Patents by Inventor Niall R. Lynam

Niall R. Lynam 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: 11970111
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm and a mirror head at one end of the mounting arm distal from an attachment portion of the mounting arm that is configured for attachment at a vehicle. A mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. An innermost side of the mirror reflective element is attached at a front side of an attachment plate. The mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the vehicle operates an electrically-operable actuator. The attachment plate includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate and circumscribes and spans the perimeter circumferential edge of the glass substrate and does not encroach onto and does not overlap the front surface of the glass substrate of the exterior mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Keith D. Foote, Joseph M. Mambourg, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11970113
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through a vehicle windshield, a rearward-viewing camera located at a rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The common image processor processes first image data captured by the forward-viewing camera to detect at least one vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rearward-viewing camera are displayed by the video display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
  • Publication number: 20240067091
    Abstract: A vehicular video camera display system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a casing and an electrochromic reflective element, with a video display device disposed in the casing behind the electrochromic reflective element. With the interior rearview mirror assembly disposed at the in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, a video display screen of the video display device is operable to display video images that are viewable through the electrochromic reflective element by a driver of the vehicle. Image data captured by a rearward-viewing video camera is communicated as a digital signal from the rearward-viewing video camera via a cable to control circuitry disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly. The video display device displays video images that are derived, at least in part, from image data communicated via the cable from the rearward-viewing video camera to the control circuitry disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20240051464
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a plurality of digital cameras disposed at a vehicle and a display device having a video display screen disposed in an interior cabin of the vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle. Rear backup video images derived from image data captured by a rear backup digital camera are displayed on the video display screen no later than two seconds after the driver of the vehicle first changes propulsion of the vehicle during a new ignition cycle to reverse mode to commence a backup event. Until the backup event is completed, the video display screen displays rear backup video images. Image data conveyed from the plurality of digital cameras is combined to form composite video images that are output for display at the video display screen to provide a bird's eye view that enhances the driver's understanding of areas surrounding the equipped vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20240042933
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a video display screen disposed behind a transflective mirror reflector of an electrochromic mirror reflective element of an interior rearview mirror assembly. Image data captured by a rearward-viewing camera is provided to the mirror assembly as digital signals carried by a coaxial cable. Electronic circuitry of the mirror assembly includes (i) auto dimming circuitry and (ii) video processing circuitry. The video display screen (i) displays at a left display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring in a left side lane, (ii) displays at a right display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring in a right side lane and (iii) displays at a middle display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring rearward of the vehicle in the lane the equipped vehicle is travelling in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20240046706
    Abstract: A vehicular driver monitoring system includes an interior prismatic rearview mirror assembly and a camera disposed at the interior prismatic rearview mirror assembly behind and viewing through a prismatic mirror reflective element into the interior cabin of the vehicle. Supplemental sources of near infrared illumination are disposed at the mirror assembly that are operable to emit near infrared light to illuminate at least the driver-side front seating area within the interior cabin of the vehicle. Presence of the camera behind the prismatic mirror reflective element is not readily apparent to an occupant of the vehicle. The camera at least (a) views the driver-side front seating area of the vehicle and (b) views a passenger-side front seating area of the vehicle. The driver of the equipped vehicle is monitored via processing at the processor of image data captured by the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Mark E. Kramer, Niall R. Lynam, David P. O'Connell, Vernon R. Nise
  • Publication number: 20240042932
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment at a vehicle and an electrically-operable actuator. An exterior mirror head is movable relative to an exterior portion of the vehicle via operation of the actuator. The exterior mirror head accommodates an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate. A heater pad is disposed between the exterior mirror reflective element and the attachment plate. An outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element is exposed to and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and is contactable. The attachment plate includes wall structure that spans a perimeter circumferential edge of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11890991
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element, a mirror reflector coating, a mirror back plate, and indicator element. The indicator element includes a circuit board and a light source. The indicator element includes a diffuser that diffuses light emitted by the light source. An icon is established through a metallic reflector coating disposed at the glass substrate. The icon includes a light-transmitting aperture. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the vehicle, and when the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source passes through a light-transmitting portion of a heater pad and through the light-transmitting aperture of the icon. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the vehicle and when the light source is activated, the icon is illuminated and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11890990
    Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head accommodating an interior mirror reflective element. The mirror reflective element has a mirror transflector that transmits near infrared light incident thereon, transmits visible light incident thereon and reflects visible light incident thereon. A camera is disposed within the mirror head and views through the mirror transflector. The camera includes an imaging sensor having a quantum efficiency (QE) of at least 15% for near infrared light having a wavelength of 940 nm. First, second and third near infrared illumination sources are disposed within the mirror head and operable to emit near infrared light that passes through the mirror transflector. The near infrared illumination sources are at respective locations at the mirror reflective element and, when powered, illuminate respective seat regions for a driver-monitoring function or an occupant-detection function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Huizen, Justin E. Sobecki, Austen C. Peterson, Ian A McCabe, Rodney K. Blank, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20240013551
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The plurality of vehicular cameras includes at least (i) a forward-viewing vehicular camera, (ii) a driver side sideward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) a passenger side sideward-viewing vehicular camera. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. During a driving maneuver of the equipped vehicle, and responsive at least in part to fusion at the central control module of (i) image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (ii) radar data captured by at least the front radar sensor, a pedestrian present exterior of the equipped vehicle is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Publication number: 20240013552
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a central control module vehicle, a plurality of vehicular cameras disposed at a vehicle and viewing exterior of the vehicle, and a plurality of radar sensors disposed at the vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. The plurality of vehicular cameras includes at least (i) a forward-viewing vehicular camera, (ii) a driver side sideward-viewing vehicular camera and (iii) a passenger side sideward-viewing vehicular camera. The central control module receives vehicle data relating to operation of the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing at the central control module of (i) image data captured by at least the forward-viewing vehicular camera and (ii) radar data captured by at least the front radar sensor, the vehicular control system at least in part controls a plurality of driver assistance systems of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Niall R. Lynam, Axel Nix
  • Patent number: 11847836
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a forward viewing camera disposed at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle and viewing forward of the vehicle. Road curvature of a road along which the vehicle is traveling is determined responsive at least in part to processing of image data captured by the camera. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, speed of the vehicle is controlled by an adaptive cruise control system of the vehicle. Upon approach of the vehicle to a curve in the road along which the vehicle is traveling, speed of the vehicle is reduced by the adaptive cruise control system to a reduced speed for traveling around the curve in the road. Speed of the vehicle is increased by the adaptive cruise control system when the vehicle is traveling along a straighter section of road after the curve in the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11833965
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror reflective element assembly. The mirror reflective element assembly includes a main reflective element backing plate and a main reflective element. The main reflective element includes a glass substrate having a mirror reflector coated at a surface thereof. The mirror reflector-coated glass substrate of the main reflective element is attached at the main reflective element backing plate. The mirror reflective element assembly includes an auxiliary reflective element backing plate and an auxiliary wide angle reflective element. The auxiliary wide angle reflective element is positioned on the auxiliary reflective element backing plate. The auxiliary reflective element backing plate is attached to the main reflective element backing plate via an attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Kevin P. Benthem, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11827155
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior breakaway rearview mirror assembly includes a skull-cap mirror shell and a reflective element. With the mirror assembly mounted at an exterior side of a vehicle, the skull-cap mirror shell has an inboard wall that faces toward the exterior side of the vehicle. A blind spot indicator is disposed at an aperture established at the inboard wall of the skull-cap mirror shell. An illumination source of the blind spot indicator is activated to illuminate the blind spot indicator responsive to an electronic blind spot monitoring system of the vehicle detecting another vehicle that is approaching or overtaking the equipped vehicle. Illumination of the blind spot indicator by activation of the illumination source is readily viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle and is not readily viewable by a driver of the detected other vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11813987
    Abstract: A vehicular trailer hitching assist system includes a rear backup camera disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle and a control disposed in the vehicle. A display device includes a video display screen operable to display video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. Responsive to the driver initiating a hitching maneuver event by engaging reverse gear of the vehicle, rear backup video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera are displayed at the video display screen. An overlay overlays the displayed rear backup video images and aids in guiding connection of a trailer hitch of the equipped vehicle to a trailer tongue of a trailer. Continued display of rear backup video images that are overlaid by the overlay is ceased upon elapse of a threshold period of time or upon exceeding a threshold speed or upon exceeding a threshold distance traveled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11815594
    Abstract: A vehicular forward-sensing system includes a radar sensor and a forward viewing image sensor disposed within a windshield electronics module that is removably installed within an interior cabin at a windshield of a vehicle. A control is responsive to outputs of the radar sensor and of the image sensor. The image sensor captures image data for an automatic headlamp control system of the vehicle and for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle. The image sensor views and the radar sensor senses an object present in the path of forward travel of the vehicle. The control determines that the object is an object of interest based at least in part on the image sensor viewing the object present in the path of forward travel of the vehicle and the radar sensor sensing the object present in the path of forward travel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11807164
    Abstract: A vehicular video camera display system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a casing and an electrochromic reflective element, with a video display device disposed in the casing behind the electrochromic reflective element. With the interior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, a video display screen of the video display device is operable to display video images that are viewable through the electrochromic reflective element by a driver of the vehicle. A rearward-viewing video camera is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle and views at least rearward of the vehicle. Control circuitry is disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly. Image data captured by the rearward-viewing video camera is communicated as a digital signal from the rearward-viewing video camera via a cable to the control circuitry disposed at the interior rearview mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Rodney K Blank, Mark L Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20230347823
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mounting arm and a mirror head at one end of the mounting arm distal from an attachment portion of the mounting arm that is configured for attachment at a vehicle. A mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. An innermost side of the mirror reflective element is attached at a front side of an attachment plate. The mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the vehicle operates an electrically-operable actuator. The attachment plate includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate and circumscribes and spans the perimeter circumferential edge of the glass substrate and does not encroach onto and does not overlap the front surface of the glass substrate of the exterior mirror reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: John T. Uken, Darryl P. De Wind, Keith D. Foote, Joseph M. Mambourg, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11794651
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a video display screen and a video processor operable to process captured video image data captured by a rearward-viewing color video camera at the vehicle. The video display screen includes a left display region at a left portion, a right display region at a right portion, and a middle display region that spans between the left and right display regions. The video display screen (i) displays at the left display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring in a left side lane, (ii) displays at the right display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring in a right side lane and (iii) displays at the middle display region video images derived from captured image data to display a scene occurring rearward of the vehicle in the lane the equipped vehicle is travelling in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Baur, Rodney K. Blank, Mark L. Larson, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 11794648
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at a vehicle includes a mounting arm, an electrically operated actuator at one end of the mounting arm, an attachment portion at the other end of the mounting arm, and an exterior mirror head movable relative to the mounting arm via the actuator. The exterior mirror head includes an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate of the exterior mirror head. The exterior mirror reflective element attached at the attachment plate moves in tandem with movement of the exterior mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the equipped vehicle operates the actuator. The attachment plate of the exterior mirror head includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto or overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam