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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Publication number: 20120051599Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20120051979Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for food processing equipment. The cleaning apparatus includes a base and a curved dome coupled to the base. The base has a first surface with a reflectance, and supports the food processing equipment. The dome is pivotable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base, and includes a second surface having a reflectance. The cleaning apparatus further includes an ultraviolet (“UV”)-based purification device that has at least one photohydroionization (“PHI”) cell operable to produce an advanced oxidation component. The UV-based purification device further has a plurality of UV light sources that are operable to produce UV light. The PHI cell and the UV light sources are coupled to at least one of the base and the dome to impinge directly and indirectly via reflection on the food processing equipment to clean the equipment when the dome is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: HUSSMANN CORPORATIONInventors: Sherri D. Clark, Michael J. Higgins, James L. Marsden
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Patent number: 8116929Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor has a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is positioned at a vehicle equipped with the imaging system and has a field of view exteriorly of the equipped vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture image data, and the control processes the captured image data. The control, responsive to the processing of the captured image data, may distinguish an object present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor from a shadow present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor. The control, responsive at least in part to the processing of the captured image data, determines an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20120008129Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8070332Abstract: An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The imaging device captures image data and the control processes the captured image data to detect an object of interest generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the illumination source in response to detection of an object of interest. The imaging device may be synchronized with flashing of at least one lighting element of the illumination source to capture image data during a time period that the lighting element is being flashed. The control may adjust the illumination source to direct illumination toward an area encompassing a detected object of interest when the object of interest is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20110285850Abstract: A vehicular imaging system comprises an imaging device having a plurality of photosensor elements. The imaging device captures image data of a scene exterior of the vehicle within its field of view. Image data captured by the imaging device is provided to a control. The control also receives via a communication bus at least one of vehicle pitch information, vehicle yaw information and vehicle steering information. The control detects two substantially straight and converging road features along the road the vehicle is travelling and determines a point of intersection where they would converge using, at least in part, the received vehicle information and the control automatically corrects for misalignment of the imaging device mounted at the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Yuesheng LU, Michael J. HIGGINS-LUTHMAN, Antony V. JEYARAJ, Manoj R. PHIRKE
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Publication number: 20110280026Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventor: Michael J. HIGGINS-LUTHMAN
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Publication number: 20110279256Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor has a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is positioned at a vehicle equipped with the imaging system and has a field of view exteriorly of the equipped vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture image data, and the control processes the captured image data. The control, responsive to the processing of the captured image data, may distinguish an object present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor from a shadow present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor. The control, responsive at least in part to the processing of the captured image data, determines an object of interest present in the field of view of the imaging array sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8027029Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an image processor and a Lidar device. The imaging device is operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior the vehicle. The image processor processes image data to detect an object of interest in the field of view of the imaging device. The Lidar device is responsive to the image processing so as to have its line of sight guided to point toward the detected object of interest. The Lidar device is operable to measure the distances between the host vehicle and the detected object of interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 8017898Abstract: A vehicular imaging system includes a forward facing photosensor array and a control responsive to the photosensor array. The control processes an image data set indicative of captured images, and the control processes a reduced image data set of the image data set to determine whether an object of interest is within a target zone of the captured image. The reduced image data set is representative of a portion of the captured images as captured by a particular grouping of the photosensor elements. The control adjusts the reduced image data set so as to be representative of a portion of the captured images as captured by a different particular grouping of the photosensor elements, and adjusts the reduced image data set in response to a determination of a change in a focus of expansion of the captured images.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Antony V. Jeyaraj, Manoj R. Phirke
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Patent number: 8000918Abstract: A method for compensating for a temperature-related error in an electrochemical sensor without using separate sources of temperature measurement by measuring sensor current, temporarily lowering sensor voltage to a first level below a reaction-sustaining threshold, measuring a first offset current, adjusting sensor voltage to a second level below the threshold, measuring a second offset current, calculating a difference between the offset currents, deriving a temperature compensation value from the difference based on empirical data, and adding the value to the measured sensor current. A computer system may execute the method as an algorithm stored in memory, provide automatic control of the sensor, and provide continuous display of corrected output values.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Todd Fjield, Michael J. Higgins
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Patent number: 7991522Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is disposed at an exterior rearview mirror assembly at a side of the vehicle with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture an image exterior of the vehicle. The control may process the captured images and may determine that the imaging array sensor is misaligned when the imaging array sensor is disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly at the side of the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging array sensor, may at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging array sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20110176003Abstract: An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The imaging device captures image data and the control processes the captured image data to detect an object of interest generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the illumination source in response to detection of an object of interest. The imaging device may be synchronized with flashing of at least one lighting element of the illumination source to capture image data during a time period that the lighting element is being flashed. The control may adjust the illumination source to direct illumination toward an area encompassing a detected object of interest when the object of interest is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICSInventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Publication number: 20110154880Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATIONInventors: James R. Petisce, Michael J. Higgins, Kristie Trinh, Todd Abraham
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Publication number: 20110090339Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The imaging array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is disposed at an exterior rearview mirror assembly at a side of the vehicle with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture an image exterior of the vehicle. The control may process the captured images and may determine that the imaging array sensor is misaligned when the imaging array sensor is disposed at the exterior rearview mirror assembly at the side of the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging array sensor, may at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging array sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 7914187Abstract: An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes a detection device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle, and has an adjustable principal axis of illumination. The detection device may be operable to determine a gaze direction of a driver or driving instructor of a vehicle or may detect a sign or other object of interest, such as a deer or pedestrian or the like, generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the principal axis of illumination of the illumination source in response to an output of the detection device so as to provide enhanced illumination at areas sideward and forward of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, William C. Ince
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Patent number: 7877175Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes an imaging array sensor and a control. The image array sensor comprises a plurality of photo-sensing pixels and is positioned at the vehicle with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The imaging array sensor is operable to capture an image exterior of the vehicle. The control may process the captured images and may determine that the imaging array sensor is not aligned within a desired tolerance when the imaging array sensor is positioned at the vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of a misalignment of the imaging array sensor at the vehicle, may adjust at least one of the captured images or an image data set and the image processing to at least partially compensate for the determined misalignment of the imaging array sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Patent number: 7872764Abstract: A predictive suspension system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor, and energy source and a control. The imaging sensor is disposed at a vehicle and has a generally downward field of view, with the field of view encompassing an area forward of a tire of the vehicle. The energy source is operable to emit illumination in at least one linear pattern so that the linear pattern is projected onto a portion of the area forward of the tire of the vehicle that is encompassed by the field of view of the imaging sensor. The control processes image data captured by the imaging sensor and detects surface irregularities on a surface in front of the vehicle tire in response to the image processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Yuesheng Lu, Duane W. Gebauer
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Publication number: 20100328644Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an image processor and a Lidar device. The imaging device is operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior the vehicle. The image processor processes image data to detect an object of interest in the field of view of the imaging device. The Lidar device is responsive to the image processing so as to have its line of sight guided to point toward the detected object of interest. The Lidar device is operable to measure the distances between the host vehicle and the detected object of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2008Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Yuesheng LU, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
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Publication number: 20100293892Abstract: There are provided methods of packaging and packages that prevent damage of the package contents while maintaining sterility and that limit the negative effects of sterilization on sensors such as enzyme sensors. A method of packaging an enzyme sensor includes providing an enzyme sensor such as a glucose oxidase sensor in a gas impermeable package comprising one or more of oxygen and water, removing a significant portion of the oxygen and water present in the package, and sealing the package. The resulting package comprises the enzyme sensor in an atmosphere that is substantially free of oxygen and water. The package can also include a pressure indicator that indicates when the package has exceeded a predetermined pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Edwards Lifesciences CorporationInventors: Kenneth Curry, Todd Fjield, Michael J. Higgins, Patrick Carlin, Gregory J. Carlin