Patents by Inventor Michael Cole Hutchison

Michael Cole Hutchison 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).

  • Patent number: 11188764
    Abstract: A method of vehicle detection is provided. The method comprises receiving an image from a traffic camera, wherein the image contains vehicle traffic flow. A number of regions in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas are identified and masked. Contrast edges are added around the masked regions in the image. One or more vehicles are detected in the image based on the contrast edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: ITS PLUS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Cole Hutchison, Staci Marlea Ingram
  • Publication number: 20200272828
    Abstract: A method of vehicle detection is provided. The method comprises receiving an image from a traffic camera, wherein the image contains vehicle traffic flow. A number of regions in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas are identified and masked. Contrast edges are added around the masked regions in the image. One or more vehicles are detected in the image based on the contrast edges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Cole Hutchison, Staci Marlea Ingram
  • Patent number: 10691957
    Abstract: A method of managing traffic flow. The method includes receiving, at a camera, an image containing vehicle traffic flow. The method also includes processing, using a processor, the image to mask areas in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas. The method also includes thereafter analyzing, using the processor, the image to determine a parameter related to the vehicles, whereby an analysis is performed. The method also includes managing the traffic flow based on the analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: ITS Plus, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cole Hutchison, Staci Marlea Ingram
  • Publication number: 20190251368
    Abstract: A method of managing traffic flow. The method includes receiving, at a camera, an image containing vehicle traffic flow. The method also includes processing, using a processor, the image to mask areas in the image that exceed a predetermined number of candelas. The method also includes thereafter analyzing, using the processor, the image to determine a parameter related to the vehicles, whereby an analysis is performed. The method also includes managing the traffic flow based on the analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Cole Hutchison, Staci Marlea Ingram
  • Patent number: 8466962
    Abstract: An apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A camera is operably disposed within a housing. The housing is attached to an object such that the camera can observe traffic flowing past a traffic signal. A visor is attached to the housing such that an optical aperture of the camera is covered by the visor, wherein the visor comprises a roof having an angle that slopes, relative to the housing, towards the optical aperture, wherein the visor further comprises a floor connected to the roof, and wherein the floor extends outwardly from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: M&K Hutchison Investments, LP
    Inventor: Michael Cole Hutchison
  • Patent number: 7642928
    Abstract: A traffic signal including a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, and a door operably attached to the housing. The door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the housing. The traffic signal also includes a sensor attached to one of the door and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: M&K Hutchison Investments, LP
    Inventor: Michael Cole Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20080158354
    Abstract: An apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A camera is operably disposed within a housing. The housing is attached to an object such that the camera can observe traffic flowing past a traffic signal. A visor is attached to the housing such that an optical aperture of the camera is covered by the visor, wherein the visor comprises a roof having an angle that slopes, relative to the housing, towards the optical aperture, wherein the visor further comprises a floor connected to the roof, and wherein the floor extends outwardly from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Cole Hutchison
  • Publication number: 20080150757
    Abstract: A traffic signal including a housing, a light source disposed within the housing, and a door operably attached to the housing. The door is configured such that photons generated by the light source may be sensed outside the housing. The traffic signal also includes a sensor attached to one of the door and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Cole Hutchison
  • Patent number: 7327281
    Abstract: A traffic signal with integrated sensors. The present invention provides an apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A signal case has a housing and a light source placed within the housing. A door attached to the housing is configured such that photons generated by the light may be sensed outside the housing. A tab is attached to the door. A sensor is attached to the tab. The housing or the door is adapted to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: M & K Hutchison Investments, LP
    Inventor: Michael Cole Hutchison