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).

  • Publication number: 20250033563
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 12168410
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Joshua D. Lintz, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Derek S. Blaskowski
  • Publication number: 20240367587
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Kasen K. Anderson, Richard T. Fish, JR., Steven J. Veenman, Michael F. Lisowski, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 12134351
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: George A. Neuman, Mario F. Saenger Nayver, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Publication number: 20240246483
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 11998399
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240179383
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Benjamin N. Pohlman
  • Publication number: 20240109492
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kasen Keith Anderson, Steven J. Veenman, Brett C. Pothoof, Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz
  • Publication number: 20240073540
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Steven J. Veenman, Matthew W. Remijn, Carl L. Shearer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230271555
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Joshua D. Lintz, David J. Cammenga
  • Patent number: 11740479
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Hilldore, Tom B. Sherman, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Adam R. Heintzelman, Keith W. Bigoness, Donald L. Bareman, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Publication number: 20230256908
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, JR., Joshua D. Lintz, Eric S. Sloterbeek, Derek S. Blaskowski
  • Publication number: 20230102881
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11604863
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, Adam R. Heintzelman, Joseph A. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 11590932
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joshua D. Lintz, David M. Bostrom, Christopher B. Case, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Xiaoxu Niu, Adam R. Heintzelman
  • Publication number: 20230055290
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jim L. Schneider, Matthew W. Remijn, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: 11541814
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoxu Niu, Kurtis L. Geerlings, Joshua D. Lintz, Andrew D. Weller
  • Patent number: 11517393
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20220375263
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adam R. Heintzelman, Ryan B. Balili, Joshua D. Lintz
  • Patent number: D993059
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard T. Fish, Jr., Nigel T. Lock, Joshua D. Lintz