Patents by Inventor Jeffrey A. Bochenek
Jeffrey A. Bochenek 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: 10384612Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting a driver when coupling a vehicle to a trailer. One method includes (a) obtaining image data of an area to the rear of the vehicle, (b) identifying at least a portion of the trailer based on the image data, (c) determining a distance between the vehicle and the identified portion of the trailer, (d) determining a perspective based on the determined distance, (e) generating, with a controller included in the vehicle, a view of the trailer based on the image data, the view having the determined perspective, and (f) displaying the generated view. The method also includes (g) repeating (c) through (f) as the vehicle nears the trailer, wherein the determined perspective changes as the vehicle gets closer to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jeffrey A. Bochenek
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Patent number: 10027904Abstract: A vehicle system and method for transmitting camera-based parameters and video data includes a video camera disposed on a vehicle for viewing an exterior region. The video camera includes an image sensor for generating a video data stream from an exterior region of the vehicle, a controller for providing camera-based parameters, and an image signal processor. The image signal processor is configured to receive the video stream from the image sensor, receive camera-based parameters from the controller, transfer the camera-based parameters onto the video stream, and output an analog signal that includes the video stream and the camera-based parameters. An electronic control unit receives the analog signal, retrieves the camera-based parameters from the analog signal. A vehicle display receives and displays the video stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Patrick Graf, Jeffrey A. Bochenek, Greg Sypitkowski
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Publication number: 20170078588Abstract: A vehicle system and method for transmitting camera-based parameters and video data includes a video camera disposed on a vehicle for viewing an exterior region. The video camera includes an image sensor for generating a video data stream from an exterior region of the vehicle, a controller for providing camera-based parameters, and an image signal processor. The image signal processor is configured to receive the video stream from the image sensor, receive camera-based parameters from the controller, transfer the camera-based parameters onto the video stream, and output an analog signal that includes the video stream and the camera-based parameters. An electronic control unit receives the analog signal, retrieves the camera-based parameters from the analog signal. A vehicle display receives and displays the video stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Inventors: Patrick Graf, Jeffrey A. Bochenek, Greg Sypitkowski
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Patent number: 9586525Abstract: A blind spot detection system. The system includes a camera mounted at the rear of a vehicle, a controller coupled to the camera, and an indicator coupled to the controller. The camera is configured to capture images in a field-of-view to the rear of the vehicle. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the camera indicative of the images, and controller determining when a second vehicle in the images enters a blind spot of the vehicle. The controller activates the indicator when the second vehicle enters the blind spot of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Frederic Marcel Sejalon, Gunter Rottner, Jeffrey Bochenek, Wolfgang Niehsen
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Publication number: 20170050567Abstract: Methods and systems for assisting a driver when coupling a vehicle to a trailer. One method includes (a) obtaining image data of an area to the rear of the vehicle, (b) identifying at least a portion of the trailer based on the image data, (c) determining a distance between the vehicle and the identified portion of the trailer, (d) determining a perspective based on the determined distance, (e) generating, with a controller included in the vehicle, a view of the trailer based on the image data, the view having the determined perspective, and (f) displaying the generated view. The method also includes (g) repeating (c) through (f) as the vehicle nears the trailer, wherein the determined perspective changes as the vehicle gets closer to the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventor: Jeffrey A. BOCHENEK
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Patent number: 9126546Abstract: A system for minimizing the accumulation of debris on a lens of a rear view camera of a vehicle, wherein the lens has a lens surface, includes a formed channel having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with an external airstream effected by movement of the vehicle. The second end is disposed adjacent to the lens and is configured to direct a portion of the passing airstream over the lens surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jeffrey Bochenek
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Patent number: 8994825Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reconstructing and displaying an image of an area behind a vehicle. The method includes capturing, by an image capturing device, an image of the area behind the vehicle; receiving, at a controller, the captured image; separating, by the controller, the image into three image pieces; correcting, at the controller, the middle image piece by using a distortion correction algorithm; cropping, at the controller, the first and second side image pieces into a rectangular format; converting, at the controller, the first and second image pieces into a trapezoidal format; aligning, at the controller, the two side image pieces with the corrected middle image piece; and creating, at the controller, a continuous image of the area behind the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ravikiran Ramanath, Jeffrey Bochenek, Gunter Rottner
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Patent number: 8902313Abstract: A method of automatically equalizing image data generated by a surround-view camera system of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a first, second, third, and fourth data set including image data corresponding to a front, left, right, and rear field of view of the vehicle, respectively. The method also includes identifying a darkest region in the first, second, and third data sets and adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the first, second, and third data sets based on the darkest region. The method further includes adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set based on a comparison of the brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set and the adjusted brightness of the image data included in the second and third data sets.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gunter Rottner, Frederic Marcel Sejalon, Jeffrey Bochenek
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Publication number: 20130107048Abstract: A method of automatically equalizing image data generated by a surround-view camera system of a vehicle. The method includes receiving a first, second, third, and fourth data set including image data corresponding to a front, left, right, and rear field of view of the vehicle, respectively. The method also includes identifying a darkest region in the first, second, and third data sets and adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the first, second, and third data sets based on the darkest region. The method further includes adjusting a brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set based on a comparison of the brightness of the image data included in the fourth data set and the adjusted brightness of the image data included in the second and third data sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Inventors: Gunter Rottner, Frederic Marcel Sejalon, Jeffrey Bochenek
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Publication number: 20130094086Abstract: A system for minimizing the accumulation of debris on a lens of a rear view camera of a vehicle, wherein the lens has a lens surface, includes a formed channel having a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with an external airstream effected by movement of the vehicle. The second end is disposed adjacent to the lens and is configured to direct a portion of the passing airstream over the lens surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Jeffrey Bochenek
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Patent number: 8396653Abstract: A dynamic range display system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera, a distance sensor, a display, and a controller. The camera is configured to capture an image and to generate a signal representative of the image. The distance sensor is configured to detect an object of interest within a path of the vehicle and to generate a signal that identifies a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest. The display is configured to provide a visual image, and the controller is configured to receive the signal from the camera and the signal from the distance sensor. The controller generates an image on the display representing the image detected by the camera and a dynamic vehicle path line overlaid over the camera image. The dynamic vehicle path line provides an indication of a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gunter Rottner, Jeffrey Bochenek
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Publication number: 20130027558Abstract: A computer-implemented method for reconstructing and displaying an image of an area behind a vehicle. The method includes capturing, by an image capturing device, an image of the area behind the vehicle; receiving, at a controller, the captured image; separating, by the controller, the image into three image pieces; correcting, at the controller, the middle image piece by using a distortion correction algorithm; cropping, at the controller, the first and second side image pieces into a rectangular format; converting, at the controller, the first and second image pieces into a trapezoidal format; aligning, at the controller, the two side image pieces with the corrected middle image piece; and creating, at the controller, a continuous image of the area behind the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Ravikiran Ramanath, Jeffrey Bochenek, Gunter Rottner
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Publication number: 20110202240Abstract: A dynamic range display system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera, a distance sensor, a display, and a controller. The camera is configured to capture an image and to generate a signal representative of the image. The distance sensor is configured to detect an object of interest within a path of the vehicle and to generate a signal that identifies a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest. The display is configured to provide a visual image, and the controller is configured to receive the signal from the camera and the signal from the distance sensor. The controller generates an image on the display representing the image detected by the camera and a dynamic vehicle path line overlaid over the camera image. The dynamic vehicle path line provides an indication of a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gunter Rottner, Jeffrey Bochenek
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Patent number: 7098778Abstract: An Impact sensor assembly provides a modular housing for vehicle impact sensors. The assembly comprises an impact sensor, an upper housing member, a lower housing member and a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the assembly and an appropriate vehicle system. The assembly may further include electronics for processing signals received from the sensor. The lower housing member receives and retains the sensor, and closeably interacts with the upper housing member to encase the sensor. The assembly defines structural features that ensures its proper installation into a vehicle. The preferred embodiment assures proper functioning of deformation impact sensors. A method of installing the assembly provides a process for rapid and proper installation of the assembly into a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Paul K. Zoratti, Jeffrey A. Bochenek
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Patent number: 5720171Abstract: A beverage heating and cooling device has at least one removable beverage container holding chamber. Each chamber has a spring mechanism assembly to bias a beverage container against a heat transfer member protruding through the chamber-side-wall opening. An electronic controller controls the operation of a thermoelectric heating and cooling element connected to the heat transfer member. The controller has a thermal fuse to protect the device from overheating in the event that the thermal switches fail to maintain the heat transfer member at a desired temperature range. When used in a motor vehicle with the ignition off, an automatic timer within the controller shuts off the unit after a predetermined time to conserve power.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Atoma International, Inc.Inventors: Michael Osterhoff, Jeffrey Bochenek, Shillion Mongru
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Patent number: 5627411Abstract: An electrical circuit for a switch having a lockout feature is described. The circuit permits both a primary operator and an auxiliary operator to operate a bi-directional motor by activating separate low-current switches. The circuitry enables the primary operator to disable the auxiliary operator's ability to operate the motor by activating a lockout switch. With the lockout switch activated, the primary operator can operate the motor without interference from the auxiliary operator. High-current power switches, activated via logic circuitry rather than by the operators, are used to complete a power circuit for energizing the motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Assignee: Atoma International, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Bochenek