The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 22, 2008
Filed:
May. 27, 2004
Jon H. Bechtel, Holland, MI (US);
Frederick T. Bauer, Holland, MI (US);
Joseph S. Stam, Holland, MI (US);
Robert C. Knapp, Coloma, MI (US);
Robert R. Turnbull, Holland, MI (US);
David J. Schmidt, Holland, MI (US);
G. Bruce Poe, Hamilton, MI (US);
David L. Plangger, Stevensville, MI (US);
Robert H. Nixon, Burbank, CA (US);
Eric R. Fossum, La Crescenta, CA (US);
Timothy E. Steenwyk, Jenison, MI (US);
Jon H. Bechtel, Holland, MI (US);
Frederick T. Bauer, Holland, MI (US);
Joseph S. Stam, Holland, MI (US);
Robert C. Knapp, Coloma, MI (US);
Robert R. Turnbull, Holland, MI (US);
David J. Schmidt, Holland, MI (US);
G. Bruce Poe, Hamilton, MI (US);
David L. Plangger, Stevensville, MI (US);
Robert H. Nixon, Burbank, CA (US);
Eric R. Fossum, La Crescenta, CA (US);
Timothy E. Steenwyk, Jenison, MI (US);
Gentex Corporation, Zeeland, MI (US);
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.