Patents by Inventor John A. VanderPloeg

John A. VanderPloeg 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: 11305621
    Abstract: A display system for a vehicle comprises a display device disposed inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The passenger compartment is configured to receive light from a first polarization filter disposed on a light-transmissive panel of the vehicle. The first polarization filter is oriented in a first orientation and the display device is configured to display video data from a display screen. The display device comprises an electro-optic element comprising a plurality of substrates and a second polarization filter disposed on at least one of the plurality of substrates. The second polarization filter is oriented in a second orientation parallel to the first orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg, Andrew D. Weller
  • Patent number: 10733437
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg
  • Patent number: 10705332
    Abstract: A display mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing configured for attachment to the vehicle; a prismatic element positioned in the housing; a partially reflective, partially transmissive coating provided on a rear surface of the prismatic element; a display mounted behind the prismatic element within the housing; and an actuator device for moving the prismatic element between three distinct viewing positions including a first viewing position, a second viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the first viewing position, and a third viewing position wherein the prismatic element is tilted higher than in the second viewing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Mark A. VanVuuren, Ethan J. Lee
  • Patent number: 10684471
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a display panel retained in a housing and configured to display image data on a display surface in a display direction. The apparatus further comprises a focal distance correction feature disposed in front of the display surface in the display direction. The focal distance correction feature is configured to project the image data at a projected distance behind the display surface relative to the display direction such that the image data appears to originate from behind the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, John A. VanderPloeg
  • Publication number: 20200164725
    Abstract: A display system for a vehicle comprises a display device disposed inside a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The passenger compartment is configured to receive light from a first polarization filter disposed on a light-transmissive panel of the vehicle. The first polarization filter is oriented in a first orientation and the display device is configured to display video data from a display screen. The display device comprises an electro-optic element comprising a plurality of substrates and a second polarization filter disposed on at least one of the plurality of substrates. The second polarization filter is oriented in a second orientation parallel to the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan J. Lee, John A. VanderPloeg, Andrew D. Weller
  • Patent number: 10429713
    Abstract: An electro-optic (EO) display includes one or more adjustable-intensity color filters; a transparent backlight; and a transflective layer positioned between the adjustable-intensity color filter(s) and the transparent backlight, wherein the transflective layer reflects light off of one surface of the transflective layer and allows light through another surface of the transflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sue F. Franz, Leroy J. Kloeppner, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Blaker, David A. Theiste
  • 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: 10071689
    Abstract: A rearview device system includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element, a display module in optical communication with the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, a display element, an optic block in optical communication with the display element, a first circuit board comprising at least one light source configured to emit illumination that propagates through the optic block and edge light the display element, an optic holder operably connected to the optic block, defining at least one aperture, a second circuit board comprising at least one light source configured to emit illumination that propagates through the at least one aperture and the optic block to back light at least one of a portion of the display element and an icon, and wherein light emitted by the light source of the first circuit board and the light source of the second circuit board is visible through the partially reflective, partially transmissive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Andrew D. Weller, David A. Blaker
  • 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: 20170315349
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a display panel retained in a housing and configured to display image data on a display surface in a display direction. The apparatus further comprises a focal distance correction feature disposed in front of the display surface in the display direction. The focal distance correction feature is configured to project the image data at a projected distance behind the display surface relative to the display direction such that the image data appears to originate from behind the display surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, John A. VanderPloeg
  • 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: 9709869
    Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20170068144
    Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9511715
    Abstract: A backlight assembly for a display having a polarized transmission axis is provided including a light source for emitting light; a first brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a first direction, and positioned to receive light emitted from the light source; and a second brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prismatic elements extending in a second direction and positioned to receive light exiting the first brightness enhancement film, wherein the first direction extends at an angle of between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees offset from the polarized transmission axis of the display and the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: John A. VanderPloeg
  • Patent number: 9442342
    Abstract: An electro-optic system is provided that includes a front element having first and second surfaces, a rear element including third and fourth surfaces, wherein the front and rear elements are sealably bonded together in a spaced-apart relationship to define a chamber, and an electro-optic medium contained in the chamber, and the electro-optic medium is adapted to be in at least a high transmittance state and a low transmittance state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kelvin L. Baumann, John A. VanderPloeg, David A. Theiste, Thomas F. Guarr, Henry A. Luten, George A. Neuman, John S. Anderson
  • 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: 20160137133
    Abstract: A rearview device system includes a partially reflective, partially transmissive element, a display module in optical communication with the partially reflective, partially transmissive element, a display element, an optic block in optical communication with the display element, a first circuit board comprising at least one light source configured to emit illumination that propagates through the optic block and edge light the display element, an optic holder operably connected to the optic block, defining at least one aperture, a second circuit board comprising at least one light source configured to emit illumination that propagates through the at least one aperture and the optic block to back light at least one of a portion of the display element and an icon, and wherein light emitted by the light source of the first circuit board and the light source of the second circuit board is visible through the partially reflective, partially transmissive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: John A. VanderPloeg, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Andrew D. Weller, David A. Blaker
  • 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