Patents by Inventor Lee Karner

Lee Karner 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: 10556542
    Abstract: A rear backup system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device operable to display video images viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When the vehicle transmission is shifted into reverse gear to commence a backup event, video backup images are displayed and an overlay is also displayed to guide the driver when hitching a trailer hitch of the vehicle to a trailer tongue of a trailer. When the trailer hitch of the vehicle is within the field of view of the rear backup video camera, the overlay guides the driver to connect the trailer hitch of the vehicle to the trailer tongue of the trailer. Display by the video screen of the video images continues during short term forward movement of the vehicle when maneuvering the vehicle to connect the trailer hitch of the vehicle to the trailer tongue of the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10449903
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with a planar front surface and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. A mounting element is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and includes a pivot element that is configured to pivotally mount the mirror reflective element at the vehicle. A plastic molding receives the mirror reflective element therein such that a portion of the plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The portion of the plastic molding provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the glass substrate to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190283673
    Abstract: A rear backup system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device operable to display video images viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When the vehicle transmission is shifted into reverse gear to commence a backup event, video backup images are displayed and an overlay is also displayed to guide the driver when hitching a trailer hitch of the vehicle to a trailer tongue of a trailer. When the trailer hitch of the vehicle is within the field of view of the rear backup video camera, the overlay guides the driver to connect the trailer hitch of the vehicle to the trailer tongue of the trailer. Display by the video screen of the video images continues during short term forward movement of the vehicle when maneuvering the vehicle to connect the trailer hitch of the vehicle to the trailer tongue of the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10308180
    Abstract: A rear backup system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device including a video display screen operable to display video images viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When a transmission of the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear to commence a backup event, video backup images derived from image data captured by the rear backup video camera are displayed at the video display screen of the display device. Display of the video backup images continues after shifting of the transmission out of reverse gear. Display of the video backup images at the video display screen ceases once a threshold condition is met. The threshold condition may include a threshold period of time elapsing after the transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear. The rear backup video camera continues to capture image data at least until the threshold condition is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190143901
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with a planar front surface and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. A mounting element is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and includes a pivot element that is configured to pivotally mount the mirror reflective element at the vehicle. A plastic molding receives the mirror reflective element therein such that a portion of the plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The portion of the plastic molding provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the glass substrate to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190095011
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a camera disposed at a vehicle having a field of view at least forward, rearward and/or exterior of the equipped vehicle. An image projection device is disposed in the vehicle and includes a biaxial microelectromechanical scanner and at least one light source operable to emit light. Light emitted by the at least one light source, when operated, is projected by the biaxial microelectromechanical scanner towards a windshield of the vehicle so as to form video images that are viewable by a driver of the vehicle viewing the windshield when driving the vehicle. The video images viewed by the driver viewing the windshield include video images derived from image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: John O. Lindahl, Peter J. Whitehead, Niall R. Lynam, John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook
  • Publication number: 20190092238
    Abstract: A rear backup system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera and a display device including a video display screen operable to display video images viewable by a driver of the vehicle. When a transmission of the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear to commence a backup event, video backup images derived from image data captured by the rear backup video camera are displayed at the video display screen of the display device. Display of the video backup images continues after shifting of the transmission out of reverse gear. Display of the video backup images at the video display screen ceases once a threshold condition is met. The threshold condition may include a threshold period of time elapsing after the transmission has been shifted out of reverse gear. The rear backup video camera continues to capture image data at least until the threshold condition is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10166927
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with a planar front surface and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. A mounting element is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and includes a pivot element that is configured to pivotally mount the mirror reflective element at the vehicle. A plastic molding receives the mirror reflective element therein such that a portion of the plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The portion of the plastic molding provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the glass substrate to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10144353
    Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras viewing exterior the equipped vehicle and at least one non-visual sensor sensing exterior of the equipped vehicle. Captured image data and sensor data are provided to a central data processor. At the central data processor, image data is fused with sensor data and processed in order to detect vehicles that are present external the equipped vehicle. The central data processor includes a digital signal processor operable to process data at a data processioning speed of at least 30 MIPS. Via processing at the central data processor of image data and sensor data, a potential hazard present exterior the equipped vehicle is determined to exist. The potential hazard arises from presence of rear-approaching traffic in at least one of (i) a side lane to the equipped vehicle and (ii) a rear lane to the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10139978
    Abstract: A head up display system for a vehicle includes an image projection device disposed in the vehicle and having a biaxial microelectromechanical scanner and at least one light source operable to emit light. Light emitted by the at least one light source is projected by the biaxial microelectromechanical scanner towards a windshield of the vehicle so as to form an image that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle viewing the windshield when driving the vehicle. The image projection device is disposed at one of (i) an accessory module disposed in the vehicle, (ii) an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in the vehicle, and (iii) a dashboard of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John O. Lindahl, Peter J. Whitehead, Niall R. Lynam, John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook
  • Publication number: 20180056871
    Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras viewing exterior the equipped vehicle and at least one non-visual sensor sensing exterior of the equipped vehicle. Captured image data and sensor data are provided to a central data processor. At the central data processor, image data is fused with sensor data and processed in order to detect vehicles that are present external the equipped vehicle. The central data processor includes a digital signal processor operable to process data at a data processioning speed of at least 30 MIPS. Via processing at the central data processor of image data and sensor data, a potential hazard present exterior the equipped vehicle is determined to exist. The potential hazard arises from presence of rear-approaching traffic in at least one of (i) a side lane to the equipped vehicle and (ii) a rear lane to the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20180029535
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with a planar front surface and a circumferential edge along the periphery of the glass substrate. A mounting element is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and includes a pivot element that is configured to pivotally mount the mirror reflective element at the vehicle. A plastic molding receives the mirror reflective element therein such that a portion of the plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The portion of the plastic molding provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the glass substrate to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9796331
    Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of video cameras having respective fields of view external of the vehicle. Captured image data is provided to and processed at a central data processor in order to detect objects that are within the field of view of at least some of the video cameras. The vehicle is equipped with a sensor system having at least one non-visual sensor that senses sensor data in a region external of the vehicle. The sensed sensor data is provided to the central data processor. A potential hazard present exterior the vehicle is determined to exist via processing at the central data processor of at least one of received image data and received sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9783115
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with planar front and rear surfaces. A plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about a circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The plane of the front surface of the glass substrate is generally flush with an outermost part of the plastic molding, which provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the mirror reflective element to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly. The plastic molding includes structure for attaching a rear mirror casing cap portion thereat. With the rear mirror casing cap portion attached at the structure, the rear mirror casing cap portion at least partially encases a rear portion of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20170255300
    Abstract: A head up display system for a vehicle includes an image projection device disposed in the vehicle and having a biaxial microelectromechanical scanner and at least one light source operable to emit light. Light emitted by the at least one light source is projected by the biaxial microelectromechanical scanner towards a windshield of the vehicle so as to form an image that is viewable by a driver of the vehicle viewing the windshield when driving the vehicle. The image projection device is disposed at one of (i) an accessory module disposed in the vehicle, (ii) an interior rearview mirror assembly disposed in the vehicle, and (iii) a dashboard of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: John O. Lindahl, Peter J. Whitehead, Niall R. Lynam, John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook
  • Patent number: 9658727
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror casing and a transflective reflective element. The transflective reflective element has an electrochromic active region, and a plurality of user input elements is disposed outside of the electrochromic active region and below the electrochromic active region. Each of the individual user input elements is a touch or proximity sensor. A plurality of display elements is disposed behind the transflective reflective element at the electrochromic active region, and each display element is selectively activated by activation of a respective user input element. Each of the individual display elements and its associated respective one of the individual user input elements are located local to one another such that a cognitive relationship between actuation by a user of a respective user input element and activation of its associated display element is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John O. Lindahl, Peter J. Whitehead, Niall R. Lynam, John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook
  • Publication number: 20170129406
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element having a glass substrate with planar front and rear surfaces. A plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about a circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The plane of the front surface of the glass substrate is generally flush with an outermost part of the plastic molding, which provides a curved rounded transition from the front surface of the mirror reflective element to a side surface of the plastic molding. The plastic molding includes at least a portion of a mirror housing of the interior rearview mirror assembly. The plastic molding includes structure for attaching a rear mirror casing cap portion thereat. With the rear mirror casing cap portion attached at the structure, the rear mirror casing cap portion at least partially encases a rear portion of the plastic molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9557584
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly includes an interior prismatic mirror reflective element having a wedge-shaped glass substrate having a circumferential edge along the periphery of said glass substrate. The circumferential edge spans a thickness of the glass substrate between its front and rear surfaces. The prismatic mirror reflective element has a mirror reflector established at the rear surface of the glass substrate. A plastic molding is circumferentially disposed about the circumferential edge of the glass substrate without overlapping onto the front surface of the glass substrate. The outermost part of the plastic molding curves and the plane of the front surface of the glass substrate is generally flush with the outermost part of the plastic molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Lee Karner, Richard R. Hook, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20160375830
    Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of video cameras having respective fields of view external of the vehicle. Captured image data is provided to and processed at a central data processor in order to detect objects that are within the field of view of at least some of the video cameras. The vehicle is equipped with a sensor system having at least one non-visual sensor that senses sensor data in a region external of the vehicle. The sensed sensor data is provided to the central data processor. A potential hazard present exterior the vehicle is determined to exist via processing at the central data processor of at least one of received image data and received sensor data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9440586
    Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear-mounted video camera, a front-mounted video camera, and first and second side-mounted video cameras at respective sides of the vehicle. Captured image data is processed at a central data processor to generate video images for display on a video screen. The captured image data is processed at the central data processor in order to detect objects that are within the combined field of view of the video cameras. At least one non-visual sensor captures sensor data in a region external of the vehicle and the captured sensor data is provided to the central data processor. An alert to the driver of the equipped vehicle is generated when, via processing at the central data processor of at least one of received image data and received sensor data, a potential hazard is determined to exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam