Patents Examined by Tyler B Edwards
  • Patent number: 11414015
    Abstract: A vehicle blind spot detection system may include a rearview mirror and an indicating unit. The rearview mirror has a shell and a mirror, and a transmitting area is formed on the mirror. The indicating unit installed in the shell is horizontally aligned with the transmitting area of the mirror. The indicating unit comprises a light-guiding base and a circuit board, and a front side of the light-guiding base has a recess to form a first housing, a light-gathering room, and a second housing therein. A first light emitter and a second light emitter are respectively mounted on the circuit board, and the circuit board has a through hole. When the circuit board is coupled on a rear side of the light-guiding base, the first light emitter and the second light emitter are respectively accommodated in the first housing and the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Tsung-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 11406471
    Abstract: This invention provides a hand-held stereovision (HHS) system that is an efficient, accurate, and radiation-free imaging device to acquire intraoperative profiles of the exposed spine in prone position. The reconstructed intraoperative stereovision surfaces (iSV) are registered with preoperative CT (pCT; supine position) in a nonrigid fashion to generate updated CT images (uCT) and correct for vertebral posture and alignment changes. Updated CT images are uploaded to a commercial navigation system for surgical navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventors: Keith D. Paulsen, Xiaoyao Fan, Songbai Ji, Sohail K. Mirza
  • Patent number: 11378390
    Abstract: Using the same image sensor to capture both a two-dimensional (2D) image of a three-dimensional (3D) object and 3D depth measurements for the object. A laser point-scans the surface of the object with light spots, which are detected by a pixel array in the image sensor to generate the 3D depth profile of the object using triangulation. Each row of pixels in the pixel array forms an epipolar line of the corresponding laser scan line. Timestamping provides a correspondence between the pixel location of a captured light spot and the respective scan angle of the laser to remove any ambiguity in triangulation. An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in the image sensor generates a multi-bit output in the 2D mode and a binary output in the 3D mode to generate timestamps. Strong ambient light is rejected by switching the image sensor to a 3D logarithmic mode from a 3D linear mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Yibing Michelle Wang
  • Patent number: 11370360
    Abstract: A tangent line, described next, is, in top view, parallel to a straight line extending in a width direction of the display surface in a range in which the attitude can be changed. The tangent line is present on a plane orthogonal to the up-down direction of the automobile, and contacts a center of the final reflective surface. In top view, of an angle formed by a straight line connecting a center of the final reflective surface with a center of the display surface and the tangent line of the final reflective surface, a supplementary angle which is supplementary to an angle that is on a rear side of the automobile and that is on a side where the observer is present is an acute angle of less than 90 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norihiro Imamura, Kenji Nagatomi, Michihiro Yamagata, Shoji So, Keiichi Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 11363326
    Abstract: In a digital contents receiver for receiving transmitted digital contents, the digital contents include at least component information indicating an element which constitutes a program of the contents. When the component information indicates that the received digital contents are a 3D component, it is determined whether a display part corresponds to display of the 3D component. If the display part corresponds to display of the 3D component, the received digital contents are displayed in 3D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sadao Tsuruga, Satoshi Otsuka
  • Patent number: 11354908
    Abstract: Virtual sensor technology, in which a camera is controlled to capture at least one configuration image of an area monitored by a monitoring system and input is received that defines one or more characteristics of the at least one configuration image that enable sensing of an event in the area. Based on the received input, configuration data used in sensing the event is generated and stored. After storage of the configuration data, the camera is controlled to capture one or more images of the area, the one or more images are analyzed based on the configuration data, and occurrence of the event is detected based on the analysis of the one or more images. Based on detecting occurrence of the event, a transmitting device is controlled to send, to a controller of the monitoring system, a signal that indicates the detection of the occurrence of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Trundle
  • Patent number: 11336900
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding video data. In particular, embodiments include methods and apparatus for encoding and decoding video using a combined inter/intra prediction mode. In one such embodiment, the inter prediction is performed using a equal weighted bi-prediction mode determined using a merge mode that would otherwise indicate a non-equal weighted bi-prediction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Han Huang, Wei-Jung Chien, Marta Karczewicz
  • Patent number: 11318887
    Abstract: An entertainment system of a vehicle includes: a plurality of cameras configured to capture images around an exterior of the vehicle; one or more displays; and an entertainment module configured to: based on the images, generate panoramic video; and display the panoramic video within the vehicle via the one or more displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Wei Zeng, Jeremie Dernotte, Ke Liu, Nicole Ellison, Syed B. Mehdi, Kevin J. Silang, Louis G. Hector, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11321858
    Abstract: A distance image generation device includes a light projection unit for projecting reference light onto a subject, a light reception unit having a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed pixels, an optical system for guiding light from the subject to the light reception unit, an influence calculation means for calculating, based on an amount of light received by a target pixel and peripheral pixels thereof among the plurality of pixels, an influence of optical phenomena on the target pixel and the peripheral pixels, an impact calculation means for calculating the impact exerted by the peripheral pixels on the target pixel based on the influence, and a distance image generation means for generating a distance image of the subject based on the impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuki Takahashi, Atsushi Watanabe, Minoru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11305694
    Abstract: A system is disclosed and includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of sensors including a first set and a second set. The vehicle includes a mirror assembly that includes a mirror body and one or more actuators that are actuable to move the mirror assembly between an extended position and a retracted position. The second set is positioned on the mirror assembly. The vehicle includes a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the one or more actuators, and the controller causes the one or more actuators to adjust a position of the mirror body based on information received from the first set. The controller selectively activates the second set based on the position of the mirror body. The controller calibrates the second set of the plurality of sensors while the position of the mirror body is being set to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ethan W. Pomish, Todd Muck
  • Patent number: 11285872
    Abstract: A rearview mirror having a display instrument function and a control system thereof are provided. The rearview mirror includes LED lights, glass and a glue-filled fluorophor located between the LED lights and the glass. Light rays emitted from the LED lights pass through the glue-filled fluorophor and are directed towards the glass. The glue-filled fluorophor includes a body and an extension portion, the body is flush with the LED lights, the extension portion is above the body and higher than the LED lights. Light-emitting areas are formed on outer surfaces of the body and the extension portion. The control system of the rearview mirror includes an OBD, an MCU and LED lights. The OBD is configured to acquire information on rpm and vehicle speed, and transmits it to the MCU. The MCU receives the information, generates control information and transmits it to a corresponding LED light for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Global Media Industry Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lei Pan
  • Patent number: 11260795
    Abstract: A display inside mirror includes a housing configured to be secured to a windshield glass, the housing having an opening formed therein, a mirror part disposed in the opening, a display unit disposed so as to face the mirror part, a control unit disposed adjacent to the display unit so as to control the transmission of a display image, a tilting lever disposed at one end of the housing so as to tilt the mirror part, and a switch unit disposed at the tilting lever so as to allow the power from the control unit to be selectively applied to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Joong Pyun, Nak Kyoung Kong, Young Ik Cho, Byung Seob Yu, Chang Ju Kim, Su Young Choi
  • Patent number: 11262562
    Abstract: The technology provides a camera module cover that prevents infrared light from leaking into the lens of an adjacent camera. The camera module cover can be used with in-vehicle environments, such as the passenger area and truck, as well as other indoor locations and places where infrared illumination is co-located with an optical camera system. An infrared illuminator unit is positioned adjacent to the camera, for instance in such a way that infrared light is evenly distributed or diffused around the camera lens. The camera module cover has a surface that includes an infrared-transparent material to promote even distribution of the infrared light. To avoid leakage into the camera lens, an infrared-opaque or otherwise blocking material is disposed within the cover so as to be between the infrared illuminator unit and the camera lens. The infrared-transparent and infrared-blocking materials may be formed as a single part via double injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Zhaokun Wang, Albert Shane, YooJung Ahn, Jeffrey Du, Scott Duncan, Choon Ping Chng, Cheng-Han Wu
  • Patent number: 11256931
    Abstract: A method for displaying and processing an image captured by an optical system used to simulate a rear-view system of a vehicle, includes capturing the image, calculating a region of interest (ROI) on the captured image, calculating a blur factor for blurring the ROI using one or more inputs, manipulating an image gradient pixel by pixel using the blur factor to reduce at least one of a brightness or a contrast of one or more pixels of the ROI, and displaying the processed image on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SMR Patent S.à.r.l
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Martin Schwalb, Frank Linsenmaier, Oliver Eder, Ilka Rötzer, Thomas Jochmann, Firas Mualla, Maximilian Kauffmann, Thorsten Steder
  • Patent number: 11258945
    Abstract: An immersive environment for data exploration comprising a curved video projection surface. According to the invention, the curved video projection surface is assembled from a multitude of video projection modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventor: Alexei Matveev
  • Patent number: 11247610
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a power mirror supported by a tow vehicle attached to a trailer based on a position of the trailer allowing a driver of the tow vehicle to view an edge of the trailer is provided. The method includes receiving sensor system data from a sensor system positioned on a rear portion of the tow vehicle and receiving a current mirror angle associated with the power mirror. The method includes determining an adjusted mirror angle based on the current mirror angle and the received sensor system data. The method also includes transmitting instructions to the power mirror. The instructions causing the power mirror to adjust the current mirror angle to the adjusted mirror angle resulting in the power mirror maintaining a trailer edge within a field of view of the driver when looking at the power mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle P Carpenter
  • Patent number: 11242006
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a support arm adapted to be affixed to an associated vehicle side door and a housing movably mounted to the support arm. The housing has an adapter plate disposed within the housing for attachment of a glass assembly. The glass assembly includes a mirror affixed to a mirror backing plate. The mirror backing plate secures the glass assembly to the housing so that movement of the housing and glass assembly together and in tandem relative to the support arm adjusts a field of view of the mirror as viewed by an associated vehicle operator. The mirror backing plate is releasably connected to the adapter plate at a connection location which is concealed by a door removably mounted to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Rothschild, Oscar A. Caraan
  • Patent number: 11242007
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a side mirror including a housing and a mirror member provided inside the housing and rotatable in a first axis and a second axis in the housing; an input unit configured to receive an identification information related to a driver; a driving apparatus configured to identify a target position corresponding to the identification information related to the driver, acquire a plurality of paths for moving the mirror member between the identified target position and the current position, identify each of positions for switching the movement direction of the acquired plurality of paths, select a path having positions for switching the movement direction closest to a predetermined center position among the respective positions for switching the movement direction thereof, and selectively control rotation of the first axis and rotation of the second axis of the mirror member based on the selected path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, SL Mirrortech Corporation
    Inventors: Jinsil Lee, IllSoo Kim, Jae Hong Choi, Hyun Min Jeon, Chul Sung Lee, Chol Min Kim, Byeong Cheon Min, Seung Woo Seo
  • Patent number: 11240479
    Abstract: A stereoscopic video playback device is provided that processes original stereoscopic image pairs taken using parallel-axis cameras and provided for viewing under original viewing conditions by scaling and cropping to provide new viewing condition stereoscopic video on a single screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas Routhier
  • Patent number: 11230235
    Abstract: A camera arm of a camera-based mirror substitute system for a motor vehicle comprises a first structural element for connecting the camera arm to a motor vehicle and a second structural element which comprises at least one camera, the second structural element being pivotable in relation to the first structural element. In order to provide a fastening for cameras of camera monitor systems for mirror substitution in motor vehicles, said fastening offering improved protection against external damaging influences on the fastening and on all elements, devices and modules, in particular cameras, arranged thereon, and enabling an optimum image area of the camera, it is proposed that the second structural element and the first structural element are connected to one another by way of a pivoting mechanism, the pivoting mechanism comprising a planetary gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Miethig