Patents by Inventor Michael P. Bruce

Michael P. Bruce 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: 6198998
    Abstract: A method and system (10) for detecting vehicle occupant type and position utilizes a single camera unit (12) positioned, for example at the driver or passenger side A-pillar, to generate image data of the front seating area of the vehicle. The present invention distinguishes between objects, forwardly or rearwardly facing child seats, and occupants, by periodically mapping the image taken of the interior of the vehicle into an image profile (104), and utilizing image profile matching with stored profile data (110) to determine the occupant or object type. The system and method of the present invention track occupant type and position in both parallel and perpendicular directions relative to a fixed structure such as the vehicle instrument panel to optimize both the efficiency and safety in controlling deployment of a occupant safety device, such as an air bag (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Michael P. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6085151
    Abstract: A relatively narrow beam of either RF or optical electromagnetic radiation is scanned over a relatively wide azimuthal range. The return signal is processed to detect the range and velocity of each point of reflection. Individual targets are identified by clustering analysis and are tracked in a Cartesian coordinate system using a Kalman filter. The threat to the vehicle for a given target is assessed from estimates of the relative distance, velocity, and size of each target, and one or more vehicular devices are controlled responsive to the assessment of threat so as to enhance the safety of the vehicle occupant. In a preferred embodiment, a quantized linear frequency modulated continuous wave RF signal is transmitted from and received by a multi-beam antenna having an aziumthal range of at least +/-100 degrees and an individual beam width of approximately 10 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Michael P. Bruce
  • Patent number: 6070113
    Abstract: A vehicular crash discrimination system (10) incorporates first (12) and second (14) crash sensors operatively coupled to a logic AND gate (16), which activates a safety restraint system (2). The first crash sensor (12) is mounted in a location which for a preferred sensing characteristic causes susceptibility to activation by crashes which are so directed that the safety restraint system (2) should not otherwise be activated. The second crash sensor (14), having a lower detection threshold than the first crash sensor (12), is mounted at a distinct location and is responsive to crashes for which the safety restraint system (2) is preferably activated, but is not responsive to those crashes which cause false activation of the first crash sensor (12). The instant invention thus provides for a preferred sensing characteristic determined by a first crash sensor mounted in an inferior location without being subject to false activation of the safety restraint system (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. White, Michael P. Bruce, Jeffrey S. Bennett, Debra A. Rice
  • Patent number: 6056079
    Abstract: A plurality of hydrostatic weight sensors, each incorporating a fluid and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure thereof, are incorporated in a vehicle seat to sense occupant weight, position, and stature. In one aspect, a hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat back and a separate hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat bottom. In another aspect, a plurality of laterally or longitudinally proximate hydrostatic weight sensors, or a single bladder with a plurality of chambers, is incorporated in the seat bottom to sense occupant position. In another aspect, a hydrostatic seat weight sensor is provided by forming a fluid filled cavity within a seat cushion and sensing the pressure of the fluid therein. A signal processor calculates the occupant weight, position, and stature from the respective pressure sensor output signals and controls a safety restraint system responsive thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Cech, Michael P. Bruce, Michael E. O'Boyle
  • Patent number: 6005958
    Abstract: A method and system (10) for detecting vehicle occupant type and position utilizes a single camera unit (12) positioned, for example at the driver or passenger side A-pillar, to generate image data of the front seating area of the vehicle. The present invention distinguishes between objects, forwardly or rearwardly facing child seats, and occupants, by periodically mapping the image taken of the interior of the vehicle into an image profile (104), and utilizing image profile matching with stored profile data (110) to determine the occupant or object type. The system and method of the present invention track occupant type and position in both parallel and perpendicular directions relative to a fixed structure such as the vehicle instrument panel to optimize both the efficiency and safety in controlling deployment of a occupant safety device, such as an air bag (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Michael P. Bruce
  • Patent number: 5979586
    Abstract: A vehicle collision warning system converts collision threat messages from a predictive collision sensor into intuitive sounds which are perceived by the occupant to be directed from the direction of the potential collision. The type and volume of the sounds are dependent upon the estimated likelihood, severity, and commencement time of the collision. The types of sound are chosen to evoke the proper corrective action by the driver as necessary to avoid the collision or mitigate the effects thereof. Examples of the sounds include a horn, screeching tires, a siren, sounds of various types of vehicles and object, and voice commands. The sounds are stored monaurally and are converted to directional sounds using known techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Farmer, Michael P. Bruce