Patents by Inventor Michael Bernhard

Michael Bernhard 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).

  • Publication number: 20180342102
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for prioritizing sensors for a perception system for a motor vehicle. A plurality of sensors collects sensor information about a surrounding area of the vehicle. A perception scene graph (PSG) is generated by a perception controller based on the collected sensor information. A primary focus region and a secondary focus region is defined in the virtual map of the surrounding area within the PSG. Overlapping regions between the focus regions are identified. A high-level priority is assigned to the sensors collecting information contributing to the primary focus region. A low-level priority is assigned to the sensors collecting information contributing to the secondary focus region. A mid-level priority is assigned to the sensors collecting information contributing to an overlapping focus region. Information collected by the high-level priority sensors is allocated a greater processing power than the information collected by low-level priority sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gene Hovis, Michael Bernhard Szczerba
  • Publication number: 20180342065
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for generating a perception scene graph (PSG) having a focus region for a motor vehicle. Information is collected about a volume of space including surrounding areas adjacent a motor vehicle by a plurality of external sensors. The information is processed by a perception controller to generate the PSG having a virtual three-dimensional (3-D) model of the volume of space and area adjacent the motor vehicle. The perception controller is configured to allocate variable processing power to process selected portions of the collected sensor information. At least one focus region is defined. A focus region is a sub-set of the volume of space and/or area adjacent the motor vehicle. Processing power is increased by the perception controller to process the portions of the collected information relating to the focus region such that a high fidelity 3-D model of the focus region is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gene Hovis, Michael Bernhard Szczerba
  • Publication number: 20180341822
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for using a scene detection schema for classifying objects in a perception scene graph for a motor vehicle. The scene detection schema includes collecting sensor information about an area surrounding the vehicle, including capturing an image of the area; processing the sensor information to generate a perception scene graph (PSG); detecting a plurality of objects by analyzing the captured image; comparing the detected objects with reference objects; classifying the detected objects based on matching reference objects; and assigning a priority to each of the classified objects. The steps of detecting and classifying objects having higher priorities are reiterated with a greater frequency than objects having lower priorities. An object is assigned a higher priority level if the object is in a focus region of the PSG. The fidelity of the focus region is increased by updating the classification of the objects after each reiteration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gene Hovis, Michael Bernhard Szczerba
  • Patent number: 10082822
    Abstract: One or a plurality of sub-networks are defined in the communications network. Each of the sub-networks includes a plurality of network nodes from the communications network. One or a plurality of the sub-networks represent pre-determined sub-networks, in which respective pre-determined network nodes have both the function of a global slave node and the function of a local master node. The one or the other network nodes of the respective pre-determined sub-networks are local slave nodes. In addition to global synchronization using the global master node and the global slave nodes, local synchronization is also performed in the pre-determined sub-networks using the local master node and the local slave nodes. Thus, in the event of an error outside a pre-determined sub-network, the local synchronization may be continued, whereas the global synchronization is aborted. It is thus avoided that an erroneous synchronization is propagated into corresponding sub-networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Armbruster, Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic
  • Patent number: 10033193
    Abstract: A method for the closed-loop control of a voltage in a distribution network that supplies nodes with voltage via mains power lines. A node, which recognizes that the local voltage of the distribution network present at the node lies above or below a permissible supply voltage range, switches from slave mode to master mode and in the master mode regulates the local voltage that is present, by drawing or supplying reactive power in order to reach the permissible supply voltage range. The node then indicates this to other nodes of the distribution network that are in slave mode by modulating an indication signal pattern onto the reactive power being drawn or supplied by the node. The signal pattern has a signal parameter which is proportional to the amplitude of the reactive power that is drawn or supplied by the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Michael Bernhard Buhl, Michael Metzger, Rudolf Sollacher
  • Patent number: 9954673
    Abstract: A method for time synchronization in a communication network comprising a multiplicity of network nodes, wherein synchronization messages are transmitted in the communication network and the synchronization message received in a slave node contains synchronization information for synchronizing the slave time of the slave node with the master time, i.e., synchronization messages are transmitted in a closed ring or line topology and the slave node receives first and second synchronization messages from different transmission directions, and wherein the slave node synchronizes a first time with the synchronization message from one transmission direction and a second time with the synchronization message from the other transmission direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic, Ruxandra Scheiterer, Günter Steindl
  • Publication number: 20180106098
    Abstract: A window tint system for a motor vehicle includes a transparent layer and a transparent organic light emitting diode (T-OLED) screen positioned in contact with the transparent layer. The T-OLED screen includes a plurality of pixels, and the T-OLED screen has a first state wherein the pixels are substantially transparent and a second state wherein a subset of the pixels have a reduced transparency relative to the first state to reduce the transmission of light there through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: CUMHUR UNVEREN, MICHAEL BERNHARD SZCZERBA
  • Patent number: 9894815
    Abstract: A heat removal assembly for use with a power converter that includes a condenser and an evaporator coupled in flow communication with the condenser. The evaporator is configured to channel working fluid therebetween. The evaporator includes a supply housing, a receiving housing, and at least one expansion housing extending between the supply housing and the receiving housing. The at least one expansion housing includes a flow inlet defined at the supply housing and a flow outlet defined at said receiving housing, and the flow inlet is sized smaller in cross-sectional size than the flow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alistair Martin Waddell, Christian Meyer, Michael Bernhard Kocur, Mark Aaron Chan Chan, Owen Schelenz
  • Publication number: 20180042145
    Abstract: A heat removal assembly for use with a power converter that includes a condenser and an evaporator coupled in flow communication with the condenser. The evaporator is configured to channel working fluid therebetween. The evaporator includes a supply housing, a receiving housing, and at least one expansion housing extending between the supply housing and the receiving housing. The at least one expansion housing includes a flow inlet defined at the supply housing and a flow outlet defined at said receiving housing, and the flow inlet is sized smaller in cross-sectional size than the flow outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Alistair Martin Waddell, Christian Meyer, Michael Bernhard Kocur, Mark Aaron Chan Chan, Owen Schelenz
  • Patent number: 9859708
    Abstract: A method for signaling and controlling in a power grid coupling a plurality of actuators for providing power signals is provided. At a first actuator, a voltage problem is detected, a communication signal is generated based on the detected voltage problem, and the generated communication signal is transmitted over the power grid. At a second actuator, the transmitted communication signal is received, a control action is generated based on the received communication signal and the generated control action is transmitted over the power grid towards the first actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Michael Metzger, Sebastian Nielebock, Rudolf Sollacher, Andrei Szabo
  • Patent number: 9713109
    Abstract: Locating a frequency deviation in a communication network is provided. A node clock frequency is assigned to each internal clock of each network node. Messages are transmitted synchronizing the internal clocks. The synchronization messages are transmitted from one node to another in succession based on a reference clock frequency predefined by a reference clock. The synchronization messages include a reference clock count state of the reference clock. Synchronization deviations are calculated at predefined intervals of time. If the synchronization deviation of the middle network node exceeds a threshold value, a change in the reference clock frequency is detected if the synchronization deviations of adjacent nodes. Otherwise, a change in the node clock frequency of the middle network node is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic, Günter Steindl, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Patent number: 9689263
    Abstract: A liquid droplet catching device installed in a compressor impeller, the device includes an aperture disposed on a surface of the impeller and configured to receive the liquid droplet, and a channel disposed beneath and in fluid communication with the aperture, wherein in the channel is configured to direct the liquid droplet away from the aperture and out of the compressor impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Emad Ahmad Obaid Gharaibah, Ciro Cerretelli, Michael Bernhard Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20170070055
    Abstract: A power balance-dependent operating parameter and a surroundings parameter of a first energy source, such as a renewable energy source, are provided. A variable target operating parameter for the first energy source is ascertained dependent on the detected surroundings parameter. The target operating parameter can characterize a first energy source state in which a maximally possible output would be generated under the current given conditions of the surroundings. The operating frequency is then controlled dependent on the detected power balance dependent operating parameter and the ascertained target operating parameter such that a deviation of the operating frequency from a specified frequency is coupled to a deviation of the detected power balance-dependent operating parameter from the ascertained target operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: JOACHIM BAMBERGER, MICHAEL BERNHARD BUHL, ULRICH MÜNZ, FLORIAN STEINKE, JEREMY RALPH WILES
  • Publication number: 20160249310
    Abstract: Locating a frequency deviation in a communication network is provided. A node clock frequency is assigned to each internal clock of each network node. Messages are transmitted synchronizing the internal clocks. The synchronization messages are transmitted from one node to another in succession based on a reference clock frequency predefined by a reference clock. The synchronization messages include a reference clock count state of the reference clock. Synchronization deviations are calculated at predefined intervals of time. If the synchronization deviation of the middle network node exceeds a threshold value, a change in the reference clock frequency is detected if the synchronization deviations of adjacent nodes. Otherwise, a change in the node clock frequency of the middle network node is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic, Günter Steindl, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Publication number: 20160172856
    Abstract: A method for signaling and controlling in a power grid coupling a plurality of actuators for providing power signals is provided. At a first actuator, a voltage problem is detected, a communication signal is generated based on the detected voltage problem, and the generated communication signal is transmitted over the power grid. At a second actuator, the transmitted communication signal is received, a control action is generated based on the received communication signal and the generated control action is transmitted over the power grid towards the first actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Michael Metzger, Sebastian Nielebock, Rudolf Sollacher, Andrei Szabo
  • Publication number: 20160124459
    Abstract: One or a plurality of sub-networks are defined in the communications network. Each of the sub-networks includes a plurality of network nodes from the communications network. One or a plurality of the sub-networks represent pre-determined sub-networks, in which respective pre-determined network nodes have both the function of a global slave node and the function of a local master node. The one or the other network nodes of the respective pre-determined sub-networks are local slave nodes. In addition to global synchronization using the global master node and the global slave nodes, local synchronization is also performed in the pre-determined sub-networks using the local master node and the local slave nodes. Thus, in the event of an error outside a pre-determined sub-network, the local synchronization may be continued, whereas the global synchronization is aborted. It is thus avoided that an erroneous synchronization is propagated into corresponding sub-networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Armbruster, Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic
  • Publication number: 20150145332
    Abstract: A method for the closed-loop control of a voltage in a distribution network that supplies nodes with voltage via mains power lines. A node, which recognizes that the local voltage of the distribution network present at the node lies above or below a permissible supply voltage range, switches from slave mode to master mode and in the master mode regulates the local voltage that is present, by drawing or supplying reactive power in order to reach the permissible supply voltage range. The node then indicates this to other nodes of the distribution network that are in slave mode by modulating an indication signal pattern onto the reactive power being drawn or supplied by the node. The signal pattern has a signal parameter which is proportional to the amplitude of the reactive power that is drawn or supplied by the node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Joachim Bamberger, Michael Bernhard Buhl, Michael Metzger, Rudolf Sollacher
  • Patent number: 8913703
    Abstract: Method, device and system for detecting a disturbance, e.g., at least one short mechanical impact (shock or vibration) on a clock of a slave device by detecting a non-typical variation of a tracking error, i.e., a tracking error having a deviation that exceeds a predetermined threshold, wherein such a non-typical variation can be determined by the deviation from a statistical measure, e.g., a variance or a standard deviation, such that the determination of the quality of a clock signal is advantageously allowed and thus suitable counter-measures are provided. The method, device and system are applicable for all kinds of technical systems comprising slave devices that have a clock, e.g., devices in industrial and automation systems. The method, device and system are also applicable in communication systems that use a protocol to synchronize the clocks of its devices, e.g., Profinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard Buhl, Dragan Obradovic, Günter Steindl, Philipp Wolfrum
  • Publication number: 20140321481
    Abstract: A method for time synchronization in a communication network comprising a multiplicity of network nodes, wherein synchronization messages are transmitted in the communication network and the synchronization message received in a slave node contains synchronization information for synchronizing the slave time of the slave node with the master time, i.e., synchronization messages are transmitted in a closed ring or line topology and the slave node receives first and second synchronization messages from different transmission directions, and wherein the slave node synchronizes a first time with the synchronization message from one transmission direction and a second time with the synchronization message from the other transmission direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Bernhard BUHL, Dragan OBRADOVIC, Ruxandra SCHEITERER, Günter STEINDL
  • Patent number: 8845281
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor comprises at least one stage suited to separate a liquid phase and a gas phase with the aid of at least one of a hydrophobic, super-hydrophobic, hydrophilic or super-hydrophilic surface layer, wherein the hydrophobic and/or super-hydrophobic surface layer is disposed on at least one of an inlet guide vane, impeller, return channel straight hub, or exiting hub bend; and the hydrophilic and/or super-hydrophilic surface is disposed on at least one of the impeller casing, diffuser casing, exiting casing bend, return channel straight hub, exiting hub bend, collection point, or drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ciro Cerretelli, Kripa Kiran Varanasi, Michael Bernhard Schmitz, Emad Ahmad Obaid Gharaibah, Christopher Edward Wolfe