Patents by Inventor Vernon R. Nise

Vernon R. Nise 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: 20240046706
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior prismatic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior prismatic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through a prismatic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are disposed at the mirror assembly that are operable to emit near infrared light to illuminate at least the driver-side front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera behind the prismatic mirror reflective element is not readily apparent to an occupant of the vehicle. The camera at least (a) views the driver-side front seating area of the vehicle and (b) views a passenger-side front seating area of the vehicle. The driver of the equipped vehicle is monitored via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 11798319
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through an electrochromic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are integrated into the mirror assembly that, when powered to emit near infrared light, illuminate at least the driver-side front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera is not readily apparent to an occupant of the vehicle. The camera at least (a) views the driver-side front seating area of the equipped vehicle and (b) views a passenger-side front seating area of the equipped vehicle. The driver of the equipped vehicle is monitored via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20230177885
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through an electrochromic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are integrated into the mirror assembly that, when powered to emit near infrared light, illuminate at least the driver-side front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera is not readily apparent to an occupant of the vehicle. The camera at least (a) views the driver-side front seating area of the equipped vehicle and (b) views a passenger-side front seating area of the equipped vehicle. The driver of the equipped vehicle is monitored via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 11562599
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through an electrochromic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are integrated into the mirror assembly that, when powered to emit near infrared light, illuminate at least a front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera is not readily apparent to an occupant sitting in the interior cabin of the vehicle. The interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly includes a processor that processes image data captured by the camera. The camera at least views a driver-side front seating area of the vehicle and, via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera, the driver seated at the driver-side front seating area is monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20220270409
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through an electrochromic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are integrated into the mirror assembly that, when powered to emit near infrared light, illuminate at least a front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera is not readily apparent to an occupant sitting in the interior cabin of the vehicle. The interior electrochromic rearview mirror assembly includes a processor that processes image data captured by the camera. The camera at least views a driver-side front seating area of the vehicle and, via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera, the driver seated at the driver-side front seating area is monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 11348374
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in a vehicle and including a mirror reflective element. A camera is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly and views a driver sitting at a driver seat of the equipped vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. A control includes a vision system-on-a-chip image processor that processes image data captured by the camera. The control, via processing at the vision system-on-a-chip image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines driver movement. The vehicular driver monitoring system generates an output responsive at least in part to the determined driver movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20210383104
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in a vehicle and including a mirror reflective element. A camera is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly and views a driver sitting at a driver seat of the equipped vehicle. The camera is operable to capture image data. A control includes a vision system-on-a-chip image processor that processes image data captured by the camera. The control, via processing at the vision system-on-a-chip image processor of image data captured by the camera, determines driver movement. The vehicular driver monitoring system generates an output responsive at least in part to the determined driver movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20210300263
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) disposed at a vehicle, a rear camera disposed at the vehicle and having a field of view at least rearward of the vehicle. The rear camera captures image data and provides captured image data to the ECU. A video display screen is disposed in the vehicle and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The video display screen is operable to display video images derived from a video signal provided by the ECU during a forward maneuver of the vehicle. The rear camera is mounted at a camera mounting bracket that is attached at a spare tire mounting bracket at a rear of the vehicle. A height of the rear camera is adjustable to position the rear camera above a spare tire mounted at the spare tire mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Vernon R. Nise, John T. Uken, Rodney K. Blank
  • Patent number: 11100315
    Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a video display device disposed in the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera is disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view and operable to capture image data. A control includes a data processor. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the data processor of captured image data, detects an object present exterior of the vehicle that is in the field of view of the camera, and determines if the detected object constitutes a hazardous condition. Responsive to determination of the hazardous condition, the control controls the video display device to automatically display an alert to the driver of the vehicle, with the alert including display of video images of the object that are derived from captured image data or a graphic overlay on displayed video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20200005029
    Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a video display device disposed in the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera is disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view and operable to capture image data. A control includes a data processor. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the data processor of captured image data, detects an object present exterior of the vehicle that is in the field of view of the camera, and determines if the detected object constitutes a hazardous condition. Responsive to determination of the hazardous condition, the control controls the video display device to automatically display an alert to the driver of the vehicle, with the alert including display of video images of the object that are derived from captured image data or a graphic overlay on displayed video images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 10410049
    Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a video display device disposed in the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera is disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view and operable to capture image data. The field of view of the camera encompasses a blind spot of the vehicle. A control includes a data processor. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the data processor of data captured by at least one sensor of the vehicle, detects an object present exterior of the vehicle that is in the field of view of the camera. Responsive to detection of the object present exterior of the vehicle, the control controls the video display device to episodically and automatically display video images of the object that are derived from image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20170228031
    Abstract: A video display system for a vehicle includes a video display device disposed in the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera is disposed at the vehicle and having an exterior field of view and operable to capture image data. The field of view of the camera encompasses a blind spot of the vehicle. A control includes a data processor. The control, responsive at least in part to processing by the data processor of data captured by at least one sensor of the vehicle, detects an object present exterior of the vehicle that is in the field of view of the camera. Responsive to detection of the object present exterior of the vehicle, the control controls the video display device to episodically and automatically display video images of the object that are derived from image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 9632590
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view that encompasses a front seat of the vehicle so as to capture images of an occupant of the vehicle. An image processor is provided with image data captured by the camera and the image processor image processes image data captured by the camera. The image processor, responsive at least in part to image processing of image data captured by the camera, recognizes movement representative of a hand gesture made by the occupant of the vehicle. The image processor is a system-on-a-chip image processor. The control may control a device of the vehicle responsive at least in part to the recognition of the hand gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 9475531
    Abstract: A method of replacing an interior assembly includes removing a first interior assembly from a vehicle by detaching a first mounting base of the first interior assembly from a first mounting element adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield of the vehicle. A second mounting element is provided and is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield at or near or at least partially around the first mounting element. A second mounting base of a second interior assembly is mounted at the first and second mounting elements, whereby the first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the second interior assembly at the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Donald S. Rawlings, Vernon R. Nise, David K. Willmore
  • Publication number: 20160231827
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera having a field of view that encompasses a front seat of the vehicle so as to capture images of an occupant of the vehicle. An image processor is provided with image data captured by the camera and the image processor image processes image data captured by the camera. The image processor, responsive at least in part to image processing of image data captured by the camera, recognizes movement representative of a hand gesture made by the occupant of the vehicle. The image processor is a system-on-a-chip image processor. The control may control a device of the vehicle responsive at least in part to the recognition of the hand gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 9317742
    Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the interior surface of a windshield of the vehicle. A camera is incorporated into the interior rearview mirror assembly and has a field of view toward a front seat of the vehicle so as to capture images of an occupant of the vehicle. The camera captures image data. An image processor is provided with image data captured by the camera. The image processor image processes image data captured by the camera. The image processor, responsive at least in part to image processing of image data captured by the camera, recognizes movement. The movement comprises a hand gesture made by the occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20160031503
    Abstract: A method of replacing an interior assembly includes removing a first interior assembly from a vehicle by detaching a first mounting base of the first interior assembly from a first mounting element adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield of the vehicle. A second mounting element is provided and is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield at or near or at least partially around the first mounting element. A second mounting base of a second interior assembly is mounted at the first and second mounting elements, whereby the first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the second interior assembly at the vehicle windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Donald S. Rawlings, Vernon R. Nise, David K. Willmore
  • Patent number: 9156403
    Abstract: An interior mounting system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly, a mounting assembly for mounting the interior assembly at a vehicle windshield, a first windshield mounting element adhered to an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and a second windshield mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at or at least partially around the first mounting element. A mounting base of the mounting assembly is configured to engage at least the second mounting element when the mounting base is mounted at the first and second mounting elements at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the mounting base and the interior assembly when the first and second mounting elements are adhered to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and when the mounting base is mounted at the first and second mounting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Donald S. Rawlings, Vernon R. Nise, David K. Willmore
  • Publication number: 20150085127
    Abstract: A rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the interior surface of a windshield of the vehicle. A camera is incorporated into the interior rearview mirror assembly and has a field of view toward a front seat of the vehicle so as to capture images of an occupant of the vehicle. The camera captures image data. An image processor is provided with image data captured by the camera. The image processor image processes image data captured by the camera. The image processor, responsive at least in part to image processing of image data captured by the camera, recognizes movement. The movement comprises a hand gesture made by the occupant of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Patent number: 8904308
    Abstract: A user-interactive display system for a vehicle includes a portable hand-held device capable of being carried into and out of the vehicle and a display device viewable by the driver of the vehicle. The portable hand-held device is operable to communicate with a vehicle-based receiver, and the display device is operable to display a listing of choices in response to the communication. A user input of an interior rearview mirror assembly is actuatable by a user to select an item from the displayed listing of choices. The user-interactive display system is operable to at least one of (a) display at the display device data associated with the selected item in response to the user-selection of the selected item from the listing of choices and (b) audibly play at an audio device in the vehicle data associated with the selected item in response to the user-selection of the selected item from the listing of choices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise