Patents by Inventor Ethan J. Lee

Ethan J. Lee 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: 20190047488
    Abstract: An imaging system is provided having an HD image sensor, a variable focus lens positioned in front of the image sensor and configured to change at least one optical characteristic in response to an electrical stimulus so as to change a field of view of the image sensor. The imaging system further includes a controller coupled to the variable focus lens and configured to select a field of view of the image sensor by selecting the electrical stimulus to be applied to the variable focus lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, David A. Blaker, Neil J. Boehm, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 10135479
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a trainable transceiver. The trainable transceiver includes a transceiver circuit, a user input device, a battery, and a voltage regulator circuit. The transceiver circuit is configured to reproduce and transmit control signals for operating a plurality of remote electronic devices. The user input device is configured to accept user input. The voltage regulator circuit includes a DC-DC converter configured to step up the battery voltage level, a low leakage switch configured to couple the battery and the DC-DC converter, and a temperature-sensitive current source configured to control the low leakage switch. The battery is configured to power the transceiver circuit, the user input device, and the voltage regulator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, Ethan J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20180329210
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180284573
    Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, Ethan J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20180276466
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg
  • Patent number: 10018843
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180191966
    Abstract: A rearview display system is provided for a vehicle having: a rear camera generating a rearward video stream, a right-side camera generating a right-side stream, and a left-side camera generating a left-side stream. The system includes a processing circuit for generating a composite video stream from: (a) the rearward stream and the right-side stream, (b) the rearward stream and the left-side stream, and (c) at least the rearward stream. When the composite stream is formed from the rearward stream and the right-side stream, the rearward stream extends across the whole composite stream with the exception of a right corner where the right-side stream is superimposed over the rearward stream. When the composite stream is formed from the rearward stream and the left-side stream, the rearward stream extends across the whole composite stream with the exception of a left corner where the left-side stream is superimposed over the rearward stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Mark A. VanVuuren, Leah R. Hoffmeyer (nee Beck), Ethan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9884591
    Abstract: A display system for use in a controlled vehicle is provided, and includes a rearview assembly having a display device located behind a mirror element, a camera system configured to acquire images of a scene external of the controlled vehicle, and a processing system configured to receive a signal representative of the acquired images and to produce an image of the scene on the display device of the rearview assembly, wherein the processing system is further configured to adjust the photosensitivity of the camera system based on an input from at least one of an ambient light sensor and a direct glare sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven G. Hoek, Ethan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9834146
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic cell, a switchable reflective element, a display module, an ambient light sensor, and a controller. The controller automatically selects a display mode or a mirror mode in response to a detected ambient light level. In a display mode, the controller activates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a low reflection mode, and sets the electrochromic cell to a clear state with minimum attenuation. In a mirror mode, the controller deactivates the display module, sets the switchable reflective element to a high reflection mode, and varies attenuation by the electrochromic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170320436
    Abstract: A display system for use in a vehicle is disclosed including an imager configured to capture images corresponding to a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The imager is in communication with a processing unit configured to receive data representative of the captured images from the imager. A display is in communication with the processing unit which is configured to display images based on the data representative of the captured images received by the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive vehicle operating data from the vehicle and data corresponding to a detection of an object in proximity of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle operating data and the object detected, the processing unit is configured to control the field of view of the at least one imager.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9758099
    Abstract: A display system for use in a vehicle is disclosed including an imager configured to capture images corresponding to a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The imager is in communication with a processing unit configured to receive data representative of the captured images from the imager. A display is in communication with the processing unit which is configured to display images based on the data representative of the captured images received by the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive vehicle operating data from the vehicle and data corresponding to a detection of an object in proximity of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle operating data and the object detected, the processing unit is configured to control the field of view of the at least one imager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170248787
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, JR., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, JR.
  • Patent number: 9720278
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a housing for attachment to the vehicle, a glass element disposed in the housing and a display disposed behind the mirror element in the housing. The display contains a light source for emitting light, a first brightness enhancement film having a first plurality of prismatic elements extending in a first direction and positioned to receive light emitted from the light source, a diffuser configured to transmit about 97% of light from the first brightness enhancing film, a second brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction and positioned to receive light exiting the diffuser, and a display element disposed to receive light from the second brightness enhancement film with the display element having a second plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction. The first direction is substantially vertical and the second direction is substantially horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Andrew D. Weller, Ethan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 9637054
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, they relate to a rearview mirror assembly including a switchable reflective element and a display. The switchable reflective element is a type that is selectively switchable between a reflective mode and a transmissive mode. The display is positioned behind the switchable reflective element for displaying images through the switchable reflective element when in the transmissive mode. The rearview mirror assembly may further include either an anti-reflection coating provided on at least one of the front and rear sides of the switchable reflective element, or first and second prisms provided on opposite sides of the switchable reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A VanderPloeg, Mark A VanVuuren, Ethan J Lee
  • Patent number: 9598018
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element; and a full display module mounted behind the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the display module having an optic block, and a display in optical communication with the optic block, the display being one an in-place switching liquid crystal display, a fringe filed switching liquid crystal display, and a vertically aligned liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg
  • Patent number: 9575315
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a front shield having a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, the front shield, carrier plate, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Eric P. Kern, Richard T. Fish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9505349
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a display mirror assembly for a vehicle having a front shield including a first side and a second side. A partially reflective, partially transmissive element is mounted on the first side. A rear shield is disposed behind the front shield. A display module is mounted between the front shield and the rear shield and includes in order from the front shield: a display; an optic block; a heat sink having an edge lit PCB mounted along a top edge thereof; and a PCB. The front shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a first retaining feature and the rear shield is secured to at least one component of the display module with a second retaining feature. A housing at least partially surrounds the front shield, display module, and rear shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Bradley R. Hamlin, Ethan J. Lee, Eric P. Kern
  • Publication number: 20160216560
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a housing for attachment to the vehicle, a glass element disposed in the housing and a display disposed behind the mirror element in the housing. The display contains a light source for emitting light, a first brightness enhancement film having a first plurality of prismatic elements extending in a first direction and positioned to receive light emitted from the light source, a diffuser configured to transmit about 97% of light from the first brightness enhancing film, a second brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction and positioned to receive light exiting the diffuser, and a display element disposed to receive light from the second brightness enhancement film with the display element having a second plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction. The first direction is substantially vertical and the second direction is substantially horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Andrew D. Weller, Ethan J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20160043762
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a trainable transceiver. The trainable transceiver includes a transceiver circuit, a user input device, a battery, and a voltage regulator circuit. The transceiver circuit is configured to reproduce and transmit control signals for operating a plurality of remote electronic devices. The user input device is configured to accept user input. The voltage regulator circuit includes a DC-DC converter configured to step up the battery voltage level, a low leakage switch configured to couple the battery and the DC-DC converter, and a temperature-sensitive current source configured to control the low leakage switch. The battery is configured to power the transceiver circuit, the user input device, and the voltage regulator circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert R. TURNBULL, Ethan J. LEE
  • Publication number: 20160035273
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle is disclosed. The display comprises at least one transparent element having a profile shape. A reflective element abuts a first surface of the transparent element. An electroluminescent element is proximate the reflective element, and an electrochromic element is proximate the electroluminescent element. The electroluminescent element is substantially transparent in an inactive state and configured to illuminate at least a portion of a symbol in response to receiving a driving current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, William L. Tonar, Ethan J. Lee