Patents by Inventor Michael J. Higgins

Michael J. Higgins 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: 20250065802
    Abstract: A vehicular headlamp control system includes a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a headlamp that is switchable between a higher beam state and a lower beam state. The vehicular headlamp control system, with the vehicle traveling along a road, and at least in part via processing by an image processor of image data captured by the camera, detects presence of a leading vehicle traveling along the road ahead of the vehicle. Based at least in part on curvature of a curved section of the road ahead of the vehicle, the vehicular headlamp control system limits switching of the headlamp of the vehicle to the higher beam state. The curved section of the road ahead of the vehicle may be a curved on-ramp of the road or a curved off-ramp of the road.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 12139063
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an image processor and a camera that views through the windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data as the vehicle travels along a road, and the image processor processes image data captured by the camera. The vehicular vision system, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines when the vehicle is at a construction zone. Responsive to determining that the vehicle is at the construction zone, the vehicular vision system adjusts a vehicular driver assistance system of the vehicle. The vehicular vision system determines that the vehicle exits the construction zone based at least in part on processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 12118806
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera operable to capture image data. The camera is configured for attachment at an upper windshield area of an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. An image processor is operable for processing image data captured by the camera. Captured image data is processed by the image processor for a collision avoidance system of the equipped vehicle. Captured image data is processed by the image processor for a lane departure warning system of the equipped vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data, shadows viewed by the camera are detected. The vehicular imaging system determines misalignment of the camera responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20240326726
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a forward-viewing camera disposed at a vehicle and viewing forward of the vehicle, a gaze detection device that views a driver of the vehicle, and an image processor operable to process captured image data. Image data captured by the gaze detection device is processed to detect a gaze direction of the driver of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, via processing by the image processor of captured image data, detects an object present ahead of the vehicle and being gazed at by the driver of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, responsive at least in part to the detected gaze direction of the driver of the equipped vehicle, and via processing by the image processor of captured image data, classifies the detected object as being one selected from the group consisting of (i) a pedestrian, (ii) a live animal and (iii) a dead animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
  • Patent number: 12005845
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, the camera viewing forward of the vehicle through the windshield, and the camera capturing image data representative of at least an upcoming road surface of a road ahead of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, via processing at an image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines traction condition of at least a portion of the imaged upcoming road surface that is ahead of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, via processing at the image processor of captured image data, determines a change in traction condition ahead of the vehicle and adjusts an adaptive cruise control system of the vehicle responsive at least in part to the determined change in traction condition ahead of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11908166
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera disposed behind a windshield of a vehicle and viewing through a portion of the windshield. Image data captured by the camera is provided to a control. The control receives, via a communication bus of the vehicle, at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) vehicle pitch information relating to pitch of the vehicle, (ii) vehicle yaw information relating to yaw of the vehicle and (iii) vehicle steering information relating to steering of the vehicle. The system automatically corrects for misalignment of the camera. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and for at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) an automatic headlamp control system of the vehicle, (ii) a collision avoidance system of the vehicle and (iii) an adaptive front lighting system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
  • Publication number: 20230100684
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an image processor and a camera that views through the windshield of the vehicle. The camera captures image data as the vehicle travels along a road, and the image processor processes image data captured by the camera. The vehicular vision system, responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines when the vehicle is at a construction zone. Responsive to determining that the vehicle is at the construction zone, the vehicular vision system adjusts a vehicular driver assistance system of the vehicle. The vehicular vision system determines that the vehicle exits the construction zone based at least in part on processing by the image processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 11613209
    Abstract: A method for guiding reversing of a vehicle includes displaying, via a video display screen of the vehicle, and responsive to the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear, video images derived from image data captured by a rear backup camera of the vehicle. Responsive to actuation of an input by the driver of the vehicle, an alignment overlay is generated and electronically superimposed on the displayed video images to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle toward a trailer hitch of a trailer. The alignment overlay extends longitudinally rearward from a central region of the vehicle displayed in the displayed video images. The input is an actuatable input other than the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear. The alignment overlay is adjusted responsive to change in steering angle of the vehicle while the driver is executing the reversing maneuver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
  • Patent number: 11511668
    Abstract: A vehicular driver assistance system includes a camera that views through the windshield of the vehicle and a control device having an image processor that processes captured image data. Responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, the system adjusts a light beam emitted by a headlamp of the vehicle. The control device, responsive at least in part to image data processing by the image processor, determines when the vehicle is at a construction zone. Responsive to determination that the vehicle is at a construction zone, image processing of image data captured by the camera is adjusted to discriminate construction zone signs from taillights of leading vehicles. Responsive to determination of the vehicle exiting the construction zone, the control device adjusts the light beam emitted by the headlamp of the vehicle responsive to determination of headlamps of approaching vehicles and taillights of leading vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20220268933
    Abstract: A vehicular object detection system includes a camera and a lidar. With the camera mounted at a windshield of a vehicle, and with the lidar mounted at an exterior portion of the vehicle, and based at least in part on processing of image data captured by the camera and lidar data captured by the lidar, a plurality of individual objects present exterior of the vehicle are detected. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data and captured lidar data, (i) respective proximity relative to the vehicle of individual objects is determined, (ii) respective speed relative to the vehicle of individual objects is determined and (iii) respective location relative to the vehicle of individual objects is determined. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data and/or processing of captured lidar data, the system determines collision potential between the vehicle and an individual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20220262038
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera disposed behind a windshield of a vehicle and viewing through a portion of the windshield. Image data captured by the camera is provided to a control. The control receives, via a communication bus of the vehicle, at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) vehicle pitch information relating to pitch of the vehicle, (ii) vehicle yaw information relating to yaw of the vehicle and (iii) vehicle steering information relating to steering of the vehicle. The system automatically corrects for misalignment of the camera. Image data captured by the camera is processed at the control for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and for at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) an automatic headlamp control system of the vehicle, (ii) a collision avoidance system of the vehicle and (iii) an adaptive front lighting system of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
  • Publication number: 20220245953
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera operable to capture image data. The camera is configured for attachment at an upper windshield area of an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. An image processor is operable for processing image data captured by the camera. Captured image data is processed by the image processor for a collision avoidance system of the equipped vehicle. Captured image data is processed by the image processor for a lane departure warning system of the equipped vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data, shadows viewed by the camera are detected. The vehicular imaging system determines misalignment of the camera responsive at least in part to processing by the image processor of captured image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 11346951
    Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes a camera vision module and a Lidar module. The camera vision module includes an imaging device viewing to the exterior of the vehicle and operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior and forward of the vehicle. The Lidar module includes a Lidar device that, with the Lidar module mounted at a front exterior portion of the vehicle, scans a region forward of the vehicle that overlaps with the field of view of the imaging device. Based at least in part on processing of captured image data by an image processor and based at least in part on processing of Lidar data captured by the Lidar device, 3-dimensional and timing information relative to the vehicle of objects present exterior of the vehicle is algorithmically constructed. At least one individual object of the multiple objects is prioritized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 11328447
    Abstract: A method for determining blockage of a vehicular camera includes providing a camera and mounting the camera at a vehicle so as to view exterior of the vehicle. The control determines at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) that the imaging sensor is totally blocked by determining that the count of bright photosensor pixels of the camera's imaging sensor remains below a threshold, and (ii) that the imaging sensor is partially blocked by determining continuity of intensity variations in different regions of the imaging sensor. The control, responsive to determination of either total blockage or partial blockage of the imaging sensor of the camera, adapts image processing by the image processor of frames of image data captured by the camera to accommodate (i) the determined total blockage of the imaging sensor of the camera or (ii) the determined partial blockage of the imaging sensor of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
  • Patent number: 11308720
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device comprising an array of photo-sensing pixels and a control having an image processor operable for processing image data captured by the imaging device. The control utilizes edge detection in processing captured image data by the image processor for detecting objects present exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing at the control of captured image data by the image processor, the control detects an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. In detecting the object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device and responsive at least in part to processing at the control of captured image data by the image processor, shadows present in the field of view of the imaging device are discerned and distinguished from the object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20210370855
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, the camera viewing forward of the vehicle through the windshield, and the camera capturing image data representative of at least an upcoming road surface of a road ahead of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, via processing at an image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines traction condition of at least a portion of the imaged upcoming road surface that is ahead of the vehicle. The vehicular control system, via processing at the image processor of captured image data, determines a change in traction condition ahead of the vehicle and adjusts an adaptive cruise control system of the vehicle responsive at least in part to the determined change in traction condition ahead of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
  • Patent number: 11165975
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a camera with an imaging sensor. A first spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a first set of photosensing pixels, a second spectral filter is disposed at each pixel of a second set of photosensing pixels, and each pixel of a third set of photosensing pixels senses at least near infrared radiation. Image data provided to the image processor includes output of the first set of photosensing pixels, output of the second set of photosensing pixels and output of the third set of photosensing pixels. The outputs of the photosensing pixels of the first and second sets of photosensing pixels are processed for a color camera function of the vehicle. The output of the photosensing pixels of the third set of photosensing pixels is processed for a night vision function of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
  • Patent number: 11091105
    Abstract: A vehicle vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor having a field of view and capturing image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle. A monitor monitors electrical power consumption of the vehicle. At least one lighting system draws electrical power from the vehicle when operated. An image processor processes image data captured by the image sensor. The electrical power drawn by the at least one lighting system is varied at least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor in order to adjust fuel consumption by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
  • Publication number: 20200398753
    Abstract: A method for guiding reversing of a vehicle includes displaying, via a video display screen of the vehicle, and responsive to the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear, video images derived from image data captured by a rear backup camera of the vehicle. Responsive to actuation of an input by the driver of the vehicle, an alignment overlay is generated and electronically superimposed on the displayed video images to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle toward a trailer hitch of a trailer. The alignment overlay extends longitudinally rearward from a central region of the vehicle displayed in the displayed video images. The input is an actuatable input other than the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear. The alignment overlay is adjusted responsive to change in steering angle of the vehicle while the driver is executing the reversing maneuver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
  • Publication number: 20200377017
    Abstract: A vehicular driver assistance system includes a camera that views through the windshield of the vehicle and a control device having an image processor that processes captured image data. Responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, the system adjusts a light beam emitted by a headlamp of the vehicle. The control device, responsive at least in part to image data processing by the image processor, determines when the vehicle is at a construction zone. Responsive to determination that the vehicle is at a construction zone, image processing of image data captured by the camera is adjusted to discriminate construction zone signs from taillights of leading vehicles. Responsive to determination of the vehicle exiting the construction zone, the control device adjusts the light beam emitted by the headlamp of the vehicle responsive to determination of headlamps of approaching vehicles and taillights of leading vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman