公开(公告)号：US11307485B2

公开(公告)日：2022-04-19

申请号：US16407818

申请日：2019-05-09

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： David J. Cammenga ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Kurtis L. Geerlings ,  Jason D. Hallack ,  Robert R. Turnbull ,  Carl N. Wassink

IPC: G03B11/04 ,  H04N5/225 ,  H04N5/232 ,  B60R11/04 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02B5/23 ,  B60R11/00 ,  G02B27/00

Abstract: An imager module for a vehicle includes an imager having an imager lens. The imager is configured to collect image data from at least one of inside and outside the vehicle. A cover is disposed proximate the imager lens and configured to allow the imager to capture image data through the cover. The cover is operable between a first condition, wherein the imager is generally visible through the cover, and a second condition, wherein the imager is generally concealed from view by the cover.

公开(公告)号：US20210339707A1

公开(公告)日：2021-11-04

申请号：US17374400

申请日：2021-07-13

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： Joshua D. Lintz ,  David M. Bostrom ,  Christopher B. Case ,  Kurtis L. Geerlings ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Adam R. Heintzelman

IPC: B60R25/25 ,  B60R25/30

Abstract: A user monitoring apparatus for identifying a user of a vehicle includes a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information comprising a facial feature of the user in a field of view. A panel comprises a display portion. The apparatus further includes a feedback apparatus disposed behind the panel and configured to communicate alignment information visually indicating an alignment of the facial feature within the field of view of the scanning apparatus. The feedback apparatus includes at least one emitter configured to emit an alignment emission through an optical element thereby illuminating the alignment information on the display portion.

公开(公告)号：US11151399B2

公开(公告)日：2021-10-19

申请号：US16720902

申请日：2019-12-19

Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION

Inventor： Kurtis L. Geerlings ,  Winston D. Carr ,  Adam R. Heintzelman ,  Xiaoxu Niu

IPC: G06K9/00 ,  G02B27/42 ,  B60R25/25 ,  G03H1/00 ,  G02B26/10 ,  B60R11/00 ,  G03H1/22

Abstract: An alignment system comprises a first diffractive optical element comprising an image and a laser source. The image is visible when the laser source is viewed from a desired field of view through the diffractive optical element. The laser source may be configured to produce a beam of light that will extend through at least a portion of the first diffractive optical element, thereby illuminating the image. The first diffractive optical element and the laser source may be disposed in a vehicle.

公开(公告)号：US20210114524A1

公开(公告)日：2021-04-22

申请号：US17076319

申请日：2020-10-21

Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION

Inventor： Xiaoxu Niu ,  David J. Cammenga ,  William L. Tonar

IPC: B60R1/12 ,  G02F1/1335 ,  G02F1/1343 ,  G02F1/137 ,  G02F1/01 ,  G02F1/1333 ,  B60R1/02

Abstract: An improved device switchable between reflective and display states comprising an optical element and a display element. The optical element comprising a liquid crystal medium disposed between first and second substrates. The optical element may further comprise a first electrode, a second electrode, an absorptive polarizer, and a reflective polarizer. The first electrode and the absorptive polarizer may be disposed in a first direction relative the liquid crystal medium. Similarly, the second electrode and the reflective polarizer may be disposed in a second direction relative the liquid crystal medium. The second direction is opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, one or more of the absorptive and reflective polarizers may be further disposed between the first and second substrates. The display may be disposed in the first direction relative the optical element. Additionally, the device may further comprise a housing. In some embodiments, the housing may not have a bezel.

公开(公告)号：US20210080079A1

公开(公告)日：2021-03-18

申请号：US17023459

申请日：2020-09-17

Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION

Inventor： Xiaoxu Niu

IPC: F21V9/14

Abstract: An illumination system and method of use that includes a light source, a first linear polarizer, a first converter configured to convert at least a portion of the light transmitted through the first linear polarizer to light having a first handedness of circular polarization, and a second converter configured to convert light having a second handedness of circular polarization to light having a second linear polarization. A second linear polarizer is positioned to receive the light of the second linear polarization from the second converter. At least one of the first linear polarizer and the second linear polarizer are selectively switchable between (i) a first condition in which light having the first linear polarization and light having the second linear polarization is transmitted and (ii) a second condition in which light of the first linear polarization is absorbed and light of the second linear polarization is transmitted.

公开(公告)号：US20200094780A1

公开(公告)日：2020-03-26

申请号：US16581893

申请日：2019-09-25

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： Joshua D. Lintz ,  David M. Bostrom ,  Christopher B. Case ,  Kurtis L. Geerlings ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Adam R. Heintzelman

IPC: B60R25/25 ,  B60R25/30

Abstract: An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

公开(公告)号：US20190163013A1

公开(公告)日：2019-05-30

申请号：US16176622

申请日：2018-10-31

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： David J. Cammenga ,  Adam R. Heintzelman ,  Xiaoxu Niu

IPC: G02F1/1335 ,  B60R1/08

Abstract: A vehicular rearview assembly includes an electro-optic element. A first substrate defines a first element surface and a second element surface. A first polarizer is coupled to the second element surface. A second substrate is spaced away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electro-optic material is positioned between the first and second substrates. A second polarizer is coupled to the second substrate. A display is configured to emit light having a first polarization toward the second polarizer.

公开(公告)号：US12298500B2

公开(公告)日：2025-05-13

申请号：US17618602

申请日：2020-06-10

Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATION

Inventor： Joshua D. Lintz ,  Kurtis L. Geerlings ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Matthew W. Remijn ,  Adam R. Heintzelman ,  Ryan B. Balili

IPC: G02B27/00 ,  B60R1/28 ,  G02B27/14 ,  G02B27/28 ,  G02F1/01 ,  H04N13/211 ,  H04N13/296

Abstract: An imaging system may comprise a first lens and a second lens; at least one light valve; and an image sensor in optical communication with the light valve. The first lens may be in optical communication with the light valve; and the second lens may be in optical communication with the light valve. The light valve may be configured to have a first polarization state and a second polarization state. The first polarization state may allow light to pass through the light valve and the second polarization state may reflect light that strikes the light valve.

公开(公告)号：US20250123527A1

公开(公告)日：2025-04-17

申请号：US18912993

申请日：2024-10-11

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： Garret C. DeNolf ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Patrick K. Kreun ,  Danny L. Minikey, JR. ,  Autumn W. Goulet ,  Adam R. Heintzelman ,  Juan C. Lara ,  Ryan Barrido Balili

IPC: G02F1/161 ,  G02F1/155

Abstract: An electro-optic element includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface, the second substrate is disposed in a spaced apart relationship with the first substrate such that the second and third surfaces face one another. A first electrode is associated with the second surface and a second electrode is associated with the third surface. An electrochromic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. An outer seal is disposed between the first and second substrates in a peripheral manner to contain the electrochromic medium. The outer seal is substantially uniform and defines a completely closed loop.

公开(公告)号：US20250020966A1

公开(公告)日：2025-01-16

申请号：US18904436

申请日：2024-10-02

Applicant: Gentex Corporation

Inventor： Robert R. Turnbull ,  David A. Blaker ,  Xiaoxu Niu ,  Leroy J. Kloeppner ,  Bradley R. Hamlin ,  Michael J. Burns

IPC: G02F1/166 ,  G02F1/00 ,  G02F1/1676

Abstract: A variable transmission device forms a surface area including a plurality of electro-optic elements and first and second electrodes electrically connecting with a power supply circuit. An electro-optic medium is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A plurality of third electrodes is disposed between the first and second electrodes. A control circuit is electrically connected to one of the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode and configured to supply control signals to the electro-optic elements.