Patents by Inventor Bryan W. Fowler

Bryan W. Fowler 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).

  • System and method for detecting the position of a tailgate and adjusting operation of a user interface device based on the tailgate position
    Patent number: 10607092
    Abstract: A system includes an object identification module, a tailgate position module, and a user interface device (UID) control module. The object identification module is configured to identify at least one of a bumper of a vehicle and a tailgate of the vehicle in an image captured by a camera mounted to the tailgate. The tailgate position module is configured to determine that the tailgate is closed when the bumper is identified in the image, and determine that the tailgate is open when at least one of: the tailgate is identified in the image; and the bumper is not identified in the image. The UID control module is configured to adjust operation of a user interface device based on whether the tailgate is open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Murad, Bryan W. Fowler, Princess Len Carlos
  • System and method for monitoring a connection between a fifth wheel and a towed vehicle
    Patent number: 10471785
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an attachment between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle includes determining that a first attachment element on the towed vehicle is not coupled to a second attachment element on the towing vehicle, receiving an indication that the towing vehicle is moving, and activating at least one of a towing vehicle brake system, a visual alert system, and an audible alert system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Murad, Bryan W. Fowler
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING THE POSITION OF A TAILGATE AND ADJUSTING OPERATION OF A USER INTERFACE DEVICE BASED ON THE TAILGATE POSITION
    Publication number: 20190228235
    Abstract: A system includes an object identification module, a tailgate position module, and a user interface device (UID) control module. The object identification module is configured to identify at least one of a bumper of a vehicle and a tailgate of the vehicle in an image captured by a camera mounted to the tailgate. The tailgate position module is configured to determine that the tailgate is closed when the bumper is identified in the image, and determine that the tailgate is open when at least one of: the tailgate is identified in the image; and the bumper is not identified in the image. The UID control module is configured to adjust operation of a user interface device based on whether the tailgate is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad MURAD, Bryan W. Fowler, Princess Len Carlos