Patents by Inventor Daniel G. McMillan
Daniel G. McMillan 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: 11412123Abstract: A display system for a vehicle comprises an imager configured to capture image data in a field of view rearward relative the vehicle. The system further comprises a display device and a controller. The display device comprises a screen disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The controller is in communication with the imager and the display device. The controller is operable to process the image data to identify at least one feature. Based on a position or orientation of the at least one feature in the image data, the controller adjusts at least one of a position and an orientation of a desired view of the image data for display on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan, Gregory S. Bush
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Patent number: 11178353Abstract: A display system is provided for a vehicle equipped with a camera for supplying streamed video images of a scene rearward of the vehicle. The display system includes an image processing unit for receiving the streamed video images and processing the streamed video images, and a display for displaying the processed streamed video images. To perform processing of the streamed video images, the image processing unit is configured to: detect amplitude-modulated light sources in the streamed video images, classify the detected amplitude-modulated light sources into one of several possible classifications, select the streamed video images in which an amplitude-modulated light source is detected that flickers based upon the classification of the amplitude-modulated light source, and modify the selected streamed video images to correct for flicker of any amplitude-modulated light sources in the selected streamed video images.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan, Dale M. Radcliff, Igor Majdandzic, Gregory S. Bush
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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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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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Patent number: 10044991Abstract: An imaging system configured to display a captured image on a display having a lower dynamic range than the imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system includes a high dynamic range imager configured to capture at least one high dynamic range image, and a processing device communicatively connected to the high dynamic range imager, wherein the processing device is configured to reduce color speckles caused by errant interpolated pixel values and reduce occurrence of errant values of alternate color while maintaining at least one of sharpness detail, edge detail, and generate smoothing color rendering in a displayed image.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan
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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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Publication number: 20180027216Abstract: An imaging system configured to display a captured image on a display having a lower dynamic range than the imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system includes a high dynamic range imager configured to capture at least one high dynamic range image, and a processing device communicatively connected to the high dynamic range imager, wherein the processing device is configured to reduce color speckles caused by errant interpolated pixel values and reduce occurrence of errant values of alternate color while maintaining at least one of sharpness detail, edge detail, and generate smoothing color rendering in a displayed image.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: January 25, 2018Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan
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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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Patent number: 9769430Abstract: An imaging system configured to display a captured image on a display having a lower dynamic range than the imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system includes a high dynamic range imager configured to capture at least one high dynamic range image, and a processing device communicatively connected to the high dynamic range imager, wherein the processing device is configured to reduce color speckles caused by errant interpolated pixel values and reduce occurrence of errant values of alternate color while maintaining at least one of sharpness detail, edge detail, and generate smoothing color rendering in a displayed image.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan
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Publication number: 20160373684Abstract: A display system is provided for a vehicle equipped with a camera for supplying streamed video images of a scene rearward of the vehicle. The display system includes an image processing unit for receiving the streamed video images and processing the streamed video images, and a display for displaying the processed streamed video images. To perform processing of the streamed video images, the image processing unit is configured to: detect amplitude-modulated light sources in the streamed video images, classify the detected amplitude-modulated light sources into one of several possible classifications, select the streamed video images in which an amplitude-modulated light source is detected that flickers based upon the classification of the amplitude-modulated light source, and modify the selected streamed video images to correct for flicker of any amplitude-modulated light sources in the selected streamed video images.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan, Dale M. Radcliff, Igor Majdandzic, Gregory S. Bush
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Publication number: 20160277651Abstract: A display system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an imager configured to capture image data in a field of view rearward relative the vehicle. The system further comprises a display device and a controller. The display device comprises a screen disposed in a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The controller is in communication with the imager and the display device. The controller is operable to process the image data to identify at least one feature. Based on a position or orientation of the at least one feature in the image data, the controller adjusts at least one of a position and an orientation of a desired view of the image data for display on the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan, Gregory S. Bush
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Patent number: 9380228Abstract: A high dynamic range imager system is provided that includes an imager having a pixel array, and memory in communication with the pixel array, the memory comprising a plurality of memory cells, wherein the number of memory cells is approximately the number of whole row-times of exposures between the first conditional reset and row readout.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel G. McMillan, Gregory S. Bush
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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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Patent number: 9041838Abstract: An imaging system configured to capture an image is provided, the imaging system including a high dynamic range imager configured to capture at least one high dynamic range image, and circuitry, wherein scheduling tasks within a row time interval is arranged to permit sharing of circuits used for correlated double sampling with selective reset tasks and with pixel readout tasks, and wherein scheduling tasks within a row time interval is arranged to permit sharing of comparator with selective reset tasks and with pixel readout tasks, while also providing at least one selectable integration period for which the integration period is adjustable and set to substantially less than a row time interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Gregory S. Bush, Daniel G. McMillan
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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: 20140267856Abstract: A high dynamic range imager system is provided that includes an imager having a pixel array, and memory in communication with the pixel array, the memory comprising a plurality of memory cells, wherein the number of memory cells is approximately the number of whole row-times of exposures between the first conditional reset and row readout.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Daniel G. McMillan, Gregory S. Bush
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Publication number: 20140224961Abstract: 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: February 12, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Barry K Nelson, Jon H. Bechtel, Daniel G. McMillan, Spencer D. Reese