Gentex Corporation

Philip B Hall

William L Tonar

David J Cammenga

Robert R Turnbull

John S Anderson

Alan R Watson

Jeffrey A Forgette

Mark D Bugno

The disclosure provides for an automatic vehicle exterior light control system including an optical sensor and a processor. The processor is in communication with the optical sensor and a speed sensor. A light control subroutine may be activated in response to a control signal output by the processor in response to a plurality of conditions. The subroutine is activated in response determining that the speed of the vehicle is maintained between a first speed and a second speed and a detection of an external light from an external light source detected by the optical sensor. Once the light control subroutine is activated, the processor changes the light level of the light source from the first level to a second light level and maintains the second light level until the processor detects the vehicle speed exceeding a third speed.

Headlight level control with residential detection mode

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough.

Electrochromic rearview mirror assembly incorporating a display/signal light

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.

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Hudsonville, MI, United States of America

Philip B Hall