Vehicle equipment control with semiconductor light sensors

US6379013B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• GENTEX CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Jon H. Bechtel · Holland, US
• Frederick T. Bauer · Holland, US
• Joseph S. Stam · Holland, US
• Robert C. Knapp · Coloma, US
• Robert R. Turnbull · Holland, US
• David J. Schmidt · Holland, US
• G. Bruce Poe · Hamilton, US
• David L. Plangger · Stevensville, US
• Robert H. Nixon · Adelanto, US
• Eric R. Fossum · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Timothy E. Steenwyk · Grand Rapids, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 25, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 30, 2002
• Expiry date: Jan 25, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60Q2400/30
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Equipment on automotive vehicle (20) is controlled by a system at least one semiconductor light sensor (170, 170′) having variable sensitivity to light. Each light sensor generates a light signal (164) indicative of the intensity of light incident on the light sensor. Control logic (66) varies the sensitivity of the light sensor and generates equipment control signals (166) based on received light signals. Sensitivity of light sensors (170, 170′) may be varied by changing the integration time (228) for producing charge from light (176) incident on light transducers (178), by selecting between light transducers (178, 490, 500, 504) of different sensitivity within the light sensor (170), by using a light transducer (530) with a sensitivity that is a function of the amount of incident light (176), and the like. Controlled equipment includes devices such as automatically dimming rearview mirrors (24,26), headlamps (44), and moisture removal means (38, 40, 42).