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).

  • Patent number: 12260589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
  • Patent number: 12194920
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 12151619
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Redlingshöfer, Andreas Enz
  • Publication number: 20240314265
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Andreas ENZ, Sebastian GÖTZ
  • Patent number: 11997418
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Peter Geißendörfer, Andreas Redlingshöfer
  • Patent number: 11838610
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
  • Publication number: 20230234501
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Andreas REDLINGSHÖFER, Andreas ENZ
  • Patent number: 11643011
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Redlingshöfer, Andreas Enz
  • Patent number: 11485288
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
  • Publication number: 20220314882
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
  • Publication number: 20220317413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Elmar Finkenberger, Albrecht Popp
  • Patent number: 11383646
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Bauer, Andreas Enz, Matthias Zink
  • Publication number: 20220150443
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Peter Geißendörfer, Andreas Redlingshöfer
  • Publication number: 20220094831
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer
  • Patent number: 11203299
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Christian Traub
  • Patent number: 11134225
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MEKRA LANG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Andreas Enz
  • Publication number: 20210291738
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan BAUER, Andreas ENZ, Matthias ZINK
  • Publication number: 20210287403
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Stefan Centmayer, Alexander Wotschal
  • Publication number: 20210107405
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Werner Lang, Albrecht Popp, Franziska Geuder
  • Publication number: 20200346582
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Werner LANG, Stefan CENTMAYER, Christian TRAUB