Patents by Inventor Axel Nix
Axel Nix 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: 20240029445Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to connect via a plurality of coaxial cables of a vehicle with a plurality of vehicular cameras of the vehicle. Electrical power for the cameras is carried from the ECU to the respective cameras via respective coaxial cables. The cameras include respective serializers operable to serialize image data captured by the cameras. The cameras include a forward-viewing camera and a rear backup camera. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data derived from image data captured by the forward-viewing camera, an object present forward of the vehicle is detected. Video images derived at least in part from processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera are displayed at a video display device of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Publication number: 20240013551Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The plurality of vehicular cameras includes at least (i) a forward-viewing vehicular camera, (ii) a driver side sideward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) a passenger side sideward-viewing vehicular camera. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive at least in part to fusion at the central control module of (i) image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (ii) radar data captured by at least the front radar sensor, a pedestrian present exterior of the equipped vehicle is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
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Publication number: 20240013552Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The plurality of vehicular cameras includes at least (i) a forward-viewing vehicular camera, (ii) a driver side sideward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) a passenger side sideward-viewing vehicular camera. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing at the central control module of (i) image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (ii) radar data captured by at least the front radar sensor, the vehicular control system at least in part controls a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
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Patent number: 11794553Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward-viewing camera that views through a windshield forward of a vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera while the equipped vehicle is traveling along a road, another vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle is detected, and the vehicular vision system may determine lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. The vehicular vision system may generate an output based at least in part on the determined lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle is approaching a school zone, pedestrian detection via image processing of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera may be enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
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Patent number: 11769335Abstract: A vehicular rear backup system includes a rear backup camera and an electronic control unit (ECU). The camera connects with the ECU via a cable. Image data captured by the camera is converted at a serializer of the camera to serialized image data. The serialized image data is carried to the ECU via the cable and is de-serialized at a de-serializer of the ECU to form de-serialized image data. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data, the vehicular rear backup system is operable to detect an object present rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver. Video images derived at least in part from an output generated at the ECU via processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data are displayed at a video display device of the vehicle during the rear backup maneuver of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2022Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Patent number: 11763573Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. The central control module is operable to process (i) vehicle data, (ii) image data and (iii) radar data. The central control module at least in part controls at least one driver assistance system of the vehicle responsive to (i) processing at the central control module of vehicle data, (ii) processing at the central control module of image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) processing at the central control module of radar data captured by at least a front radar sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
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Publication number: 20230254451Abstract: A vehicular monitoring system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing interior of the vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. Image data captured by the camera is provided to a data processor and is processed at the data processor. A wireless communication link links the vehicle with a remote communication device located remote from the vehicle. The remote communication device, responsive to communication received from the vehicle via the wireless communication link, displays video images derived from image data captured by the camera.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
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Publication number: 20230145036Abstract: A vehicular rear backup system includes a rear backup camera and an electronic control unit (ECU). The camera connects with the ECU via a cable. Image data captured by the camera is converted at a serializer of the camera to serialized image data. The serialized image data is carried to the ECU via the cable and is de-serialized at a de-serializer of the ECU to form de-serialized image data. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data, the vehicular rear backup system is operable to detect an object present rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver. Video images derived at least in part from an output generated at the ECU via processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data are displayed at a video display device of the vehicle during the rear backup maneuver of the equipped vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2022Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Patent number: 11641289Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for retrofitting a vehicle are presented. The method relates to a vehicle with a factory-installed first apparatus which communicates with a factory-installed second apparatus through a vehicle data bus using a first message. The method includes electrically disconnecting the vehicle data bus between the first apparatus and the second apparatus and electrically connecting a retrofit apparatus to the vehicle data bus. The method further includes transmitting a second message from the retrofit apparatus to the first apparatus which is indistinguishable from the first message.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Sucxess LLCInventor: Axel Nix
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Patent number: 11627286Abstract: A vehicular sensing system includes a data processor disposed at a vehicle, a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, and a range sensor disposed at the vehicle and having a field of sensing that overlaps a portion of the field of view of the camera. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, the system detects another vehicle that is located within the radar sensors field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the range sensor-detected other vehicle relative to the vehicle. When the range sensor-detected other vehicle enters the field of view of the camera, the system, at least in part via processing at the data processor of image data captured by the camera, determines that the range sensor-detected other vehicle is an object of interest. A system output is provided for use by a driving assist system.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk
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Publication number: 20220417413Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an exterior lighting assembly that illuminates a field of illumination exterior of a vehicle. A light source controller operates the exterior lighting assembly in a repeating cycle that includes (i) a first illumination period wherein light emitted by the exterior lighting assembly has a first brightness level and (ii) a second illumination period wherein the emitted light has a second brightness level lower than the first brightness level. A camera controller operates a camera to capture image data during at least part of the first illumination period and at least part of the second illumination period. A camera signal processor receives captured image data and processes image data captured by the camera during the first illumination period for (i) display of video images derived from the image data captured by the camera during the first illumination period and/or (ii) for object detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Clarence P. McElroy, Yuesheng Lu, Axel Nix
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Patent number: 11508160Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and at least one exterior viewing camera. The camera connects with the ECU via a coaxial cable. Image data captured by the camera is converted at a serializer to serialized image data that is carried to the ECU via the coaxial cable. The serialized image data carried to the ECU by the coaxial cable is de-serialized at the de-serializer of the ECU to form de-serialized image data. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data, the vehicular vision system is operable to detect an object viewed by the camera. Responsive at least in part to determination by the vehicular vision system that the equipped vehicle and the detected object may collide, the vehicular vision system, at least in part, controls a braking system of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Patent number: 11431916Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a tail lamp assembly that illuminates a field of illumination rearward of the vehicle. A light source control may operate at least one light source of the tail lamp assembly in a repeating cycle that includes (i) a first illumination period wherein light emitted by the tail lamp assembly has a first brightness level and (ii) a second illumination period wherein light emitted by the tail lamp assembly has a second brightness level that is lower than the first brightness level. A camera is operable to capture image data representative of a region that is at least in part within the field of illumination. A camera control may operate the camera to capture image data during at least part of the first illumination period.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Clarence P. McElroy, Yuesheng Lu, Axel Nix
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Publication number: 20220237924Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and at least one exterior viewing camera. The camera connects with the ECU via a coaxial cable. Image data captured by the camera is converted at a serializer to serialized image data that is carried to the ECU via the coaxial cable. The serialized image data carried to the ECU by the coaxial cable is de-serialized at the de-serializer of the ECU to form de-serialized image data. Responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of de-serialized image data, the vehicular vision system is operable to detect an object viewed by the camera. Responsive at least in part to determination by the vehicular vision system that the equipped vehicle and the detected object may collide, the vehicular vision system, at least in part, controls a braking system of the equipped vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Publication number: 20220215671Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. The central control module is operable to process (i) vehicle data, (ii) image data and (iii) radar data. The central control module at least in part controls at least one driver assistance system of the vehicle responsive to (i) processing at the central control module of vehicle data, (ii) processing at the central control module of image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) processing at the central control module of radar data captured by at least a front radar sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
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Publication number: 20220194171Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward-viewing camera that views through a windshield forward of a vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by an image processor of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera while the equipped vehicle is traveling along a road, another vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle is detected, and the vehicular vision system may determine lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. The vehicular vision system may generate an output based at least in part on the determined lateral acceleration of the detected other vehicle on the road ahead of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to determination that the equipped vehicle is approaching a school zone, pedestrian detection via image processing of image data captured by the forward-viewing camera may be enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, JR., Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
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Publication number: 20220124289Abstract: A vehicular scalable integrated control system includes a plurality of sensors and a vehicular scalable integrated control unit. The plurality of sensors includes a plurality of cameras and a plurality of radar sensors. Data captured by the sensors is provided as input to and is processed at the vehicular scalable integrated control unit. Responsive at least in part to processing at the vehicular scalable integrated control unit of data captured by the plurality of sensors, the vehicular scalable integrated control system at least partially controls at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the vehicle while being driven along a road and (ii) steering of the vehicle while being driven along the road. The plurality of cameras includes a front camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of the vehicle. The front camera views through the windshield forward of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Nikolaus Dellantoni, Bernhard Schinkowitsch, André Schoenekaes, Axel Nix, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11308718Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a plurality of cameras including side-viewing cameras, a front camera and a rear camera. The cameras connect with the ECU via respective coaxial cables. Image data captured by the cameras is converted at a respective serializer to a respective image signal and is carried to the ECU via the respective coaxial cable. The image signals are de-serialized at the respective de-serializers of the ECU. The ECU generates an output provided to a video display device of the vehicle. The output may include a bird's eye view of an environment at least partially surrounding the vehicle. The ECU may connect with the video display device via a coaxial cable. Electrical power for the cameras may be carried from the ECU to the respective cameras via the respective coaxial cables.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Axel Nix, Joern Ihlenburg, Nazar F. Bally, Duane W. Gebauer
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Patent number: 11288888Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of image capture sensors, at least one radar sensor and at least one lidar sensor disposed at an equipped. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, and responsive at least in part to fusion at the central control module of (i) captured image data, (ii) captured radar data and (iii) captured lidar data, a pedestrian or other vehicle may be detected or the speed of the equipped vehicle may be controlled. Responsive to the central control module determining that the detected pedestrian constitutes a potentially hazardous driving condition for the equipped vehicle, the central control module may control at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) braking of the equipped vehicle and (ii) steering of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
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Publication number: 20220086398Abstract: A vehicular sensing system includes a data processor disposed at a vehicle, a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield, and a range sensor disposed at the vehicle and having a field of sensing that overlaps a portion of the field of view of the camera. During a driving maneuver of the vehicle, the system detects another vehicle that is located within the radar sensor's field of sensing and outside of the camera's field of view and determines movement of the range sensor-detected other vehicle relative to the vehicle. When the range sensor-detected other vehicle enters the field of view of the camera, the system, at least in part via processing at the data processor of image data captured by the camera, determines that the range sensor-detected other vehicle is an object of interest. A system output is provided for use by a driving assist system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Axel Nix, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Carl W. Shonk