Patents by Inventor Thomas S. Wright

Thomas S. Wright 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: 10127804
    Abstract: A system for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, communications electronics, and a processing circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the communications electronics. The processing circuit is configured to cause the trainable transceiver to control a remote device in response to a signal received from a cloud computing system, wherein the signal is received from the cloud computing system using the communications electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Douglas C. Papay, Carl L. Shearer
  • Patent number: 10115302
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use data received from the camera to determine if the vehicle is well positioned within a garage, and the control circuit is configured to provide an indication that the vehicle is well positioned using the output device in response to determining that the vehicle is well positioned within a garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 10096186
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a device, the system including a trainable transceiver, communications electronics, and a processing circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the communications electronics. The processing circuit is configured to train the trainable transceiver to control a device using information received from a cloud computing system remote from the device and vehicle via the communications electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Douglas C. Papay, Carl L. Shearer
  • Publication number: 20180247037
    Abstract: An authentication system for a vehicle comprises a first scanning apparatus, a second scanning apparatus, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a request for vehicle entry and capture first scanning data with the first scanning apparatus in response to the request. The controller is further configured to process a first comparison of the first scanning data to grant access to a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The controller is further configured to capture second scanning data with the second scanning apparatus to activate a privilege level associated with an identification profile of an occupant. The privilege level is communicated to the controller to define a level of access and control to one or more systems of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Thomas S. Wright
  • Publication number: 20180232981
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. GEERLINGS, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20180211515
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use data received from the camera to determine if the vehicle is well positioned within a garage, and the control circuit is configured to provide an indication that the vehicle is well positioned using the output device in response to determining that the vehicle is well positioned within a garage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Publication number: 20180165988
    Abstract: A method for identifying a vehicle accessory with a mobile device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an input in the mobile device and activating an identification function in a control circuit of the mobile device in response to the input. An image viewfinder is initiated in response to the activation of the identification function. The viewfinder is used to capture an image of the vehicle accessory including at least one feature. The at least one feature in the image is compared to a plurality of corresponding features of a plurality of compatible vehicle accessories. Based on the comparison, an identity of the vehicle accessory is identified. Training information for the vehicle accessory is then accessed and displayed on the mobile device to facilitate at least one setup task of the vehicle accessory in response to identifying the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wright, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 9984516
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver base station for controlling a remote device includes a first transceiver circuit, a power connection, and a control circuit. The first transceiver circuit is configured to transmit activation signals to the remote device, the activation signals formatted based on training information and formatted to control the remote device. The power connection is configured to receive electrical power from a vehicle. The control circuit is configured to cause the first transceiver circuit to transmit the activation signal when a command signal is received at the trainable transceiver base station. The trainable transceiver base station is located at a first location within the vehicle, and the trainable transceiver base station is configured to receive the command signal from a remote button module located at a second location within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20180144617
    Abstract: A method for automatically transmitting an activation signal from a trainable transceiver to a remote electronic system, includes receiving, at a control circuit of the trainable transceiver, image data from an image data source; determining, using the control circuit, if the received image data matches one or more reference images stored in memory and associated with the remote electronic system; and determining, in response to a match between the received image data and the one or more reference images, if the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system. The method includes, in response to determining that the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system, formatting an activation signal to control the remote electronic system and transmitting, using a transceiver circuit, the activation signal formatted to control the remote electronic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, David M. Bostrom
  • Publication number: 20180144618
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured based on training information to communicate with the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and coupled to the communications device. The control circuit is configured to transmit diagnostic information related to the trainable transceiver to a mobile communications device via the communications device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd R. WITKOWSKI, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Publication number: 20180122225
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use the camera to identify the remote device by comparing information received via the camera to information stored in memory, and the control circuit is configured to automatically transmit an activation signal formatted to control the remote device in response to identifying the remote device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Steven L. GEERLINGS, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 9956911
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a vehicle warning system. The warning system includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of a foreign object and a controller in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to periodically communicate with the sensor to identify the presence of the foreign object while the vehicle is parked. The controller is further operable to output a warning signal in response to the presence of the foreign object. The warning signal is configured to communicate a detection of the foreign object having entered a path of the vehicle during a period while the vehicle is parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas S. Wright
  • Patent number: 9947159
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a trainable transceiver and a remote button module. The trainable transceiver base station configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a first location and the remote button module separated from the base station and configured to be mounted in the vehicle at a second location. The remote button module is configured to wirelessly transmit a command signal to the base station in response to receiving a user input at a user input device, and the base station responds to receiving the command signal by transmitting an activation signal to the remote device, wherein the activation signal is formatted to control the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Todd R. Witkowski, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20180096684
    Abstract: A vehicle-based remote control system and method are provided herein. A first in-vehicle device and a second in-vehicle device are provided. The second in-vehicle device includes a user-input mechanism having at least one actuatable member, and a controller programmed to respond to input from the user-input mechanism. Upon actuation of the at least one actuatable member, the controller prompts the first in-vehicle device to transmit a pre-recorded user voice command assigned to the at least one actuatable member. The pre-recorded user voice command is transmitted to a server. The server processes the pre-recorded user voice command and generates a command for executing an action specified by the pre-recorded user voice command. The command is executed by one or more smart devices located remotely from a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Goote, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright
  • Patent number: 9922548
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, an output device, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use data received from the camera to determine if the vehicle is well positioned within a garage, and the control circuit is configured to provide an indication that the vehicle is well positioned using the output device in response to determining that the vehicle is well positioned within a garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 9916769
    Abstract: A method for identifying a vehicle accessory with a mobile device is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an input in the mobile device and activating an identification function in a control circuit of the mobile device in response to the input. An image viewfinder is initiated in response to the activation of the identification function. The viewfinder is used to capture an image of the vehicle accessory including at least one feature. The at least one feature in the image is compared to a plurality of corresponding features of a plurality of compatible vehicle accessories. Based on the comparison, an identity of the vehicle accessory is identified. Training information for the vehicle accessory is then accessed and displayed on the mobile device to facilitate at least one setup task of the vehicle accessory in response to identifying the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas S. Wright, Bradley R. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 9875650
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured based on training information to communicate with the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and coupled to the communications device. The control circuit is configured to transmit diagnostic information related to the trainable transceiver to a mobile communications device via the communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 9858808
    Abstract: A method for automatically transmitting an activation signal from a trainable transceiver to a remote electronic system, includes receiving, at a control circuit of the trainable transceiver, image data from an image data source; determining, using the control circuit, if the received image data matches one or more reference images stored in memory and associated with the remote electronic system; and determining, in response to a match between the received image data and the one or more reference images, if the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system. The method includes, in response to determining that the trainable transceiver is approaching the remote electronic system, formatting an activation signal to control the remote electronic system and transmitting, using a transceiver circuit, the activation signal formatted to control the remote electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, David M. Bostrom
  • Patent number: 9858806
    Abstract: A system for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device including a trainable transceiver, a camera, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transceiver and the camera. The control circuit is configured to use the camera to identify the remote device by comparing information received via the camera to information stored in memory, and the control circuit is configured to automatically transmit an activation signal formatted to control the remote device in response to identifying the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven L. Geerlings, Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Publication number: 20170352286
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver is provided for a vehicle for transmitting signals to a device remote from the vehicle. The trainable transceiver includes an RF transceiver configured to receive an RF signal during a training mode in order to learn characteristics of the received RF signal, and to transmit an RF signal to the remote device in an operating mode where the transmitted RF signal includes the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; a local memory device for storing channel data representing the learned characteristics of the received RF signal; an interface configured to communicate with an Internet-connected device; and a controller coupled to the local memory device and the interface, the controller configured to retrieve the channel data from the local memory device and transfer the channel data for storage remote from the vehicle using the interface. The controller may also receive channel data from the remote memory device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Thomas D. Klaver, Jonathan E. Dorst, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright