensing pixels, and each pixel of a third set of photosensing pixels senses at least near infrared radiation. Image data provided to the image processor includes output of the first set of photosensing pixels, output of the second set of photosensing pixels and output of the third set of photosensing pixels. The outputs of the photosensing pixels of the first and second sets of photosensing pixels are processed for a color camera function of the vehicle. The output of the photosensing pixels of the third set of photosensing pixels is processed for a night vision function of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
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Publication number: 20200117923Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device comprising an array of photo-sensing pixels and a control having an image processor operable for processing image data captured by the imaging device. The control utilizes edge detection in processing captured image data by the image processor for detecting objects present exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing at the control of captured image data by the image processor, the control detects an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. In detecting the object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device and responsive at least in part to processing at the control of captured image data by the image processor, shadows present in the field of view of the imaging device are discerned and distinguished from the object of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 10616507Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera with an imaging sensor. A red-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a first set of photosensing pixels, a blue-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a second set of photosensing pixels, a green-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a third set of photosensing pixels, and each pixel of a fourth set of photosensing pixels senses at least near infrared radiation. A near infrared illumination source is operable to emit non-visible near infrared illumination to enhance nighttime viewing by the camera. Outputs of the pixels of the first, second and third sets of photosensing pixels are processed for at least one of (i) a lane departure warning system and (ii) an object detection system. Output of the photosensing pixels of the fourth set of photosensing pixels is processed for a night vision system.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2018Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
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Patent number: 10509972Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a processor for processing image data captured by first, second and third cameras disposed at the left side, right side and rear portion, respectively, of the vehicle. The field of view of the first camera overlaps with the field of view of the rear backup camera, and the field of view of the second camera overlaps with the field of view of the rear backup camera. At least in part responsive to processing captured image data, the control outputs a composite image for display at a display disposed in an interior cabin of the vehicle, and determines that a camera is misaligned due to a shift in at least one of yaw, pitch and roll alignment of one of the cameras disposed at the vehicle and, responsive to the determination of misalignment of that camera, at least partially compensates for the misalignment of that camera.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2018Date of Patent: December 17, 2019Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20190277968Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes a camera vision module and a Lidar module. The camera vision module includes an imaging device viewing to the exterior of the vehicle and operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior and forward of the vehicle. The Lidar module includes a Lidar device that, with the Lidar module mounted at a front exterior portion of the vehicle, scans a region forward of the vehicle that overlaps with the field of view of the imaging device. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data by an image processor and based at least in part on processing of Lidar data captured by the Lidar device, 3-dimensional and timing information relative to the vehicle of objects present exterior of the vehicle is algorithmically constructed. At least one individual object of the multiple objects is prioritized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 10295667Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes a camera vision module and a Lidar module. The camera vision module includes an imaging device viewing to the exterior of the vehicle and operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior and forward of the vehicle. The Lidar module includes a Lidar device that, with the Lidar module mounted at a front exterior portion of the vehicle, scans a region forward of the vehicle that overlaps with the field of view of the imaging device. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data by an image processor using vision processing algorithms and based at least in part on distance data provided by the Lidar device, 3-dimensional information relative to the vehicle of an object present exterior of the vehicle is algorithmically constructed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20190039507Abstract: A vehicular adaptive driving beam headlighting system includes a camera disposed at and viewing forwardly through a windshield of a vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera at night to detect headlights present in a field of view of the camera of an oncoming vehicle that is approaching the equipped vehicle along a traffic lane to the left of a traffic lane of a road that the equipped vehicle is travelling along. A left-side headlamp is disposed at a left-side front portion of the equipped vehicle and a right-side headlamp is disposed at a right-side front portion of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to detection of headlights of an oncoming vehicle, the left-side headlamp beam of light is adjusted to reduce glaring a driver of the oncoming vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20180304812Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera, a controller having a processor that processes captured image data, and an exterior temperature sensor. Responsive, at least in part, to a temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller switches processing of captured image data between (a) a normal processing mode and (b) a cold weather processing mode. Responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being below a first threshold temperature, the controller processes captured image data in the cold weather processing mode to enhance blockage detection of frost or snow or ice at the camera. When the controller is operating in the cold weather processing mode, the controller switches processing of captured image data to the normal processing mode responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being above a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2018Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20180302575Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera with an imaging sensor. A red-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a first set of photosensing pixels, a blue-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a second set of photosensing pixels, a green-pass spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a third set of photosensing pixels, and each pixel of a fourth set of photosensing pixels senses at least near infrared radiation. A near infrared illumination source is operable to emit non-visible near infrared illumination to enhance nighttime viewing by the camera. Outputs of the pixels of the first, second and third sets of photosensing pixels are processed for at least one of (i) a lane departure warning system and (ii) an object detection system. Output of the photosensing pixels of the fourth set of photosensing pixels is processed for a night vision system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
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Patent number: 10086747Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at and viewing forwardly through a windshield of the equipped vehicle and operable to capture image data. A control operable to process captured image data utilizing algorithmic decision-making, which uses an edge detection algorithm. The control is operable to process captured image data to detect a pedestrian present in the field of view of the camera. The control is operable to process captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to pedestrian detection, the control is operable to generate an alert to a driver of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to detection of an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle, a light beam of a headlight of the equipped vehicle is adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20180260973Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device having a single imaging sensor capturing image data within a field of view. A control within the vehicle includes an image processor and receives image data captured by the single imaging sensor and receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control detects converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where the converging road features would converge. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging device mounted at the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
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Publication number: 20180225528Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a processor for processing image data captured by first, second and third cameras disposed at the left side, right side and rear portion, respectively, of the vehicle. The field of view of the first camera overlaps with the field of view of the rear backup camera, and the field of view of the second camera overlaps with the field of view of the rear backup camera. At least in part responsive to processing captured image data, the control outputs a composite image for display at a display disposed in an interior cabin of the vehicle, and determines that a camera is misaligned due to a shift in at least one of yaw, pitch and roll alignment of one of the cameras disposed at the vehicle and, responsive to the determination of misalignment of that camera, at least partially compensates for the misalignment of that camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 10005394Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a camera that, when disposed at the vehicle, views through a windshield of the vehicle. The camera is disposed at a windshield electronics module attached at the windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes captured image data. The control, responsive to the image processor processing captured image data, detects an object of interest external to the vehicle. The control utilizes a blockage detection algorithm and, responsive to the image processor processing captured image data, is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 10003755Abstract: An imaging system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a two-dimensional array of photosensing pixels that includes at least one sub-array having a first photosensing pixel, a second photosensing pixel, a third photosensing pixel and a fourth photosensing pixel. Spectral filtering is disposed at the photosensing pixels whereby the first photosensing pixel primarily senses red visible light, the second photosensing primarily senses blue visible light, the third photosensing primarily senses green visible light and the fourth photosensing primarily senses infrared radiation. The imaging sensor is disposed at a vehicle and has a field of view external of the vehicle. An image processor is operable for processing image data captured by the imaging sensor. The image data includes outputs of the first, second, third and fourth photosensing pixels. The processing of image data by the image processor may include de-mosaicing that reduces infrared color wash-out.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
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Patent number: 9972100Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device having a single imaging sensor capturing image data within a field of view. A control within the vehicle includes an image processor and receives image data captured by the single imaging sensor and receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control detects converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where the converging road features would converge. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging device mounted at the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
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Patent number: 9940528Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes first and second cameras and a rear backup camera. A control processes image data captured by the first camera and determines that the first camera is misaligned when the first camera is disposed at the left side of the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the first camera, is operable to algorithmically at least partially compensate for misalignment of the first camera. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data, a composite image is displayed that provides a view that approximates a view from a single virtual camera. Image data captured at least by the first camera is processed using an edge detection algorithm to detect edges of objects exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, an object of interest exterior of the vehicle is determined.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20180056874Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a rear backup camera and a video display screen for displaying video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera. The imaging system generates a backup overlay and an alignment overlay that are electronically superimposed on the displayed video images to assist a driver of the vehicle when executing a backup maneuver. The backup overlay includes a pair of side overlays superimposed on the displayed video images and the alignment overlay is superimposed on the displayed video images between the side overlays. The video display screen displays the video images and the backup overlay is generated responsive to the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear. The alignment overlay is generated responsive to a user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
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Patent number: 9796332Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a video display device. The imaging system generates an overlay that is electronically superimposed on the displayed images to assist a driver of the vehicle when executing a backup maneuver. The overlay has first, second and third overlay zones, with the overlay zones indicative of respective distance ranges from the rear of the vehicle to respective distances. As indicated to the driver viewing the video display screen when executing a backup maneuver, the first distance is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the second distance and the second distance is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the third distance. The first overlay zone may be a first color and the second overlay zone may be a second color and the third overlay zone may be a third color.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
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Publication number: 20170072880Abstract: A vehicle vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor having a field of view and capturing image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle. A monitor monitors electrical power consumption of the vehicle. At least one lighting system draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated. An image processor processes image data captured by the image sensor. The electrical power drawn by the at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
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Patent number: 9509957Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor and image processor. The image sensor is disposed at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle for capturing image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The field of view encompasses at least a portion of a road surface ahead of and in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The image processor processes captured image data. Responsive to image processing of captured image data by the image processor, the vehicle vision system determines the presence of an animal on the road surface within the field of view. At least in part responsive to determination of the animal on the road surface within the field of view, the vehicle vision system at least one of (a) generates an alert and (b) controls the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu