Patents Assigned to Gentex Corporation
  • Publication number: 20240153282
    Abstract: A detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device configured to capture an image of an interior surface of the vehicle. An illumination assembly includes an array of laser diodes each configured to project an illumination, each laser diode is configured as at least one of a single mode laser or a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (“VCSEL”). An optical element is proximate to the array of laser diodes and includes a collimation element for guiding the illumination to form at least one light spot. A processor is in communication with the imaging device and the illumination assembly. The processor is configured to communicate a signal to operate the array of laser diodes and process the image of the interior surface to detect at least one of a change in a location or a speckle content of the at least one spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Guy Raz
  • Publication number: 20240152017
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface. A first electrode layer is associated with the second surface. A second electrode layer is associated with the third surface. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The electro-optic medium is operable between substantially activated and substantially unactivated states based on changes to an electrical potential between the first and second electrode layers. At least one third electrode layer is disposed adjacent to one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. At least one light source operably electrically interposes the at least one third electrode layer and the one of the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer that is adjacent to the at least one third electrode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley A. Bosma, Ethan J. Lee, Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 11979551
    Abstract: A device and a corresponding system are disclosed. The device may comprise a display. Additionally, the device and/or system may be operable to detect stale images. Further, the stale images may be detected in devices and/or systems where incoming images—such as from an imager—are received at a frame rate different than that of the display. A controller may detect the stale images by assigning hash values to images of each frame displayed by the display; storing novel hash values in a memory; and maintaining a counter. The counter may be maintained such that assigning a repeat hash value increments the counter by one and assigning novel hash values resets the counter to zero. Further, the stale images may be determined based, at least in part, on the counter value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Oosterhouse, Michael D. Zwagerman, Tyler W. Blaum
  • Patent number: 11979951
    Abstract: A window operable to separate an interior from an exterior is disclosed. The window comprises a pressure pane and an anti-condensation assembly. The anti-condensation assembly is disposed in an interior direction relative the pressure pane. Further, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a substantially transparent substrate disposed in a spaced apart relationship relative the pressure pane. Additionally, the anti-condensation assembly comprises a resistively heatable layer associated with the first substrate. The resistively heatable layer is operable to generate heat when an electrical current is applied thereto. Accordingly, application of power to the resistively heatable layer may serve to reduce or eliminate the presence of visible condensation in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Henry A. Luten, David I. Driscoll, Steven J. Veenman, Kevin L. Ash
  • Publication number: 20240131905
    Abstract: A visor assembly for an automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic device configured to switch between a transparent state and a darkened state. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface, a second substrate spaced away from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface, and an electroactive medium positioned between the first and second substrates. The visor assembly further includes a liquid-crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state and a reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic device and the liquid-crystal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Bradley A. Bosma
  • Patent number: 11964614
    Abstract: A glare control system for a vehicle comprises a rearview assembly comprises a display element configured to display scenes exterior to the vehicle; an ambient light sensor configured to determine levels of ambient light; a blind spot module comprising at least one sensor and operable to detect other vehicles located in a field of view to the side and rear of the vehicle and in communication with the rearview assembly; an electro-optic element configured to selectively darken and clear upon receipt of appropriate instructions; and a controller in communication with the blind spot module, the ambient light sensor, and the electro-optic element, the controller configured to selectively cause the dimming of the electro-optic element. In response to the receipt of appropriate inputs from the blind spot module and the ambient light sensor, the controller is configured to transmit instructions to the electro-optic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joakim D. V. Soderstrom
  • Publication number: 20240108092
    Abstract: A mounting rail assembly comprises a rail configured to be coupled to a helmet. The rail may include a rear surface and a front surface with a mounting groove extending along a length of the front surface. The mounting groove may be open outwardly from a front surface of the rail and be configured to couple to a first accessory device at two or more positions along the length of the rail. A recess may be proximate an edge of the mounting rail assembly. The recess may be open generally perpendicular to the mounting groove and configured to receive a second accessory device. At least a portion of the recess may be positioned between the mounting groove and the rear surface of the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jason W. O'Connell, Duco W. Noordzij
  • Publication number: 20240109492
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a monitoring system that includes an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element is configured to redirect an illumination from the illumination source toward an occupant position in an automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kasen Keith Anderson, Steven J. Veenman, Brett C. Pothoof, Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 11945370
    Abstract: A rearview assembly is disclosed. The rearview assembly comprises a reflective element and/or a display element. Further, the rearview assembly comprises an array of piezo-electric sensors. The array of piezo-electric sensors may be operable to sense a first vibration. Further, based, at least in part, on sensing the first vibration, the array of piezo-electric sensors may be operable to output a second vibration. In some embodiments, the second vibration may be operable to substantially dampen the first vibration. In other embodiments, the second vibration may be operable to provide haptic feedback to a user interfacing with a touch screen surface of the rearview assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric S. Lundy
  • Publication number: 20240092259
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system is disclosed. The system may comprise a light assembly, an imager, and/or a controller. The light assembly may be configured to emit an array of illumination elements onto a scene. The imager may be configured to capture one or more images of the illumination elements projected onto the scene. The controller may be configured to selectively activate the light assembly between a first state and a second state. In the first and second sates, respectively, first and second groups of the illumination elements are selectively activated to emit first and second patterns of illumination elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sebastien C. Jaeger, Yoav Zuta, Keith W. Bigoness
  • Patent number: 11935248
    Abstract: System and methods are provided for detecting occupancy state in a vehicle having an interior passenger compartment the systems and methods include analyzing data of the interior passenger compartment to yield at least one probability of a current occupancy state of said vehicle and further analyzing additional data of the interior passenger compartment to yield predicted probabilities of said occupancy state of said vehicle, wherein each probability of the predicted probabilities relate to the probability of changing said current occupancy state to different occupancy state combining the current at least one probability of the current occupancy state with the predicted probabilities of the occupancy state to yield an updated probability of an updated occupancy state of said vehicle; determining the current occupancy state based on said updated probability of an updated occupancy state of said vehicle and generating an output to control one or more devices or applications based on the determined occupancy sta
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuval Gronau
  • Patent number: 11930879
    Abstract: A helmet accessory mounting system includes a mounting device configured to couple to an outer surface of a side of a helmet. The mounting device includes a plurality of mounting locations configured to removeably couple to at least one accessory. A plurality of the plurality of mounting locations each includes an electrical node. A power supply is coupled to the mounting device. An electrical supply line electrically couples the power supply to each of the electrical nodes and the electrical supply line is contained at least partially within the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Franzino, Stephen Bourque, Scott W. James, Daniel Berry, Ross Fade Barber, Zoltan S. Brutler
  • Patent number: 11932170
    Abstract: An improved device switchable between reflective and display states comprising an optical element and a display element. The optical element comprising a liquid crystal medium disposed between first and second substrates. The optical element may further comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, an absorptive polarizer, and a reflective polarizer. The first electrode and the absorptive polarizer may be disposed in a first direction relative the liquid crystal medium. Similarly, the second electrode and the reflective polarizer may be disposed in a second direction relative the liquid crystal medium. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the absorptive and reflective polarizers may be further disposed between the first and second substrates. The display may be disposed in the first direction relative the optical element. Additionally, the device may further comprise a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may not have a bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, David J. Cammenga, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20240083359
    Abstract: A rearview assembly is disclosed, which may comprise a housing, a transflective element, and a mount. The housing may form a cavity and an opening. The transflective element may be substantially disposed in the opening. The mount assembly may have a first and second ends. The first end may be configured to secure to a vehicle. The second end may be secured to support the housing and may comprise a bracket extending into the cavity. Additionally, at least one of an imager and a light source may be disposed within the cavity and secured to the bracket. The bracket may remain in a substantially fixed position when the mount assembly is secured to the vehicle and the housing is articulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: David M. Bostrom
  • Publication number: 20240081464
    Abstract: A visor assembly for a helmet includes a helmet cover configured to couple to a helmet, a visor pivotably coupled to the helmet cover and configured to selectively pivot between a stowage position and one or more usage positions relative to the helmet cover, and a latching mechanism coupled to the visor. The latching mechanism includes a first pawl configured to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latching mechanism is further configured to releasably lock the visor in one or more of the stowage position and the one or more usage positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Duco NOORDZIJ
  • Patent number: 11926213
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle for a vehicle includes a display device having a screen disposed in a passenger compartment. The display device is in communication with a user interface. The system further includes an authentication system having at least one scanning apparatus configured to capture a biometric data. A communication circuit is configured to communicate with a remote server. A controller is configured to capture the biometric data of a first potential passenger with the at least one scanning apparatus and access a first passenger information comprising a first identification profile from the remote server via the communication circuit. The controller is further configured to authenticate the first potential passenger as at least one of a confirmed passenger and an operator of the vehicle based on the identification profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel P. Bayer, Autumn N. Lagowski, Mark R. Roth, Bradley R. Hamlin, Nigel T. Lock
  • Patent number: 11927298
    Abstract: A mounting element for a rearview assembly may comprise a mount capable of being removably attachable to a button and having a tapered channel in a first end; a pivot comprising a first end capable of supporting the rearview assembly and a pivot ball; a pivot cup disposed at least partially within the tapered channel of the mount, having fingers extending from a first end and an annular surface having an outer diameter at a second end, the pivot cup being operable to at least partially accept and to exert a pivot torque on the pivot ball; and a coil spring having a first end, a second end, and an outer diameter similar to the diameter of the annular surface of the pivot cup, the coil spring disposed within the mount, the first end of the coil spring pressing against the annular surface of the pivot cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric S. Sloterbeek
  • Publication number: 20240073540
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an illumination source configured to illuminate at least a portion of a vehicle interior. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the portion of the vehicle interior. A controller is in communication with the illumination source and the camera. The controller is configured to receive the one or more images, identify a glare associated with an occupant of the vehicle interior in the one or more images, and generate and communicate a signal to adjust the illumination source to limit the glare.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Steven J. Veenman, Matthew W. Remijn, Carl L. Shearer, JR.
  • Patent number: D1017515
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nigel T. Lock, Mark R. Roth, Eric S. Lundy
  • Patent number: D1020510
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael G. Hendricks, Christopher B. Case, James E. Marsh, Gregory A. Herrema, Paul K. Postma, Douglas J. Newhouse