Patents Assigned to Magna Electronics
  • Patent number: 9925980
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a sensor configured to be disposed at a vehicle for sensing exterior and forwardly of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the sensor to determine the presence of a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle and at or moving towards a path of travel of the vehicle. The processor determines a time to collision based on a determined distance to the pedestrian and determined speed of the pedestrian and speed of the vehicle. The collision avoidance system is operable to generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle at a threshold time before the determined collision with the pedestrian. Responsive to a parameter, the collision avoidance system adjusts the threshold time to generate the alert at an earlier time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel Edo-Ros
  • Patent number: 9916660
    Abstract: A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera may include a fisheye lens. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera. The vision system provides enhanced camera calibration using a monoview noncoplanar three dimensional calibration pattern. The system may include a plurality of cameras configured to be disposed at the vehicle so as to have respective fields of view exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jagmal Singh, Sebastian Pliefke, Holger Hess
  • Patent number: 9916699
    Abstract: A method for determining a corrected yaw rate for a vehicle includes receiving a first yaw rate input from a yaw rate sensor of the vehicle and determining if the vehicle is moving or stationary. If the vehicle is determined to be moving, the method includes determining a steering angle of the vehicle, and determining an offset correction value based at least in part on a determined speed of the vehicle and the determined steering angle. A yaw rate offset is determined based at least in part on the determined offset correction value and the received first yaw rate input. A second yaw rate input is received from the yaw rate sensor of the vehicle, and a corrected yaw rate value is determined based at least in part on the received second yaw rate input and the determined yaw rate offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Nathaniel Johnson, Marc Wimmershoff
  • Patent number: 9911050
    Abstract: A driver active safety control system for a vehicle includes a plurality of image capture sensors, a video display screen, a central driver active safety control module and at least one non-imaging sensor. The control module at least includes an image processor, a vision core and a fusion core. The image processor processes image data captured by and received from at least a forward viewing image capture sensor for at least one of (i) automatic headlamp control, (ii) lane departure warning and (iii) traffic sign recognition. The vision core is operable to manipulate image data captured by and received at least from rearward and sideward viewing image capture sensors to form video images for displaying on the video display screen. The fusion core is operable to process inputs received to enhance control by the control module of a driver assistance system of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 9908495
    Abstract: A safety system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have an exterior field of view external of the equipped vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the imaging sensor to detect a vehicle exterior the equipped vehicle and to determine if a collision between the detected vehicle and the equipped vehicle is pending. Responsive to such determination of the pending collision, a safety feature of the vehicle is triggered before any actual impact occurs. The triggered safety feature is a reversible adjustment of a seat headrest, a seat belt, a seat setting or a door lock of the equipped vehicle. If the pending collision is avoided or otherwise does not occur, the adjusted safety feature returns to its unadjusted condition that existed prior to such determination of the pending collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Ove J. Salomonsson
  • Patent number: 9912876
    Abstract: A vehicular multi-camera vision system includes a plurality of cameras and a control having an image processor operable to process image data captured by the cameras. The control is operable to control a display intensity of video images displayed by a video display screen. Responsive to a determination of a reduction in exterior ambient light level within the field of view of at least one of the cameras, the control holds display intensity of video images displayed by the video display screen to within 15 percent of the display intensity that was displayed before the determination of the reduction in exterior ambient light level by (a) adjusting an exposure time for image data capture by at least some of the cameras and by (b) adjusting a frame rate of image data capture by at least one of the cameras and/or) adjusting a gain of at least one of the cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Weber
  • Patent number: 9620042
    Abstract: The invention provides a multiple-view display system and a method for operating the same, wherein a seat sensor is incorporated into the system so that it is possible to get the information whether a user is present or not. Therefore, only one sensor installed on one side of the multiple-view touchscreen for detecting a proximity of the user to the multiple-view touchscreen is enough to identify the touchevent is given by which user, and no extra device is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Solutions GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Lauber, Gabriel Muresan
  • Patent number: 9277104
    Abstract: A method of assembling a vehicular camera includes providing a lens assembly having a base portion, a lens barrel and a plurality of optical elements in the lens barrel, and providing a circuit element having a circuit board and an imaging array. An adhesive bead is dispensed at the base portion and/or circuit element. The circuit element is placed at the base portion with the adhesive bead therebetween and the optical elements are aligned with the imaging array via a six axis robotic device when the circuit element is at the base portion and in contact with the adhesive bead. The adhesive bead is cured to a first cure level via exposure of the adhesive bead to ultraviolet light. The assembly is moved to a second curing stage and the adhesive bead is cured to a second cure level via heating the adhesive bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew C. Sesti, Robert A. Devota, Yuesheng Lu, Steven V. Byrne, Joel S. Gibson
  • Patent number: 9103353
    Abstract: In a radiator module for a motor vehicle, a detachable connection is required between a housing of an electric motor and a retaining structure, which connection allows economic and secure assembly and cannot be loosened or detached by alternating reaction forces at the electric motor. To achieve this, an arrangement is proposed of a retaining structure and detachably connected therewith a housing for an electric motor, in which the housing has a number of radiating protruding tabs on the base side which can be inserted by successive tilt and shift movements in corresponding recesses of the retaining structure. Furthermore various methods for assembly are proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA Electronics Europe GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Paul McLennan, Robert Jones
  • Patent number: 9018577
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system comprises a single imaging sensor having a plurality of photosensor elements. The imaging sensor captures image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle within its field of view. Image data captured by the imaging sensor is provided to a control. The control also receives via a communication bus at least one of vehicle pitch information, vehicle yaw information and vehicle steering information. The control detects two substantially straight and converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where they would converge using, at least in part, the received vehicle information and the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging sensor mounted at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
  • Patent number: 9019090
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes at least a first imager, an image processor, and at least a second imager. The first imager has a field of view through the windshield of the vehicle in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The second imager captures video images of a scene occurring exteriorly and rearwardly of the vehicle. When the vehicle is executing a reversing maneuver, the image processor processes image data captured by the second imager to detect objects in the exterior scene to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle, and when the vehicle is traveling forward, the image processor and the first imager are part of at least one of (i) a headlamp control system of the vehicle, (ii) a rain sensing system of the vehicle, (iii) a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and (iv) a traffic sign recognition system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Patent number: 9014904
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. With the imaging device disposed at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the imaging device has a field of view at least one of rearward of the vehicle and sideward of the vehicle. A control utilizes edge detection in processing image data captured by the imaging device. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines that an object is present in the field of view of the imaging device. The control is operable to determine that the imaging device is misaligned. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging array sensor, is operable to at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 9014966
    Abstract: A driver assist system for a vehicle includes a camera and a control having an image processor, which processes image data captured by the camera. At least one non-visual sensor is operable to detect objects external of the vehicle and to provide non-visual sensor data to the control. During at least one of (i) a reversing maneuver and (ii) a parking maneuver, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by the camera are displayed by a video display screen that is viewable by the driver to assist the driver in operating the vehicle. The control provides an indication to the vehicle driver, with the indication including at least one of (i) a visual indication displayed by the video display screen and (ii) an audible indication. The indication is provided, at least in part, responsive to detection by the non-visual sensor of an object external of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 9008369
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward facing camera at a windshield of a vehicle with a forward field of view through the vehicle windshield. The camera is operable to capture image data for a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle. Responsive to processing by an image processor of captured image data, a lane of a road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined and an oncoming vehicle approaching the vehicle is detected, and the vision system determines whether a detected oncoming vehicle is in a lane to the right of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling or is in a lane to the left of the determined lane along which the vehicle is traveling. The at least three driver assistance systems of the vehicle includes a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and at least another driver assistance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8994878
    Abstract: A camera for a vehicle includes a front housing member, a lens member, an imaging element, a circuit board and a rear housing member. The front housing member has a front housing member interior surface that has a front housing member electrically-conductive coating of electrically conductive material thereon. The rear housing member has a rear housing member interior surface that has a rear housing member electrically-conductive coating of electrically conductive material thereon. The front and rear housing members are configured to join together such that the front and rear housing member electrically-conductive coatings are electrically engaged with each other. The circuit board has a ground connector that is electrically connected to at least one of the front housing member electrically-conductive coating and the rear housing member electrically-conductive coating. The ground connector may electrically connect to ground via a wire harness that extends from the rear housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Steven V. Byrne, Ben Stickler, Richard Rieden, Matthew C. Sesti, Brian D. Brasier
  • Patent number: 8993951
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in a housing and a control. The imager includes a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and a lens. With the housing disposed in a vehicle, the imager views forwardly to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The CMOS photosensor array is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, streetlights present exterior of the vehicle and viewed by imager are discriminated from other objects present exterior the vehicle and viewed by imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
  • Patent number: 8994208
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a circuit for powering a gate drive for an electric motor for a vehicle with an electric motor. The circuit provides a primary power supply and a secondary power supply that powers the gate drive in the event the primary power supply fails. The primary power supply may draw power from the 12V battery on the vehicle. The secondary power supply may draw power from a high voltage battery pack on the vehicle that is normally used to provide power to the electric motor. By providing the secondary power supply to the gate drive, a 3-phase short can be applied to the motor in the event that it is needed as a safety measure even if there is a failure in the primary power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Fengtai Huang
  • Patent number: 8976247
    Abstract: A camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera operable to capture video images rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle. A display device is operable to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and the display continues during short term forward movement of the vehicle. An overlay is displayed with the video images to assist the driver during the rear backup maneuver. The display device is operable to display video images with a display intensity greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter. A control includes an image processor that image processes video images to detect objects that are within the rearward field of view of the rear backup video camera. The image processing by the image processor of captured video images includes use of an edge detection algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8964032
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to an illumination system for rearward illumination for a first vehicle. The illumination system includes a tail lamp assembly, a sensor and a controller for controlling the operation of the tail lamp assembly. If the controller determines that there are any oncoming second vehicles behind the first vehicle that are sufficiently close to the first vehicle, then the controller operates the tail lamp assembly in one mode. If the controller determines that there are no oncoming second vehicles behind the first vehicle that are sufficiently close to the first vehicle, then the controller permits the operation of the tail lamp assembly in another mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence Patrick McElroy, Yuesheng Lu, Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 8941480
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera including an image sensor, a control including a microcontroller, and a serial data interface. The camera has a field of view exterior of a vehicle. A video output is configured for transmitting a stream of video captured by the image sensor. The microcontroller is operatively connected to the image sensor. The serial data interface permits the microcontroller to communicate with at least one electronic device in the vehicle. A resistor having a selected impedance is connected in series with a switch. The resistor and the switch connect a video plus electrical conduit and a video minus electrical conduit. The switch is openable by the microcontroller to deactivate the video output into a high impedance state and is closable to activate the video output. The microcontroller is configured to comply with selected messages received through the serial data interface by opening the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Axel Nix, Yuesheng Lu