Patents by Inventor Joshua D. Lintz
Joshua D. Lintz 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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Publication number: 20250033563Abstract: An asymmetrically reflective member is disclosed. This asymmetrically reflective member may be utilized in a rearview assembly to hide an imager disposed there behind. The member may comprise a substate and an asymmetric transflective coating. The substate may have a first side and a second side. The asymmetric transflective coating may be associated with the substrate. Additionally, the asymmetric transflective coating may have a transflective layer, a plurality of dielectric layers, and one or more absorptive layers interleaved with the plurality of dielectric layers. Further, the member may have a first side and a second side. The reflectance of the first side may be substantially greater than the reflectance of the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2024Publication date: January 30, 2025Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 12168410Abstract: An imaging system includes a mirror assembly. An imager is centrally disposed on the mirror assembly and configured to acquire an image of a biometric feature of a vehicle occupant within a field of view of the imager. A first light source is disposed within the mirror assembly and configured to project a ray of light onto a target surface corresponding to an eye of the vehicle occupant. The first light source is spaced from the target surface by a first distance. The first light source is spaced from the imager by a second distance. The ray of light forms an angle of incidence having legs extending from the target surface to the first light source and to the imager, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are operable to define the angle of incidence in the range of 5° to 15°.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2023Date of Patent: December 17, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Joshua D. Lintz, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Derek S. Blaskowski
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Publication number: 20240367587Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided including a reflective element; an infrared illumination source configured to emit infrared light through the reflective element to illuminate a field of view; and an optical element disposed behind the reflective element and configured to direct infrared light from the infrared illumination source towards the field of view. The optical element including: a molded portion comprised of a visibly opaque material that is substantially transparent to the infrared light, the molded portion having a front surface and a rear surface; and a reflector disposed on the rear surface of the molded portion and configured to substantially reflect infrared light emitted from the illumination source that passes through the molded portion towards the field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2024Publication date: November 7, 2024Inventors: Kasen K. Anderson, Richard T. Fish, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Michael F. Lisowski, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 12134351Abstract: An asymmetrically reflective member is disclosed. This asymmetrically reflective member may be utilized in a rearview assembly to hide an imager disposed there behind. The member may comprise a substrate and an asymmetric transflective coating. The substrate may have a first side and a second side. The asymmetric transflective coating may be associated with the substrate. Additionally, the asymmetric transflective coating may have a transflective layer, a plurality of dielectric layers, and one or more absorptive layers interleaved with the plurality of dielectric layers. Further, the member may have a first side and a second side. The reflectance of the first side may be substantially greater than the reflectance of the second side.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: November 5, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz
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Publication number: 20240246483Abstract: A driver monitoring system for a vehicle includes a communication module, and at least one imager module in operable communication with to the communication module that is configured to capture a lane position of the associated vehicle and a driver's behavior. A processor receives the captured lane position and the captured driver's location from the at least one imager module. A memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to monitor the captured lane position and the captured driver's behavior for a sign of low alertness of the driver and generate an alert with the communications module upon detecting the sign of low alertness.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventor: Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 11998399Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2022Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
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Publication number: 20240179383Abstract: A monitoring system that includes an imaging device. The imaging device includes a first exposure profile and a second exposure profile. An illumination source is configured to emit at least one of infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) illumination. A control system is configured to alternate between the first exposure profile and the second exposure profile in accordance with a first pattern. The first exposure profile corresponds to the emission of illumination from the illumination source and the second exposure profile corresponds to ambient lighting.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: May 30, 2024Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Benjamin N. Pohlman
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Publication number: 20240109492Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly that includes a housing and a printed circuit board (PCB) located in the housing. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a monitoring system that includes an image capturing module, an illumination source connected to the PCB, and an optical element aligned with the illumination source. The optical element is configured to redirect an illumination from the illumination source toward an occupant position in an automobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Kasen Keith Anderson, Steven J. Veenman, Brett C. Pothoof, Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz
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Publication number: 20240073540Abstract: An imaging system includes an illumination source configured to illuminate at least a portion of a vehicle interior. A camera is configured to capture one or more images of the portion of the vehicle interior. A controller is in communication with the illumination source and the camera. The controller is configured to receive the one or more images, identify a glare associated with an occupant of the vehicle interior in the one or more images, and generate and communicate a signal to adjust the illumination source to limit the glare.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Steven J. Veenman, Matthew W. Remijn, Carl L. Shearer, JR.
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Publication number: 20230271555Abstract: A rearview apparatus for a vehicle includes a first measurement device configured to detect a vehicle orientation. The first measurement device is in connection with a portion of the vehicle that maintains a fixed relationship relative to a body of the vehicle. A second measurement device is configured to detect an apparatus orientation of the rearview apparatus, which is adjustable relative to the body of the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the first measurement device and the second measurement device. The controller is configured to identify an orientation difference between the vehicle orientation and the apparatus orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Joshua D. Lintz, David J. Cammenga
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Patent number: 11740479Abstract: An imager assembly including calibration functionality and a housing. An imager is disposed inside the housing. The imager includes a lens assembly. An electro-optic element is disposed on a wall of the housing and operable between a substantially clear condition and a substantially darkened condition. A light source directs light at the electro-optic element which redirects the light toward the lens assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Tom B. Sherman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Adam R. Heintzelman, Keith W. Bigoness, Donald L. Bareman, Joshua D. Lintz
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Publication number: 20230256908Abstract: An imaging system includes a mirror assembly. An imager is centrally disposed on the mirror assembly and configured to acquire an image of a biometric feature of a vehicle occupant within a field of view of the imager. A first light source is disposed within the mirror assembly and configured to project a ray of light onto a target surface corresponding to an eye of the vehicle occupant. The first light source is spaced from the target surface by a first distance. The first light source is spaced from the imager by a second distance. The ray of light forms an angle of incidence having legs extending from the target surface to the first light source and to the imager, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are operable to define the angle of incidence in the range of 5° to 15°.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: Gentex CorporationInventors: Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Derek S. Blaskowski
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Publication number: 20230102881Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
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Patent number: 11604863Abstract: An alignment system may comprise a housing defining a channel having a first end and a second end; a light source disposed at the first end of the channel; and an alignment image disposed at the second end of the channel. The light source may be in optical communication with the alignment image. The alignment system may further comprise a baffle extending around at least a portion of an inner perimeter of the channel, the baffle defining a backlight aperture. The light source may be in selective optical communication with the alignment image.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Adam R. Heintzelman, Joseph A. DeGroot
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Patent number: 11590932Abstract: A user monitoring apparatus for identifying a user of a vehicle includes a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information comprising a facial feature of the user in a field of view. A panel comprises a display portion. The apparatus further includes a feedback apparatus disposed behind the panel and configured to communicate alignment information visually indicating an alignment of the facial feature within the field of view of the scanning apparatus. The feedback apparatus includes at least one emitter configured to emit an alignment emission through an optical element thereby illuminating the alignment information on the display portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Bostrom, Christopher B. Case, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Xiaoxu Niu, Adam R. Heintzelman
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Publication number: 20230055290Abstract: A system for calibrating a driver monitoring system in a vehicle comprises a rearview assembly comprising a housing, a mount secured to a vehicle surface, and a barrel extending between the housing and the mount; an imager disposed in the rearview assembly; a processor in communication with the imager; a memory comprising a file containing information on stationary landmarks proximate the imager; and a controller operable to: receive images of the vehicle's interior and calibrate the imager by identifying a substantially stationary landmark in a first image used during an initial calibration; wherein the controller is configured to re-calibrate the driver monitoring operations based, at least in part, on a detection of the substantially stationary landmark being in a different location in a second image relative to the first image. One of the ends of the barrel is connected with a moveable joint.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jim L. Schneider, Matthew W. Remijn, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: 11541814Abstract: A system and rearview assembly is disclosed. The system includes a rearview assembly, an imager, and a controller. The rearview assembly comprises a backlight. Further, the rearview assembly is operable to provide a driver with a view of a scene rearward of a vehicle. Additionally, the rearview assembly is operable to emit light to illuminate the driver with at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light from the backlight. The imager is operable to image the driver in the at least one of infra-red and near infra-red light. The controller is communicatively connected to the imager and operable to analyze images of the driver to perform at least one of a biometric and a driver awareness analysis.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Joshua D. Lintz, Andrew D. Weller
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Patent number: 11517393Abstract: An illumination system for a lighting assembly comprises a light assembly configured to selectively illuminate an operating region in a surgical suite and a plurality of light sources positioned within the light assembly and configured to emit light. The system further comprises at least one imager configured to capture image data and a controller. The controller is configured to scan the image data in at least one region of interest for a shaded region and identify a location of the shaded region within the region of interest. The controller is further configured to control the light assembly to activate at least one of the light sources to emit light impinging on the shaded region within the region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Jason D. Hallack, Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Falb, Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar, Bradley R. Hamlin, Jeremy A. Schut, Mark A. VanVuuren, Steven J. Veenman, Jordan Miller, Heidi Nelson
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Publication number: 20220375263Abstract: A system and corresponding method are disclosed for biometric operations. The system may comprise an illumination source, a polarization selector, an imager, and a controller. The illumination source may illuminate a biometric feature. The polarization selector may receive light reflected from the biometric feature and be operable between two states selectively transmitting different polarizations. The imager may receive the light selectively transmitted by the polarization selector and generate one or more images. The controller may perform a biometric authentication based, at least in part, on the one or more images. In operation, the polarization selector may switch between states so that the system may capture two separate image sets, each based on light of a different polarization. Accordingly, adverse reflections, such as those off an eyeball or glasses, may be substantially eliminated or reduced in at least one of the image sets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Ryan B. Balili, Joshua D. Lintz
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Patent number: D993059Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Nigel T. Lock, Joshua D. Lintz