Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130221626 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF A VEHICLE - The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path. | 08-29-2013 |
20140114533 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF A VEHICLE - The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles that have coil spring suspensions. The invention may be added to existing vehicle suspensions without the need to remove and replace the existing vehicle suspension components. The invention includes cylinders, pistons, seals, dust shields, pressure pump(s) and storage tank(s). It also may optionally include electronic hardware, such as, an electronic controller and software, to control the functions of the system and sensor(s) which detect ground clearance and speed. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which may operate through the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated through an electronic control unit (ECU) to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path. | 04-24-2014 |
20150174982 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF A VEHICLE - The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles. The vehicle is supported by a hollow cylinder and a piston having an undersized piston skirt is mounted on the suspension system's coil spring, and sealingly slidable within the cylinder bore. When a fluid is introduced into the expandable pressure space between the piston and the cylinder top, the piston and cylinder are forced apart, raising the vehicle. The undersized piston skirt can extend beyond the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston a greater travel length within the cylinder bore. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which can be the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated using a control unit to automatically adjust ground clearance to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path. In another embodiment, the lift system, or any lift system, is prevented from activating, and deactivates (if previously activated) if the vehicle is travelling at excessive speed. | 06-25-2015 |
20160082801 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF A VEHICLE - The present invention is a system for adjusting the height of vehicles. The vehicle is supported by a hollow cylinder and a piston having an undersized piston skirt is mounted on the suspension system's coil spring, and sealingly slidable within the cylinder bore. When a fluid is introduced into the expandable pressure space between the piston and the cylinder top, the piston and cylinder are forced apart, raising the vehicle. The undersized piston skirt can extend beyond the end of the cylinder, allowing the piston a greater travel length within the cylinder bore. The invention may be operated manually by a vehicle driver through push buttons, which can be the vehicle's existing cruise control buttons. Alternatively, the system can be automated using a control unit to automatically adjust ground clearance to avoid collision with obstacles in the vehicle's path. In another embodiment, the lift system, or any lift system, is prevented from activating, and deactivates (if previously activated) if the vehicle is travelling at excessive speed. | 03-24-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140036076 | Method for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - A method of tracking the use of at least one destination location, the method including identifying a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determining characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determining usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036077 | Method for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - A method of tracking the use of at least one destination location, the method including identifying a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determining characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determining usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
20140036078 | System for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - An apparatus for tracking the use of at least one destination location, the apparatus including multiple cameras and one or more processors configured to identify a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determine characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determine usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039987 | System for Controlling Vehicle Use of Parking Spaces by Use of Cameras - An apparatus for tracking the use of at least one destination location, the apparatus including multiple cameras and one or more processors configured to identify a vehicle by use of identification images captured by an identification camera, such as by processing of images of license plates, determine characteristics of the vehicle visible in the identification images, and determine usage of a destination location, such as a parking spot, based on a camera monitoring the destination location capturing images of the vehicle having characteristics corresponding to those determined for the identification images. | 02-06-2014 |
20140172519 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. Based on a first vehicle image showing a first vehicle at a first location and on the first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at the first time. Next, based on a second vehicle image showing the first vehicle at a second location and on the second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at the second time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the first time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the second time. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172520 | INDICATOR FOR AUTOMATED PARKING SYSTEMS - Indicating payment for use of a destination location is disclosed. First, it is determined that a vehicle has approached the destination location. In response, it is determined that that the destination location is associated with automated parking services. In response, a first activation signal is forwarded to an indicator. Next, it is determined that the vehicle is within the destination location at a first time. In response, it is determined that an account associated with the vehicle is configured to make payment for parking of the vehicle within the destination location. Then, payment for the parking of the vehicle within the destination location is activated. Finally, in response, a second activation signal that differs from the first activation signal is forwarded to the indicator. | 06-19-2014 |
20140188580 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. Based on a first vehicle image showing a first vehicle, a first unique identifier of the first vehicle is determined. Next, based on a first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at a second time. Next, based on a second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-03-2014 |
20140195313 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras and Smart Sensors - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. A first unique identifier of a first vehicle is received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle. A first location of the first vehicle is determined based on a first vehicle image taken at a second time. A second location of the first vehicle is determined based on a second vehicle image taken at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-10-2014 |
20140200970 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using a Smart Sensor Network - Tracking use of a destination location is disclosed. A unique identifier of a first vehicle based on a sensor located within the first vehicle is received. Next, based on a first location of the first vehicle received based on a sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle is occupying the destination location at a second time. Next, based on a second location of the first vehicle received based on the sensor located within the first vehicle, it is determined that the first vehicle has left the destination location at a third time. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle began use of the destination location at the second time and that the first vehicle completed use of the destination location at the third time. | 07-17-2014 |
20140207541 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - Tracking vehicles is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first static characteristic and a first dynamic characteristic of a first vehicle are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second static characteristic and a second dynamic characteristic of the first vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. The first characteristics and the second characteristics are compared to determine that the second characteristics are approximately equal to the first characteristics of the first vehicle. Finally, it is indicated that the first vehicle is present in the second field of view of the second camera. | 07-24-2014 |
20140211012 | Tracking Traffic Violations within an Intersection and Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - Tracking traffic violations within an intersection and use of a destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. Next, a first unique identifier of a first vehicle and a violated traffic restriction within the intersection are determined based on the two or more first images. Next, two or more second images from a second camera having a second field of view are received. A second unique identifier and a first characteristic of a second vehicle are determined based on the two or more second images. Next, two or more third images from a third camera having a third field of view are received. That the second vehicle is stopped in a destination location at a first time and that the second vehicle has left the destination location at a second time are determined based on the two or more third images. | 07-31-2014 |
20140211016 | Profiling and Tracking Vehicles Using Cameras - Profiling and tracking vehicles using cameras is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. A first static characteristic of a first vehicle is determined based on at least one of the two or more first images. Next, a desired static characteristic of a vehicle of interest is received. The desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is compared with the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response to the comparison, it is determined that the desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is approximately equal to the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response, it is determined that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view of the first camera. Finally, it is indicated that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view. | 07-31-2014 |
20140218532 | Defining a Handoff Zone for Tracking a Vehicle Between Cameras - Defining a handoff zone for tracking a vehicle between cameras is disclosed. Initially, a first image stream is received from a first camera having a first field of view. A second image stream is also received from a second camera having a second field of view, where the second field of view is different from and at least partially overlapping with the first field of view. Next, an overlap area that defines the overlap between the first image stream and the second image stream is determined. A handoff zone within the overlap area is then determined, where tracking of the vehicle is passed from the first camera to the second camera after the vehicle enters the handoff zone. Finally, boundaries of the handoff zone are stored. | 08-07-2014 |
20140218533 | Defining Destination Locations and Restricted Locations Within an Image Stream - Defining destination locations and restricted locations within an image stream is disclosed. Initially, a first image stream is received from a first camera having a first field of view, where the first field of view includes at least one destination location and at least one restricted location. Next, first boundaries of the at least one destination location and a first description of one or more rules associated with the at least one destination location are received. A first identifier is then assigned to the at least one destination location. Next, second boundaries of the at least one restricted location and a second description of one or more rules associated with the at least one restricted location are received. Finally, the first boundaries, the first description of one or more rules, the first identifier, the second boundaries, and the second description of one or more rules are saved. | 08-07-2014 |
20140236786 | Human Review of an Image Stream for a Parking Camera System - Providing human review of an image stream for a parking camera system is disclosed. Initially, a first image stream is received from a first camera having a first field of view showing a first vehicle or at least one destination location. Next, it is determined that a value for the at least one type of information relating to the at least one destination location or the first vehicle has failed to be automatically detected. In response, an exemption event is generated. Presentation of the at least part of the first image stream to a human operator is then enabled. Finally, the value for the at least one type of information relating to the at least one destination location or the first vehicle is received from the human operator. | 08-21-2014 |
20140244366 | Tracking and Counting Wheeled Transportation Apparatuses - Tracking and counting wheeled transportation apparatuses is disclosed. Initially, three or more first images are received from a first camera having a first field of view, where the three or more first images show multiple wheeled transportation apparatuses traversing a portion of a roadway. Next, first and second static characteristics and first and second dynamic characteristics of a first of the multiple wheeled transportation apparatuses are determined. It is then determined that the second static characteristic is approximately equal to the first static characteristic and that the second dynamic characteristic is approximately equal to the first dynamic characteristic. Next, it is determined that the first wheeled transportation apparatus is traversing the portion of the roadway based on the comparisons. A count of the number of wheeled transportation apparatuses traversing the portion of the roadway is then incremented. Finally, the count is indicated. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249896 | Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using a Camera - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, five or more first images are received from a first camera. A first static characteristic, a second static characteristic, a first dynamic characteristic, and a second dynamic characteristic of the first vehicle are determined based the five or more first images. The second static characteristic is determined to be approximately equal to the first static characteristic. The second dynamic characteristic is determined to be approximately equal to the first dynamic characteristic. In response, it is determined that the first vehicle is traversing a portion of a roadway. Then, it is determined that the first vehicle is stopped within the at least one destination location at a first time. It is then determined that the first vehicle left the at least one destination location at a second time that is after the first time. Finally, the first time and the second time are indicated. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257942 | Tracking the Use of at Least One Destination Location - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, three or more first images are received from a first camera having a first field of view. It is then determined that the first vehicle is stopped within the at least one destination location at a first time and that the first vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a second time that is after the first time. Next, a unique identifier of a vehicle is received from a third-party parking payment system. The unique identifier is associated with the first vehicle. Finally, the first time, the second time and the unique identifier of the first vehicle are indicated. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257943 | Tracking Speeding Violations and Controlling Use of Parking Spaces Using Cameras - Tracking speeding violations and the use of at least one destination location are disclosed. Initially, two or more first images are received from a first camera, two or more second images are received from a second camera having a different field of view, and two or more third images are received from a third camera having a field of view overlapping with the field of the view of the second camera. Next, a speed of the first vehicle at a first time is determined. It is determined that the first vehicle exceeded a first predetermined speed limit at the first time. A unique identifier of the first vehicle and the speed of the first vehicle at the first time are then indicated. Next, it is determined that the second vehicle is stopped in the at least one destination location at a second time and that the second vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a third time that is after the second time. Finally, a unique identifier of the second vehicle, the second time, and the third time are indicated. | 09-11-2014 |
20150379781 | Tracking the Use of at Least One Destination Location - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, four or more first images are received from a first camera having a first field of view. It is then determined that the first vehicle is stopped within the at least one destination location at a first time and that the first vehicle has left the at least one destination location at a second time. A first characteristic of an occupant of the first vehicle based on a first image is determined to correspond to a second characteristic of the occupant of the first vehicle based on a second image. It is then determined that the occupant of the first vehicle traveled between the first vehicle and a payment station. Payment information specifying a period of time that was received by a third-party parking payment system is received. The period of time is then associated with the first vehicle. | 12-31-2015 |
20160004906 | Tracking at Least One Pedestrian - Tracking at least one pedestrian is disclosed. Initially, four or more first images are received showing a first pedestrian and a roadway or a walkway. First static and dynamic characteristics and second static and dynamic characteristics of the first pedestrian are determined. The second static characteristic is compared to the first static characteristic and the second dynamic characteristic is compared to the first dynamic characteristic. It is then determined that the first pedestrian is traversing a portion of the roadway or the walkway. | 01-07-2016 |
20160078299 | Imaging a Parking Display Ticket - Tracking the use of at least one destination location is disclosed. Initially, one or more first images of a parking display ticket within a vehicle that is occupying a destination location are received from a first camera of an unmanned air vehicle that is configured to be autonomously operated. Parking information for the vehicle occupying the destination location is determined based on at least one of the one or more first images of the parking display ticket. A unique identifier of the vehicle occupying the destination location is also determined. The parking information for and the unique identifier of the vehicle occupying the destination location is then indicated. | 03-17-2016 |
20160078759 | Tracking a Vehicle Using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Tracking a vehicle using an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. One or more first images may be received from a first camera of the first unmanned aerial vehicle located at a first location. A unique identifier of a first vehicle may be determined to be not identifiable in at least one of the one or more first images. The first unmanned aerial vehicle may be then repositioned. One or more second images having the second field of view and showing the first vehicle may then be received. The unique identifier of the first vehicle may then be determined based on at least one of the one or more second images. | 03-17-2016 |