Vehicle equipment control with semiconductor light sensors
US6742904B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q2400/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.