Patents by Inventor Keith J. Vadas
Keith J. Vadas 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: 20210160981Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for providing a stabilized color management system in a solid state lighting panel. Methods according to some embodiments include receiving, in the microcontroller, a color management reference value corresponding to a color characteristic of the solid state lighting panel and adjusting a control mode of the microcontroller responsive to the color management reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 10822845Abstract: A gesture access system for a motor vehicle, includes a radiation transmitter to emit radiation signals and a radiation receiver, an illumination device and/or an audio device, and a processor programmed to activate the illumination and/or audio device according to a first activation scheme in response to determining an object is within a sensing region of the radiation receiver, and in response to the object within the sensing region exhibiting a predefined gesture, to activate the illumination and/or audio according to a second activation scheme and control an actuator to unlock, lock, open or close an access closure of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: ADAC Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Bussis, Anne Adamczyk, James Jetton, Robert Bingle, Keith J. Vadas, Thomas M. French
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Publication number: 20190186177Abstract: A gesture access system for a motor vehicle, includes a radiation transmitter to emit radiation signals and a radiation receiver, an illumination device and/or an audio device, and a processor programmed to activate the illumination and/or audio device according to a first activation scheme in response to determining an object is within a sensing region of the radiation receiver, and in response to the object within the sensing region exhibiting a predefined gesture, to activate the illumination and/or audio according to a second activation scheme and control an actuator to unlock, lock, open or close an access closure of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2019Publication date: June 20, 2019Inventors: Ryan Bussis, Anne Adamczyk, James Jetton, Robert Bingle, Keith J. Vadas, Thomas M. French
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Publication number: 20190048624Abstract: A gesture access and object impact avoidance system for a motor vehicle, includes a radar signal assembly configured to be mounted to the motor vehicle and to transmit radar signals and detect reflected radar signals, and a processor to operate in (i) a gesture access mode, when the motor vehicle is not moving or is disabled from moving, by controlling an access closure actuator to lock, unlock, open or close an access closure of the motor vehicle if an object is within a sensing region of the radar signal assembly and exhibits a predefined gesture, and (ii) an object impact avoidance mode, when the motor vehicle is moving or enabled to move, by activating a warning device or controlling an impact avoidance device actuator if an object is within a predefined distance of the radar signal assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Ryan Bussis, Anne Adamczyk, James Jetton, Robert Bingle, Keith J. Vadas, Thomas M. French
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Publication number: 20170167180Abstract: A vehicle access system includes: an infrared detector assembly for detecting an object within a sensing region of the infrared detector assembly; at least one controller operatively connected to the infrared detector assembly, the at least one controller operative (i) to determine from inputs from the infrared detector assembly if a detected object exhibits a predefined gesture and, if the detected object exhibits a predefined gesture, (ii) to direct the execution of one or more pre-defined vehicle commands; and a plurality of lights operatively connected to the at least one controller, the plurality of lights selectively illuminable to produce visible light in one or more colors, wherein one or more of the plurality lights (i) are selectively illuminated by the at least one controller to visibly indicate the detected presence of an object within the sensing region by the infrared detector assembly, and (ii) are selectively illuminated by the at least one controller to visibly indicate that the detected objeType: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2016Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Robert Bingle, Keith J. Vadas, Thomas Merlyn French
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Publication number: 20160153212Abstract: An electronic latch assembly secures a vehicle door to a vehicle frame with a striker and a catch assembly. The striker is attached to the vehicle frame. The catch assembly secures the vehicle door to the vehicle frame when the vehicle door is disposed in a closed position. The catch assembly includes a catch pivotally affixed to a mount at a first axis in an orientation enabling engagement and disengagement of the catch with the striker. The catch is pivotable between a latched disposition and an unlatched disposition. An indicator member is cooperably affixed to the mount with the catch. The catch translates movement to the indicator member when the catch pivots around the first pivot axis between the latched disposition and the unlatched disposition. The indicator member includes an indicator for indicating a disposition of the catch between the latched disposition and unlatched disposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Robert L. Bingle, Charles Bruce Banter, Marcus E. Merideth, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 9131120Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices having respective first, second and third fields of view exterior of the vehicle. The first field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing of captured image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first and second overlap zones and the synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle. The synthesized image is displayed by a single display screen that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and the synthesized image assists the driver in executing a maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8993951Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in a housing and a control. The imager includes a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and a lens. With the housing disposed in a vehicle, the imager views forwardly to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The CMOS photosensor array is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, streetlights present exterior of the vehicle and viewed by imager are discriminated from other objects present exterior the vehicle and viewed by imager.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8941331Abstract: A lighting system includes a lighting panel having a string of solid state lighting devices and a current supply circuit having a voltage input terminal, a control input terminal, and first and second output terminals coupled to the string of solid state lighting devices. The current supply circuit is configured to supply an on-state drive current to the string of solid state lighting devices in response to a control signal. The current supply circuit includes a charging inductor coupled to the voltage input terminal and an output capacitor coupled to the first output terminal. The current supply circuit is configured to operate in continuous conduction mode in which current continuously flows through the charging inductor while the on-state drive current is supplied to the string of solid state light emitting devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas, Muhinthan Murugesu
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Publication number: 20140361712Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for providing a stabilized color management system in a solid state lighting panel. Methods according to some embodiments include receiving, in the microcontroller, a color management reference value corresponding to a color characteristic of the solid state lighting panel and adjusting a control mode of the microcontroller responsive to the color management reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8842176Abstract: A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle exterior lights including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8829820Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for protecting display components from adverse operating conditions. A lighting panel system according to some embodiments includes a lighting panel including a plurality of strings of solid state lighting devices arranged across the panel and a protection system configured to determine an adverse operating condition and adjust a lighting panel luminance setting responsive to the adverse operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8823630Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for providing a stabilized color management system in a solid state lighting panel. Methods according to some embodiments include receiving, in the microcontroller, a color management reference value corresponding to a color characteristic of the solid state lighting panel and adjusting a control mode of the microcontroller responsive to the color management reference value.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Cree, Inc.Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8643724Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices disposed at respective vehicle portions. The first image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second image capture device field of view overlaps with the third image capture device field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing by an image processor of received image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first overlap zone and in the second overlap zone. The synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle, and is displayed by a single display screen of a reconfigurable display device that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle when normally operating the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8637801Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager and a control having an image processor. The imager is disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The driver assistance system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by the image processor. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, a determination is made that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment. Responsive to the determination that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment, operation of a driver assistance function of the vehicle is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Publication number: 20130300871Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager disposed in a housing and a control. The imager includes a CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and a lens. With the housing disposed in a vehicle, the imager views forwardly to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that is swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The CMOS photosensor array is operable to capture image data. The control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, streetlights present exterior of the vehicle and viewed by imager are discriminated from other objects present exterior the vehicle and viewed by imager.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Publication number: 20130297148Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager and a control having an image processor. The imager is disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The driver assistance system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by the image processor. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, a determination is made that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment. Responsive to the determination that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment, operation of a driver assistance function of the vehicle is inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Publication number: 20130250046Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes first, second and third image capture devices having respective first, second and third fields of view exterior of the vehicle. The first field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a first overlap zone, and the second field of view overlaps with the third field of view defining a second overlap zone. Responsive to processing of captured image data, a synthesized image is generated without duplication of objects present in the first and second overlap zones and the synthesized image approximates a view as would be seen by a virtual camera at a single location exterior of the vehicle. The synthesized image is displayed by a single display screen that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and the synthesized image assists the driver in executing a maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer attached thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas
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Publication number: 20130249408Abstract: A lighting system includes a lighting panel having a string of solid state lighting devices and a current supply circuit having a voltage input terminal, a control input terminal, and first and second output terminals coupled to the string of solid state lighting devices. The current supply circuit is configured to supply an on-state drive current to the string of solid state lighting devices in response to a control signal. The current supply circuit includes a charging inductor coupled to the voltage input terminal and an output capacitor coupled to the first output terminal. The current supply circuit is configured to operate in continuous conduction mode in which current continuously flows through the charging inductor while the on-state drive current is supplied to the string of solid state light emitting devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Cree, Inc.Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
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Patent number: 8492698Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a bracket attached at a windshield of a vehicle and a housing mounted to the bracket and an imager disposed in the housing. The imager may include (i) a two-dimensional CMOS photosensor array of photosensor elements and/or (ii) a lens. With the housing mounted to the bracket attached at the vehicle windshield, the imager views to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield at a region of the windshield that may be swept by a windshield wiper of the vehicle. The photosensor array is operable to capture image data. A control includes an image processor disposed in the housing. The image processor includes a digital signal processor. The driver assistance system identifies objects viewed by the imager via processing by the image processor of captured image data. A spectral filter may be disposed between the photosensor array and the lens.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Mark L. Larson, Keith J. Vadas