Patents by Inventor Michael Eichbrecht

Michael Eichbrecht 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: 10705521
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an autonomous vehicle interface for a vehicle and a method of enabling and employing an autonomous vehicle interface for a vehicle. The autonomous vehicle interface may be configured to seamlessly transition driving modes or the vehicle's mode of operation from user controlled to an autonomous controlled driving without the user physically activating the autonomous controlled driving. The autonomous vehicle interface may also be configured to consider active components and environmental conditions employed by the user in activating the autonomous control. The autonomous vehicle interface may further be configured to consider the user's operational state and/or the user's attentiveness to activate the autonomous vehicle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Patent number: 10500955
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable vehicle cockpit interface and in particular, to a single or multi-phase upgradable hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit interface. The upgradable vehicle cockpit interface may include one or more hardware and firmware components that may be designed to interface with or connect to one or more corresponding hardware and firmware blocks located within the vehicle cockpit. The hardware and firmware components may be detachable from the hardware and firmware blocks and may be backwards compatible with the vehicle's hardware and firmware blocks. The upgradable vehicle cockpit interface enables an individual to experience the same vehicle over a time period and have the ability to upgrade the vehicle components (i.e. electronics) to ease the vehicle aging process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Patent number: 10429968
    Abstract: A reconfigurable messaging assembly for a vehicle includes a low power bi-stable display attached to the vehicle for displaying an image, text, or video. A processor and a storage device are coupled with the display. A communicator including transceivers for WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC is connected to the display for communicating with a portable electronic device. An interface device including a camera and a touchscreen both disposed on the vehicle is also coupled with the display and the processor for interacting with a primary user and a secondary user and for acquiring the images, text, and videos. The interface device is operatively connected to the communicator for interacting with a primary user and a secondary user. The assembly enables a primary user and a secondary user to show an image, text, or video using the display and to provide interaction with the primary user and the secondary user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, INC.
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Andrew DeScisciolo
  • Patent number: 10404972
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Patent number: 10387141
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable firmware system and a method of adjusting or upgrading firmware through an upgradable firmware system within a vehicle cockpit. The upgradable firmware system may include a plug & play interface designed to interface with the vehicle cockpit. The plug & play interface may be configured to receive a plug & play card with a set of instructions for performing a task such as, updating one or more hardware and firmware blocks. The plug & play interface may be configured to recognize the plug & play card and adjust one or more hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit blocks based on the hardware and firmware block's configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Publication number: 20190068957
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theordore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Patent number: 10154251
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth is provided. The display includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Patent number: 10140946
    Abstract: A method, system, and display assembly is disclosed herein. The aspects disclosed herein include the providing of at least two lenses covering a respective display, with the two lenses bonded together with an optical clear adhesive. The optical clear adhesive may be shaped in a predetermined manner, such as a curve. Also included herein are systems for driving electronic signals to the respective displays. The signals may undergo processing in order to provide a seamless look via the display assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra A. Finkenbiner-Pepper, Robert Edward Belke, Theodore Charles Wingrove, James Joseph Kornacki, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo
  • Publication number: 20170255224
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a vehicular with a secondary device is provided herein. The systems and methods disclosed herein include receiving current time information, receiving new information from the secondary device, and comparing the information to perform an automatic update of the vehicular clock. Also disclosed herein is a clock electronic system for integration into a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Yanina Goncharenko
  • Publication number: 20170177288
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method for transitioning content between multiple displays. The apparatus includes two or more displays disposed within a vehicle cockpit, where the two or more displays include a first display and a second display. The content, in the form of an image, is displayed on the first display. The first display is disposed adjacent to the second display with a gap formed therein. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) are disposed within the gap and one or more lightguides are disposed adjacent to the LEDs and within the gap. The LEDs and lightguides are designed to emit or radiate light corresponding to the image such that the image appears to be blended between the displays when the image shifts between displays, and gives the illusion that the image moved from one display to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Publication number: 20170180711
    Abstract: A display assembly for showing perceived depth is provided. The display includes a display panel for displaying images and video. A lens extends parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the display panel to define a distal viewing area. An optically clear adhesive is partially disposed between the display panel and the lens to define a plurality of proximal viewing areas. The lens has a varying lens thickness for altering the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the proximal viewing areas relative to the presentation of the images and video displayed on the display panel in the distal viewing area to create a three dimensional appearance of the images and video. A controller is configured to tailor the images and video presented in the distal viewing area relative to the images and video in the proximal viewing areas to enhance the three dimensional appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo, James Joseph Kornacki
  • Publication number: 20170178589
    Abstract: A method, system, and display assembly is disclosed herein. The aspects disclosed herein include the providing of at least two lenses covering a respective display, with the two lenses bonded together with an optical clear adhesive. The optical clear adhesive may be shaped in a predetermined manner, such as a curve. Also included herein are systems for driving electronic signals to the respective displays. The signals may undergo processing in order to provide a seamless look via the display assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Debra A. Finkenbiner-Pepper, Robert Edward Belke, Theodore Charles Wingrove, James Joseph Kornacki, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger, Andrew DeScisciolo
  • Publication number: 20160187879
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an autonomous vehicle interface for a vehicle and a method of enabling and employing an autonomous vehicle interface for a vehicle. The autonomous vehicle interface may be configured to seamlessly transition driving modes or the vehicle's mode of operation from user controlled to an autonomous controlled driving without the user physically activating the autonomous controlled driving. The autonomous vehicle interface may also be configured to consider active components and environmental conditions employed by the user in activating the autonomous control. The autonomous vehicle interface may further be configured to consider the user's operational state and/or the user's attentiveness to activate the autonomous vehicle mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Publication number: 20160188315
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable firmware system and a method of adjusting or upgrading firmware through an upgradable firmware system within a vehicle cockpit. The upgradable firmware system may include a plug & play interface designed to interface with the vehicle cockpit. The plug & play interface may be configured to receive a plug & play card with a set of instructions for performing a task such as, updating one or more hardware and firmware blocks. The plug & play interface may be configured to recognize the plug & play card and adjust one or more hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit blocks based on the hardware and firmware block's configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Publication number: 20160185221
    Abstract: The aspects of the present disclosure provide an upgradable vehicle cockpit interface and in particular, to a single or multi-phase upgradable hardware and firmware vehicle cockpit interface. The upgradable vehicle cockpit interface may include one or more hardware and firmware components that may be designed to interface with or connect to one or more corresponding hardware and firmware blocks located within the vehicle cockpit. The hardware and firmware components may be detachable from the hardware and firmware blocks and may be backwards compatible with the vehicle's hardware and firmware blocks. The upgradable vehicle cockpit interface enables an individual to experience the same vehicle over a time period and have the ability to upgrade the vehicle components (i.e. electronics) to ease the vehicle aging process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Shadi Mere, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Kyle Entsminger
  • Publication number: 20160132164
    Abstract: A reconfigurable messaging assembly for a vehicle includes a low power bi-stable display attached to the vehicle for displaying an image, text, or video. A processor and a storage device are coupled with the display. A communicator including transceivers for WiFi, Bluetooth, and NFC is connected to the display for communicating with a portable electronic device. An interface device including a camera and a touchscreen both disposed on the vehicle is also coupled with the display and the processor for interacting with a primary user and a secondary user and for acquiring the images, text, and videos. The interface device is operatively connected to the communicator for interacting with a primary user and a secondary user. The assembly enables a primary user and a secondary user to show an image, text, or video using the display and to provide interaction with the primary user and the secondary user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Theodore Charles Wingrove, Michael Eichbrecht, Andrew DeScisciolo
  • Patent number: 8818626
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a vehicle, a mobile camera device, a transmitter or transmitting transceiver, a receiver or receiving transceiver, and an integrated vehicle cockpit display. The mobile camera device, comprising a processor and a camera, is located within the vehicle or attached to the vehicle for taking an image or video within or outside the vehicle. The transmitter or transmitting transceiver is in communication with the mobile camera device for transmitting the image or the video taken by the mobile camera device. The receiver or receiving transceiver is for receiving the image or the video, taken by the mobile camera device, from the transmitter or the transmitting transceiver. The integrated vehicle cockpit display, built into the vehicle, is in communication with the receiver or the receiving transceiver for displaying the received image or the received video taken by the mobile camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton B. Bowden, Theodore C. Wingrove, Anthony J. Ciatti, Michael Eichbrecht
  • Publication number: 20130345929
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system includes a vehicle, a mobile camera device, a transmitter or transmitting transceiver, a receiver or receiving transceiver, and an integrated vehicle cockpit display. The mobile camera device, comprising a processor and a camera, is located within the vehicle or attached to the vehicle for taking an image or video within or outside the vehicle. The transmitter or transmitting transceiver is in communication with the mobile camera device for transmitting the image or the video taken by the mobile camera device. The receiver or receiving transceiver is for receiving the image or the video, taken by the mobile camera device, from the transmitter or the transmitting transceiver. The integrated vehicle cockpit display, built into the vehicle, is in communication with the receiver or the receiving transceiver for displaying the received image or the received video taken by the mobile camera device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC
    Inventors: Upton B. Bowden, Theodore C. Wingrove, Anthony J. Ciatti, Michael Eichbrecht
  • Publication number: 20130093603
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one communication device to communicate various states of a condition of a driver, at least one sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of at least one of the driver and the vehicle, wherein the at least one sensor generates a sensor signal representing the at least one characteristic of the at least one of the driver and the vehicle; and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one communication device, wherein the processor receives the sensor signal, analyzes the sensor signal based upon an instruction set to determine the condition of the driver, and controls the at least one communication device based upon the at least one characteristic of the at least one of the driver and the vehicle to communicate the various states of the condition of the driver to other vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Dean Tschirhart, Upton Beall Bowden, Michael Eichbrecht