Patents by Inventor Harold C. Ockerse

Harold C. Ockerse 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).

  • Patent number: 10771669
    Abstract: Sensor data produced in a multi-sensor environment is time synchronized, such as using a master time. A component that derives the master time transmits a signal to a first sensor of the multi-sensor environment, which signal indicates the master time. The component subsequently receives a signal from the first sensor, which signal indicates a first time determined by the first sensor based on the master time and a latency associated with the first sensor. The first time indicates a time of an event associated with the first sensor data. A determination is then made that the first sensor data corresponds to second sensor data produced using a second sensor of the multi-sensor environment based on the first time and a second time indicating a time of an event associated with the second sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Koussalya Balasubramanian, Paul A. Baker, Harold C. Ockerse, Brent E. Tweddle
  • Patent number: 8717433
    Abstract: An imager system and method thereof are provided, the imager system is configured for use with a vehicle and has a plurality of imagers including a first imager having a first field of view, and a second imager having a second field of view The imager system further includes a video processor module configured to approximately synchronize at least the first and second imagers, and a serial data communication connection communicatively connecting the plurality of imagers and the video processor module, wherein at least the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized by communicating a synchronization signal via a connection other than the serial data communication connection, and the images captured by the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized without buffering the captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 8582052
    Abstract: Backlit LCD displays are becoming commonplace within many vehicle applications. The unique advantage of this invention is that it optimizes system power savings for display of low dynamic range (LDR) images by dynamically controlling spatially adjustable backlighting. This is accomplishes through use of a control technique that takes into account the sequential nature of the video display process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Harold C. Ockerse
  • Publication number: 20120257045
    Abstract: An imager system and method thereof are provided, the imager system is configured for use with a vehicle and has a plurality of imagers including a first imager having a first field of view, and a second imager having a second field of view The imager system further includes a video processor module configured to approximately synchronize at least the first and second imagers, and a serial data communication connection communicatively connecting the plurality of imagers and the video processor module, wherein at least the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized by communicating a synchronization signal via a connection other than the serial data communication connection, and the images captured by the first and second imagers are approximately synchronized without buffering the captured images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 8070329
    Abstract: Improved light emitting optics systems are provided for obtaining desired illumination patterns. Illumination assemblies and systems are provided that incorporate improved light emitting optics systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle
  • Publication number: 20100045899
    Abstract: Backlit LCD displays are becoming commonplace within many vehicle applications. The unique advantage of this invention is that it optimizes system power savings for display of low dynamic range (LDR) images by dynamically controlling spatially adjustable backlighting. This is accomplishes through use of a control technique that takes into account the sequential nature of the video display process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 7630803
    Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark A. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 7599134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle, Spencer D. Reese, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 7543946
    Abstract: A rearview assembly of the present invention may include a housing adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a rearview element disposed in the housing for providing an image to the driver of the rearward view from the vehicle, and a glare sensor positioned to receive light from passing through the rearview element. The glare sensor may be a surface-mounted to a circuit board. An optional secondary optical element may be disposed between the rearview element and the glare sensor. The optional secondary optical element may have an anamorphic lens for providing different fields of view horizontally versus vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Ockerse, Jon H. Bechtel, Joseph S. Stam, Darin D. Tuttle, Wayne J. Rumsey, Jeremy A. Walser
  • Publication number: 20090040629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle, Spencer D. Reese, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 7423821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle, Spencer D. Reese, Joel A. Stray
  • Publication number: 20080195276
    Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark W. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 7379814
    Abstract: An electronic compass system includes a magnetic sensor circuit having at least two sensing elements for sensing perpendicular components of the Earth's magnetic field vector. A processing circuit is coupled to the sensor circuit to filter, process, and compute a heading. The processing circuit may determine whether too much noise is present in the output signals received from said magnetic sensor circuit as a function of the relative strength of the Earth's magnetic field vector. The magnetic sensor circuit may include three magnetic field sensing elements contained in a common integrated package having a plurality of leads extending therefrom for mounting to a circuit board. The sensing elements need not be perpendicular to each other or parallel or perpendicular with the circuit board. The electronic compass system is particularly well suited for implementation in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Ockerse, Jon H. Bechtel, Mark D. Bugno
  • Patent number: 7302326
    Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark A. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
  • Publication number: 20070221826
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse, Darin D. Tuttle, Spencer D. Reese, Joel A. Stray
  • Patent number: 7266452
    Abstract: An electronic compass system includes a magnetic sensor circuit having at least two sensing elements for sensing perpendicular components of the Earth's magnetic field vector. A processing circuit is coupled to the sensor circuit to filter, process, and compute a heading. The processing circuit may determine whether too much noise is present in the output signals received from said magnetic sensor circuit as a function of the relative strength of the Earth's magnetic field vector. The magnetic sensor circuit may include three magnetic field sensing elements contained in a common integrated package having a plurality of leads extending therefrom for mounting to a circuit board. The sensing elements need not be perpendicular to each other or parallel or perpendicular with the circuit board. The electronic compass system is particularly well suited for implementation in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Ockerse, Jon H. Bechtel, Mark D. Bugno
  • Patent number: 7221363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to information display assemblies and various covert displays using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Frederick T. Bauer, Darin D. Tuttle, Harold C. Ockerse, Robert R. Turnbull, David M. Falb
  • Patent number: 7149627
    Abstract: An electronic compass system includes a magnetic sensor circuit having at least two sensing elements for sensing perpendicular components of the Earth's magnetic field vector. A processing circuit is coupled to the sensor circuit to filter, process, and compute a heading. The processing circuit may determine whether too much noise is present in the output signals received from said magnetic sensor circuit as a function of the relative strength of the Earth's magnetic field vector. The magnetic sensor circuit may include three magnetic field sensing elements contained in a common integrated package having a plurality of leads extending therefrom for mounting to a circuit board. The sensing elements need not be perpendicular to each other or parallel or perpendicular with the circuit board. The electronic compass system is particularly well suited for implementation in a vehicle rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Harold C. Ockerse, Jon H. Bechtel, Mark D. Bugno
  • Patent number: 7149613
    Abstract: An imaging system of the invention includes an image array sensor including a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels generates a signal indicative of the amount of light received on the pixel. The imaging system further includes an analog to digital converter for quantizing the signals from the pixels into a digital value. The system further includes a memory including a plurality of allocated storage locations for storing the digital values from the analog to digital converter. The number of allocated storage locations in the memory is less than the number of pixels in the image array sensor. According to another embodiment, an imaging device includes an image sensor having a plurality of pixels arranged in an array; and a multi-layer interference filter disposed over said pixel array, said multi-layer interference filter being patterned so as to provide filters of different colors to neighboring pixels or groups of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, Mark W. Pierce, Harold C. Ockerse
  • Patent number: 7087893
    Abstract: The inventive sensor device includes a support structure, a sensing element mounted on the support substrate for sensing optical radiation and generating an electrical output signal in response thereto, and an encapsulant encapsulating the sensing element on the support structure. The encapsulant being configured to define a lens portion for focusing incident optical radiation onto an active surface of the sensing element, and an optical radiation collector portion surrounding the lens portion for collecting and redirecting optical radiation that is not incident the lens portion onto the active surface of the sensing element. The collector portion may be a parabolic reflector that reflects incident light by total internal reflection. The sensor device may be incorporated into an assembly including a diffuser positioned across an aperture, and/or may be incorporated into a vehicle accessory such as a rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jon H. Bechtel, Harold C. Ockerse