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).
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Patent number: 8814401Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an imaging device and a control operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect at least one of (i) a sign ahead of the equipped vehicle, (ii) an animal ahead of the equipped vehicle and (iii) a pedestrian ahead of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or generally sidewardly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Patent number: 8767186Abstract: An object detection system for a host vehicle includes an imaging device, a ranging device and a processor. The imaging device has a field of view exterior of the host vehicle and is operable to capture image data representative of an object exterior the host vehicle. The ranging device has a field of view that sweeps at least the field of view of the imaging device and that detects the object exterior the host vehicle. The processor processes image data from the imaging device and processes data from the ranging device in order to determine if the detected object is an object of interest. The determination that the detected object is an object of interest is made in accordance with a priority score.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20140036064Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor and a video display device. The imaging system generates an overlay that is electronically superimposed on the displayed images to assist a driver of the vehicle when executing a backup maneuver. The overlay has first, second and third overlay zones, with the overlay zones indicative of respective distance ranges from the rear of the vehicle to respective distances. As indicated to the driver viewing the video display screen when executing a backup maneuver, the first distance is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the second distance and the second distance is closer to the rear of the vehicle than the third distance. The first overlay zone may be a first color and the second overlay zone may be a second color and the third overlay zone may be a third color.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
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Publication number: 20140022378Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. With the imaging device disposed at the exterior portion of the vehicle, the imaging device has a field of view at least one of rearward of the vehicle and sideward of the vehicle. A control utilizes edge detection in processing image data captured by the imaging device. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines that an object is present in the field of view of the imaging device. The control is operable to determine that the imaging device is misaligned. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging array sensor, is operable to at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20130250103Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having four photosensing pixels of a sub-array, with one of (a) a red-light transmitting spectral filter disposed at a first photosensing pixel whereby the first pixel of each sub-array primarily senses red visible light and with an IR transmitting spectral filter disposed at the fourth photosensing pixel whereby the fourth pixel of each sub-array primarily senses infrared radiation, and (b) a red-light transmitting spectral filter disposed at a first photosensing pixel whereby the first pixel of each sub-array primarily senses red visible light and with an IR transmitting spectral filter disposed at a third photosensing pixel whereby the third pixel of each sub-array primarily senses infrared radiation. An image processor processes the output of each sub-array to determine at least one of an infrared component of the imaged scene and a visible light component of the imaged scene.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James D. Harris
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Patent number: 8543277Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device that captures image data and a control for processing captured image data. The control may utilize edge detection in processing captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines objects of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. The objects of interest determined to be present in the field of view of the imaging device include at least one of (i) vehicles present exterior of the vehicle, (ii) headlights of vehicles present exterior of the vehicle, (iii) a bicycle that is present exterior of the vehicle and (iv) a bicycle rider that is present exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, a driver of the vehicle is alerted to a hazardous condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20130229523Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes an image sensor and image processor. The image sensor is disposed at the vehicle and has a field of view exterior of the vehicle for capturing image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The field of view encompasses at least a portion of a road surface ahead of and in the direction of travel of the vehicle. The image processor processes captured image data. Responsive to image processing of captured image data by the image processor, the vehicle vision system determines the presence of an animal on the road surface within the field of view. At least in part responsive to determination of the animal on the road surface within the field of view, the vehicle vision system at least one of (a) generates an alert and (b) controls the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu
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Patent number: 8483789Abstract: Methods for measuring the total hemoglobin of whole blood include measuring reflective light at multiple wavelengths within the visible spectrum, calculating light absorbance at each of the multiple wavelengths, performing a comparison in a change in like absorbance between the multiple wavelengths, and/or relating the comparison to total hemoglobin. A system for measuring total hemoglobin of whole blood may include at least one light source, a catheter, optical fibers, at least one photodetector, data processing circuitry, and/or a display unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins
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Patent number: 8451107Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor (12) and a display device (15) for displaying images representative of image data captured by the imaging sensor. The imaging sensor (12) has a rearward field of view when mounted at the vehicle. The imaging system generates a plurality of graphic overlays (130a, 130b, 130c) on the displayed images to enhance the driver's cognitive awareness of an object rearward of the vehicle. The graphic overlays comprises a plurality of graphic overlay segments. The graphic overlay segments convey three dimensional information to a person viewing the displayed images and the graphic overlays. The imaging system may adjust at least one of a color, an intensity and a rate of flashing of at least one of the plurality of graphic overlay segments in response to an object being detected rearward of the vehicle and within a distance threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
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Patent number: 8446470Abstract: An imaging system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an imaging sensor having a two-dimensional array of photosensing elements, an image processor for processing image data captured by the imaging sensor, and a display for displaying images responsive to the image processor. The array has a plurality of sub-arrays, with each of the sub-arrays having a first pixel sensing primarily a first color, a second pixel sensing primarily a second color, a third pixel sensing primarily a third color and a fourth pixel sensing primarily infrared radiation. The image processor processes the output of the fourth pixel to determine an infrared component of the imaged scene and subtracts the infrared component from the outputs of the first, second and third pixels to obtain a more accurate or true color response for the pixels and to limit or avoid infrared color wash-out.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, William R. Livengood, James Daniel Harris
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Patent number: 8438898Abstract: Methods and systems for preparation of calibrant infusion fluid sources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a precise volume of glucose is injected into a saline-solution filled calibrant infusion fluid source proximate in time to conducting a calibration procedure. The glucose concentration in the calibrant infusion fluid source is subsequently calculated based on the measured weight of the saline-solution, as determined prior to glucose injection, and the volume of glucose injected. This method provides a highly accurate and convenient manner for use in a hospital environment, for example, with an intravenous blood glucose sensor system. In another embodiment, a premixed calibrant infusion fluid source is provided that includes saline solution and a predetermined concentration of glucose. In such embodiments, shelf life problems related to water evaporation are mitigated by hermetically covering or otherwise hermetically containing the calibrant infusion fluid source up until the point of use.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: James R. Petisce, Michael J. Higgins, Kristie Trinh, Todd Abraham
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Publication number: 20130091873Abstract: An environmentally-controlled structure for a cold chain. The structure includes a sensor, an identification reader, an environment implementer, and a controller. The sensor senses a parameter indicative of an environmental condition in the environmentally-controlled structure. The identification reader is positioned relative to the environmentally-controlled structure and reads information about the goods from an identification device associated with the goods. The environment implementer modifies the environmental condition inside the environmentally-controlled structure. The controller receives the indication of the environmental condition inside the environmental control structure from the sensor, receives the information about the goods from the identification reader, and controls the environment implementer to maintain a desired environment inside the environmentally-controlled structure based on the information about the goods and the indication of the environmental condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: THERMO KING CORPORATIONInventors: Surendra H, Dennis G. Gipson, Michael J. Higgins
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Patent number: 8386114Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device that is part of an exterior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. A control processes captured image data utilizing edge detection. Responsive at least in part to the processing, the control determines objects of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. Objects of interest determined to be present in the field of view include (i) a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (ii) a headlight of a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (iii) a bicycle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, and/or (iv) a bicycle rider that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to the processing of captured image data, a driver of the vehicle is alerted to a hazardous condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8376595Abstract: An automatic headlamp control system for a vehicle which has an image sensor having a forward field of view that captures image data of a scene forward of the vehicle. The image processor processes the image data and detects objects of interest. A controller is responsive to the image processing to control a beam illumination state of the headlamps of the equipped vehicle. The controller is operable to detect at least a partial blocking condition at the image sensor and is operable to limit switching to a different beam illumination state in response to a signal indicative of an outside temperature at the equipped vehicle being below a threshold temperature level.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20120293658Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes an imaging device that is part of an exterior rearview mirror assembly and having a field of view rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. A control processes captured image data utilizing edge detection. Responsive at least in part to the processing, the control determines objects of interest present in the field of view of the imaging device. Objects of interest determined to be present in the field of view include (i) a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (ii) a headlight of a vehicle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, (iii) a bicycle that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle, and/or (iv) a bicycle rider that is rearward and/or sideward of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to the processing of captured image data, a driver of the vehicle is alerted to a hazardous condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20120253596Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a stereo vision system that includes at least one camera and at least one sensor disposed on or in a vehicle; a roadside marker detection unit configured to receive stereo image data from the stereo vision system, and to detect roadside markers from the stereo image data; and a road path estimation unit configured to estimate a road path in a direction of travel of the vehicle, based on the roadside markers detected by the roadside marker detection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventors: Faroog IBRAHIM, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8239086Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor is disposed at least partially within an exterior rearview mirror assembly that is attached at a side of a vehicle. The field of view of the imaging array sensor encompasses at least one of a rearward field of view, a sideward field of view and a forward field of view. The control may utilize edge detection in processing captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor. A portion of the equipped vehicle is present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor and the control may be operable to determine that the portion of the equipped vehicle is not an object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20120182425Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an imaging device and a control operable to process image data captured by the imaging device. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect at least one of (i) a sign ahead of the equipped vehicle, (ii) an animal ahead of the equipped vehicle and (iii) a pedestrian ahead of the equipped vehicle. The control is operable to process the captured image data to detect an oncoming headlight or a leading taillight of another vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or generally sidewardly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20120140078Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor is disposed at least partially within an exterior rearview mirror assembly that is attached at a side of a vehicle. The field of view of the imaging array sensor encompasses at least one of a rearward field of view, a sideward field of view and a forward field of view. The control may utilize edge detection in processing captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data by the control, the control determines an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor. A portion of the equipped vehicle is present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor and the control may be operable to determine that the portion of the equipped vehicle is not an object of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8142059Abstract: An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes a control and an imaging device having a forward field of view. The control is operable to process image data captured by the imaging device to determine if an object imaged by the imaging device is an object of interest present generally forwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle as the vehicle travels along the road. An illumination source is operable to illuminate generally forwardly and/or sidewardly of the vehicle. The illumination source includes an array of light emitting diodes and illumination emanating from the illumination source is adjustable via selectively activating at least some individual light emitting diodes of the array of light emitting diodes. Adjustment of the illumination source is responsive to determination by the control that an imaged object is an object of interest to the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince