Patents by Inventor Werner Lang
Werner Lang 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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Patent number: 12260589Abstract: Method for verifying indirect view system provides image capture unit (10) with image sensor (20), image processing unit (30), reproduction unit (40) and reference transducer (50) at a position at the vehicle (60), such that the reference transducer (50) lies in a recording portion of the image capture unit (10) and is depicted on the image sensor (20). The reference transducer (50) is defined at a reference transducer target position (51) on the image sensor (20). Image data of at least one recording portion (11) around the vehicle (60) are captured on sensor (20) and reproduced on unit (40). Then, a reference transducer current position (52) of the transducer (50) is determined on the image sensor (20) and the reference transducer current position (52) is compared with the reference transducer target position (51) to that extent whether reference transducer current position (52) is equal reference transducer target positon (51).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
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Patent number: 12194920Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear view system for a motor vehicle, having a bearing element for fastening at least one reflection element, wherein the bearing element forms a coupling region for variable-position attachment to a vehicle-attachable adjustment element, wherein the coupling region for contacting a spherical connection region of the adjustment element has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset with respect thereto wherein an imaginary separation surface extends through the region of transition of a main body of the bearing element into the coupling region of the bearing element, wherein the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite other side of the imaginary separation surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2022Date of Patent: January 14, 2025Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 12151619Abstract: A view system for a vehicle (1) with a tractor (2) and a trailer (3). The view system has a capture unit (10) with an image sensor (12) for capturing image data of an area of view, around the vehicle, a processing unit (20) for processing the image data, and a reproduction unit (30) for reproducing at least one first image section (410) and one second image section (420) of the area of view (40) captured by the capture unit (10). The processing unit provides different resolutions of image data depending on the position of the tractor with respect to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2023Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Redlingshöfer, Andreas Enz
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Publication number: 20240314265Abstract: Superimposing and displaying extra-information on image data displayed on a display for a vehicle, the system has an image capturing unit having an image sensor, an image processing unit and an image display unit having a display area, and wherein a sensor coordinate system is assigned to the image sensor having an origin of the sensor coordinate system and a scaling of the sensor coordinate system. An extra-information coordinate system is assigned to the extra-information and having an origin and a scaling. The method extracts image data from an extraction area, superimposes extra-information in the image processing unit, and displays image data together with the overlayed extra-information on the image display area of the image display unit. The position of the sensor extraction area is shiftable and/or its size variable.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Applicant: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Werner LANG, Andreas ENZ, Sebastian GÖTZ
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Patent number: 11997418Abstract: An indirect viewing system for a vehicle has at least one image capture device (2) having an image sensor (3) for continuously taking images at a first frame rate, an image memory (4) that temporarily stores images for processing that is temporally after the images are captured, and an image processing device (6) adapted to continuously compute at least one new image from at least two successively taken images, the computed new images having a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and an image output device (5) for outputting the continuously computed new images at the second frame rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Peter Geißendörfer, Andreas Redlingshöfer
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Patent number: 11838610Abstract: Camera system having a camera for a vehicle (F) for capturing the environment around the vehicle and a protection element. The camera has an optical element, with a light incidence portion (EB) and a retainer, which supports the optical element. The protection element is provided separately to the optical element and the retainer and is positioned at least on the light incidence portion (EB) of the optical element. The protection element has a sight opening, which exposes a use portion (NB) of the light incidence portion (EB). At least one gap between the optical element and the protection element for receiving a water drop (T), which is located on the use portion (NB), and a water drainage opening s distal from the sight opening is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
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Publication number: 20230234501Abstract: A view system for a vehicle (1) with a tractor (2) and a trailer (3). The view system has a capture unit (10) with an image sensor (12) for capturing image data of an area of view, around the vehicle, a processing unit (20) for processing the image data, and a reproduction unit (30) for reproducing at least one first image section (410) and one second image section (420) of the area of view (40) captured by the capture unit (10). The processing unit provides different resolutions of image data depending on the position of the tractor with respect to the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Werner LANG, Andreas REDLINGSHÖFER, Andreas ENZ
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Patent number: 11643011Abstract: For a vehicle (1) with a tractor (2) and a trailer (3), a view system has a capture unit (10) with an image sensor (12) for capturing image data of an area of view, around the vehicle, a processing unit (20) for processing the image data, and a reproduction unit (30) for reproducing at least one first image section (410) and one second image section (420) of the area of view (40) captured by the capture unit (10). The processing unit provides different resolutions of image data depending on the position of the tractor with respect to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Redlingshöfer, Andreas Enz
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Patent number: 11485288Abstract: An adjustment unit for an indirect vision system is indicated, which comprises a first and a second component connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system by as little connecting elements as possible. The interface of the adjustment unit to the support structure is to be able to withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space. Due to the second component including a pressure distribution element which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting member, and due to the fact that pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element, the forces introduced and centrally acting on the pressure distribution element and thus on the second component are equally distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. Traction with the support structure therefore is no longer performed centrally, but spreaded over a transverse extension of the second component.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
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Publication number: 20220314882Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear view system for a motor vehicle, having a bearing element for fastening at least one reflection element, wherein the bearing element forms a coupling region for variable-position attachment to a vehicle-attachable adjustment element, wherein the coupling region for contacting a spherical connection region of the adjustment element has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset with respect thereto wherein an imaginary separation surface extends through the region of transition of a main body of the bearing element into the coupling region of the bearing element, wherein the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite other side of the imaginary separation surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Publication number: 20220317413Abstract: The invention relates to an indirect rear viewing system for a motor vehicle having a supporting element for fastening at least one reflective element, wherein the supporting element has a coupling region for a position variable fastening/attachment to an adjusting element, which in turn can be attached to the vehicle, wherein the coupling region contacts a counter contact regions, of the adjusting element, wherein interlocking anti rotation means are present on the supporting element and on the adjusting element, wherein the anti rotation means are forming an index geometry, which, in a first operating state, permits an adjustment of the supporting element relative to the adjusting element about two axes of rotation, which are transverse to one another, and, in at least a second operating state, permits a basic position change of the supporting element relative to the adjusting element about a third axis of rotation which is aligned transversely to the two other axes of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
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Patent number: 11383646Abstract: A viewing system for a vehicle having a towing vehicle (5) and a trailer (6) pivotally mounted on the towing vehicle (5), with a first acquisition device (2a, 2b) for capturing first image data of a first area; a second acquisition device (3a, 3b) for capturing second image data of a second area overlapping the first area, wherein the first and second acquisition devices (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) have different optical characteristics; a device (4a, 4b) for processing the first and second image data to extract first (7) and second (8) image areas; display (1a, 1b) for same-filed displaying the image areas; a pivot angle determining device to determine pivot angle between towing vehicle (5) and trailer (6); and a display switch for switching display of the first area and second area on a switching condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Bauer, Andreas Enz, Matthias Zink
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Publication number: 20220150443Abstract: An indirect viewing system for a vehicle has at least one image capture device (2) having an image sensor (3) for continuously taking images at a first frame rate, an image memory (4) that temporarily stores images for processing that is temporally after the images are captured, and an image processing device (6) adapted to continuously compute at least one new image from at least two successively taken images, the computed new images having a second frame rate different from the first frame rate, and an image output device (5) for outputting the continuously computed new images at the second frame rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2021Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Werner LANG, Peter Geißendörfer, Andreas Redlingshöfer
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Publication number: 20220094831Abstract: Camera system having a camera for a vehicle (F) for capturing the environment around the vehicle and a protection element. The camera has an optical element, with a light incidence portion (EB) and a retainer, which supports the optical element. The protection element is provided separately to the optical element and the retainer and is positioned at least on the light incidence portion (EB) of the optical element. The protection element has a sight opening, which exposes a use portion (NB) of the light incidence portion (EB). At least one gap between the optical element and the protection element for receiving a water drop (T), which is located on the use portion (NB), and a water drainage opening s distal from the sight opening is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
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Patent number: 11203299Abstract: A view system (100A, 100B) for a vehicle (1) has at least one image capture unit (10A, 10B) for capturing image data of an area around the vehicle (1), wherein the image capture unit (10A, 10B) has an image sensor (11A, 11B) and an optical element (12A, 12B), at least one image processing unit (20A, 20B) for processing the image data captured by the image capture unit, and at least one light source (40, 40.1, 40.2) for illuminating the optical element (12A, 12B). The view system is configured to highlight the recognizability of a foreign particle (S, T), which is located on the optical element (12A, 12B), on the image sensor (11A, 11B) of the image capture unit (10A, 10B) by means of the illumination of the optical element (12A, 12B).Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Christian Traub
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Patent number: 11134225Abstract: A view system (100A, 100B) for a vehicle (1) has an image capture unit (10, 10A, 10B) for capturing image data of a portion around a vehicle (1), an image processing unit (20A, 20B) for processing the captured image data, and an image reproduction unit (30, 30A, 30B) for reproducing the processed image data. Included are an image sensor (11) and an optical element having a distortion curve. The image data are distorted dependent on the position of the image sensor according to the distortion curve. The image processing unit (20A, 20B) is adapted for taking at least one partial portion (12, 12?) from the image data of the image sensor (11), wherein the geometry of the partial portion (12, 12?) is dependent on the position of the partial portion (12, 12?) on the image sensor (11).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Enz
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Publication number: 20210291738Abstract: A viewing system for a vehicle having a towing vehicle (5) and a trailer (6) pivotally mounted on the towing vehicle (5), with a first acquisition device (2a, 2b) for capturing first image data of a first area; a second acquisition device (3a, 3b) for capturing second image data of a second area overlapping the first area, wherein the first and second acquisition devices (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) have different optical characteristics; a device (4a, 4b) for processing the first and second image data to extract first (7) and second (8) image areas; display (1a, 1b) for same-filed displaying the image areas; a pivot angle determining device to determine pivot angle between towing vehicle (5) and trailer (6); and a display switch for switching display of the first area and second area on a switching condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan BAUER, Andreas ENZ, Matthias ZINK
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Publication number: 20210287403Abstract: Method for verifying indirect view system provides image capture unit (10) with image sensor (20), image processing unit (30), reproduction unit (40) and reference transducer (50) at a position at the vehicle (60), such that the reference transducer (50) lies in a recording portion of the image capture unit (10) and is depicted on the image sensor (20). The reference transducer (50) is defined at a reference transducer target position (51) on the image sensor (20). Image data of at least one recording portion (11) around the vehicle (60) are captured on sensor (20) and reproduced on unit (40). Then, a reference transducer current position (52) of the transducer (50) is determined on the image sensor (20) and the reference transducer current position (52) is compared with the reference transducer target position (51) to that extent whether reference transducer current position (52) is equal reference transducer target positon (51).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: September 16, 2021Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
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Publication number: 20210107405Abstract: An adjustment unit for an indirect vision system is indicated, which comprises a first and a second component connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system by as little connecting elements as possible. The interface of the adjustment unit to the support structure is to be able to withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space. Due to the second component including a pressure distribution element which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting member, and due to the fact that pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element, the forces introduced and centrally acting on the pressure distribution element and thus on the second component are equally distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. Traction with the support structure therefore is no longer performed centrally, but spreaded over a transverse extension of the second component.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
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Publication number: 20200346582Abstract: A view system (100A, 100B) for a vehicle (1) has at least one image capture unit (10A, 10B) for capturing image data of an area around the vehicle (1), wherein the image capture unit (10A, 10B) has an image sensor (11A, 11B) and an optical element (12A, 12B), at least one image processing unit (20A, 20B) for processing the image data captured by the image capture unit, and at least one light source (40, 40.1, 40.2) for illuminating the optical element (12A, 12B). The view system is configured to highlight the recognizeability of a foreign particle (S, T), which is located on the optical element (12A, 12B), on the image sensor (11A, 11B) of the image capture unit (10A, 10B) by means of the illumination of the optical element (12A, 12B).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan CENTMAYER, Christian TRAUB