Patents by Inventor Barry K. Nelson
Barry K. Nelson 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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Publication number: 20230054465Abstract: A rearview system may comprise a light sensor assembly having: a photosensor operable to detect light and generate a signal based, at least in part, on the detected light; a dichroic filter in optical communication with the photosensor and operable to filter light; and a rearview assembly having an electro-optic element may comprise an electro-optic medium and operable to variably change the amount of light passing through the electro-optic medium based, at least in part, on the signal. The dichroic filter may be configured to substantially inhibit light having a wavelength of less than 400 nm or greater than 650 nm from transmitting therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K. Nelson, John S. Anderson, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Steven M. Childs, George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten
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Patent number: 11520208Abstract: A window control system includes a plurality of electro-optic devices configured to control a transmittance of light through each of the plurality of zones, and at least one sensor configured to identify an intensity of light transmitted through the at least one window. A controller k in communication with the electro-optic devices and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to independently control the transmittance of the light through each of the zones based on at least one of a direction of the light and an intensity of the light detected in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Autumn N. Lagowski, George A. Neuman, Michael T. Stephenson, Luke A. Bomers, Barry K. Nelson, Henry A. Luten, Dennis D. Festerling, Jr., David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, Michael J. VanAst
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Patent number: 11027657Abstract: A system for variable transmittance mirrors is disclosed wherein the variable transmittance mirrors may be controlled in response to images captured from a camera. The system may comprise a first imager, a first variable transmittance mirror, and a controller. The first imager comprises a pixel array. Further, the first imager is configured to capture image data. The first variable transmittance mirror has a first level of transmittance. Finally, the controller is configured to assign a first light intensity value to one or more pixels and change the first level of transmittance to a second level of transmittance based at least in part on the detected first light intensity. Such as system has the advantage of eliminating the need for a dedicated glare sensor, therefore reducing the number of devices, the costs, obstructions in a user's field of view, and a more aesthetically appealing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
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Patent number: 11017741Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Patent number: 11006502Abstract: A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Patent number: 10744934Abstract: A vehicle interior light intensity mapping system comprises at least one light detector configured to identify an intensity of light distributed in a plurality of regions in the vehicle. The light detector comprises an optic device comprising at least one aperture configured to receive light from a plurality of directions distributed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The light detector further comprises at least one sensor configured to receive the light from the plurality of directions. A controller is configured to identify an intensity of the light in each of a plurality of regions of the vehicle, wherein each of the regions corresponds to a different direction of the light received through each of the plurality of apertures of the optic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Barry K. Nelson
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Publication number: 20200164807Abstract: A system for variable transmittance mirrors is disclosed wherein the variable transmittance mirrors may be controlled in response to images captured from a camera. The system may comprise a first imager, a first variable transmittance mirror, and a controller. The first imager comprises a pixel array. Further, the first imager is configured to capture image data. The first variable transmittance mirror has a first level of transmittance. Finally, the controller is configured to assign a first light intensity value to one or more pixels and change the first level of transmittance to a second level of transmittance based at least in part on the detected first light intensity. Such as system has the advantage of eliminating the need for a dedicated glare sensor, therefore reducing the number of devices, the costs, obstructions in a user's field of view, and a more aesthetically appealing appearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
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Publication number: 20200019034Abstract: A window control system comprises a plurality of electro-optic devices configured to control a transmittance of light through each of the plurality of zones, and at least one sensor configured to identify an intensity of light transmitted through the at least one window. A controller is in communication with the electro-optic devices and the at least one sensor. The controller is configured to independently control the transmittance of the light through each of the zones based on at least on at least one of a direction of the light and an intensity of the light detected in a passenger compartment of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Autumn N. Lagowski, George A. Neuman, Michael T. Stephenson, Luke A. Bomers, Barry K. Nelson, Henry A. Luten, JR., Dennis D. Festerling, JR., David J. Cammenga, John S. Anderson, Michael J. VanAst
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Publication number: 20200017023Abstract: A vehicle interior light intensity mapping system comprises at least one light detector configured to identify an intensity of light distributed in a plurality of regions in the vehicle. The light detector comprises an optic device comprising at least one aperture configured to receive light from a plurality of directions distributed in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The light detector further comprises at least one sensor configured to receive the light from the plurality of directions. A controller is configured to identify an intensity of the light in each of a plurality of regions of the vehicle, wherein each of the regions corresponds to a different direction of the light received through each of the plurality of apertures of the optic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Barry K. Nelson
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Patent number: 10154200Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle is disclosed. The imager module comprises an imager configured to capture image data over a plurality of image frames based on incoming light in a field of view and an optic device configured to control a transmission of the incoming light. The module comprises a controller configured to identify an exposure time for the imager based on environmental lighting conditions and adjust the exposure time by a flicker mitigation period. The adjustment of the exposure time mitigates an appearance of a periodic light source in the image data. The controller is further configured to control the transmission of the optic device to control the transmission of the incoming light.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Brock R. Rycenga, Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
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Publication number: 20180249553Abstract: A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Publication number: 20180158435Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2018Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Patent number: 9961746Abstract: A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Patent number: 9870753Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
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Publication number: 20170339326Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle is disclosed. The imager module comprises an imager configured to capture image data over a plurality of image frames based on incoming light in a field of view and an optic device configured to control a transmission of the incoming light. The module comprises a controller configured to identify an exposure time for the imager based on environmental lighting conditions and adjust the exposure time by a flicker mitigation period. The adjustment of the exposure time mitigates an appearance of a periodic light source in the image data. The controller is further configured to control the transmission of the optic device to control the transmission of the incoming light.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Brock R. Rycenga, Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
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Patent number: 9440588Abstract: A system is configured to reduce glare form a trailing vehicle. The system may include a forward facing light sensor, partially enclosed in an interior mirror housing. This forward facing light sensor is configured to detect ambient light, such that the system can determine a day time condition or a nighttime condition. The system may also include rear facing light sensors, each included in separate mirror assemblies. Based upon an ambient light detected and a glare of a trailing vehicle, the system may be configured to change the reflectance of an electro-optic element in order to reduce glare independently in the separate mirror assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K. Nelson, David J. Schmidt, Gregory J. Nagel
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Publication number: 20160050737Abstract: A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
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Patent number: 9207116Abstract: A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
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Publication number: 20150022543Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
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Publication number: 20140268281Abstract: A system is configured to reduce glare form a trailing vehicle. The system may include a forward facing light sensor, partially enclosed in an interior mirror housing. This forward facing light sensor is configured to detect ambient light, such that the system can determine a day time condition or a nighttime condition. The system may also include rear facing light sensors, each included in separate mirror assemblies. Based upon an ambient light detected and a glare of a trailing vehicle, the system may be configured to change the reflectance of an electro-optic element in order to reduce glare independently in the separate mirror assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Barry K. Nelson, David J. Schmidt, Gregory J. Nagel