Patents Assigned to Gentex Corporation
  • Publication number: 20240246415
    Abstract: A display assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The display assembly may include a variable transmittance panel in connection with a support structure connecting the display assembly to the vehicle. The variable transmittance panel may include an electro-optic element configured to vary in transmittance in response to a transmittance control signal and a display that is at least partially light transmissive. The display may include opposing display surfaces on a first side and a second side. The first side is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic element. In operation, the display may output display content as display light from both the first side and the second side. The visibility of the display light output from the first side may be controlled or adjusted by the transmittance of the electro-optic element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Bradley A. Bosma, Michael J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20240246483
    Abstract: A driver monitoring system for a vehicle includes a communication module, and at least one imager module in operable communication with to the communication module that is configured to capture a lane position of the associated vehicle and a driver's behavior. A processor receives the captured lane position and the captured driver's location from the at least one imager module. A memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to monitor the captured lane position and the captured driver's behavior for a sign of low alertness of the driver and generate an alert with the communications module upon detecting the sign of low alertness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 12043178
    Abstract: A system for securing a motor to a circuit board of a rearview assembly may comprise a display element having an orientation; a motor having at least two motor terminals; a motherboard having a connection header; and a motor connection printed circuit board defining at least two slots and having a body portion and an end portion. Traces may extend from the at least two slots to the end portion of the motor connection printed circuit board. Each of the at least two motor terminals may be inserted into one of the at least two slots defined by the motor connection printed circuit board; and a portion of each of the at least two motor terminals may extend through the slot in which it has been inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric S. Lundy, Gregory J. Nagel, Richard B. Kollewehr
  • Publication number: 20240241394
    Abstract: An eye protection device is disclosed that includes a lens, a first transparent conductive layer (TCL) coupled to the lens and that covers a first heating area on the lens and a second TCL coupled to the lens and that covers a second heating area on the lens. The second TCL and second heating area are spaced from the first TCL and first heating area. The first TCL and second TCL are electrically connected to one another in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: July 18, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Haiping YU, Taylor WORTHINGTON
  • Publication number: 20240227673
    Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing and a mounting bracket connected to the housing. A mounting member extends between a member first end configured to attach to an overhead structure of the vehicle and a connection end connected to the mounting bracket. A tether includes a first end connected to the mounting bracket. The tether extends at least partially through a hollow interior of the mounting member to a second end that is configured to attach to the overhead structure of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander K. Stapf, Andreas Kraus
  • Publication number: 20240227515
    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 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Bradley A. Bosma
  • Patent number: 12032125
    Abstract: An optically transparent device includes an exterior lens and an optical filter coupled to an inner surface of the exterior lens. A protective coating comprised of an acrylate may be coupled to an inner surface of the optical filter to reduce fragments of the optical filter from detaching from the exterior lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaodong Sun, May L. Castro
  • Publication number: 20240219015
    Abstract: An illumination system includes at least one first light-emitting diode that is configured to project a first light within a cool visible spectrum and at least one second light-emitting diode that is configured to project a second light within a warm visible spectrum. An imaging assembly includes an infrared light source that is configured to project an infrared light and an imager that captures an image of a reflection of the infrared light from a surface of an object. A processor is configured to extract a 2-dimensional (“2D”) representation of the object from the image, identify and categorize the object, and generate an illumination signal to at least one of the at least one first light-emitting diode or the at least one second light-emitting diode based on the category of the object to illuminate the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Case, Brock R. Rycenga, Eric S. Lundy, Guy Raz
  • Publication number: 20240217440
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging device configured to capture a first image type and a second image type in a sequence. A first illumination source is configured to emit a flood illumination captured by the at least one imaging device in the first image type. A second illumination source is configured to emit an illumination pattern captured by the at least one imaging device in the second image type. At least one processor is configured to extract a 2-dimensional (“2D”) skeletal representation of a vehicle occupant from the first image type, measure a depth of the 2D skeletal representation with the second image type, and extrapolate a 3-dimensional (“3D”) skeletal representation of the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Bar Mayo, Guy Raz
  • Publication number: 20240219797
    Abstract: A display and window assembly includes a bezel that defines a first window aperture, a second window aperture, and a display aperture located between the first and second window apertures. A display unit is aligned with the display aperture, a first window is aligned with the first window aperture, and a second window is aligned with the second window aperture. The first window and the second window each include a front substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface, and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Case, Eric S. Lundy, Nigel T. Lock
  • Publication number: 20240221396
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle includes an imaging device configured to capture a first image type and a second image type. A first illumination source is configured to emit a flood illumination captured by the imaging device in the first image type. A second illumination source is configured to emit an illumination pattern captured by the imaging device in the second image type. A processor is configured to extract a 2D skeletal representation of a vehicle occupant from the first image type and extrapolate a 3D skeletal representation of the vehicle occupant. The processor is further configured to generate at least one of a communication to the vehicle occupant to change a posture or a signal to a vehicle control system to move at least one of a position of a seat or a position of a steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Guy Raz
  • Patent number: 12019346
    Abstract: An electrochromic device, system using, and method for, which may pre-activate a buffer is disclosed. The electrochromic device may comprise a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic medium. The second substrate may be disposed in apart relationship with the first substrate. The first and second electrodes may be associated with the first and second substrates, respectively. The electrochromic medium may be disposed between the first and second electrodes. Further, the electrochromic medium may comprise electrochromic materials and a redox buffer. Each of the electrochromic materials and the buffer may be operable between activated and deactivated states. The electrochromic device may be configured to apply a voltage to substantially pre-activate the buffer and hold the buffer in this state prior to substantially activating the electrochromic materials, thereby decreasing the response time of the electrochromic device upon activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 12017586
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing; a rearview element configured to display images of a scene to the rear of the vehicle, the rearview element disposed in the housing; a circuit board mounted in the housing behind the rearview element, the circuit board having a substantially planar surface and a peripheral edge; and a capacitive touch zone on a surface of the housing, the capacitive touch zone comprising a conductive component mounted to the circuit board, wherein the conductive component comprises a first portion mounted to the planar surface of the circuit board and a second portion extending beyond the peripheral edge of the circuit board at an angle to the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brigham, Jochen Peter, Matthew P. Waligorski, Kyle G. Jones, Robert R. Turnbull, Gregory J. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20240201552
    Abstract: An electro-optic assembly includes a front substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is in the gap. At least one of the first and second electrodes are an antireflective electrode stack including a conductive layer formed of a transparent conductive oxide, an overcoat layer in contact with the electro-optic medium and formed of a substantially transparent conductive material, an insulating layer between the conductive layer and the overcoat layer, and a base layer between the substrate and conductive layer. A conduction well contains the electro-optic medium and extends through the insulating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mario F. Saenger Nayver, David J. Cammenga, Henry A. Luten, John S. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20240198768
    Abstract: A monitoring system for an automobile includes at least one illumination source that is configured to project a first illumination type towards a driver location. At least one imaging device is configured to capture the first illumination type at the driver location. A visor assembly includes a stowed position and an articulated position. The visor assembly in the articulated position obscures at least part of the first illumination type from the driver location. An electro-optic device is located in the visor assembly and is configured to switch between a transmissive state and a darkened state. The first illumination type passes through the electro-optic device in the transmissive state and the darkened state, and a second illumination type passes through the electro-optic device in the transmissive state but is blocked in the darkened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Veenman
  • Patent number: 12014733
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant aid system is disclosed. The system may comprise a rearview assembly. Further, the rearview assembly may comprise a button. The system may further comprise one or more data capturing element. Each element may be a microphone, an imager, a location device, and/or a sensor. In some embodiments, a controller may record the data for a predetermined period of time. Further, the controller may transmit information to a remote device based upon initiation of a trigger. The information being based, at least in part, on the data. In other embodiments, the controller may operability record the data in response to a first operation of the button. Further, the controller may transmit information to a remote device based upon a second operation of the button. The information being based, at least in part, on the data recorded between the first and second operations of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wright, Eric P. Bigoness
  • Publication number: 20240190344
    Abstract: A windshield mount for a rearview mirror assembly includes a supporting ring that defines an outer supporting perimeter and an inner supporting perimeter. The inner supporting perimeter defines an aperture. A button defines an outer button perimeter and the button is located in the aperture. A space is defined between the inner supporting perimeter and the outer button perimeter. An adhesive is within the space to secure the supporting ring to the button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Kraus, Alexander K. Stapf
  • Patent number: 11998399
    Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
  • Publication number: 20240175565
    Abstract: An illumination system includes an array of LEDs including a plurality of first LEDs and a plurality of second LEDs. A microlens array overlays the plurality of LEDs and includes a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the plurality of first LEDs and a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the plurality of second LEDs. A first geometry of at least one of the plurality of first lenses is different than a second geometry of at least one of the plurality of second lenses. An imaging device is configured to capture an image based on light reflected from the array of LEDs. At least one processing device is in communication with the array of LEDs and the imaging device. The at least one processing device is configured to identify a shadow cast on the target region by an obstruction and selectively activate the array of LEDs based on the shadow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jason D. Hallack, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Eric P. Bigoness
  • Publication number: 20240179383
    Abstract: A monitoring system that includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. An illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) illumination. A control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile in accordance with a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to the emission of illumination from the illumination source and the second exposure profile corresponds to ambient lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Benjamin N. Pohlman