Patents by Inventor Thomas Balch
Thomas 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: 20250121832Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to integrating human decision-making into a model-based system. In one embodiment, a method includes acquiring sensor data, including driver data about a driver of a vehicle and driving data about the vehicle and a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The method includes encoding, using a world encoder, the sensor data into a latent representation. The method includes determining human decision- making characteristics according to the latent representation. The method includes generating a control signal for providing shared control of the vehicle according to the human decision-making characteristics and the latent representation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicants: Toyota Research Institute, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jean Marcel dos Reis Costa, Guy Rosman, Deepak Edakkattil Gopinath, Emily Sumner, Thomas Balch, Jonathan DeCastro, Andrew Michael Silva, Laporsha Trinati Dees
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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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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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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: 6585373Abstract: An optical-quality part such as an ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to either the PET polarizing film or to the optical construct containing the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material or film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6432327Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film formed to contour with the optical requirements of the plastic construct without jeopardizing its optical, mechanical or cosmetic properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch
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Patent number: 6413641Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the optical-quality plastic material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film. In either construction, the treatment may be effected by light irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Nancy L. S. Yamasaki, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo
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Patent number: 6391231Abstract: Unique side-fill mold assembly and method for making a lens wherein the mold assembly includes a gasket having a plurality of side port holes which allow filling of the mold assembly with a thermosetting resin and allow egress of air trapped within the mold assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Publication number: 20010038438Abstract: An optical-quality plastic part is provided having a PET polarizing film formed to contour with the optical requirements of the plastic construct without jeopardizing its optical, mechanical or cosmetic properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2000Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L.S. Yamasakl, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch
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Publication number: 20010028436Abstract: An optical-quality part such as an ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to either the PET polarizing film or to the optical construct containing the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material or film may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Applicant: Younger Mfg. Co. DBA Younger OpticsInventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L.S. Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6220703Abstract: An ophthalmic lens is provided having a PET polarizing film integrally bonded thereto and, optionally, a hard coating integrally bonded to the PET polarizing film. In a preferred construction, the lens material may be surface treated, either physically and/or chemically, for integrally bonding the film to the lens material. Similarly, in another preferred construction, the film may be physically and/or chemically surface treated for integrally bonding a hard coating to the PET film.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Younger Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
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Patent number: 6113238Abstract: A device for demonstrating the effect of glare and its reduction in which light is reflected onto a glare panel, to reflect therefrom at an angle of incidence such that it is horizontally polarized, producing glare to one viewing an underlying graphic but which glare is eliminated by viewing through vertically polarized lenses.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Younger Mfg. CompanyInventors: Thomas Balch, Russell E. Evans, Gregory Alan Rook, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki