Patents Assigned to SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
  • Patent number: 10744932
    Abstract: A control circuit includes a first light source, a second light source, an input channel for receiving an input signal, at most two output channels each configured to control one of the first light source and the second light source, where the control circuit is configured to use at most two cables, and is capable of permanently powering on one of the first light source and the second light source while, at the same time, flashing on and off the other of the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Romeo Wieczorek, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10744947
    Abstract: A head section for a rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a casing means including at least one housing section and a lid section arranged on a side of the housing section which faces away from a driving direction of the motor vehicle, at least one electronic unit arranged in a hollow area formed between the housing section and the lid section, a first rear view means for displaying an area of the motor vehicle, and a second rear view means for displaying a second area of the motor vehicle, where the second rear view means is arranged on the lid section, with the lid section and the second rear view means includes a combined, single-piece component, and where the lid section includes a polymeric substrate, which is coated with a chromium-based reflective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Andrew Lettis
  • Patent number: 10723268
    Abstract: A rearview device for use with a vehicle includes a first reflective element backing plate, a first reflective element positioned on the first reflective element backing plate, a second reflective element backing plate, a second reflective element positioned on the second reflective element backing plate, and an attachment mechanism including at least one of one or more tracks, snaps, clips, and projections configured to attach the first reflective element backing plate to the second reflective element backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Gary Sinelli, Anthony P. D'Andrea, Paul R. Henion, Simon David Field, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10723293
    Abstract: An electronic device of a vehicle part of a motor vehicle includes at least one housing having at least one base surface of the vehicle part and a cover piece attached on the base surface, which in the attached state delimits an almost completely closed cavity, at least one first retaining means of a first surface of the vehicle part through which the housing is fixed in or on the vehicle part, and at least one electronic module including at least one conductor unit and at least one contact means connected with the conductor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Artem Rudi
  • Publication number: 20200223361
    Abstract: A method displays information graphically on an image captured by a vehicular optical system. The method includes capturing the image and identifying an object in the image. The method the assigns a priority level to the object based on a predetermined criterion. The object is altered based on its priority level to create an altered object. An altered object may have a changed color, a colored halo surrounding it, or a colored object inside it. Other possible ways to alter the way the object looks are possible. The altered object is displayed in the image in place of the object on a mobile device to alert a person of its presence and the priority level associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Martin Schwalb, Frank Linsenmaier, Oliver Eder, Ilka Rötzer, Thomas Jochmann, Firas Mualla
  • Patent number: 10710513
    Abstract: A camera device for a motor vehicle includes a camera module with a module body having at least one aperture, a sensor adapted to detect electromagnetic radiation of a spectral range and arranged within the module body, and an optical element mounted to substantially cover, fill or close the aperture, a deployment system adapted to move the camera module between a retracted state, in which at least the optical element is arranged within the cavity of the vehicle body with the outer surface of the camera module body being generally flush with the exterior of the vehicle body, and a deployed state, in which the camera sensor is operable and at least the optical element protrudes from the vehicle body, and cleaning means for cleaning the optical element at least during movement of the camera module between the retracted state and the deployed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Vincent Wilson
  • Patent number: 10703299
    Abstract: A method is shown to indicate to a driver of a vehicle the presence of an object moving relative to the vehicle. The method begins by collecting data using a camera or other such image capturing device. The data is analyzed to detect a hazard created by the presence of the object, regardless of whether it is moving or not. A warning associated with the hazard is created. Both the hazard and the warning are displayed using the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Ilka Rötzer, Andreas Herrmann, Oliver Eder, Frank Linsenmaier, Firas Mualla
  • Patent number: 10703281
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirror having a backing plate or polymeric substrate being coated with a reflective coating, for example a chromium-based reflective coating. A mirror assembly includes a mirror housing, a reflective element having a first field of view, a reflective coating having a second field of view, the second field of view being wider than the first field of view, and a multi-function backing plate supported by the mirror housing and comprising a reflective element supporting region where the reflective element is supported by the multi-function backing plate and a reflective coating supporting region where the reflective coating is applied to the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Simon David Field, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10696206
    Abstract: A camera module housing of a vehicle includes at least a first light source adapted to radiate light having a first color, a second light source adapted to radiate light having a second color, wherein the first color is different from the second color, at least a first opening in the aperture of the camera module housing adapted to allow for light passing through from the first light source, at least a second opening in the aperture of the camera housing adapted to allow for light passing through from the second light source, where the first and second opening are arranged around a lens of the camera. A control circuit for controlling a lighting application in a vehicle includes at least a voltage input channel for receiving an input voltage; and at least a first output channel, a first lighting device, a second output channel, and a second lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Alf Liesener, Stefanie Göttlicher, Romeo Wieczorek, Daniel Fritz, Ilka Rötzer
  • Patent number: 10661714
    Abstract: A rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a moveable head assembly, an actuator assembly having a fixed part and a moveable part, the moveable part being attached to the head assembly, a motor cradle configured to attach the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly. A method of assembling a rearview device comprises providing the rearview device and attaching the actuator assembly to the moveable head assembly using the motor cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins
  • Patent number: 10656501
    Abstract: A heating device for a lens of a camera includes at least one body including at least one matrix material and at least one conductive material, the conductive material being dispersed in the matrix material to form a conductive mass, and at least two electrical contacts contacting the conductive mass for applying an electrical voltage to the conductive mass. A system includes such a heating device and a camera, a rear view display device for a vehicle includes such a heating device or such a system, and a vehicle includes such a rear view display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Urszula Kosidlo, Romeo Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 10650257
    Abstract: A method for identifying a signaling state of at least one signaling device including a traffic light includes obtaining at least one image which includes an image of the at least one signaling device, extracting a region of the at least one image which includes the image of the at least one signaling device, detecting the at least one signaling device within the extracted region of the at least one image, and detecting a signaling state of the signaling device after detecting the at least one signaling device within the extracted region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Nikhil Satyakumar, Harish S. Bharadwaj, Krishna Reddy Konda, Ganeshan Narayanan, Henrik Schäfer
  • Patent number: 10647257
    Abstract: A rear-view sensor system for a motor vehicle includes at least one sensor in the form of at least one of a rear-view camera and a lidar sensor positioned in the motor vehicle interior between a bodywork roof and a rear window, and a position-changing apparatus which moves the at least one sensor back and forth between a rest position and at least one operating position, where the at least one sensor is arranged in a recess in the rest position and is arranged right behind an upper part of the rear window in the at least one operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefanie Göttlicher, Ilka Rötzer, Matthias Koller
  • Patent number: 10649125
    Abstract: A lighting device installed in a vehicle for optimized light distribution includes a substrate having quantum dots which are adapted to emit light, a reflecting layer which may be arranged on the bottom side of the substrate, and a transparent layer which may be arranged on the top side of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Oliver Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10638094
    Abstract: A side rearview vision assembly for a vehicle includes a base that is fixedly secured to the vehicle. A support arm is pivotally secured to the base. A positioning arm is secured to the support arm and is movable with respect to the support arm. The positioning arm defines a distal end. A camera is attached to the distal end of the positioning arm such that the camera moves with the positioning arm as the positioning arm moves relative to said support arm. The camera is configured to provide images exterior to the vehicle. A camera motor is operatively connected to the camera and changes its orientation with respect to the distal end of said positioning arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.á.r.l.
    Inventors: Paul Henion, Darryl Brooks, Philipp Hottmann, Gary Sinelli
  • Publication number: 20200122630
    Abstract: A travel direction indicator module for an exterior rearview mirror arrangement for a motor vehicle has at least one light source. A first light conductor associated with the at least one light source includes a multiplicity of light decoupling points. The travel direction indicator further includes a second light conductor. The light source couples a first beam part into the first light conductor at a first end and a second beam part into the second light conductor at a first end. A module housing is formed as one injection molded part in common with the first light conductor and the second light conductor. The at least one light source emits light into a single light decoupling area, which is arranged in an area of the second end of the first light conductor situated opposite the first end of the first light conductor. An exterior rearview mirror arrangement having such a travel direction indicator module is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Volker Erhart, Dénes Marosvoelgyi
  • Patent number: 10628689
    Abstract: A method for identifying a signaling state of at least one signaling device from a plurality of signaling devices includes obtaining at least one image which comprises each of the plurality of signaling devices, representing at least one first group of the plurality of signaling devices detected by the image using a display device, receiving a user input regarding the display device or regarding a representation provided by the display device, evaluating the user input and selecting a second group from the first group of the plurality of signaling devices, and detecting a signaling state of the signaling devices of the second group and outputting a signal as a function of at least one detected signaling state of a signaling device of the second group in response to a change in the signaling state. A device for carrying out such a method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l
    Inventor: Henrik Schäfer
  • Patent number: 10594989
    Abstract: A safety mirror system for a motor vehicle includes at least one sun visor including a safety mirror having a mirror element in a folded down position, and at least one camera or monitoring system including a support arm pivotally secured to a base, the support arm pivotal between retracted and extended positions, a positioning arm secured to the support arm and movable with respect to the support arm and including a camera mount, and at least one camera attached to the camera mount at a distal end of the positioning arm, the camera configured to provide images exterior to the vehicle, wherein the safety mirror further includes at least one attachment structure configured to separately and selectively attach the safety mirror to each of the sun visor and the camera mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patent S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Paul Henion, Darryl Brooks, Philipp Hottmann, Gary Sinelli
  • Patent number: 10576940
    Abstract: A wiping device for wiping an optical element clean of water or of particles includes a housing and a wiping element able to undergo a movement with respect to the housing, where the wiping device is configured to move in such a manner that such movement is caused by coupling a first unit in or on the wiping element with a second unit in the housing via a time-variable electromagnetic field. The wiping device may be used for wiping the surface of a lens or of a window, which lens or window is transmissive to visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and/or infrared radiation, and is preferably placed in front or as part of a camera. In addition, a rear view device or driver assistant device for use in or on a vehicle including such a wiping device, and a method for wiping an optical element are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Henrik Schäfer
  • Patent number: 10562452
    Abstract: A method displays information graphically on an image captured by an optical system used to simulate a rear-view mirror system of a vehicle. The method includes capturing the image and identifying an object in the image. The method the assigns a priority level to the object based on a predetermined criterion. The object is altered based on its priority level to create an altered object. An altered object may have a changed color, a colored halo surrounding it, or a colored object inside it. Other possible ways to alter the way the object looks are possible. The altered object is displayed in the image in place of the object to alert a vehicle operator of its presence and the priority level associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Martin Schwalb, Frank Linsenmaier, Oliver Eder, Ilka Rötzer, Thomas Jochmann