Patents by Inventor Stephan Max

Stephan Max 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: 10452066
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transitioning a motor vehicle from a manual operating mode to an automated or assisting operating mode for driving along a saved trajectory including a memory, in which the trajectory and a tolerance region of the trajectory are saved; a mechanism for ascertaining the location of the motor vehicle relative to the saved trajectory; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured so that, if a predetermined criterion is met, a transition trajectory from a current instantaneous position to the saved trajectory is calculated and a steering torque is generated that steers the motor vehicle in the direction of the calculated transition trajectory, wherein the at least one criterion is a distance threshold value with respect to the saved trajectory, wherein the distance threshold value is selected so it is outside the tolerance region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Sascha Bauer, Sönke Freter, Stephan Max, Kristian Weiß
  • Patent number: 10346689
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for connecting a mobile camera device to a vehicle-mounted display apparatus, wherein the mobile camera device is controlled both by the driver operating the mobile camera device as well as by additional information regarding the state of the vehicle, wherein the additional information is provided by vehicle sensors. The information from the driver and the vehicle is processed by an application program on the mobile camera device and the mobile camera device is controlled. The mobile camera device can display images and/or videos and process the images and/or videos by way of the application program. The information to be processed can be displayed on the display of the vehicle-mounted display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Stephan Max, Stefan Brosig, Reiner Katzwinkel, Volkmar Tanneberger, Mark Beckmann, Stefan Kollmorgen, Stefan Bosse, Thomas Grummel, Andreas Titze
  • Patent number: 10248132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for visualizing an environment of a motor vehicle, wherein the apparatus has at least one camera for detecting an environment of the motor vehicle, at least one display unit, and an evaluation and control unit, which is designed to depict images of the environment on the display unit, depending on the pictures from the at least one camera, wherein the apparatus comprises a device for detecting a head position of a vehicle passenger, wherein the evaluation and control unit is designed so that the depiction on the display unit is adapted depending on the detected head position, so that the vehicle passenger sees a depiction of the environment of the motor vehicle that the vehicle passenger would see if the display unit were a transparent window of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Torsten Büschenfeld, Stephan Max, Stefan Brosig
  • Patent number: 10234866
    Abstract: A device for autonomously driving a transportation vehicle having at least one sensor system for sensing a surrounding area of the vehicle, at least one controller for controlling at least one actuator system of the vehicle, and a memory for storing a map of the surroundings, wherein the at least one controller evaluates surroundings data collected by the at least one sensor system, determines the location of the vehicle by the evaluated surroundings data in the map of the surroundings, and controls the at least one actuator system of the vehicle so that a predefined trajectory is travelled autonomously, wherein the controller has an obstacle-detection device to detect obstacles in the surroundings of the vehicle, wherein the at least one sensor system has at least one acceleration sensor, and the obstacle-detection device uses measurement data collected by the at least one acceleration sensor to detect collisions with obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Hella GMBH & Co. KGAA
    Inventors: Stephan Max, Klaas Hauke Baumgärtel, Stefan Brosig, Torsten Büschenfeld, Thomas Niemann
  • Patent number: 10203409
    Abstract: A method and a device for locating a vehicle from a fixed reference map in which objects are assigned one or more positions in the reference map. At successive points of a vehicle trajectory, in each case a radar impulse is emitted and subsequently, angle-resolved and time-resolved measurements of the radar impulse response are performed. Object positions are identified in the environment surrounding the vehicle from the radar impulse response, the current identified object positions forming an environment map. The vehicle position is identified in the reference map by comparing the environment map to the reference map, the reference map being created from the identified positions and is continuously updated. An object classification for the identified object positions in the current environment map and/or reference map is performed and the identification of the vehicle position is performed while taking the object classification into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Bueschenfeld, Stephan Max, Alexander Urban, Stefan Brosig
  • Publication number: 20180321388
    Abstract: A method, device and computer-readable storage medium with instructions for locating a datum detected by a motor vehicle. In a first step, at least one datum is detected (10) by a sensor system of the motor vehicle. In addition, additional data are determined (11) that make it possible to locate the at least one detected datum. The at least one detected datum and the additional data can be stored (12) in a memory of the motor vehicle. In an additional step, a data package is generated (13) by linking the additional data to the at least one detected datum. The data package can then be transmitted (14) to a back end independently or as a reaction to a request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stephan Max
  • Publication number: 20180246522
    Abstract: A device for autonomously driving a transportation vehicle having at least one sensor system for sensing a surrounding area of the vehicle, at least one controller for controlling at least one actuator system of the vehicle, and a memory for storing a map of the surroundings, wherein the at least one controller evaluates surroundings data collected by the at least one sensor system, determines the location of the vehicle by the evaluated surroundings data in the map of the surroundings, and controls the at least one actuator system of the vehicle so that a predefined trajectory is travelled autonomously, wherein the controller has an obstacle-detection device to detect obstacles in the surroundings of the vehicle, wherein the at least one sensor system has at least one acceleration sensor, and the obstacle-detection device uses measurement data collected by the at least one acceleration sensor to detect collisions with obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Stephan MAX, Klaas Hauke BAUMGÄRTEL, Stefan BROSIG, Torsten BÜSCHENFELD, Thomas NIEMANN
  • Patent number: 10053090
    Abstract: A method for the user-defined provision of a vehicle in which a parking position in a parking region is identified and driven to automatically by the vehicle or with guidance by a user and, at the request of the user, the vehicle drives automatically to a transfer location in the parking region for further use. A trajectory which is traveled along as far as the parking position within the parking region is sorted and the transfer location can be defined at any desired point on this trajectory. Also disclosed is a system for carrying out the method and a motor vehicle having the disclosed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Torsten Büschenfeld, Stephan Max, Alexander Urban, Stefan Brosig, Reiner Katzwinkel
  • Publication number: 20180181123
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for transitioning a motor vehicle from a manual operating mode to an automated or assisting operating mode for driving along a saved trajectory including a memory, in which the trajectory and a tolerance region of the trajectory are saved; a mechanism for ascertaining the location of the motor vehicle relative to the saved trajectory; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured so that, if a predetermined criterion is met, a transition trajectory from a current instantaneous position to the saved trajectory is calculated and a steering torque is generated that steers the motor vehicle in the direction of the calculated transition trajectory, wherein the at least one criterion is a distance threshold value with respect to the saved trajectory, wherein the distance threshold value is selected so it is outside the tolerance region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Sascha BAUER, Sönke FRETER, Stephan MAX, Kristian WEIß
  • Publication number: 20180173895
    Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer-readable storage medium having instructions for processing data captured by a motor vehicle. In a first operation, a datum captured by a motor vehicle is received. Subsequently, location-oriented or time-oriented masking is applied to the received datum. Alternatively or additionally, the received datum is separated from other data captured by the motor vehicle. The masked or separated datum is forwarded for evaluation. The location-oriented or time-oriented masking or the separating of the received datum from other data captured by the motor vehicle is effected inside the motor vehicle or in a reception system with a connection to the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Stephan MAX, Toralf HESSEL
  • Publication number: 20180136666
    Abstract: A method for providing data for a first trajectory and a second trajectory where trajectory data relating to the first and second trajectories are captured. Trajectory database data are generated for the first and second trajectories based on the captured trajectory data, and the trajectory database data are stored in a non-volatile way. A trajectory comparison of the first and second trajectories is carried out based on the captured trajectory data, and at least one common section is determined during the trajectory comparison based on the first and second trajectories. The common section is stored as a common data structure for the first and second trajectories. Also disclosed is a system for providing data for a first trajectory and a second trajectory having a trajectory capture unit, a computing unit, and a memory unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Stephan MAX, Kristian WEIß, Sascha BAUER, Sönke FRETER, Björn RICHTER
  • Publication number: 20180073891
    Abstract: A method for determining a location of a motor vehicle, wherein a respective rotational position signal is received from a respective wheel sensor of at least one wheel, and a steering angle signal is received from a steering angle sensor of a steering device, and a wheel-based location estimation is determined, the respective rotational position signal and geometric data of the at least one wheel. A respective relative location of the motor vehicle with respect to at least one object arranged in the surroundings is detected, and a respective relative change in location with respect to the at least one object is determined during a movement of the motor vehicle, and a surroundings-based location estimation is determined, and a combined location estimation of the location is determined from the wheel-based and the surroundings-based location estimation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Stephan MAX, Kristian WEIß, Sascha BAUER, Mehmet Eylem KIRLANGIC, Andreas WEGE, Robert KONNOPKA, Lars KRÜGER, Jesko KLANDT, Christian TENDYCK
  • Patent number: 9910142
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising ultrasonic sensor (7) which comprises a pot-shaped membrane (6) for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals as well as a sensor housing (10), comprising a stiffening element (3) arranged around the membrane (6) and comprising a holder (4), which is designed for holding the sensor housing (10) on a back side of a trim element of the motor vehicle, wherein the stiffening element (3) and the holder (4) are designed to be integrally formed from a uniform material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Wilhelm Wehling, Joerg Weyland, Hubert Neft, Oliver Eidel, Stephan Max
  • Publication number: 20180045521
    Abstract: A method for creating or augmenting a map for a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle establishes its location in a surrounding environment by comparing environment data acquired by at least one sensor with map data stored in the map. The method provides a base map of a surrounding environment of the motor vehicle; provides at least one base segment, wherein the at least one base segment has at least one characteristic feature; and creates or augments the map by generating map data, wherein the map data is generated by a map creation unit by assigning the at least one provided base segment to an associated position in the provided base map. Also disclosed is a corresponding device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Andreas WEGE, Stephan MAX, Kristian WEIß, Sascha BAUER, Mehmet Eylem KIRLANGIC, Robert KONNOPKA, Lars KRÜGER, Jesko KLANDT, Christian TENDYCK
  • Publication number: 20170357271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for visualizing an environment of a motor vehicle, wherein the apparatus has at least one camera for detecting an environment of the motor vehicle, at least one display unit, and an evaluation and control unit, which is designed to depict images of the environment on the display unit, depending on the pictures from the at least one camera, wherein the apparatus comprises a device for detecting a head position of a vehicle passenger, wherein the evaluation and control unit is designed so that the depiction on the display unit is adapted depending on the detected head position, so that the vehicle passenger sees a depiction of the environment of the motor vehicle that the vehicle passenger would see if the display unit were a transparent window of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Torsten Büschenfeld, Stephan Max, Stefan Brosig
  • Patent number: 9746449
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising an ultrasonic sensor (2), which comprises a pot-shaped membrane (21) for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals, comprising a decoupling ring (6), which is arranged to fit around the membrane (21) in contact with an outer circumference (34) of the membrane (21), and comprising a stiffening element (13), which is arranged around the decoupling ring (6), wherein the decoupling ring (6) comprises a circumferential first radial decoupling region (32) which is in contact with the outer circumference (34) of the membrane (21) as well as a second radial decoupling region (33) with an axial face (37) which is in contact with an axial face (38) of the stiffening element (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Schatter Und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Eidel, Stefan Triebl, Hans Wilhelm Wehling, Thomas Jung, Hubert Neft, Stephan Max
  • Patent number: 9630556
    Abstract: A method for warning the driver of a vehicle against cross traffic when leaving a parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has far-field sensors at least in the region of the rear-end corners for detecting possible cross traffic and lateral near-field sensors for detecting the near surroundings of the vehicle and wherein the warning is generated if at least one of the far-field sensors detects cross traffic. The method surveys the nearby lateral surroundings of the driver's vehicle while leaving the parking space, determines from the results of the near-field detection whether the far-field sensors have a free view of the cross traffic, and generates a notification to the driver if one or both far-field sensors do not have a free view of the cross traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Stephan Max, Peter Baumann, Reiner Katzwinkel
  • Publication number: 20160362103
    Abstract: A method for the user-defined provision of a vehicle in which a parking position in a parking region is identified and driven to automatically by the vehicle or with guidance by a user and, at the request of the user, the vehicle drives automatically to a transfer location in the parking region for further use. A trajectory which is travelled along as far as the parking position within the parking region is sorted and the transfer location can be defined at any desired point on this trajectory. Also disclosed is a system for carrying out the method and a motor vehicle having the disclosed system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Torsten BÜSCHENFELD, Stephan MAX, Alexander URBAN, Stefan BROSIG, Reiner KATZWINKEL
  • Patent number: 9488725
    Abstract: A device and a method for detecting objects in the surroundings of a vehicle is provided. At least one reflection pattern is ascertained for at least one object class. Pulse echo measurements for m different transmitter/receiver geometries are performed. Echo signals in the pulse echo measurements are detected. Weights for the different objects of the corresponding class are calculated. The weight values thus ascertained are summed to form a weight, and the presence of objects of the at least one object class is ascertained using the weights thus ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephan Max, Claudia Prausse, Alexander Urban
  • Patent number: 9488727
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a trim element (3), in particular a bumper, comprising a radiator grill (4), and at least one first and one second ultrasonic sensor (5, 6) each comprising a membrane (11) for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals, wherein the first ultrasonic sensor (5) with its membrane (11) is arranged on a back side of the trim element (3) so that the membrane (11) of the first ultrasonic sensor (5) is configured for emitting and/or receiving ultrasonic sensor signals through the trim element (3) and the second ultrasonic sensor (6) is arranged on the radiator grill (4). By detuning means (7, 9) the second ultrasonic sensor (6) is detuned and hereby its emission and/or receiving behavior adapted to the emission and/or receiving behavior of the first ultrasonic sensor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Wilhelm Wehling, Joerg Weyland, Natalie Weber, Stephan Max