Patents by Inventor Michael J. Higgins-Luthman

Michael J. Higgins-Luthman 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20200357139
    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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
  • Patent number: 10807515
    Abstract: A vehicular adaptive driving beam headlighting system includes a camera disposed at and viewing forwardly through a windshield of a vehicle. A control includes an image processor that processes image data captured by the camera at night to detect headlights present in a field of view of the camera of an oncoming vehicle that is approaching the equipped vehicle along a traffic lane to the left of a traffic lane of a road that the equipped vehicle is travelling along. A left-side headlamp is disposed at a left-side front portion of the equipped vehicle and a right-side headlamp is disposed at a right-side front portion of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to detection of headlights of an oncoming vehicle, the left-side headlamp beam of light is adjusted to reduce glaring a driver of the oncoming vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
  • Patent number: 10766417
    Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a rear backup camera and a video display screen for displaying video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera. The imaging system generates a backup overlay and an alignment overlay that are electronically superimposed on the displayed video images to assist a driver of the vehicle when executing a backup maneuver. The backup overlay includes a pair of side overlays superimposed on the displayed video images and the alignment overlay is superimposed on the displayed video images between the side overlays. The video display screen displays the video images and the backup overlay is generated responsive to the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear. The alignment overlay is generated responsive to a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
  • Patent number: 10744940
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera, a controller having a processor that processes captured image data, and an exterior temperature sensor. Responsive, at least in part, to a temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller switches processing of captured image data between (a) a normal processing mode and (b) a cold weather processing mode. Responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being below a first threshold temperature, the controller processes captured image data in the cold weather processing mode to enhance blockage detection of frost or snow or ice at the camera. When the controller is operating in the cold weather processing mode, the controller switches processing of captured image data to the normal processing mode responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being above a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 10726578
    Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device having a single imaging sensor capturing image data within a field of view. A control within the vehicle includes an image processor and receives image data captured by the single imaging sensor and receives vehicle data via a communication bus of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control detects converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where the converging road features would converge. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging device mounted at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke