Patents by Inventor Alan R. Watson
Alan R. Watson 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).
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Patent number: 9106312Abstract: A vehicular microphone system (200) for post processing optimization of a microphone signal includes a first transducer (201) and second transducer (203) separated by a predetermined distance within an automotive mirror. A first high pass filter network (205) is connected to the first transducer (201) while a second high pass filter network (207) connected to the second transducer (203). A low frequency shelving filter (209) is used for receiving the output from the second high pass filter (207). A first all pass filter (211) is connected to the low frequency shelving filter (209) and a second all pass filter (213) is used in connection with the first all pass filter (211) for tailoring audio characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson, Robert R. Turnbull
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Patent number: 8787590Abstract: The rearview assembly of the present invention may include any one or more of the following: a housing for attaching to the vehicle, the housing may define an interior space that is acoustically separated into at least two chambers; a first speaker that may be located in a first one of the at least two chambers of the interior space of the housing; a first microphone subassembly located on the top surface of the housing; a second microphone subassembly located on the bottom surface of the housing; a display positioned in the housing; an audio/data transceiver for transmitting and receiving audio and data signals to/from a portable device; and a control circuit for determining whether a portable device having a predetermined identification code is within the range of the audio/data transceiver, and for exchanging data with the portable device through the audio/data transceiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 8682005Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers (2210) that are positioned in one or more housings. A preprocessing circuit (2215) includes a inverted comb filter (2245) for eliminating predetermined frequencies between harmonics of the human voice in a predetermined frequency range. A processing circuit (2220) coupled to the preprocessing circuit (2215) is used for outputting an electrical signal such that the transducers (2210) used in combination with the processing circuit (2220) very effectively cancels noise. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory such as a vehicular mirror.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe
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Patent number: 8675889Abstract: An autobias vehicular microphone system (300) includes a microphone (301) which uses an amplifier (306) for amplifying an output of the microphone. A first feedback path (308) provides an amplifier output signal to the amplifier input for providing amplifier linearity, and a second feedback path (305) is used for providing bias to a voltage reference (303). The voltage reference (303) operates to provide an autobias to the amplifier (306) based upon amplifier load-ing. By holding the bias point to a constant voltage, a constant clip level can be maintained depending on varying load conditions of electronic devices (307, 309, 311) using the microphone (301). Additionally, one or more switches can be used to vary the bias point which can be interpreted to control functionality of the electronic devices (307, 309, 311).Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 8467551Abstract: A microphone mounting assembly (800A/800b) include one or more transducers (801) mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) (805) where a spacer (803) is used having a channel (807) positioned on the PCB (805) for allowing acoustical energy to pass through the channel (807) to a port (809) in the PCB (805). A first cover (811) is positioned over the channel (807) for disrupting the direct encounter with airflow into the channel (807) while a top section (813) having a second cover (815) is further positioned adjacent to the first fabric cover (811) for preventing debris from obstructing the first fabric cover (811).Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
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Publication number: 20130094663Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers (2210) that are positioned in one or more housings. A preprocessing circuit (2215) includes a inverted comb filter (2245) for eliminating predetermined frequencies between harmonics of the human voice in a predetermined frequency range. A processing circuit (2220) coupled to the preprocessing circuit (2215) is used for outputting an electrical signal such that the transducers (2210) used in combination with the processing circuit (2220) very effectively cancels noise. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory such as a vehicular mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2008Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe
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Patent number: 8224012Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in a housing. Circuitry is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone has a main lobe directed forwardly and attenuates signals originating from the sides and/or rear. The transducers can advantageously include multiple transducers, which, with the circuit, produce a desired sensitivity pattern. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R Watson, Robert C Knapp, Robert R Turnbull, William R Spence, G. Bruce Poe, Michael A Bryson
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Patent number: 8111179Abstract: A rearview assembly includes a mounting structure for attaching to a vehicle. The mounting structure includes a housing that has a rearview element disposed inside for providing a driver of the vehicle with a view to the rear of the vehicle. The rearview assembly also includes a continuously variable slope delta encoder module in or on the mounting structure configured to generate a feedback signal. The rearview assembly also includes a pre-processing module on or within the mounting structure. The pre-processing module is configured to process a source signal and the feedback signal from the continuously variable slope delta encoder module, and to provide a pre-processed signal to the continuously variable slope delta encoder module based on the value of the source signal and the feedback signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson
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Publication number: 20120027241Abstract: A microphone mounting assembly (800A/800b) include one or more transducers (801) mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) (805) where a spacer (803) is used having a channel (807) positioned on the PCB (805) for allowing acoustical energy to pass through the channel (807) to a port (809) in the PCB (805). A first cover (811) is positioned over the channel (807) for disrupting the direct encounter with airflow into the channel (807) while a top section (813) having a second cover (815) is further positioned adjacent to the first fabric cover (811) for preventing debris from obstructing the first fabric cover (811).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 8081772Abstract: A triangular microphone assembly (101) for use in a vehicle accessory includes a mirror housing (106) adapted for attachment to the interior of the vehicle. A mirror is disposed in an opening of the mirror housing (106) and a plurality of virtual digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) are arranged in a substantially triangular configuration in the mirror housing (106). A digital signal processor (DSP) (537) is used for receiving signals from the plurality of digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) such that the digital microphones exhibit directional characteristics for reducing undesirable noise in at least one direction by normalizing the phase of the received signals as a function of signal frequency.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
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Publication number: 20110222706Abstract: A vehicular microphone system (200) for post processing optimization of a microphone signal includes a first transducer (201) and second transducer (203) separated by a predetermined distance within an automotive mirror. A first high pass filter network (205) is connected to the first transducer (201) while a second high pass filter network (207) connected to the second transducer (203). A low frequency shelving filter (209) is used for receiving the output from the second high pass filter (207). A first all pass filter (211) is connected to the low frequency shelving filter (209) and a second all pass filter (213) is used in connection with the first all pass filter (211) for tailoring audio characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2009Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson, Robert R. Turnbull
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Publication number: 20110123041Abstract: An autobias vehicular microphone system (300) includes a microphone (301) which uses an amplifier (306) for amplifying an output of the microphone. A first feedback path (308) provides an amplifier output signal to the amplifier input for providing amplifier linearity, and a second feedback path (305) is used for providing bias to a voltage reference (303). The voltage reference (303) operates to provide an autobias to the amplifier (306) based upon amplifier load-ing. By holding the bias point to a constant voltage, a constant clip level can be maintained depending on varying load conditions of electronic devices (307, 309, 311) using the microphone (301). Additionally, one or more switches can be used to vary the bias point which can be interpreted to control functionality of the electronic devices (307, 309, 311).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7916380Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7821696Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7817020Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Michael A. Bryson, David L. Plangger, G. Bruce Poe, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7772966Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Robert C. Knapp, Eric J. Walstra, Alan R. Watson, G. Bruce Poe, John K. Roberts, Wayne J. Rumsey
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Publication number: 20100165437Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Frederick T. Bauer, Alan R. Watson
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Publication number: 20100124339Abstract: A triangular microphone assembly (101) for use in a vehicle accessory includes a mirror housing (106) adapted for attachment to the interior of the vehicle. A mirror is disposed in an opening of the mirror housing (106) and a plurality of virtual digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) are arranged in a substantially triangular configuration in the mirror housing (106). A digital signal processor (DSP) (537) is used for receiving signals from the plurality of digital microphones (108a, 108b, 108c) such that the digital microphones exhibit directional characteristics for reducing undesirable noise in at least one direction by normalizing the phase of the received signals as a function of signal frequency.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: ROBERT R. TURNBULL, Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson
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Patent number: 7679809Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: William L. Tonar, Fredrick T. Bauer, Alan R. Watson
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Patent number: 7616768Abstract: A microphone assembly includes one or more transducers positioned in one or more housings. A processing circuit is coupled to the transducer for outputting an electrical signal such that the microphone in combination with the processing circuit very effectively cancels noise. The microphone assembly can be employed in a vehicle accessory.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Alan R. Watson, Michael A. Bryson, William R. Spence