Patents by Inventor Andrew D. Weller
Andrew D. Weller 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: 11709408Abstract: A device and system for augmenting the focal length of an electronic display. The device may comprise a display, a first mirror, a second mirror, and a lens. The display is operable to emit light corresponding to a first image in a first direction. The first mirror has a first focal length and is operable to reflect light from the first direction to a second direction. The second mirror has a second focal length and is operable to reflect light from the second direction to a third direction. The lens has a third focal length and is operable to transmit light from the third direction. Further, the light transmitted by the lens is viewable by a user as a second image. Additionally, the perceived distance from the user to the second image is greater than a distance from the user to the lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 11619852Abstract: An electro-optic element is disclosed. The electro-optic element may comprise a voltage control device electrically connected to an electrode of the electro-optic medium. In some embodiments, the voltage control device may be a transistor. The voltage control device may be operable to receive a supply voltage and to output an activation voltage to an electro-optic medium of the electro-optic element. Additionally, the electro-optic element may further comprise a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to receive at least one feedback signal. Based, at least in part, on the feedback signals, the control circuit may accordingly control the activation voltage output by the voltage control devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Andrew D. Weller, Kurtis L. Geerlings
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Patent number: 11541814Abstract: A system and rearview assembly is disclosed. The system includes a rearview assembly, an imager, and a controller. The rearview assembly comprises a backlight. Further, the rearview assembly is operable to provide a driver with a view of a scene rearward of a vehicle. Additionally, the rearview assembly is operable to emit light to illuminate the driver with at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light from the backlight. The imager is operable to image the driver in the at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light. The controller is communicatively connected to the imager and operable to analyze images of the driver to perform at least one of a biometric and a driver awareness analysis.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Joshua D. Lintz, Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 11305621Abstract: A display system for a vehicle comprises a display device disposed inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The passenger compartment is configured to receive light from a first polarization filter disposed on a light-transmissive panel of the vehicle. The first polarization filter is oriented in a first orientation and the display device is configured to display video data from a display screen. The display device comprises an electro-optic element comprising a plurality of substrates and a second polarization filter disposed on at least one of the plurality of substrates. The second polarization filter is oriented in a second orientation parallel to the first orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg, Andrew D. Weller
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Publication number: 20220001804Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rearward-viewing camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor processes first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rearward-viewing camera are displayed by the video display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
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Publication number: 20210302798Abstract: An electro-optic element is disclosed. The electro-optic element may comprise a voltage control device electrically connected to an electrode of the electro-optic medium. In some embodiments, the voltage control device may be a transistor. The voltage control device may be operable to receive a supply voltage and to output an activation voltage to an electro-optic medium of the electro-optic element. Additionally, the electro-optic element may further comprise a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to receive at least one feedback signal. Based, at least in part, on the feedback signals, the control circuit may accordingly control the activation voltage output by the voltage control devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Robert R. Turnbull, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Andrew D. Weller, Kurtis L. Geerlings
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Publication number: 20210291737Abstract: A system and rearview assembly is disclosed. The system includes a rearview assembly, an imager, and a controller. The rearview assembly comprises a backlight. Further, the rearview assembly is operable to provide a driver with a view of a scene rearward of a vehicle. Additionally, the rearview assembly is operable to emit light to illuminate the driver with at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light from the backlight. The imager is operable to image the driver in the at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light. The controller is communicatively connected to the imager and operable to analyze images of the driver to perform at least one of a biometric and a driver awareness analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Joshua D. Lintz, Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 11124121Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rearward-viewing camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor utilizes object detection software at least during processing of first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rearward-viewing camera are displayed on the video display screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
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Patent number: 11092819Abstract: The disclosure provides for a display apparatus for a vehicle. The display apparatus includes a display screen configured to emit images in an emission direction; a mirror apparatus configured to reflect the images from the display screen towards a viewing direction; and a lens apparatus configured to receive the images from the mirror, wherein the lens apparatus is configured to project the images to a focal distance substantially opposite the viewing direction, wherein the focal distance is positioned at least about 750 mm from eyes of the driver.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Andrew D. Weller
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Publication number: 20210141280Abstract: A device and system for augmenting the focal length of an electronic display. The device may comprise a display, a first mirror, a second mirror, and a lens. The display is operable to emit light corresponding to a first image in a first direction. The first mirror has a first focal length and is operable to reflect light from the first direction to a second direction. The second mirror has a second focal length and is operable to reflect light from the second direction to a third direction. The lens has a third focal length and is operable to transmit light from the third direction. Further, the light transmitted by the lens is viewable by a user as a second image. Additionally, the perceived distance from the user to the second image is greater than a distance from the user to the lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventor: Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 10976588Abstract: An electronic device includes a cover substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A polarizer is coupled to the second surface of the cover substrate and an electro-optic element. A light source is coupled to the electro-optic element. A concealment layer extends proximate a perimeter of the electro-optic element. The concealment layer is positioned between the polarizer and the electro-optic element.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu, Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 10950208Abstract: The disclosure provides for a display apparatus for a vehicle for displaying images captured by at least one image sensor to a driver of the vehicle. The display apparatus includes a display projector configured to project images derived from the image data, a display screen for displaying images projected thereon by the display projector, and a reflector positioned to reflect the images from the display screen towards a viewing direction. According to one embodiment, the display apparatus further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the display projector relative to the vehicle. According to another embodiment, the display apparatus further includes a frame assembly on which the display projector, the display screen, and the reflector are mounted, the frame assembly is mounted to the vehicle such that the frame assembly may be moved relative to the vehicle to adjust the positions of the display projector, the display screen, and the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Eric S. Lundy, Richard T. Fish, Jr., Luke A. Bomers, Jason D. Hallack
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Patent number: 10824704Abstract: An authentication system for a vehicle comprises a first scanning apparatus, a second scanning apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a request for vehicle entry and capture first scanning data with the first scanning apparatus in response to the request. The controller is further configured to process a first comparison of the first scanning data to grant access to a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to capture second scanning data with the second scanning apparatus to activate a privilege level associated with an identification profile of an occupant. The privilege level is communicated to the controller to define a level of access and control to one or more systems of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Thomas S. Wright
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Patent number: 10769434Abstract: The disclosure provides for a scanning apparatus. The scanning apparatus may be disposed in a vehicle mirror assembly. The mirror assembly comprises an electrochromic element comprising a first substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, and a second substrate comprising a third surface and a fourth surface. The mirror assembly further comprises an image sensor directed toward the fourth surface and configured to capture image data of an object through the electrochromic element. A light source is disposed proximate the fourth surface and configured to transmit an emission through the electrochromic element. The image sensor is configured to capture the image data to identify at least one passenger of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Nigel T. Lock
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Patent number: 10766422Abstract: The disclosure provides for an electrochromic element comprising a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface. The first substrate and the second substrate form a cavity have an electrochromic medium disposed therein. A dielectric coating is disposed on the fourth surface and is configured to provide for improved transmittance of the electrochromic element in the near infrared (NIR) range, wherein the near infrared transmittance exceeds the visible transmittance.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jian Gao, Andrew D. Weller, George A. Neuman
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Patent number: 10733437Abstract: A vehicle display device is disclosed. The device comprises an image sensor comprising an imager configured to capture image data and a display. The display comprises a plurality of display elements forming a display surface. The display surface forms a display perimeter. The display elements surround the image sensor on the display surface such that the image sensor is disposed within the display perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg
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Patent number: 10699143Abstract: An imaging system and method are provided herein. A first light source is configured to project a first illumination onto a vehicle occupant. A second light source is configured to project a second illumination onto the vehicle occupant. An imager is configured to acquire one or more images of a biometric feature of the vehicle occupant and generate image data corresponding to the one or more acquired images. The imager is further configured with a variable field of view based on which of the first and second light sources is activated.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Andrew D. Weller
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Publication number: 20200192146Abstract: An electronic device includes a cover substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A polarizer is coupled to the second surface of the cover substrate and an electro-optic element. A light source is coupled to the electro-optic element. A concealment layer extends proximate a perimeter of the electro-optic element. The concealment layer is positioned between the polarizer and the electro-optic element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Xiaoxu Niu, Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 10684471Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a display panel retained in a housing and configured to display image data on a display surface in a display direction. The apparatus further comprises a focal distance correction feature disposed in front of the display surface in the display direction. The focal distance correction feature is configured to project the image data at a projected distance behind the display surface relative to the display direction such that the image data appears to originate from behind the display surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew D. Weller, John A. VanderPloeg
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Patent number: D944168Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Bradley T. Dubs, Andrew D. Weller, Adam R. Heintzelman, Nigel T. Lock