Gentex Corporation

Spencer D Reese

Jon Harold Bechtel

John K Roberts

Joseph S Stam

William L Tonar

G Bruce Poe

Barry K Nelson

Daniel G McMillan

Douglas J Newhouse

Robert R Turnbull

Darin D Tuttle

Harold C Ockerse

Joel A Stray

George A Neuman

Danny L Minikey, Jr

John S Anderson

Mark R Roth

Nigel T Lock

Mark D Bugno

Gregory S Bush

Steven B Creswick

Stephen L Otey

Bruce G Poe

A rearview assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes: a housing configured for mounting to the vehicle; a rearview element disposed in the housing that displays images of a scene exterior of the vehicle; a light sensor assembly disposed in the housing; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal of the light sensor and for adjusting a brightness of the images displayed by the rearview element. The light sensor includes a light sensor for outputting an electrical signal representing intensity of light impinging upon a light-receiving surface of the light sensor, and a secondary optical element configured to receive light, wherein the light passes through the secondary optical element to the light sensor, the secondary optical element including a tint material that is substantially color neutral for attenuating light passing therethrough.

Light sensor having partially opaque optic

A light sensor is provided that includes an exposed light transducer for accumulating charge in proportion to light incident thereon over an integration period; and a light-to-pulse circuit in communication with the exposed light transducer, the light-to-pulse circuit operative to output a pulse having a pulse width based on the charge accumulated by the exposed light transducer. The light-to-pulse circuit may include a one shot logic circuit that contributes to generation of the pulse. The light sensor may include an input/output pad, a capacitor provided at the input/output pad for blocking static electricity, an input low pass filter provided at the input/output pad for blocking electromagnetic interference, and/or a bandgap voltage reference circuit connected to a power source having a supply voltage level in a range of about 3.3V to about 5.0V, and for generating a set of stable reference voltages throughout the supply voltage level range.

Light sensor

The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. Area of the effective field of view of the electro-optic mirror element substantially equals to that defined by the outermost perimeter of the element.

Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements

A system and method of automatically controlling exterior vehicle lights includes an image sensor and a controller to generate control signals. The control signals are derived based on information obtained from the image sensor as well as other detected parameters pertaining to the detected light source(s), the vehicle having the inventive control system, and the ambient environment. The control circuit may simply turn certain exterior lights on or off, or change the brightness, aim, focus, etc. to produce various beam patterns that maximize the illuminated area in front of the vehicle without causing excessive glare in the eyes of other drivers.

System for controlling vehicle equipment

A system and method of automatically controlling vehicle headlamps including an image sensor and a controller to generate headlamp control signals.

Vehicle automatic exterior light control

The present invention relates to improved optical structures, related manufacturing processes and assemblies incorporating the improved optical structures. In at least one embodiment accurate light source color information is provided throughout substantially the entire associated field of view.

Vision system

The electronic component package of the present invention includes a sealed chamber; a liquid or gel contained in the sealed chamber; at least one electronic component disposed in the sealed chamber in physical and thermal contact with the liquid or gel; and at least one electrical conductor electrically coupled to the electronic component and extending out of the sealed chamber. The electronic component(s) may include any one or combination of a radiation emitter, a thermal or optical sensor, a resistor, and a microprocessor or other semiconductor component.

High power radiation emitter device and heat dissipating package for electronic components

An image sensor may be constructed as an imager die onto which is adhered an optical spacer. The imager die and optical spacer may be supported by a dam-and-fill construction which allows light to pass through the optical spacer and onto the imager die. The image sensor may generate control signals for use in a variety of automatic vehicle equipment controls and may be incorporated into an automotive vehicle such as by inclusion into a rearview mirror assembly.

Automotive vehicle image sensor

A semiconductor optical radiation package includes a leadframe, at least one semiconductor optical radiation emitter, and an encapsulant. The leadframe has a heat extraction member, which supports the semiconductor optical emitter and provides one or more thermal paths for removing heat generated within the emitter to the ambient environment, as well as at least two electrical leads for providing electrical coupling to the semiconductor optical radiation emitter. The encapsulant covers and protects the emitter and optional wire bonds from damage and allows radiation to be emitted from the emitter into the ambient environment. The semiconductor optical radiation package provides high emitted flux and is preferably compatible with automated processing techniques.

Semiconductor radiation emitter package

The electronic component package () of the present invention includes a sealed chamber; a liquid or gel () contained in the sealed chamber; at least one electronic component () disposed in the sealed chamber in physical and thermal contact with the liquid or gel (); and at least one electrical conductor electrically coupled to the electronic component and extending out of the sealed chamber. The electronic component(s) () may include any one or combination of a radiation emitter, a thermal or optical sensor, a resistor, and a microprocessor or other semiconductor component.

Growing community of inventors

Auburn, IN, United States of America

Spencer D Reese