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).

  • Publication number: 20230054465
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, John S. Anderson, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Steven M. Childs, George A. Neuman, Henry A. Luten
  • Patent number: 11520208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11027657
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11017741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 11006502
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 10744934
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Barry K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200164807
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200019034
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200017023
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Anderson, George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Barry K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10154200
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brock R. Rycenga, Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180249553
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Publication number: 20180158435
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 9961746
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 9870753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
  • Publication number: 20170339326
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Brock R. Rycenga, Benjamin B. Hilldore, Barry K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9440588
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, David J. Schmidt, Gregory J. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20160050737
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese
  • Patent number: 9207116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
  • Publication number: 20150022543
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H Bechtel, Daniel G McMillan, Spencer D Reese
  • Publication number: 20140268281
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Barry K. Nelson, David J. Schmidt, Gregory J. Nagel