Gentex Corporation

Packard Bell Nec

David L Plangger

Robert R Turnbull

Robert C Knapp

G Bruce Poe

Eric R Fossum

Jon Harold Bechtel

Joseph S Stam

Frederick T Bauer

Robert H Nixon

David J Schmidt

Timothy E Steenwyk

Alan R Watson

Michael A Bryson

David A Blaker

Peter A Ojeda

Eric D Fuhs

John P Wagner

William R Cubbage

Bruce G Poe

A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.

Optical user interface system for automotive modules

Equipment on automotive vehicle is controlled by a system including at least one semiconductor light sensor having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors may be varied by changing the integration time for producing charge from light incident on light transducers, by selecting between light transducers of different sensitivity within the light sensor, by using a light transducer with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light, and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors, headlamps, and moisture removal means.

Vehicle headlamp control utilizing a light sensor having at least two light transducers

A vehicle antenna system incorporated into at least one side-view mirror of a vehicle includes a forward directed antenna and a rearward directed antenna to transmit and receive signals over corresponding forward and rearward-directed detection fields, respectively. The antennas act as directional transmitters and/or receivers, and a processing circuit discriminates between signals from different antennas without requiring any of the antennas to transmit identification signals to the processing circuit. Signal discrimination is conducted in part by sequentially selecting each antenna to obtain a corresponding antenna signal and, if required for a particular application, comparing the obtained signal with previously obtained antenna signals. The vehicle antenna system can be used, for example, in conjunction with tire pressure sensors to detect low tire pressure in a particular tire.

Directionally-adjustable antenna system using an outside mirror for automotive applications

Vehicle equipment control with semiconductor light sensors

Equipment on automotive vehicle ( ) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor ( &prime;) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal ( ) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic ( ) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals ( ) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors ( &prime;) may be varied by changing the integration time ( ) for producing charge from light ( ) incident on light transducers ( ), by selecting between light transducers ( ) of different sensitivity within the light sensor ( ), by using a light transducer ( ) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light ( ), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors ( ), headlamps ( ), and moisture removal means ( ).

A portable presentation system includes a portable personal computer with a removable LCD and a stand assembly for carrying the LCD in a detached position to enable the LCD to be viewed when detached from the portable personal computer. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the LCD display is formed with a hinge which enables the viewing angle of the display to be fully adjustable in both a detached and attached position. The LCD display system also includes a latching mechanism which enables the display to be latched to the computer housing in all positions, thus preventing inadvertent removal and perhaps damage to the display. The stand assembly includes a base for carrying the LCD in a detached position and enabling the LCD display to be latched thereto in all viewing angle positions while enabling the viewing angle to be varied. The stand also includes a connector that is adapted to mate with a connector on the LCD display. The connector on the stand assembly is connected to a cable, which, in turn, is connected to an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly is adapted to be latched to the portable personal computer and includes a connector for mating with a corresponding connector on the portable personal computer.

Removable LCD and stand assembly

Growing community of inventors

Stevensville, MI, United States of America

David L Plangger