Patents by Inventor Samuel Edward Ebenstein
Samuel Edward Ebenstein 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).
-
Publication number: 20090016571Abstract: The present invention relates to a night vision system human machine interface and particularly to an HMI display that provides enhanced road scene imagery from low resolution cameras.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Louis Tijerina, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Yelena Mordechai Rodin
-
Patent number: 7158015Abstract: A vision-based object detection decision-making system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple vision sensing systems (14) that have vision receivers (20) and that generate an object detection signal. A controller (16) includes a plurality of sensing system aid modules (18) that correspond to each of the vision sensing systems (14). The controller (16) operates the sensing system aid modules (18) in response to a vehicle parameter and generates a safety system signal in response to the object detection signal. The sensing system aid modules (18) have associated operating modes and operate the vision sensing systems (14) in the operating modes in response to the vehicle parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Gary Steven Strumolo, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Gregory H. Smith
-
Patent number: 7068302Abstract: A method for testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Samuel Edward Ebenstein, James Stewart Rankin, II, Gregory H. Smith, Yelena Mordechai Rodin, David Bednarz, Thomas Meitzler
-
Patent number: 6917693Abstract: A vehicle data acquisition and display assembly 10 which includes several cameras 75 which selectively and cooperatively receive images 77 from the environment or the ambient environment 83 in which a vehicle 60 resides. The acquired images 77 form a panoramic mosaic 85, at least a portion of which is selectively displayed by a display assembly 45 within the vehicle 60.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vijitha Senaka Kiridena, Gregory Hugh Smith, Samuel Edward Ebenstein
-
Patent number: 6859705Abstract: A control system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) coupled to a countermeasure system having a countermeasure includes an object sensor system (18) generating an object signal, an object distance signal, an object azimuth position signal, and object relative velocity signal. The control system (10) further includes an object classifier coupled to the object sensor system (18) generating an object classification signal in response to the object signal and a controller coupled to the object sensor object classifier for activating the countermeasure (42) in response to the object distance, object azimuth position, relative velocity and the object classification signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Gary Steven Strumolo, Samuel Edward Ebenstein
-
Patent number: 6737964Abstract: A blind spot monitoring system for a vehicle includes two pairs of stereo cameras, two displays and a controller. The stereo cameras monitor vehicle blind spots and generate a corresponding pair of digital signals. The display shows a rearward vehicle view and may replace, or work in tandem with, a side view mirror. The controller is located in the vehicle and receives two pairs of digital signals. The controller includes control logic operative to analyze a stereopsis effect between each pair of stereo cameras and the optical flow over time to control the displays. The displays will show an expanded rearward view when a hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot and show a normal rearward view when no hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Amer Mohammed Samman, Gregory Hugh Smith, James Stewart Rankin, II, Samuel Edward Ebenstein
-
Publication number: 20040032496Abstract: A method for testing cameras includes positioning a camera such that an image of a target is displayed on a monitor within at least one default image parameter. The method further includes engaging a dimming condition of a light source from the camera, thereby generating a lighting condition signal. Subsequently the camera receives the lighting condition signal and displays it on the monitor. A group of observers then analyze the lighting condition signal. The method continues through engaging a second dimming condition of the light source from the first camera, thereby generating a second lighting condition signal, which is also displayed on the monitor. The group of observers then analyzes the second lighting condition signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Edward Ebenstein, James Stewart Rankin, Gregory H. Smith, Yelena Mordechai Rodin, David Bednarz, Thomas Meitzler
-
Publication number: 20030085806Abstract: A blind spot monitoring system for a vehicle includes two pairs of stereo cameras, two displays and a controller. The stereo cameras monitor vehicle blind spots and generate a corresponding pair of digital signals. The display shows a rearward vehicle view and may replace, or work in tandem with, a side view mirror. The controller is located in the vehicle and receives two pairs of digital signals. The controller includes control logic operative to analyze a stereopsis effect between each pair of stereo cameras and the optical flow over time to control the displays. The displays will show an expanded rearward view when a hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot and show a normal rearward view when no hazard is detected in the vehicle blind spot.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventors: Amer Mohammed Samman, Gregory Hugh Smith, James Stewart Rankin, Samuel Edward Ebenstein
-
Publication number: 20030076981Abstract: A pre-crash system (10) has a controller (12) coupled to an object sensor (18). Object sensor (18) has a vision system (22) that includes image sensors to detect an impact and in particular, a side impact. The image sensors provide a high frame rate to a video-processing chip (32) which in turn is coupled to a general purpose controller (34). The general-purpose controller 34 determines whether an object is an impending threat and controls the deployment of an airbag through an airbag controller (36) or other counter-measure. The high frame rate used in the present invention allows not only the distance to the object but the velocity of the object as well as the acceleration of the object to be determined and factored into the deployment decision.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Gregory Hugh Smith, James Stewart Rankin, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Yelena Mordechai Rodin
-
Publication number: 20030060956Abstract: A control system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) coupled to a countermeasure system having a countermeasure includes an object sensor system (18) generating an object signal, an object distance signal, an object azimuth position signal, and object relative velocity signal. The control system (10) further includes an object classifier coupled to the object sensor system (18) generating an object classification signal in response to the object signal and a controller coupled to the object sensor object classifier for activating the countermeasure (42) in response to the object distance, object azimuth position, relative velocity and the object classification signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Gary Steven Strumolo, Samuel Edward Ebenstein
-
Patent number: 6281806Abstract: A vision enhancement system 10 which aids the driver in visually identifying a sensed object 16 without diverting his/her attention from the road ahead. One or more sensors 20 used to collect information about the vehicle's environment are operatively coupled with a controlled source of illumination 38. A processor 24 receives input from the sensors and intelligently determines whether a particular object sensed in or near the current path of the vehicle requires alerting the driver. If so, the processor outputs a control signal 30 to effect illumination of the sensed object. The source of illumination is controlled so as to continuously direct light onto the identified object, even as the vehicle and/or object move simultaneously with respect to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Hugh Smith, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Yelena Mordechai Rodin
-
Patent number: 6195620Abstract: A method for capturing data representative of a geometry of a raw cylinder head casting in order to obtain a casting scanning coordinate system for use with a machining coordinate system utilizes a locating device during a non-contact scanning operation. The cylinder head casting includes horizontal planar cast locators and vertical cast locators. Planar data corresponding to the planar cast locators is determined by scanning planar areas of the device. Vertical data corresponding to the vertical cast locators is determined utilizing locating features disposed on a planar surface of the device and located at predetermined positions with respect to the vertical cast locators. A transformation matrix defining a relationship between the scanning coordinate system and the machining coordinate system can then be determined based on the planar and vertical data so that virtual machining can be performed in predicting the volume of a machined cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Kevin Andrew Falk
-
Patent number: 5864777Abstract: A method of predicting volume of finished combustion chambers from a raw cylinder head casting including the steps of capturing cylinder head geometry of a raw cylinder head casting, transforming the captured cylinder head geometry into a machining coordinate system, virtual machining the raw cylinder head casting based on the transformed geometry, calculating a volume of combustion chambers of the virtually machined cylinder head, adding signed volumes of at least one component to the calculated volume to obtain a finished volume, and adjusting a mold for the raw cylinder head casting to achieve the desired finished volume.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Hugh Smith, Vijitha Senaka Kiridena, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Yelena Mordechai Rodin
-
Patent number: 5659493Abstract: Methods and apparatus for representing a three-dimensional object by means of a High Density Point Data Model (HDPDM) consisting of a large number of individual data values, each of which specifies the coordinates of a point on the surface of a three dimensional object. An initial HDPDM is produced by scanning a physical object, tessellating the elements of a CAD representation of the object surface, or evaluating mathematical expressions which describe the surface. Further data values define a virtual tool surface which is spaced from the modeled object surface. The projection of the virtual tool surface on the object surface along projection lies parallel to a defined axis of projection identifies selected points on the surface which are modified by effectively moving them to the tool surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Vijitha Kiridena, Samuel Edward Ebenstein, Gregory Hugh Smith