Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Balch
Thomas A. Balch 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: 20240199082Abstract: A method for resource allocation of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is described. The method includes dynamically tracking gaze directions of a vehicle operator regarding a scene surrounding an ego vehicle. The method also includes identifying operator monitored regions and operator unmonitored regions in the scene based on dynamically tracking the gaze directions of the vehicle operator. The method further includes allocating an increased portion of ADAS perception resources to the operator unmonitored regions of the scene. The method also includes tracking external road agents detected in the operator unmonitored regions of the scene using the increased portion of ADAS perception resources.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2022Publication date: June 20, 2024Applicants: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Thomas BALCH, Paul DREWS, Xiongyi CUI, Stephen G. MCGILL, Guy ROSMAN
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Patent number: 11810372Abstract: A control system, computer-readable storage medium and method of preventing occlusion of and minimizing shadows on the driver's face for driver monitoring. The system includes a steering wheel, a plurality of fiberscopes arranged evenly spaced around the steering wheel, and one or more video cameras arranged at remote ends of the plurality of fiberscopes. Distal ends of the fiberscopes emerge to a surface of the steering wheel through holes that are perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Each of the distal ends of the fiberscopes includes a lens. The system includes a plurality of light sources and an electronic control unit connected to the one or more video cameras and the light sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKIInventors: Thomas Balch, Simon A. I. Stent, Guy Rosman, John Gideon
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Publication number: 20230090330Abstract: A control system, computer-readable storage medium and method of preventing occlusion of and minimizing shadows on the driver's face for driver monitoring. The system includes a steering wheel, a plurality of fiberscopes arranged evenly spaced around the steering wheel, and one or more video cameras arranged at remote ends of the plurality of fiberscopes. Distal ends of the fiberscopes emerge to a surface of the steering wheel through holes that are perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Each of the distal ends of the fiberscopes includes a lens. The system includes a plurality of light sources and an electronic control unit connected to the one or more video cameras and the light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Thomas BALCH, Simon A. I. STENT, Guy ROSMAN, John GIDEON
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Patent number: 11584295Abstract: Systems and methods to proactively adapt image sensor settings of an occupant monitoring system to accommodate ambient lighting changes are provided. The system may track current ambient light, track the driver, and predict upcoming changing lighting conditions. Sensors are used to predict when the ambient light will change and preemptively adjust to prevent dark or washout images. The sensor adjustment may be timed so that the adjustment is made just in time or concurrently with the change in ambient light conditions. The system may predict when the light on the occupant's face will change and proactively readjust the settings of the sensor to accommodate the changed lighting conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Thomas Balch
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Patent number: 11527081Abstract: A control system, computer-readable storage medium and method of preventing occlusion of and minimizing shadows on the driver's face for driver monitoring. The system includes a steering wheel, a plurality of fiberscopes arranged evenly spaced around the steering wheel, and one or more video cameras arranged at remote ends of the plurality of fiberscopes. Distal ends of the fiberscopes emerge to a surface of the steering wheel through holes that are perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Each of the distal ends of the fiberscopes includes a lens. The system includes a plurality of light sources and an electronic control unit connected to the one or more video cameras and the light sources.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Thomas Balch, Simon A. I. Stent, Guy Rosman, John Gideon
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Publication number: 20220121866Abstract: A control system, computer-readable storage medium and method of preventing occlusion of and minimizing shadows on the driver's face for driver monitoring. The system includes a steering wheel, a plurality of fiberscopes arranged evenly spaced around the steering wheel, and one or more video cameras arranged at remote ends of the plurality of fiberscopes. Distal ends of the fiberscopes emerge to a surface of the steering wheel through holes that are perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel. Each of the distal ends of the fiberscopes includes a lens. The system includes a plurality of light sources and an electronic control unit connected to the one or more video cameras and the light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventors: Thomas BALCH, Simon A. I. STENT, Guy ROSMAN, John GIDEON
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Publication number: 20210347298Abstract: Systems and methods to proactively adapt image sensor settings of an occupant monitoring system to accommodate ambient lighting changes are provided. The system may track current ambient light, track the driver, and predict upcoming changing lighting conditions. Sensors are used to predict when the ambient light will change and preemptively adjust to prevent dark or washout images. The sensor adjustment may be timed so that the adjustment is made just in time or concurrently with the change in ambient light conditions. The system may predict when the light on the occupant's face will change and proactively readjust the settings of the sensor to accommodate the changed lighting conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2020Publication date: November 11, 2021Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Thomas BALCH
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Patent number: 8042941Abstract: The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near-viewing and distance-viewing values.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Indizen Optical Technologies, S.I.Inventors: José Alonso Fernández, Daniel Crespo Vázquez, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20110187993Abstract: The present invention is embodied in ophthalmic lenses having a first lens surface that is described by a continuous, gradual increase in optical power that proceeds without inflection points of discontinuities across substantially the entire useable optical area of this lens surface, and an opposite surface of the lens configured to cooperate with the power gradation of the first surface to provide a desired prescription, including at least one stabilized area of optical power. The power gradation of the first surface increases from one edge of the useable area to substantially the opposite edge, and may increase according to linear or non-linear relationships. In another preferred embodiment, the two lens surfaces cooperate to create two stabilized areas of optical power, for a prescription with near-viewing and distance-viewing values.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Inventors: José Alonso Fernández, Daniel Crespo Vázquez, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L.S. Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20100216940Abstract: A coating composition, which may be a two-component coating composition, comprises a film-forming material, a crosslinking agent, and a nonlinear polysiloxane polymer having a functional group reactive with the crosslinking agent. The coating composition exhibits excellent scratch resistance and adhesion of repair coating layers and sealants, such as windshield sealants.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2007Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: DOW CORNING CORPORATIONInventors: Vicki Lynn Berry, Kenneth Christopher Fey, John B. Horstman, Randall Gene Schmidt, Lori Jean Sutton-Poungthana, Gary Michael Wieber, Gerald Lawrence Witucki, Thomas Balch, David Lau, Gudrun Wiemann, Peter Betz, Donald Campbell
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Patent number: 7688431Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for comparatively demonstrating the optical properties of eyewear lenses, particularly dispersion. The apparatus includes an illumination source that provides output of shorter wavelength visible light and longer wavelength visible light, a target that creates an image on the light path, a test lens made of eyewear lens material that is illuminated by the light path from the target, and a detector that displays the image acted upon and transmitted through the test lens. The test lens can be interchangeably replaced with another test lens, for comparison of each lens' optical properties. Alternate configurations include multiple light paths, for simultaneous viewing of images through different test lenses.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Thomas A. Balch, John M. Tamkin, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki, Jotinderpal S. Sidhu
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Patent number: 7582235Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part- has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Patent number: 7326373Abstract: An improved method is disclosed, for forming a wafer into a complex, curved shape, for use in an optical part. The method includes a step of moving the wafer into contact with a molding surface having a predetermined non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, to form the wafer into a corresponding shape. The step of moving is sufficient, by itself, to form the wafer into the desired non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, without the need for additional forming steps.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Jotinderpal Sidhu, Thomas A. Balch
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Publication number: 20070231577Abstract: An optically transparent polycarbonate article is disclosed, comprising a polycarbonate substrate coated with at least one ultraviolet-blocking coating, including a radiation curable component that polymerizes upon exposure to actinic radiation, a thermally curable binder component that polymerizes upon exposure to heat, a thermally curable crosslinking component, and at least one additive for protection of the polycarbonate substrate from UV radiation. A method for producing a UV-blocking coated polycarbonate article is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: BASF CorporationInventors: Lyle Caillouette, Paul Lamberty, Thomas Balch
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Publication number: 20070225432Abstract: A coating composition, particularly a clearcoat composition, which may be a two-component clearcoat composition, comprises a film-forming material, a crosslinking agent, and a nonlinear polysiloxane polymer having a functional group reactive with the crosslinking agent. The coating composition exhibits excellent scratch resistance and adhesion of repair coating layers and sealants, such as windshield sealants.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2006Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: BASF CORPORATIONInventors: Thomas Balch, David Lau, Peter Betz, Gudrun Wiemann, Donald Campbell, Vicki Berry, Kenneth Fey, John Horstman, Randall Schmidt, Lori Sutton-Poungthana, Gary Wieber, Gerald Witucki
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Patent number: 7002744Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co. dba Younger OpticsInventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6926405Abstract: An eyewear lens provides for selective spectral performance in response to varying light conditions, including both changes in intensity and spectral distribution. The lens responds selectively to both ultraviolet and visible light, and exhibits different spectral transmittance characteristics under different lighting conditions, to provide for better vision for a wearer. In addition to this active response, the lens also may include a polarizer to further control light and to minimize the glare that interferes with clear vision.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: David M. Ambler, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20040246437Abstract: An eyewear lens provides for selective spectral performance in response to varying light conditions, including both changes in intensity and spectral distribution. The lens responds selectively to both ultraviolet and visible light, and exhibits different spectral transmittance characteristics under different lighting conditions, to provide for better vision for a wearer. In addition to this active response, the lens also may include a polarizer to further control light and to minimize the glare that interferes with clear vision.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: David M. Ambler, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L.S. Yamasaki
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Method for forming a wafer for use in an optical part and an optical part incorporating such a wafer
Publication number: 20040222537Abstract: An improved method is disclosed, for forming a wafer into a complex, curved shape, for use in an optical part. The method includes a step of moving the wafer into contact with a molding surface having a predetermined non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, to form the wafer into a corresponding shape. The step of moving is sufficient, by itself, to form the wafer into the desired non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, without the need for additional forming steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Jotinderpal Sidhu, Thomas A. Balch -
Publication number: 20040017610Abstract: Optical-quality polarized parts and methods for manufacturing the optical parts are disclosed. The optical-quality polarized parts comprise a high impact, lightweight, high optical quality polyurethane construct and a polarizer bonded to the construct. The construct may be a lens substrate wherein the polarizer is integrally bonded at or near the front surface of the lens substrate. A sidefill gasket may be used to support and position the polarizer within a mold cavity for reproducibly forming the optical part. The polarizer may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate film or a laminated polyvinyl alcohol film or wafer. The polarized optical part- has improved impact resistance over conventional thermoset resin parts, as well as better optical properties than similarly impact-resistant polycarbonate constructs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas A. Balch, Nancy L.S. Yamasaki