Patents by Inventor Yanning Zhao

Yanning Zhao 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: 11701968
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a composite structure to provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, light panel, absorber panel and/or decorative material. The light panel may provide output visible at the exterior surface; the decorative layer and/or absorber panel may provide a visual effect. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover; illumination from a display may comprise visible light transmitted through a functional layer and through an at least partially translucent cover. The component may comprise a light panel to provide output visible at the cover exterior surface. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed. The user interface may be coupled to a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Hannes Rene Boehm, Steffen Proemmel, Iris Wegner, Amit Mukund Patankar, Danny Brian Larsen
  • Publication number: 20220111731
    Abstract: A vehicle interior component configured to provide a user interface for vehicle systems is disclosed. The component may provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant. The component may comprise a composite structure to provide the user interface comprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, light panel, absorber panel and/or decorative material. The light panel may provide output visible at the exterior surface; the decorative layer and/or absorber panel may provide a visual effect. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive cover; illumination from a display may comprise visible light transmitted through a functional layer and through an at least partially translucent cover. The component may comprise a light panel to provide output visible at the cover exterior surface. A method of operating the user interface provided by the composite structure is also disclosed. The user interface may be coupled to a control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Hannes Rene Boehm, Steffen Proemmel, Iris Wegner, Amit Mukund Patankar, Danny Brian Larson
  • Patent number: 10642035
    Abstract: The Disclosure concerns a laser projection arrangement and a process for the generation of virtual images, the purpose of which is to present a solution which allows a representation of multiple virtual images in different distances or planes and different points of view and that can be manufactured economically. On the arrangement side, this purpose is solved when one of at least two picture generating units that generate virtual images that differ in their wavelength and/or their polarization is arranged and when a holographic optical element is arranged on or in the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Elie Abi Chaaya, Patrick Nebout
  • Publication number: 20200057546
    Abstract: A user interface and method for inputting and outputting information in a vehicle provides a user interface with a three-dimensional operating element. A laser projection unit generates at least one virtual three-dimensional operating element. A means for gesture recognition as a means for detection of an input are arranged in the interior of a vehicle. At least one virtual three-dimensional operating element is projected in the visual range of a driver by means of a laser projection arrangement. A gesture of the driver is detected by a gesture recognition means. A position of a hand of the driver is detected by means of the gesture recognition that coincides with an area of the virtual operating element. A signal for controlling a vehicle system or a function of a vehicle system is generated by the central control and evaluation unit and is output to the corresponding vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Elie Abi-Chaaya
  • Publication number: 20200055397
    Abstract: A user interface and a method for the inputting and outputting of information in the vehicle includes an image generation unit which generates a projected image. A means for gesture recognition is arranged as a means for detecting an input, and that a means for view detection and following is arranged such that the recognition of the viewing direction and an association of the viewing direction of the driver with an area in the vehicle is carried out. Information about this area is generated in the viewing direction in the form of a projected image and is displayed floating over the area. Recognition of gestures of the driver is carried out. Upon a coincidence of a position of a hand of the driver, detected by the gesture recognition, with the projected image or a component of the projected image, a signal is generated by the central control unit and outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Alexander Van Laack
  • Patent number: 10261314
    Abstract: A head-up display, in particular for use in a vehicle, includes a light source and a projection screen. An intermediate screen is provided for the orientation of light emitted from a light source and, resulting therefrom, for the shaping of an image to be displayed on the projection screen. The intermediate screen is at least partially reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Controls GMBH
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Frank Schliep
  • Patent number: 10225534
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for characterization of subjective speckle formation, especially for quantification of the speckle contrast. The device has a projection surface (9) and a coherent or partly coherent light source (10) for projecting of an image onto the projection surface (9), a detection unit (11) for generating of speckle images (13) of the image projected onto the projection surface (9), as well as a data acquisition and analysis unit (12) for processing and evaluation of image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Frank Schliep
  • Publication number: 20180231773
    Abstract: A display system for a windshield of a vehicle comprises a projection device configured to generate an image upon a projection surface and a controller for processing information related to the image. Furthermore, the display device is configured with a recording device which is pointed toward the projection surface and connected to the controller by a first data channel. The projection surface is configurable and likewise connected by means of a second data channel to the controller. The projection surface may include a light-transparent liquid crystal display and/or a flexible liquid crystal display, and may be configured as a mirror or as a diffuser for showing the image as a hologram. A method for configuring the display system is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Giang-Nam Nguyen, Yanning Zhao, Patrick Nebout
  • Publication number: 20170363868
    Abstract: The Disclosure concerns a laser projection arrangement and a process for the generation of virtual images, the purpose of which is to present a solution which allows a representation of multiple virtual images in different distances or planes and different points of view and that can be manufactured economically. On the arrangement side, this purpose is solved when one of at least two picture generating units that generate virtual images that differ in their wavelength and/or their polarization is arranged and when a holographic optical element is arranged on or in the projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Elie Abi Chaaya, Patrick Nebout
  • Publication number: 20170064272
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for characterization of subjective speckle formation, especially for quantification of the speckle contrast. The device has a projection surface (9) and a coherent or partly coherent light source (10) for projecting of an image onto the projection surface (9), a detection unit (11) for generating of speckle images (13) of the image projected onto the projection surface (9), as well as a data acquisition and analysis unit (12) for processing and evaluation of image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Frank Schliep
  • Patent number: 9541760
    Abstract: A head-up display for a vehicle has a laser and a scanning system. An image, which is to be displayed in the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle and which is composed of individual pixels, is produced pixel-by-pixel by the laser and the scanning system. The head-up display has a projection system having a projection surface and a magnifying optical system. The projection system projects the image to be displayed onto a virtual image plane and magnifies the image in the process. The size of the pixels in the virtual image plane is smaller than the resolving ability of the human eye, which is the case for an angular distance less than 0.5?, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Hannes Rene Boehm
  • Patent number: 9182822
    Abstract: An interactive display unit for presenting information and for interacting with a user, in particular in a vehicle interior, includes at least one imaging cell including a photorefractive polymer material layer between two transparent substrate carriers in a sealing arrangement. Each substrate carrier includes a transparent electrode layer that faces the photorefractive polymer material layer. A writing light source with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer is arranged on one of the substrate carriers in a parallel manner with respect to the substrate carrier. A haptic sensor/actuator unit is arranged on the other substrate carrier, and at least one reading light source with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer is arranged in a lateral manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBH
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Andreas Eppinger, Daniel Jendritza
  • Publication number: 20150212321
    Abstract: A head-up display for a vehicle has a laser and a scanning system. An image, which is to be displayed in the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle and which is composed of individual pixels, is produced pixel-by-pixel by the laser and the scanning system. The head-up display has a projection system having a projection surface and a magnifying optical system. The projection system projects the image to be displayed onto a virtual image plane and magnifies the image in the process. The size of the pixels in the virtual image plane is smaller than the resolving ability of the human eye, which is the case for an angular distance less than 0.5?, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Hannes Rene Boehm
  • Publication number: 20140307179
    Abstract: An interactive display unit for presenting information and for interacting with a user, in particular in a vehicle interior, includes at least one imaging cell including a photorefractive polymer material layer between two transparent substrate carriers in a sealing arrangement. Each substrate carrier includes a transparent electrode layer that faces the photorefractive polymer material layer. A writing light source with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer is arranged on one of the substrate carriers in a parallel manner with respect to the substrate carrier. A haptic sensor/actuator unit is arranged on the other substrate carrier, and at least one reading light source with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer is arranged in a lateral manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Andreas Eppinger, Daniel Jendritza
  • Publication number: 20140195096
    Abstract: An apparatus for contactlessly detecting objects and/or persons and gestures and/or operating procedures made and/or carried out thereby, is arranged in a vehicle interior and includes at least one lighting unit, a display unit and an optical detection unit. The lighting unit is formed from at least one infrared laser diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Frank Schliep, Oliver Kirsch, Yanning Zhao
  • Publication number: 20140176397
    Abstract: A display device for a vehicle displays image information that can be seen by at least one vehicle occupant. A lighting unit and a display unit are provided, the lighting unit being designed as at least one laser, and at least some sections of the display unit being formed from at least one electro-active polymer and/or from a chromogenic material. A method is also provided for operating a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Yanning Zhao, Daniel Jendritza, Frank Schliep
  • Publication number: 20140154455
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle, includes at least one component part, which is made of a magnetically active foam material and/or a foam material which can be magnetically activated and/or a dielectric elastomer. The component is at least partially or completely laterally delimited so that the component elastically expandable in at least one degree of freedom. The component can be a switch element, a transducer, an active muffler, and/or an energy conversion element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Eppinger, Daniel Jendritza, Ming Huo, Wei Lange-Mao, Yanning Zhao