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).

  • Publication number: 20250121832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Publication date: April 17, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Research Institute, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Jean Marcel dos Reis Costa, Guy Rosman, Deepak Edakkattil Gopinath, Emily Sumner, Thomas Balch, Jonathan DeCastro, Andrew Michael Silva, Laporsha Trinati Dees
  • Publication number: 20240199082
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicants: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Thomas BALCH, Paul DREWS, Xiongyi CUI, Stephen G. MCGILL, Guy ROSMAN
  • Patent number: 11810372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
    Inventors: Thomas Balch, Simon A. I. Stent, Guy Rosman, John Gideon
  • Publication number: 20230090330
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas BALCH, Simon A. I. STENT, Guy ROSMAN, John GIDEON
  • Patent number: 11584295
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Balch
  • Patent number: 11527081
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Balch, Simon A. I. Stent, Guy Rosman, John Gideon
  • Publication number: 20220121866
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas BALCH, Simon A. I. STENT, Guy ROSMAN, John GIDEON
  • Publication number: 20210347298
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas BALCH
  • Publication number: 20100216940
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: DOW CORNING CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20070231577
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Lyle Caillouette, Paul Lamberty, Thomas Balch
  • Publication number: 20070225432
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: BASF CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 6585373
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6432327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch
  • Patent number: 6413641
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Nancy L. S. Yamasaki, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo
  • Patent number: 6391231
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Younger Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20010038438
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L.S. Yamasakl, Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch
  • Publication number: 20010028436
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Younger Mfg. Co. DBA Younger Optics
    Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L.S. Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6220703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Younger Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Russell E. Evans, Thomas Balch, Edward A. Beeloo, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 6113238
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Younger Mfg. Company
    Inventors: Thomas Balch, Russell E. Evans, Gregory Alan Rook, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki