Patents by Inventor Brian S. Repa
Brian S. Repa 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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Patent number: 8496078Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Carl W. Wellborn, Joseph F. Szczerba, Jan H. Aase, Brian S. Repa, Mary Ellen Decaluwe, Jim K. Rainbolt
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Patent number: 8255123Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for positioning a movable component of a motor actuated device. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a speech sensor for receiving speech input provided by a user of the device, and a force sensor for measuring a force input provided by the device user. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the speech sensor, the force sensor, and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, where the controller is operable to position the movable component in accordance with the received speech input and the measured force input. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the disclosure are applied to adjust the positioning of movable components of an adjustable pedal assembly and a vehicle power seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John K. Lenneman, Joseph F. Szczerba, Roy J. Mathieu, Brian S. Repa, Thomas A. Seder
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Publication number: 20120193154Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2011Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: CARL W. WELLBORN, JOSEPH F. SZCZERBA, JAN H. AASE, BRIAN S. REPA, MARY ELLEN DECALUWE, JIM K. RAINBOLT
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Patent number: 8155581Abstract: A method for exhibiting media segments includes accessing a database including user selection criteria fields associated with media segments and score fields associated with the user selection criteria fields. A directory of media segments is compiled by determining a selection score for each media segment utilizing the score fields. Score fields are modified based on selected media segments, and selected media segments are exhibited.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas A. Seder, Brian S. Repa, Jodi Forlizzi, Shelley Evenson, Joseph F. Szczerba, John K. Lenneman
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Patent number: 7714701Abstract: A haptic alert system generally includes an active material based actuator for providing the haptic alert. The active material based actuators refer to the use of several different classes of active materials all of which exhibit a change in at least one attribute such as dimension, shape, and/or flexural modulus when subjected to at least one of many different types of applied activation signals, examples of such signals being thermal, electrical, magnetic, stress, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Osman D. Altan, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Brian S. Repa
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Publication number: 20100099350Abstract: A method for exhibiting media segments includes accessing a database including user selection criteria fields associated with media segments and score fields associated with the user selection criteria fields. A directory of media segments is compiled by determining a selection score for each media segment utilizing the score fields. Score fields are modified based on selected media segments, and selected media segments are exhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Seder, Brian S. Repa, Jodi Forlizzi, Shelley Evenson, Joseph F. Szczerba, John K. Lenneman
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Publication number: 20090002184Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for positioning a movable component of a motor actuated device. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes a speech sensor for receiving speech input provided by a user of the device, and a force sensor for measuring a force input provided by the device user. The apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the speech sensor, the force sensor, and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, where the controller is operable to position the movable component in accordance with the received speech input and the measured force input. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the disclosure are applied to adjust the positioning of movable components of an adjustable pedal assembly and a vehicle power seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John K. Lenneman, Joseph F. Szczerba, Roy J. Mathieu, Brian S. Repa, Thomas A. Seder
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Publication number: 20080302014Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a motor actuated vehicle accessory. A vehicle window having a touch receptive field is used to detect touch events of a touch command applied by a vehicle occupant. A control unit, which is coupled to the touch receptive field and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, operates to position the motor actuated vehicle accessory in accordance with the touch command applied by the vehicle occupant. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the invention are applied to the positioning of a power window, a power mirror, and a power sunroof window of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Joseph F. Szczerba, John K. Lenneman, Roy J. Mathieu, Brian S. Repa, Thomas A. Seder
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Publication number: 20080088577Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a mode selector input device and a characteristic adjustment input device. Manipulation of the mode selector input device causes the control system to alternate between first and second modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a first variable characteristic to change. In the second mode of operation, manipulation of the characteristic adjustment input device causes a second variable characteristic to change. The control system thus enables a single input device to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2006Publication date: April 17, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: John K. Lenneman, Joseph F. Szczerba, Roy J. Mathieu, Branden G. Neish, Scott P. Geisler, Brian S. Repa
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Publication number: 20070244641Abstract: Active material based haptic communication and alert systems are provided. In an embodiment, a haptic alert system comprises: an active material in operative communication with a vehicle surface, the active material being capable of changing at least one attribute in response to an applied activation signal; and a controller in communication with the active material, wherein the controller is configured to selectively apply the activation signal, and wherein the vehicle surface has at least one property that changes with the change in the at least one attribute of the active material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Osman D. Altan, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Brian S. Repa, Robin Stevenson
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Patent number: 6998972Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Saab Automobile ABInventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
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Patent number: 6882906Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignees: General Motors Corporation, Saab Automobile ABInventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
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Publication number: 20040088205Abstract: A method for estimating workload placed on the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving workload estimation data. A driving workload estimate is calculated in response to the workload estimation data. The driving workload estimate is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. The driving workload estimate is then output.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa
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Publication number: 20040088084Abstract: A method for vehicle information and interaction management. The method comprises receiving vehicle feature data and driver preference data. The method also comprises receiving a driving workload estimate that is indicative of current and previously occurring conditions. A subroutine corresponding to at least one of the vehicle feature data is executed. The subroutine initiates the activation or disablement of a function of a vehicle and is responsive to the driver preference data and the driving workload estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Scott P. Geisler, Thomas William Creech, Arne Nabo, Brian S. Repa