Patents by Inventor Patrick M. Foley

Patrick M. Foley 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).

  • Patent number: 11958414
    Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes a video display screen disposed in a mirror head. The system includes a vehicle-mounted rear backup camera and a trailer-mounted rearward viewing camera. The trailer-mounted camera includes an imaging array with a first subset of pixels representative of an upper rearward-view region of the field of view and a second subset of pixels that represents a lower rearward-view region of the field of view. With the trailer hitched to the vehicle and responsive to the vehicle being set for forward propulsion, the video display screen displays images derived from the first subset of pixels and not from the second subset of pixels. With the trailer hitched to the vehicle and responsive to the vehicle being set for rearward propulsion, the video display screen displays images derived from the second subset of pixels and not from the first subset of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Patrick M. Foley, IV
  • Publication number: 20230140089
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a rear-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing at least rearward of the vehicle. Each frame of image data captured by the imaging array of the rear-viewing camera includes a plurality of grids, with each grid of the plurality of grids having a respective set of photosensing elements associated with respective rows and columns of photosensing elements. A electro-optic rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic mirror reflective element that is controlled responsive to an ambient light condition and a glare light condition. The ambient light condition is determined by processing at least one first grid of the plurality of grids of the frames of image data captured by the rear-viewing camera. The glare light condition is determined by processing at least one second grid of the plurality of grids of the frames of image data captured by the rear-viewing camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, Michael L. Gallas
  • Patent number: 11543724
    Abstract: A multifunctional rear camera system includes a rear camera and a processor. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the processor generates respective outputs for (i) a rear backup assist function, (ii) a mirror dimming control for at least an electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and (iii) ambient light detection. The processor processes a mirror zone of captured image data for mirror dimming control and processes upper corner regions of captured image data for ambient light detection. The processor processes at least lower regions of captured image data for the rear backup assist function. The generated output for the mirror dimming control is provided to the electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly to control dimming of the electro-optic reflective element. The generated output for the rear backup assist function provides (i) object detection and/or (ii) video display of video images derived from captured image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20220297604
    Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes a video display screen disposed in a mirror head. The system includes a vehicle-mounted rear backup camera and a trailer-mounted rearward viewing camera. The trailer-mounted camera includes an imaging array with a first subset of pixels representative of an upper rearward-view region of the field of view and a second subset of pixels that represents a lower rearward-view region of the field of view. With the trailer hitched to the vehicle and responsive to the vehicle being set for forward propulsion, the video display screen displays images derived from the first subset of pixels and not from the second subset of pixels. With the trailer hitched to the vehicle and responsive to the vehicle being set for rearward propulsion, the video display screen displays images derived from the second subset of pixels and not from the first subset of pixels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Patrick M. Foley, IV
  • Publication number: 20210191222
    Abstract: A multifunctional rear camera system includes a rear camera and a processor. Responsive to processing of captured image data, the processor generates respective outputs for (i) a rear backup assist function, (ii) a mirror dimming control for at least an electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and (iii) ambient light detection. The processor processes a mirror zone of captured image data for mirror dimming control and processes upper corner regions of captured image data for ambient light detection. The processor processes at least lower regions of captured image data for the rear backup assist function. The generated output for the mirror dimming control is provided to the electro-optic interior rearview mirror assembly to control dimming of the electro-optic reflective element. The generated output for the rear backup assist function provides (i) object detection and/or (ii) video display of video images derived from captured image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Patent number: 10948798
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20190258131
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20190146297
    Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a caseless electro-optic rearview mirror reflective element and a plate attached at the rear of the reflective element. The mirror reflective element connected to and pivotal about a windshield electronics module via a ball and socket pivot joint. Control circuitry may be disposed in a windshield electronics module for automatically controlling dimming of the electro-optic medium or alternatively, dimming of the electro-optic medium is automatically controlled via a multifunctional rear backup camera system of the equipped vehicle. Optionally, the control circuitry controls dimming of the electro-optic medium of the mirror reflective element via wiring that passes through the ball and socket pivot joint. Optionally, image data captured by the multifunctional rear backup camera may be used for ambient light determination and to provide video image display at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Hamid Habibi, Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Mark L. Larson, Patrick M. Foley, IV, Michael L. Gallas
  • Publication number: 20190118717
    Abstract: A video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display screen disposed in a mirror head and behind a reflective element of the mirror assembly. When the video mirror system is operating in a mirror mode, the video display screen is deactivated and the reflective element provides a reflected rearward view for the driver of the vehicle. When the video mirror system is in a display mode, the video display screen is activated and displays video images viewable through the reflective element. The video display screen, when activated, displays video images derived from image data captured by a vehicle-mounted rear viewing camera or, with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, a trailer-mounted rear viewing camera. The displayed video images may correspond to a rearward view similar to the field of view provided by the reflective element when in the mirror mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Christopher R. Koetje, Patrick M. Foley, IV
  • Patent number: 9187003
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Kinser, Patrick M. Foley
  • Publication number: 20150321568
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a charging receptacle lock. The method includes receiving a speed of the vehicle, and receiving sensor data indicating a position of a door covering a receptacle associated with the charging system of the vehicle. The receptacle adapted to receive a connecting device of an external power supply. The method includes outputting one or more control signals to move a lock pin associated with the receptacle between a first, extended position and a second, refracted position based on the speed of the vehicle and the position of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. KINSER, PATRICK M. FOLEY
  • Patent number: 7644692
    Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that is used with a variable valve timing (VVT) system to promote lock pin disengagement. The method establishes if the VVT is at a lock pin position, establishes if a lock pin is not disengaged out of an associated recess, and can control the rate of movement of the VVT away from the lock pin position so that the lock pin can be disengaged out of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Fadi S. Kanafani, Patrick M. Foley
  • Publication number: 20090240551
    Abstract: A method for creating and executing a service strategy using a service alignment system includes updating a skill set of a service professional available to perform service and defining a service team, wherein service professionals may be assigned to the service team. The method further includes assigning the service team to a contract, updating service obligations associated with the contract, assigning a service professional available to perform service to the service team assigned to the contract by matching a skill of the service professional to an updated service obligation of the contract, storing and executing the team and service professional assignments using the service alignment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Writz, Patrick M. Foley, Stephen P. Telo, Marc D. Andraca
  • Publication number: 20090007864
    Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that is used with a variable valve timing (VVT) system to promote lock pin disengagement. The method establishes if the VVT is at a lock pin position, establishes if a lock pin is not disengaged out of an associated recess, and can control the rate of movement of the VVT away from the lock pin position so that the lock pin can be disengaged out of the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Fadi S. Kanafani, Patrick M. Foley
  • Publication number: 20080172278
    Abstract: A service management system includes a voice portal system configured to receive service description data from a service professional via voice recognition, and a service posting database system operatively connected to the voice portal system and configured to store the received service description data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Michael W. Hanizeski, Thomas E. Lowery, David J. Writz, Patrick M. Foley, Scott A. Adams
  • Patent number: D638637
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: KKU, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Foley