Patents by Inventor Nathaniel S. Johnson

Nathaniel S. Johnson 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: 11312353
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a forward viewing camera and a non-vision sensor. The control, responsive to processing of captured non-vision sensor data and processing of frames of captured image data, at least in part controls the equipped vehicle to travel along a road. The control, responsive at least in part to processing of frames of captured image data, determines lane markers on the road and determines presence of another vehicle traveling along the traffic lane ahead of the equipped vehicle and determines a trajectory of the other vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle. The control stores a trajectory history of the determined trajectory of the other vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle as the other vehicle and the equipped vehicle travel along the traffic lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Gayatri U. Powar
  • Publication number: 20200324764
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera disposed at a windshield of a vehicle and viewing forward through the windshield. With the equipped vehicle moving in a forward direction, a control, via image processing at an image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines presence of a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle and in the field of view of the camera. The control, via image processing at the image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines if the pedestrian present ahead of the equipped vehicle is moving across a path of travel of the equipped vehicle. The control, at least in part responsive to determination that the pedestrian is moving across the path of travel of the equipped vehicle, reduces forward speed of the equipped vehicle to allow the pedestrian to move out of the path of travel of the forward moving equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
  • Patent number: 10718624
    Abstract: A vehicular parking assist system includes a location sensor disposed at a vehicle that at least in part determines a current geographical location of the vehicle. An ECU is disposed in the vehicle and stores a database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked. The vehicular parking assist system receives wireless communications from a remote server pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to (i) an output of the location sensor, (ii) the stored database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked and (iii) the received wireless communications from the remote server, the vehicular parking assist system determines a likelihood of finding an empty parking space at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Paul A. VanOphem
  • Patent number: 10688993
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by a processor of image data captured by the camera, the control system determines traffic lanes on the road. The control system determines a leading vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle and determines a traffic condition where two traffic lanes change to a different number of traffic lanes. The traffic lane being traveled by the equipped vehicle is one of the two traffic lanes that change to the different number of traffic lanes. Responsive to determination of the traffic condition and responsive to detection of the leading vehicle moving from the traffic lane being traveled by the equipped vehicle into another traffic lane, the control system controls the steering system of the equipped vehicle to follow the leading vehicle into the other traffic lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
  • Publication number: 20200001856
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a forward viewing camera and a non-vision sensor. The control, responsive to processing of captured non-vision sensor data and processing of frames of captured image data, at least in part controls the equipped vehicle to travel along a road. The control, responsive at least in part to processing of frames of captured image data, determines lane markers on the road and determines presence of another vehicle traveling along the traffic lane ahead of the equipped vehicle and determines a trajectory of the other vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle. The control stores a trajectory history of the determined trajectory of the other vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle as the other vehicle and the equipped vehicle travel along the traffic lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Gayatri U. Powar
  • Patent number: 10407047
    Abstract: A driver assistance system of an equipped vehicle includes at least one camera disposed at the equipped vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the equipped vehicle. A control has an image processor operable to process frames of image data captured by the camera. The image processor processes frames of captured image data to determine a target vehicle present in the field of view of the camera and to determine motion of the determined target vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle. The control, responsive to processing frames of captured image data via the image processor, determines a path of travel of the determined target vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle as the equipped vehicle is moving. The control translates the determined motion of the target vehicle to a local coordinate system of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Gayatri U. Powar
  • Publication number: 20190195647
    Abstract: A vehicular parking assist system includes a location sensor disposed at a vehicle that at least in part determines a current geographical location of the vehicle. An ECU is disposed in the vehicle and stores a database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked. The vehicular parking assist system receives wireless communications from a remote server pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to (i) an output of the location sensor, (ii) the stored database of parking space locations where the vehicle has previously been parked and (iii) the received wireless communications from the remote server, the vehicular parking assist system determines a likelihood of finding an empty parking space at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Paul A. VanOphem
  • Patent number: 10222224
    Abstract: A parking assist system of a vehicle includes a sensor, a control and a display. The sensor is disposed at a vehicle and is operable to, at least in part, determine the current geographical location of the vehicle. The control is responsive to an output of the sensor and at least one of (i) a database and (ii) a communication from a remote server. Responsive at least in part to historic parking location data representative of geographical locations of parking spaces where the equipped vehicle has previously been parked, the control is operable to display at the display parking information pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Paul A. VanOphem
  • Publication number: 20180273033
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing by a processor of image data captured by the camera, the control system determines traffic lanes on the road. The control system determines a leading vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle and determines a traffic condition where two traffic lanes change to a different number of traffic lanes. The traffic lane being traveled by the equipped vehicle is one of the two traffic lanes that change to the different number of traffic lanes. Responsive to determination of the traffic condition and responsive to detection of the leading vehicle moving from the traffic lane being traveled by the equipped vehicle into another traffic lane, the control system controls the steering system of the equipped vehicle to follow the leading vehicle into the other traffic lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
  • Patent number: 10023161
    Abstract: An automatic emergency braking system for a vehicle includes a forward viewing camera and a control. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data, the presence of another vehicle closing on the subject vehicle is determined, and a relative speed of the subject vehicle relative to the other vehicle is also determined. Responsive at least in part to a speed of the subject vehicle and the determined relative speed, the control controls the subject vehicle's brake system. Responsive to determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired, the automatic emergency braking system does not allow the driver to override the control's control of the subject vehicle's brake system. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is not impaired, the automatic emergency braking system allows the driver to override the control's control of the subject vehicle' brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 9988047
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to at least detect objects or other vehicles. The control system, responsive to determination of a traffic condition, is operable to control a steering system of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control system is operable to detect a lane splitting vehicle approaching or adjacent to the vehicle. With the vehicle traveling in an occupied traffic lane and responsive to detection of the lane splitting vehicle approaching the vehicle, the control system controls the steering system of the vehicle to move the vehicle in a direction away from a side region of the occupied lane at which the lane splitting vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
  • Publication number: 20170158197
    Abstract: A driver assistance system of an equipped vehicle includes at least one camera disposed at the equipped vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the equipped vehicle. A control has an image processor operable to process frames of image data captured by the camera. The image processor processes frames of captured image data to determine a target vehicle present in the field of view of the camera and to determine motion of the determined target vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle. The control, responsive to processing frames of captured image data via the image processor, determines a path of travel of the determined target vehicle relative to the equipped vehicle as the equipped vehicle is moving. The control translates the determined motion of the target vehicle to a local coordinate system of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Gayatri U. Powar
  • Publication number: 20170043753
    Abstract: An automatic emergency braking system for a vehicle includes a forward viewing camera and a control. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data, the presence of another vehicle closing on the subject vehicle is determined, and a relative speed of the subject vehicle relative to the other vehicle is also determined. Responsive at least in part to a speed of the subject vehicle and the determined relative speed, the control controls the subject vehicle's brake system. Responsive to determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired, the automatic emergency braking system does not allow the driver to override the control's control of the subject vehicle's brake system. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is not impaired, the automatic emergency braking system allows the driver to override the control's control of the subject vehicle? brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, JR., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 9481344
    Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle includes a camera configured to be disposed at a vehicle so as to have an exterior field of view. After actuation of the brake system by an automatic emergency braking system of the vehicle, a control controls the brake system of the subject vehicle. While the control is controlling the brake system of the subject vehicle, the braking control system determines if the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired. Responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is impaired, the braking control system does not allow the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver of the subject vehicle is not impaired, the braking control system allows the driver to override the control's control of the brake system of the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20160231133
    Abstract: A parking assist system of a vehicle includes a sensor, a control and a display. The sensor is disposed at a vehicle and is operable to, at least in part, determine the current geographical location of the vehicle. The control is responsive to an output of the sensor and at least one of (i) a database and (ii) a communication from a remote server. Responsive at least in part to historic parking location data representative of geographical locations of parking spaces where the equipped vehicle has previously been parked, the control is operable to display at the display parking information pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Paul A. VanOphem
  • Publication number: 20150329091
    Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle includes at least one sensor having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. A control, after actuation of the vehicle brake system, determines the speed of the vehicle and relative speed of the vehicle to another vehicle or object, and, responsive to the speed of the vehicle and the relative speed, the control controls the vehicle brake system. Responsive to a determination that at least one of (i) a collision has occurred, (ii) the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold amount and (iii) the relative speed is greater than a threshold amount, the system determines if the vehicle driver is impaired, and, responsive to a determination that the driver is impaired, the control controls braking of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver is not impaired, the control allows the driver to override the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, JR., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Patent number: 9090234
    Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle includes at least one sensor having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. A control, after actuation of the vehicle brake system, determines the speed of the vehicle and relative speed of the vehicle to another vehicle or object, and, responsive to the speed of the vehicle and the relative speed, the control controls the vehicle brake system. Responsive to a determination that at least one of (i) a collision has occurred, (ii) the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold amount and (iii) the relative speed is greater than a threshold amount, the system determines if the vehicle driver is impaired, and, responsive to a determination that the driver is impaired, the control controls braking of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver is not impaired, the control allows the driver to override the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen
  • Publication number: 20150166062
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. An image processor is operable to process image data captured by the camera to at least detect objects or other vehicles. The control system, responsive to determination of a traffic condition, is operable to control a steering system of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to image processing of captured image data, the control system is operable to detect a lane splitting vehicle approaching or adjacent to the vehicle. With the vehicle traveling in an occupied traffic lane and responsive to detection of the lane splitting vehicle approaching the vehicle, the control system controls the steering system of the vehicle to move the vehicle in a direction away from a side region of the occupied lane at which the lane splitting vehicle is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen, Christoph Klas
  • Publication number: 20140375476
    Abstract: A system of a vehicle may provide a parking assist function and/or an alert function. The system includes a sensor, a control and a display. The sensor is disposed at a vehicle and is operable to, at least in part, determine a geographical location of the vehicle. The control may be responsive to an output of the sensor and at least one of (i) a database and (ii) a communication from a remote server. Responsive to an input, the control may display parking information pertaining to parking spaces at or near the current geographical location of the vehicle. The system may be part of a plurality of networked vehicles equipped with respective sensors and controls. The control of the equipped vehicle may be operable to communicate information pertaining to a determination of an event or break-in to other nearby vehicles of the plurality of networked vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, Paul A. VanOphem
  • Publication number: 20140156157
    Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle includes at least one sensor having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. A control, after actuation of the vehicle brake system, determines the speed of the vehicle and relative speed of the vehicle to another vehicle or object, and, responsive to the speed of the vehicle and the relative speed, the control controls the vehicle brake system. Responsive to a determination that at least one of (i) a collision has occurred, (ii) the vehicle speed is greater than a threshold amount and (iii) the relative speed is greater than a threshold amount, the system determines if the vehicle driver is impaired, and, responsive to a determination that the driver is impaired, the control controls braking of the subject vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the driver is not impaired, the control allows the driver to override the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Nathaniel S. Johnson, William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Paul A. VanOphem, Christopher L. Van Dan Elzen